Saturday through Monday, September 23-25. I’ve covered most of Rome in my earlier blog (December 2016), so I won’t repeat it here.
We did the Hop-on Hop-off bus again. It illustrated the reality that the ancient areas of Rome are really close together. From then on we merely walked to places. We saw just about all the sights. Many repeatedly. The crowning event was going to the top of St. Peters Basilica. We took the elevator to the top of the nave, then climbed to the top of the dome. Incredible experience. Pictures don’t really do it justice. We’d gotten there early enough to beat most of the crowds, though we still spent an hour in line to enter the Basilica grounds.
Recap: Barcelona and Rome were both everything we’d hoped for. I think we saw just about everything they had to offer. Airbnb was terrific. The cruise was ok, but not Viking-like. Too many people and too greedy a cruise line. As a transport from one city to another in style it did its job. The premium drinks package was a great utility, not only for the drinks but also to simplify the thought process. The stern stateroom was not worth the added cost. Our dinner partners were all terrific, as was the wait staff.
Overall, an excellent time.
No, it’s not a toy. No, Yoriko didn’t grow.
On the walkway around the base of the dome. chicken wire, to prevent anything falling hundreds of feet below.
On top of the nave. Gift shop and snack bar.
The front of a statue on top of the nave.
The back of the same statue.
You can see the people.
Vatican grounds. They do offer tours, but not often.
The Vatican Train Station.
Notice the line to enter!
The curve of the dame as you climb it.