May 3 – 5 – Rome



Train to Villa Borghese -  beautiful & extensive gardens surround the Villa. The Villa (home to members of the Borghese family from 1615 to 1902 when taken over by the State) is a beautiful old building but the inside is beyond belief – every room is full of sculptures & paintings from famous artists & the décor is simply over the top with every ceiling containing intricate paintings & ornate features on walls & mosaics on the floors. Simply stunning but no photos allowed.

Villa Borghese

We then meandered around the streets of Rome – via Veneto & via Condotti with beautiful little cafes & restaurants & all the top shops – Gucci, Prado, Armani, D&G etc side by side. Then to the Spanish Steps in flower & St Peters Square (along with millions of others) before strolling back to the station. Another great day.

Self guided walk to see some of the great sites of the city. What an amazing place with fantastic historical buildings & cathedrals & Roman ruins around every corner & more shops (though none seem to sell the tent we want). We then joined a guided tour of the Flavian Amphitheatre (Collosseum) and the surrounding ruins of the Roman Forum, Palatino etc. Our guide, Vincenzo, was excellent with great knowledge on Italy’s history & these magnificent sights. We went into the underground sectionbelow the stage where the performers & animals were prepared for there acts, as well as level 3 which is above the general public area & afforded fantastic views across the Amphitheatre & Roma.

Capitoline

Collosseum