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Published: December 15th 2014
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The day started out with another drive day. Today it was from Florence to Roma! The drive was long, but the scenery beautiful. When we arrived in Rome, instead of going to our place of stay, we headed towards the Vatican. While we waited for our tour of the Vatican, we headed out for gelati and pizza. It was perhaps the best gelati that I have ever tasted. And only €2 for two scoops. Then we walked back to the Vatican. As it was a Saturday, the Vatican and the lines were absolutely packed. Although, one plus about being on a Contiki tour, is that the optional extras, like the Vatican tour, allows the group to jump ahead of the line. The guided tour took us through the Vatican, the gardens, the Sistine Chapel, St Peters Basilica (church) and along the corridors that are sectioned off to the public. Unfortunately, it was very busy so we couldn't see all the gold. The ceiling and the artistic works were beautiful throughout the Vatican, the sculptures astonished most of us- given that they were hundreds of years old. With the sun blaring down on us, we looked at the art that was displayed-
when the sun hits a certain angle it appears majestic. We made our way to the Sistine Chapel, the line was long, and we were only allowed to stay in the Chapel for a few minutes. The Sistine Chapel was a lot smaller than what I thought, and most of it was sectioned off for renovations. In fact most of Europe is under renovation- including the Trevi Fountain,. The Sistine Chapel was heavily guarded, no photos were allowed inside, and we were ushered out quickly.
After our tour of the Vatican, we took a night bus tour of Rome and then split up and went for our walk around dinner. I had pizza but of course and for the €6 I paid, it was HUGE! I was told before I left for Europe that the pizzas were different and that some were disappointed in them, I however, managed to find the best, most delicious, mouth watering pizzas that I have ever tasted. This was one such pizza.
Later that night, we went to our camp site. The camp site was nice, however, it was not the best accommodation or experience for many of us on contiki. We were
warned when our bus drove in, that there were gypsies and thieves on or near the site. So we had to hide our passports, money, travel cards and cameras. This camp site had a bar (many contiki travelers were relieved) and a pool (even better because it was so hot!). However, payment for the bar and the shop was achieved by a money card, similar to the ones we had in the space disco club. We could also pay for our washing to be done here by an Italian woman, cost is per kilo- includes washing, drying, ironing and folding.
The next day we purchased Metro tickets (all day access to the Metro- a subway/train) they are €7. We took the Metro to the Spanish steps, which we climbed and saw a great view of Rome. We then walked down streets, surrounded by designer shops and boutiques, some grabbed a late breakfast and Expresso to get through the day. We made our way to the Trevi Fountain (which is under construction until July 2015- although we still threw our coins in), the Pantheon (it was a Sunday so the Pantheon was in service) and then we came to the
Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Our tour on the Contiki was for the Roman Forum and The Colosseum, but I personally think we didn't have enough time in the Colosseum and too much in the Roman Forum. The Colosseum was bigger than I expected, although under construction, I was still blown away by the architecture and the fact that it was built over one thousand years ago and still remains standing. On this tour we didn't get to see the catacombs, but it is something that I would like to go back and see at a later date.
After the tour of the Gladiators, some of my roommates and I found a lovely Italian cafe and restaurant to have lunch. "La Gladiator" was reasonably priced, the food was delicious and the waiters were very friendly and kind. I had a vegetarian risotto which was very tasty. This restaurant also caters to many diet needs: lactose intolerant, vegan, vegetarian, gluten intolerant, etc.
From there, we caught a Taxi back to our camp site and got ready for the "I ♥ ROMA" party that was on that night. The party was fun, and this was a chance for the 4
other contiki groups to come together and party.
Top travel hints and tips for Rome:
1- Do NOT wear a money necklace. The gypsies here know the tricks and will cut off anything around your neck.
2. Don't use a backpack/ large handbag- that creates too much attention. Wear your handbag slung over your neck and to your side. Always keep a hand on it.
3. Drink plenty of water, but only from bottles or fountains that say it is safe.
4. Eat the gelato near the Vatican, it is the best you will ever taste!
5. Remember to haggle with everyone.
Next place we visit is Venice!
Ciao
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