Big day! Starting walking at 7.30 to get to Vatican tour and the walked back to Colusseum and Forum Tour, then walked to meet Brian and Deb at Piazza Nirvona Our widdle legs were tired, but boy did we see a lots. Lovely dinner by Pantheon and taxi ride back. Very interesting day.

After a messed up day we arrived in Rome at 4.05 pm and walked to our excellent accommodation on Urbana. Then straight out to check some sights like Spanish Steps, Tevi Fountain, associated streets and lively dinner. Back to hotel then ready for big day tomorrow. A and K on Spanish steps.

Lovely train ride through the Italian countryside from Venezia to Roma

Getting off the ship was a complete shemozzle. It was such a amazing stuff it defies belief that a cruise company with so many ships could operate so 'systemlessly' We needed to line up to get our passports back and while we were one of the first in line, we were one of the last to get our passports. Very very very angry and frustrated people. We heard swearing in many languages at high volume! No more Costa chants were started! We missed our train and had to buy...

Cruising into Venice this morning was just magnificent. We took countless photos and enjoyed some magnificent Venetian scenes such as this one of San Marcos square, cathedral, Doge's palace, bridge of Sighs etc. There was only a hint of the ridiculous disembarkation process that was to follow.