After breakfast today we were taken straight to the Vatican City. By 8.30am we were in the Vatican museum. We did not have to join the line to enter and we were joined by a local guide who did the narrating. She was able to take us to special places behind the public places that other people did not go to, like the grand spiral staircase which was not stairs at all, but a ramp that the popes in ancient times could ride their horses up. We went through the pine cone courtyard and the Sistine Chapel before continuing on to St. Peter's basilica. We saw the courtyard where the pope addresses the people and where masses are held.

After over three hours of walking we were given free time to buy souvenirs (or scarves) and lunch before returning to our coach. We then were taken over to the Colosseum where we again walked past the lineup and were taken inside by the local guide. We then spent another couple of hours being guided through this mighty structure.

What an epic day! We were returned to our hotel. Tom and I had elected not to go on this evening's 2 optional tours - dinner, and a walking tour of the fountains. We instead chose to find a local restaurant for dinner and return for a bath and a restful evening! We had a delicious dinner - pizza and risotto (in Italy!!!), accompanied by a pottery jug of local red wine and followed by tiramisu. Oh, and the restauranteur thought I was very clever because I could say "due tiramisu"!! What a sweetie!!! We chatted to a couple at the next table - they were from Sydney, Vancouver and were staying at our hotel.

Yesterday we saw some "Without a Trace" in Italian, the other day it was "Revenge" in German and tonight it was "Castle" in Italian. Mamma Mia!!!