As soon as we left the hotel we were, as usual in Italy, approached by Indian hawkers. So many hawkers and not one of them Italian. We chose a hop on hop off bus from the 3 that were on offer. We got off at the Vatican. Joined the masses passing the security check and the bare shoulders check to get into the basilica. Such opulence. Discovered the Sistine Chapel could only be accessed through the Vatican museums. There was of course a long queue to get in – more security checks. It was very hot in the line so the Indian hawkers were selling many of their bottles of water, hats, parasols and shoulder wraps.

Stan took a couple of illegal photos inside the Sistine Chapel of Michelangelo's art work. Not that he was the only one. The Italians seen to have an innate disrespect for rules.

After we had reached or quota of the Catholic Collections, we headed to Ancient Rome and the Colliseum. Deciding 1 queue a day was more than enough, we joined a guided tour for our time at the Colliseum. Worth every cent. The guide knew the stories, knew the history and turned the ruins into a great insight into Roman life.

Of course after we left we had the gladiators posing for photos with you and then diving for your wallet!!!!

Again had a great meal. We started using tripadvisor to recommend resaurants local to were we were staying worked very well in Venice and Rome.