On our way to Rome we passed by Naples and we could see fresh snow on the Appenines. Patrick's forecast was wall to wall sunshine in Rome. We arrived in Rome late afternoon alighted the coach and met our guide for the time in here - Cynthia. She was lovely and took good care of us all. We went to the Spanish steps, saw the Madonna statue, and as darkness fell we went to the Trevvi fountain. There were so many people here but we managed to throw our coins in successfully . We walked on to I think Navona Square where we went to the ATM and then had pizza with an egg on it - very nice! After dinner we met together again visited the Pantheon, a wonderful building originally built in 27-25 BC and reconstructed in 125 AD. It started as a pagan temple but later became The Saint Maria ad Martyres church. After admiring The statues ,domed ceiling etc we returned in the coach to the Hotel. Long day , as always bed was good. Thanks to Jean Carlos (coach driver) our bags were already outside our room.

30th October we left at 7.30 to go to the Vatican - Museums, Renaissance works of Art, beautiful tapestries through to the Cistine chapel Michaelangelo's paintings , onto St Peter's Basillica - The Pieta etc. all beautifully decorated well looked after including the gardens. We got some lunch locally and then boarded the coach again and drove to the Colosseum .Yet another incredible structure. We had a great time here (had a group photo here too) .Everywhere you look and drive around there are ancient walls,huge monuments, statues, ruins, churches etc We went across the Tiber river ,viewed the Forum, Circus Maximus as we drove in and out of the city. .Got back to Hotel early afternoon ,did some shopping at local supermarket ,relaxed a little and got ready to go to a restaurant for dinner. We left at 1/4 past 5 on the coach for an early dinner at the Mangrovia Restaurant (I think) It was a fun evening. The meal was good too. Bruschetta , melon and prosciutto for starters, ravioli next, beef with cream sauce and a nice dessert. Throughout the night we were entertained by a flautist and guitarist and a very amourous Italian waiter who thought some of the ladies needed some romance in their lives. Some of the group sang or recited including Phil and we all had fun , the ladies were all given a long stemmed rose. After this we were treated to a wonderful view of the Forum and St. Peter's all lit up . Took some photos and noticed the lights on in the Pope's apartment! Patrick says he was still at work. After a delightful time we returned to the hotel singing along on the coach. Prepared our bags for the morrow to hopefully leave at 7 .15 am bound for Florence. Want to get out of Rome without too much traffic. All go but all good.