Rome, Italy

Rome was a wonderful change of pace after cruising. We stayed in the heart of the city, only a block away from the famous Trevi Fountain. We walked EVERYWHERE! With a history that spans over two and a half thousand years, Rome is rich with culture. We packed our days full enjoying good food and taking time to visit the sights. We explored the Colosseum, the largest amphitheater ever built in the Roman Empire, followed by the Roman Forum. As we walked amidst the ancient ruins, it was difficult to imagine the massive structures that once stood.

After a full breakfast and velvety cappuccinos, we boarded the metro and passed the day at Vatican City, home to St. Peter's Basilica and the Pope! With a guidebook in our hands, we entered the Vatican Museums and learned about the most renowned classical sculptures and some of the most important masterpieces of Renaissance art in the world. I particularly enjoyed the beautiful Sistine Chapel. At the commission of Pope Julius II, Michelangelo painted 12,000 square feet of the chapel ceiling between 1508 and 1512. The chapel is painted in extreme detail and depicts nine scenes from the Book of Genesis. It's stunning.

With delicious pizza filling our stomachs, the Wilde family enjoyed gelato and Christmas decorations in Piazza Navona, a rainy view from the top of the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon and surrounding shops, Villa Borghese and the beautiful art and sculptures that fill the manner, and the history as described in the National Museum.