COSMOS The Best of Europe Tour Day 10-Rome

Day 10, we are off to Rome! After breakfast, which was again typical Italian (not much), we were on the road. As a tour, we stopped in Assisi, where St. Francis was born in 1182. Assisi is a charming little town with a beautiful church dedicated to St. Francis. The St. Francis Basilica is at the top of a steep hill and overlooks the entire town. The shops that run along the skinny streets offer many St. Francis souvenirs.

Once in the church, taking pictures is not permitted. Along with tourists, there were many people praying in the church. St. Francis’s tomb is in the church, and many people were praying there. While walking back down from the church, we stopped in a few shops and admired the small town architecture.

We eventually reached the Abitart Hotel in Rome and were given the keys to our rooms. The rooms were very lovely and included beautiful balconies with table and chairs. We were given one hour to freshen up for dinner which was an additional excursion, “Treasures of Rome by Night & Dinner.”

All of us going to the optional excursion hopped on the coach for our night out. Before attending dinner, we were taken on a night sightseeing walk, which was wonderful. First, we walked to the Trevi Fountain, it was magnificent! There were many people crowded around the fountain taking pictures and tossing coins in. Legend has it, that if you toss one coin in, you will return to Rome, if you toss 2 coins in, you will find a new love, and if you toss 3 coins in you will get divorced!

After admiring the Trevi fountain, we walked to the Piazza di Spagna. In the Piazza, the beautiful Spanish Steps lead up to Piazza Trinitá dei Monti, and the Trinitá dei Monti Church. The beautiful Barcaccia Fountain, is situated directly at the base of the steps. The water that pours out from the fountain is said to be the best tasting in all of Rome. In order to be able to drink from the fountain, or even touch the running water, is to step out onto a flat rock. The rock is wet so it is very slippery. Each of us took our turn stepping out into the fountain and catching the water in our hand, in order to taste it. We took some great photos at this time.

We next ventured up the magnificent 138 Spanish Steps. Once at the top, we peered down over the Piazza di Spagna and the immaculate view Rome. The view was absolutely incredible…and romantic. We all strolled the beautiful, old streets of downtown Rome and got back onto the coach and were taken to the restaurant for dinner.

The restaurant was located in the downtown area and was a traditional Italian spot. Our group was taken to a banquet room in the very back of the restaurant and sat at three separate tables. The tables were nicely sat with bottles of both white and red wine, and water. Drinks were unlimited during dinner, which everyone appreciated. The servers spoke English and were very theatrical and friendly. In addition to the theatrics provided by the servers, two musicians played during our meal. A classically trained flutist, who has played with multiple European orchestras, played with a guitarist. They were wonderful and played both classical and contemporary pieces.

Our dinner was an authentic Italian four-course meal. Our first course included a dish of prosciutto, melon, and bruschetta, all were wonderful. The second course was pasta, rigatoni in a white mushroom cream sauce and lasagna. The rigatoni was wonderful but the lasagna was not very good, lacking flavor. Next, we were served veal and finally ice cream. Everyone enjoyed free flowing wine and the music. The food was less than I expected but the night was very fun.

The musicians asked Dusty and I to get up and dance…which we did. We slow danced to one song, it was very romantic . After dinner, the server went around the room and gave each woman a yellow rose and a kiss on the cheek. I passed on the kiss, and gave my kiss to Dusty instead . Attila played a song on the guitar and sang “In Your Eyes”, he is a wonderful musician!

We all left the restaurant and the tour took us to see Vatican City at night. The bus parked and we walked to see the beautiful lights of the city. After taking pictures and soaking in the sight, we headed back to the hotel. At about midnight we reached our hotel and headed for bed. Day 11 will be a full day in Rome!!