2010. szeptember 13., hétfő
COSMOS The Best of Europe Tour Day 11-Rome
We awoke in Rome in our beautiful hotel, and went to breakfast on the 1st floor. Breakfast consisted of cold cereals, pastries, fruit and drinks. The coffee was much better in this hotel, but still had a distinct taste (much like it was burnt). After breakfast we loaded onto our coach for a day of included sightseeing. Before the included sightseeing, most the members on our tour went on the optional excursion, Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel. Everyone was taken to St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City and those who signed up for the optional excursion were lead away by a guide. Those of us, who did not sign up, had a couple of hours to partake in our own tour.
It was only Grandpa, Dusty, Rachel and I, along with 2 others from our group, who did not go on the optional excursion. We made the most of our time and headed into St. Peter’s Basilica. This church is extremely impressive in both its size and beauty! The architecture and art work are unbelievable, and taking photos is permitted. The building is absolutely massive, with its marble walls and floors with gold accents. Statues towered above us, and their expressive faces looked down upon us. We explored the church thoroughly and then made our way to the tomb of the Popes.
Taking pictures is not permitted in the tomb and for good reason. We were actually in the place where all of the former Pope’s are buried. Plaques are dedicated to each Pope at his place of burial. The history in that tomb was unbelievable! We were viewing tombs from as old as the 9th century!
To wrap up our own personal tour of Vatican City, we stopped to purchase souvenirs and then to rest and have a cup of coffee. I purchased a crucifix; I felt it was the perfect souvenir from Vatican City. The coffee shop we stopped at, Polese, was just outside of Vatican City and was the perfect spot for people-watching. In addition, their restroom was very clean and free!
After enjoying our coffees, we made our way back into Vatican City and met with the entire group. From there, we all met with a local tour guide who would accompany us on our coach to the Colosseum. We reached the Colosseum and we all walked up together. It was a magnificent sight, and it was unbelievable to be there! Fortunately, we had reservations made by COSMOS, so we were all able to walk right in. Without reservations, you must wait in a very long line to enter (or as they say you must cue).
Once in the mighty Colosseum, our local tour guide gave us an overview of the history of the Colosseum. The Colosseum was built from 70-80 A.D. under the emperor Vespasian. Most famous for gladiator fights, the Colosseum was able seat 50,000 spectators. Other events that took place there included animal hunting, executions and dramas. The emperor allowed all spectators to enter for free, and free bread was also thrown into the stands. The purpose of this, was for the emperor to keep the loyalty and support of the people.
Our local tour guide explained to us that many gladiators were prisoners, but there were also men who fought by their own free will (prize money was offered). Contrary to popular belief, the fights that took place were not always “to the death”. Many times when a gladiator was wounded, the fight would be called to an end.
The Colosseum was once all white marble, including the floors and the stadium seating. After an earthquake damaged the Colosseum, people pillaged much of the marble. Today, only some of the original marble is left. The Colosseum also once had a wooded retractable roof, which could be used during bad weather.
Though the Colosseum is now partially ruined, it is still a marvelous sight. The sight is draped in history, and just walking through it is a history lesson in itself. The view of the entire Colosseum, from the second floor looking down, is spectacular. Seeing the Colosseum depicted in movies, does it absolutely no justice!
Our local tour guide led us out of the Colosseum and led us to the former Heart of Rome, the Roman Forum…which was once the center of the world. The Roman Forum dates back to the 6th century B.C. and includes the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Titus, Palatine Hill, Circus Maximus, and of course the Colosseum.
The ruins there are an impressive sight. This is where Julius Caesar was assassinated and where Brutus proclaimed, “People of Rome, we are once again free.”
In the Forum stands a large, very old church. This church was originally built in 141 as a temple dedicated to the emperor’s deceased wife. The temple was used for pagan ritual but was converted to a Roman Catholic Church in the 7th century. It is a beautiful building and is actually still an active church.
As we made our way back to the coach, we continued to admire more and more ruins. Our local guide was fantastic, he had so much information and was able to answer all of our questions. When we returned to our hotel, we had the rest of the evening “off”. Nothing was planned with the tour, so as a family we went out to a local Italian restaurant.
The restaurant was located 2 blocks from our hotel, on a small street behind Burger King. La Piazzetta is family owned and operated, and offers their menu in English. We tried different appetizers and entrees. We enjoyed each other’s company, and the food was good. Many of the pasta dishes were very spicy, unlike any other Italian cuisine we have had. It was a very fun experience being in an Italian restaurant, in Italy!!
We walked along the streets of Rome before calling it a night and heading to bed. Our hotel, Abitart, was located away from the ruins of Rome, in a much-more “big city” atmosphere. Rome is a very large city, and has the common characteristics of any large city. There are a lot of cars, congestion and graffiti. Rome definitely has two different, very distinct sides.
Not only is Rome the heart of the old world, but also a graffiti-covered big city of today.
It was only Grandpa, Dusty, Rachel and I, along with 2 others from our group, who did not go on the optional excursion. We made the most of our time and headed into St. Peter’s Basilica. This church is extremely impressive in both its size and beauty! The architecture and art work are unbelievable, and taking photos is permitted. The building is absolutely massive, with its marble walls and floors with gold accents. Statues towered above us, and their expressive faces looked down upon us. We explored the church thoroughly and then made our way to the tomb of the Popes.
Taking pictures is not permitted in the tomb and for good reason. We were actually in the place where all of the former Pope’s are buried. Plaques are dedicated to each Pope at his place of burial. The history in that tomb was unbelievable! We were viewing tombs from as old as the 9th century!
To wrap up our own personal tour of Vatican City, we stopped to purchase souvenirs and then to rest and have a cup of coffee. I purchased a crucifix; I felt it was the perfect souvenir from Vatican City. The coffee shop we stopped at, Polese, was just outside of Vatican City and was the perfect spot for people-watching. In addition, their restroom was very clean and free!
After enjoying our coffees, we made our way back into Vatican City and met with the entire group. From there, we all met with a local tour guide who would accompany us on our coach to the Colosseum. We reached the Colosseum and we all walked up together. It was a magnificent sight, and it was unbelievable to be there! Fortunately, we had reservations made by COSMOS, so we were all able to walk right in. Without reservations, you must wait in a very long line to enter (or as they say you must cue).
Once in the mighty Colosseum, our local tour guide gave us an overview of the history of the Colosseum. The Colosseum was built from 70-80 A.D. under the emperor Vespasian. Most famous for gladiator fights, the Colosseum was able seat 50,000 spectators. Other events that took place there included animal hunting, executions and dramas. The emperor allowed all spectators to enter for free, and free bread was also thrown into the stands. The purpose of this, was for the emperor to keep the loyalty and support of the people.
Our local tour guide explained to us that many gladiators were prisoners, but there were also men who fought by their own free will (prize money was offered). Contrary to popular belief, the fights that took place were not always “to the death”. Many times when a gladiator was wounded, the fight would be called to an end.
The Colosseum was once all white marble, including the floors and the stadium seating. After an earthquake damaged the Colosseum, people pillaged much of the marble. Today, only some of the original marble is left. The Colosseum also once had a wooded retractable roof, which could be used during bad weather.
Though the Colosseum is now partially ruined, it is still a marvelous sight. The sight is draped in history, and just walking through it is a history lesson in itself. The view of the entire Colosseum, from the second floor looking down, is spectacular. Seeing the Colosseum depicted in movies, does it absolutely no justice!
Our local tour guide led us out of the Colosseum and led us to the former Heart of Rome, the Roman Forum…which was once the center of the world. The Roman Forum dates back to the 6th century B.C. and includes the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Titus, Palatine Hill, Circus Maximus, and of course the Colosseum.
The ruins there are an impressive sight. This is where Julius Caesar was assassinated and where Brutus proclaimed, “People of Rome, we are once again free.”
In the Forum stands a large, very old church. This church was originally built in 141 as a temple dedicated to the emperor’s deceased wife. The temple was used for pagan ritual but was converted to a Roman Catholic Church in the 7th century. It is a beautiful building and is actually still an active church.
As we made our way back to the coach, we continued to admire more and more ruins. Our local guide was fantastic, he had so much information and was able to answer all of our questions. When we returned to our hotel, we had the rest of the evening “off”. Nothing was planned with the tour, so as a family we went out to a local Italian restaurant.
The restaurant was located 2 blocks from our hotel, on a small street behind Burger King. La Piazzetta is family owned and operated, and offers their menu in English. We tried different appetizers and entrees. We enjoyed each other’s company, and the food was good. Many of the pasta dishes were very spicy, unlike any other Italian cuisine we have had. It was a very fun experience being in an Italian restaurant, in Italy!!
We walked along the streets of Rome before calling it a night and heading to bed. Our hotel, Abitart, was located away from the ruins of Rome, in a much-more “big city” atmosphere. Rome is a very large city, and has the common characteristics of any large city. There are a lot of cars, congestion and graffiti. Rome definitely has two different, very distinct sides.
Not only is Rome the heart of the old world, but also a graffiti-covered big city of today.
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!!
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!!
COSMOS The Best of Europe Tour Day 9-Venice, Italy
We woke up in Italy and began our day with an Italian breakfast. Attila told us that breakfast is not a large meal for most Italians, so our breakfast selection at the hotel would most likely be small; indeed it was. I must say that the coffee was literally the worst coffee that I have ever had! It tasted burnt, but of course I got down 2 cups! LOL!
After breakfast our group headed to Venice, by the same means as the previous night. Once in Venice, we were taken to a glass-blowing factory, where we were given a demonstration of glass-blowing actually being done. The artist blowing the glass was incredible. Right before our eyes, we watched him produce a beautiful, small horse, it was unbelievable. I felt as if I were watching an illusion. Next, at the factory, we were presented with the opportunity to purchase different glass items at a discounted price.
When the tour of the factory was done, we had 2 hours to explore the city and all it had to offer. We strolled the city streets a bit before our paid Gondola ride. This paid excursion was something Grandpa was truly looking forward to. We were sat in the Gondola, with 3 other Gondolas around us, filled with our fellow group members, and men playing traditional Gondola-ride music and singing!
The Gondola ride was absolutely incredible and much more than I expected. Many times I have seen the Gondolas on TV, but being there and seeing everything first-hand was out of this world! The ride took us through the thin water canals that run through Venice. The canals, just as I have heard, run through the city just like streets normally do. Water passes directly in front of the homes, taking the locals to their doors and drive ways (which are for their boats).
Rachel, Dusty, and I decided to explore the city while Mom and Grandpa found a cozy little café to enjoy pizza, wine and relaxation. The small city of Venice is intertwined by thin allies full of shops, restaurants and drowns of people. We met many dead ends which lead only to the canals. We purchased 3 slices of pizza from a small café and ate them while we explored. The pizza was very tasty!
Venice is absolutely beautiful, it far surpassed my expectations. The canals which run through the city, which I have always heard are dirty, are certainly not! In addition to all of the canals, shops and restaurants I have mentioned, Venice is also full of beautiful architecture and street vendors. The main square, which consists of a clock tower, church and other architecture is very impressive and beautiful.
When purchasing from street vendors, we learned that it is actually illegal to purchase from street vendors that do not have a stand. There are many men selling knock-off designer purses, which they are carrying in their hands, or have spread out on a blanket. If you happen to purchase from these men, you will not receive any type of receipt. This is only a problem if you are asked, from a police officer, to show a receipt. So, to be safe, only purchase items from shops or street vendors that are permitted to be there and are able to provide you with a receipt.
COSMOS provided us with about 4 hours of free time to explore Venice. This would have been less if we would have taken the optional excursion, “Discover the Venetian Lagoon”. Four hours was more than enough time to venture through the island. From our fellow tour members who did partake in the extra excursion, they were disappointed with it. They said that it was boring, and they would have just enjoyed more time exploring Venice on their own.
Venice offers many great souvenirs. They are particularly known for beautiful Murano glass, which I spoke about earlier. I purchased a pretty green Murano glass necklace; I think it is the perfect souvenir from Venice. Dusty and I also purchased matching brown, leather bracelets, and Rachel bought a Venice sweat shirt.
When it was time for departure, everyone was ready to go. It was a very long and exhausting day. We all hopped on the boat for the trip back to the continent and then on a coach to journey to the hotel. A buffet dinner was included by COSMOS at the hotel and consisted of pea soup, salad, pasta and chicken. After dinner we headed to bed to rest up for day 10 of our COSMOS The Best of Europe tour!
Venice is a magical island that almost seems like a dream.
After breakfast our group headed to Venice, by the same means as the previous night. Once in Venice, we were taken to a glass-blowing factory, where we were given a demonstration of glass-blowing actually being done. The artist blowing the glass was incredible. Right before our eyes, we watched him produce a beautiful, small horse, it was unbelievable. I felt as if I were watching an illusion. Next, at the factory, we were presented with the opportunity to purchase different glass items at a discounted price.
When the tour of the factory was done, we had 2 hours to explore the city and all it had to offer. We strolled the city streets a bit before our paid Gondola ride. This paid excursion was something Grandpa was truly looking forward to. We were sat in the Gondola, with 3 other Gondolas around us, filled with our fellow group members, and men playing traditional Gondola-ride music and singing!
The Gondola ride was absolutely incredible and much more than I expected. Many times I have seen the Gondolas on TV, but being there and seeing everything first-hand was out of this world! The ride took us through the thin water canals that run through Venice. The canals, just as I have heard, run through the city just like streets normally do. Water passes directly in front of the homes, taking the locals to their doors and drive ways (which are for their boats).
Rachel, Dusty, and I decided to explore the city while Mom and Grandpa found a cozy little café to enjoy pizza, wine and relaxation. The small city of Venice is intertwined by thin allies full of shops, restaurants and drowns of people. We met many dead ends which lead only to the canals. We purchased 3 slices of pizza from a small café and ate them while we explored. The pizza was very tasty!
Venice is absolutely beautiful, it far surpassed my expectations. The canals which run through the city, which I have always heard are dirty, are certainly not! In addition to all of the canals, shops and restaurants I have mentioned, Venice is also full of beautiful architecture and street vendors. The main square, which consists of a clock tower, church and other architecture is very impressive and beautiful.
When purchasing from street vendors, we learned that it is actually illegal to purchase from street vendors that do not have a stand. There are many men selling knock-off designer purses, which they are carrying in their hands, or have spread out on a blanket. If you happen to purchase from these men, you will not receive any type of receipt. This is only a problem if you are asked, from a police officer, to show a receipt. So, to be safe, only purchase items from shops or street vendors that are permitted to be there and are able to provide you with a receipt.
COSMOS provided us with about 4 hours of free time to explore Venice. This would have been less if we would have taken the optional excursion, “Discover the Venetian Lagoon”. Four hours was more than enough time to venture through the island. From our fellow tour members who did partake in the extra excursion, they were disappointed with it. They said that it was boring, and they would have just enjoyed more time exploring Venice on their own.
Venice offers many great souvenirs. They are particularly known for beautiful Murano glass, which I spoke about earlier. I purchased a pretty green Murano glass necklace; I think it is the perfect souvenir from Venice. Dusty and I also purchased matching brown, leather bracelets, and Rachel bought a Venice sweat shirt.
When it was time for departure, everyone was ready to go. It was a very long and exhausting day. We all hopped on the boat for the trip back to the continent and then on a coach to journey to the hotel. A buffet dinner was included by COSMOS at the hotel and consisted of pea soup, salad, pasta and chicken. After dinner we headed to bed to rest up for day 10 of our COSMOS The Best of Europe tour!
Venice is a magical island that almost seems like a dream.
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