Day 7: Rome, Italy

Rome was most definitely one of my favorite days on the cruise! We had a fantastic day exploring the city and got to see so much in one day! Once again, we had a tour guide booked through RomeCabs and they made our day in Rome so amazing.  

Right when we stepped off the cruise ship and saw Massimo holding a big sign with, 'Rebeca Pearce' on it, I knew it was going to be a good day :) He was your traditional young, attractive, Italian guy and I'm pretty sure all us ladies would have stayed with him in Rome for a few extra days! 

Our first stop was the Colosseum! 

The inside was incredible.

Next Massimo took us to see the 'Secret of Rome'.  We drove through a series of small streets and then he stopped outside this large door on Aventine Hill.  We each walked up to it and looked through the key hole to see the secret! It was a perfect view of St. Peter's Dome!

I tried to take a picture, but it didn't work out.  Thank goodness RomeCabs had one so you could all see it! :)

Next stop; the Circus Maximus which is an ancient Roman chariot racing stadium.

Drinking some of the fresh water in Rome, as suggested by Rick Steves.  We pretty much did whatever Rick told us to do :)

The Wedding Cake!  Or also known as the Altare della Patria.  It is built of white marble.

 Pantheon
The Pantheon is a Roman temple commissioned by Marcus Agrippa during the reign of Augustus as a temple to all the gods of ancient Rome.

The large hole in the center allowed the only light source for the temple.

Trevi Fountain, one of the most famous fountains in the world.

Throwing coins in the fountain to make sure we make it back to Rome!

When we were walking back from the Trevi Fountain, we found Massimo like this leaning on our Mercedes van! Too perfect haha

View of the Tiber River.

As we were driving around town, we spotted this view of St Peter's Dome!

Massimo took us to one of his favorite restaurants that he goes to with his friends.  It was the perfect traditional Italian restaurant!

Next up, the Vatican and Sistine Chapel.

Inside Vatican City.

View of the outside city from inside the Vatican.

Oops! Had to take a picture of the roof of the Sistine Chapel when the guards weren't looking!

As we walked out of the Sistine Chapel, we ended up in St Peter's Square.

Inside St Peter's Basilica

 Guards in St Peter's Square.

View of the Pope's apartment  window.

On our way back to the cruise ship.

One last stop for some Gelato! This was the best lemon gelato I had the whole trip.

So sad saying goodbye to Massimo! We asked him to be our tour guide in Naples the next day but apparently he just does the Rome tours :(  But don't worry! We all became Facebook friends with him and will contact him the next time we visit Rome!