Today our boat docked in the port city of Civitavecchia, Italy, the second stop of three in Italy.
We got off the boat as early as we could after a quick breakfast and made our way to the train station. There was an express train that took about 45 minutes to get the Roma Termini train station.
Once at the station, we purchased tickets on the Big Bus hop on hop off bus tour. Our intent was to use this bus as our guide and transportation between the city sights. We started off on the top deck, but it was getting pretty hot.
Kate on top.
The fountains at the Piazza della Repubblica.
The first stop that we got off at was the massive and ancient Colosseum.
The Arco di Constantino and Colloseum.
Because we were only in town for the day we didn't go into the Colosseum, but we did make sure to walk all the way around it.
It's hard to fathom just how old this structure is.
Looking down the Via Sacra.
We hopped back on the bus, and it seemed as though there were ancient ruins around every corner.
The steps to the Campidoglio.
Looking up at the amazing war museum.
One of my favorite buildings in Rome.
We walked from that building to the Trevi Fountain, stopping at a pizza joint on the way.
I love these European streets.
Ada with her ham and cheese pizza.
Somebody did not want to be in the picture.
Lyla!
We grabbed some ice cream to eat at the Trevi Fountain.
The crowds here were insane.
Beautiful.
From the fountain we walked down the narrow ancient streets to the Pantheon.
It has a hole in it.
Ah, there are our smiling faces.
The Piazza della Rotonda.
I don't remember what building this was. For all I know it's just a fancy hotel...
The Piazza Navona.
The Fontana dei Fiumi.
Photos with an Italian street cowboy sculpture.
The Fontana del Moro.
It was a long walk, but we walked from the Piazza Navona to Vatican City. Above the ladies are standing on the Ponte Vittorio Emanuele II looking at the Castel Sant'Angelo, which figures prominently in Angels and Demons.
Our first view of St. Peter's Basilica.
A wee bit closer.
Family photo!
We went into the massive cathedral and saw The Pieta.
Inside the cathedral.
We stopped for a water and bathroom break on the Piazza San Pietro.
Lyla found a great big leaf to keep her company.
The Vatican walls.
We decided late the night before to try and get tickets to the Vatican Museum. Of course they were sold out, but once again (as with David) I was able to find some last minute tickets on a reseller's website. We were nervous whether or not they would work, but everything again went perfectly (shoutout to tickitaly.com!).
The entry ramps.
Kate.
Ada.
Lyla.
Once again I would love to spend a day (or two or three) here in the museums taking everything in. Instead we just followed the crowds to the Sistine Chapel, which still routes you through a large portion of the museum, but we didn't really have time to observe and enjoy anything else.
The hall of busts.
So many amazing galleries.
Looking out at the Vatican Gardens.
A couple last views of St. Peter's Basilica.
The exit ramps. Can you spot Alison, Ada, Kate and Lyla at the bottom?
Instead of walking back to catch our Big Bus, we decided to take the metro back to the train station.
I think I had lost track of time a bit, but we arrived back at the train station and on our train with less than 1/2 a minute to spare. We weren't too rushed, but we probably should have been.
The girls were excited for this cool creature that greeted us in our room when we returned.
Lyla eating the butter. Even her mom has given up trying to stop her.
Probably because if Alison tries to stop her, then Lyla will cut her with her knife.
Another amazing Italian sunset.
We took the girls to the kids camp again and of course they loved it. Games, face painting, etc. What's not to love?
Tomorrow we visit Naples, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast.
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