Return to Rome

Well this is it…our last few days in Rome!

We enjoyed a comfortable train trip from La Spezia and arrived about 2ish. This time we found our accommodation really easily as it was in the same area as when we were here a few weeks ago. I can’t believe we are back already but I have to admit I think I’m ready for this to be the last few days.

When we were here before we didn’t really do too much as we thought that Rylan would like to see the site as well. After settling into the room, we headed to the Colosseum to see if we could find a tour to fit in with a trip to the Vatican tomorrow. We ended up getting a S.U.P.E.R Pass which gets you into the Colosseum and two visits to Palentine Hill (Roman ruins). We were advised to purchase this ticket away from the Colosseum to avoid the queues and then go there to book a tour. We did this and it was great advice as there was only one in front of us to get tickets. 

We then headed off to the Colosseum and got in without having to wait in any queues. We decided against a tour and just got the audio guides because we decided we might as well do it this afternoon without having to rush and fit everything else in tomorrow.

The audio was good once we got the hang of it and it’s an amazing site. 

It’s incredible to think that it is still standing almost 2000 years after it was built. Although half it is missing, you can almost see the crowds and the gladiators battling. It wasn’t only use for gladiator battles, it was used for animal hunts, mock sea battles, re-enactments of famous battles, executions and dramas. It is believed that over 500,000 people and over 1,000,000 animals were killed during the man vs beast games held.

At it’s full capacity it could hold up 65,000 people. There are separate areas for the elite and the general public. The steps to the general admittance area were incredible steep and I think it would have been a hazard to attend as a spectator let alone as a competitor. It was crowded as we wandered around like all other attractions but it was OK.

The next day we had a tour booked for the Vatican in the afternoon so we decided to take advantage of our S.U.P.E.R Pass and visit Palantine Hill. This is another incredible archaeological site  that is right in the middle of the old town district. It unbelievable to think that this site has been preserved in the middle of a major city. Walking into the site is like stepping out into the countryside.

The hustle and bustle of a busy city is left behind and you walk through this calm, beautiful area while soaking up the history and wonder of the emperors who lived here. It’s a big area and we didn’t get to see all of it as we ran out of time and had to get over to the Vatican.

We decided on the way to the Vatican we would walk to the Pantheon. This is a church built by Emperor Hadrian. We didn’t have time to go in but it’s impressive from the outside with it’s huge columns out the front which only makes you wonder how on earth the stood these columns up.

We were toying up with a taxi or walking to the Vatican but we as we were in a tight very busy square we decided to start walking to find an easier place to get a taxi but ended up walking all the way much to Terry’s annoyance. Good old Google Maps got us to the Vatican Museum steps although Terry insists it took much longer than Google predicted.

The crowds around the Vatican were ridiculous and it only got worse when we got inside the museum. I’ll probable upset quite a few people but unless you have an emotional connection to the church (which I don’t) or you are an art lover the overwhelming crowds make this an almost impossible experience to enjoy. There is no disputing the museum, the art and the chapel are spectacular but you can’t enjoy any of it because you are either constantly being pushed forward or stressing out because you fall behind and suddenly you’ve lost your group and almost have to fight people to get back to them.

The Sistine Chapel is beautiful and an incredible work by Michelangelo but I found myself getting annoyed in there as well as the priest was constantly asking people to be quiet but still a constant murmur in the church and I don’t think it was from praying.

I don’t think I’ve been so relieved to finally make it out into the fresh air. We were lead out the front of St Peter’s Basilica and in front of the massive Vatican square which was also swarming with people. I had a quick look in the basilica by myself but by that time we were all so jaded by the whole experience we just wanted to leave. This is our last night with Rylan and I guess I’m also a little sad about that too. We found a taxi and headed back to the apartment.

Early the next morning we said our goodbyes to Rylan and I saved him from the tears this time, they came a little later so I’m glad we have a busy day ahead. We headed for the bus pickup for a trip to Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este. Hadrian is villa is huge archaeological complex that includes a theatre, libraries, a stadium, many water features, thermal baths, servants' quarters and underground supply tunnels. 

Obviously, these are ruins but some parts have been replicated to get a sense of the grandeur of the whole site. Our guide Alfredo was excellent and obviously very passionate about this place. There is a model replica of the entrance to the villa at the entrance and we only got to see about a quarter of it because we only had a few hours.

After the villa we went to the town of Tivoli which is where the Ville d’Estre is located. Villa d'Este was built in 1550 for Cardinal Ippolito d'Este, the son of Lucrezia Borgia and Alfonso d'Este and is built on the side of a hill creating the most spectacular views. The garden is a series of beautiful terraces that incorporates a multitude of fountains which are at every turn.

The organ fountain that sits near the top of the garden is very impressive and overlooks the big fishponds. It’s extremely ornate and has a working water organ.

The garden is separated into rooms and spaces and one has a massive urn in which water cascades down into a large pond. I’m sure we didn’t see all the garden but again we ran out of time.

Well that’s it for our trip to Italy. It’s been quite different to how we’ve travelled to Europe before and I think we did quite well but there’s a few tips I wish I knew before we went like
Rome airport has long queues both coming in and out of the country. Allow extra time for these queues, oh and there’s a train you have to catch to get to and from the main terminal.

• Know the public holiday especially if they create a long weekend and you want to travel on the last day.
• The public rail system is fantastic but we felt more comfortable booking our tickets a day or two before, but it wasn’t always necessary.
• The My Taxi app is fantastic. It’s like Uber but is much cheaper and very accurate.
• If there are particular tours you want to do…book them early!
• Prepare to get lost in Venice numerous times.
• There are better ways to get tickets to venues than joining the huge queues
• You can get accommodation fairly easily at the last minute but it did create a bit of stress for us but I do think we overthought it
• If there is an attraction you want to visit, don’t be swayed by other people’s opinion. We all have to decide for ourselves.
• Trust Google…it works