Rome: The Eternal City

Our final stop on our tour is Rome, which is  also known as the Eternal City. The Roman people believed that no matter what happened to the world, no matter how many other empires might rise and fall, Rome would go on forever. Rome is the capital city of Italy with a population of  2.7 million and 4.2 million people live in the Rome metropolitan area.  The city is located on the Tiber River and is the only city that has an independent country (Vatican City) within its city boundaries. Rome's history covers over 2500 years and is one of the oldest continuously occupied cities in Europe. There are numerous palaces, churches, ruins, fountains, monuments and statues found throughout the historical centre which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  We will be visiting many of the popular tourist sites in Rome including:

1.  Vatican City, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica: The basilica is the burial site for Saint Peter, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and one of the largest churches in the world.  We will be visiting this site just two days before the canonization of Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II, a very significant ceremony  that will be taking place at St. Peter's Square.  Both former popes will be declared saints by the present pope, Pope Francis.   The Sistine Chapel is the site of the Papal Conclave, which is the process by which the new pope is chosen.  It is most famous for the frescos that decorate the chapel ceiling, particularly The Last Judgement by Michelangelo.  And don't forget to get a photo of the Swiss Guards in their colourful uniforms!!

2. The Colosseum: The colosseum is the largest amphitheatre in the world, used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles.

3.  The Roman Forum: This was the centre of Roman public life and and now contains the ruins of many important architectural fragments. Many of the city's oldest and most important structures were located near the Forum.

4. Trevi Fountain: No tour of Rome would be complete without a visit to this fountain.  Legend states that if you throw a coin into the fountain you will return to the city.

5. Castel Sant Angelo: If you read the book Da Vinci Code or saw the movie you will recognize this historical building.  It was once a  mausoleum for Roman Emperor Hadrian, later it was used by popes as a castle and fortress and is now a museum.

6. Pantheon: This building was as a temple to the  gods of ancient Rome and the best preserved building of Ancient Rome. Almost two thousand years after being built, the Pantheon is still the largest unreinforced concrete dome.

7. Numerous Piazzas throughout Rome: We will also have time to do some people watching, shopping and enjoy the entertainment in some of the famous piazzas in Rome just like our tour group did in 2006!!!

8. Gelato: And no trip to Italy would be complete if you didn't try the gelato!!!  There are so many flavours to try, you may have to have more than one a day!!