Rome - Second Day Sept 28

Today was a free day for everyone to do optional tours if they liked. In addition I offered to take those who wanted, on a walking tour to see some more of the iconic sights of Rome not covered in yesterday's tour.
After some much needed rest, and breakfast at the hotel

Breakfast Room Hotel Atlante Star

we started the walking tour, which everyone opted for, around 10:30. It was a beautiful warm day as we headed toward Castel Sant'Angelo, our first stop. Built by the Emperor Hadrian in 139 AD as a family mausoleum, it was later incorporated into the defensive wall around the city. In 590 AD, according to tradition, an angel appeared atop the structure and ended a devastating plague. Thus the structure has hence been know as Castel Sant'Angelo. This structure figured prominently in Dan Brown's "Angels and Demons".

Castel Sant'Angelo

Next we walked in the shade along the Tiber a bit before turning towards the center of town and into the Piazza Navona, a beautiful square with great restaurants, shopping, three lovely fountains and the church Nostra Signora del Sacro Cuore. A great place to grab a gelato, coffee or water as we proceed on. A short walk later we entered the Piazza containing the famous Pantheon. Also commissioned by Hadrian, this nearly 2000 year old structure is an engineering marvel with its marvelous domed roof. From here we walked to one of the most recognizable of Roman icons, Trevi Fountain, where of course everyone wants to follow tradition and throw a coin into the fountain to insure your return to Roma!

Trevi Fountain

Coin Toss

Final stop on the tour was the picturesque Spanish Steps. Then everyone was "cut loose" to shop and explore on their own. First we made sure everyone had maps and a card with the hotel name and address on it. And instructions to meet back at the hotel at 6:30 for a drink and to plan out dinner options.
Jim and Leslie climbed Saint Peter's dome for a fantastic high altitude panoramic view of the Eternal City!

View from atop Saint Peter's

Some shopped and I suspect a few sneaked back to the hotel for a power nap. After lunch near the Spanish Steps, Amy and Evelyn went shopping and I decided to walk back to the hotel and work on the first day's blog entry. Along the way I found an interesting store display, which allowed me to make the goofy picture below.






Dinner tonight was planned to be "on your own". But as the group had bonded so well, everyone wanted to eat together. The hotel recommended a nearby restaurant and Amy made sure the arrangements were clear with the owner/manager as to separate checks etc. and then helped folks with their orders. This place was not one frequented by tourists, so it was great having someone who knows the language and understands the people.



Back at the hotel we had a final drink and then off to bed!