Rome - Day 1 - Mediterranean Greek Isle Cruise

On May 10, 2007, we left for the trip of a lifetime…..Mediterranean Greek Isle Cruise with stays in Rome and Venice!  On this 18 adventure, we would visit ports in Italy, France, Greece, and Turkey.  These next many blogs will tell the story!

We left Seattle on May 10, 2007 for Rome, Italy.  We flew KLM through Amsterdam.  It was a long flight but a time to rest!  We arrived in Rome during the afternoon on the 11^th.  We would stay at the Hotel Alimandi (www.alimanditunisi.com). 

Hotel Alimandi with a rooftop terrace for enjoying breakfast or the afternoon sun

It was literally right next to the entrance to the Vatican Museum.  The location was perfect for the 3 days we would stay there.  The total for the 3 nights was about $670usd; pretty good for Rome and the location.  It included the most phenomenal breakfast with homemade pies and cappuccinos!

Panini Trucks had the best sandwich and snack - The view of the Vatican right outside our hotel

Once we arrived in Rome and took the complimentary hotel transportation to the hotel, we checked in and dropped our bags.  We still had plenty of daylight and decided to head to St. Peters Square.

St. Peter's Basilica, St. Peter's Square - Enjoying dinner

Castel St. Angelo - Looking back at the Vatican City

We walked around the square and took in the beautiful sights of the city.  Only half of the group was there the first night; the other half would arrive the next day.  Those of us there had a great dinner at an outdoor Italian eatery and ate lasagna and pizza.  We walked to the Piazza Navona and along to the Colosseum.  We realized it was a long walk back to the hotel, so we took the Metro.  It was time for a good night’s sleep!

The Colosseum at night