Days 13: Return to Rome
My final arrivederci! to Italy would have to wait another day, but after saying goodbye to Naples, it was time to say hello again to Rome! The train trip was easy and uneventful and I arrived back in Rome with plenty of time to check-in to my hotel and walk to the Borghese Gallery for my reserved time. I was early for check-in at the gallery, so I had plenty of time to explore the Borghese gardens and catch the end of a military exercise. The Borghese Gallery are exquisite and not-to-be-missed when you're in Rome, but be sure to make your reservation early because they limit the number of people per time slot and times book up quickly! There was a temporary exhibit in the gallery, so no pictures were allowed, but the Bernini sculptures were unforgettable and I was able to take pictures in some of the exquisite gardens outside!
The tour cold that was going around finally caught up to me in Rome and I was not feeling up to a sit-down dinner, so I grabbed a few snacks on my way to the hotel, including a second gelato (again, for medicinal qualities, of course!) and some juice from the local grocery store.
Day 14: Arrivederci, Italia!
For my last day of the trip, I had the morning free to explore Rome some more before my evening flight. Not feeling up to anything too strenuous, I chose to book a last-minute trip on the hop-on-hop-off bus tour with a plan to see the one thing remaining on my must-do checklist: Castel Sant'Angelo. I used to say the castle had some of the best views in Rome, but after seeing the Janiculum, I think I have to downgrade it to #2. But I'll let you decide! It was finally 80 degrees and sunny, so as a bonus I got to enjoy the exposed double-decker seats on top! The tour bus took us all over Rome, and it was easy to hop off where I wanted (Castel Sant'Angelo) and hop on another bus when I was ready to continue. Or you can just stay on it for the whole trip around Rome!
|
Pro Tip #16: |
After my last bit of exploring, it was time to go back to my hotel to finish packing and hop on the Leonardo Express to the airport for my flight home. But not before I said goodbye to my constant companion on this trip: the ugly red poncho!
Pro Tip #17: Aside from the anxiety of waiting for the track number to post at the station (and dashing to the track with just a few minutes to spare even though I was early), the train ride to the airport was relatively painless - but I was already missing Italy and all my adventures! I spent the whole flight home reminiscing about my fantastic tour adventures and dreaming up my next RS tour. But... where to next?! I guess I'll have to decide that soon!
|
A huge thank you to my new friends and travel partners, and to everyone who made this tour possible - most especially to Patricia, Sarah, and Salvatore who flawlessly crafted an unforgettable trip for us all! Alla prossima!
Anna |
Pro Tip #18: |
Pictured in header: Pompeii ruins