Our morning began bright and early as we left the hotel around 6:30 a.m., heading straight for St. Peter’s Basilica. Arriving early allowed us to try and beat the crowds to experience the church in a more peaceful setting. We spent time wandering through the space, listening to music, reflecting, and taking in the architecture. From there, we took a 15-minute walk to the Vatican Museum entrance, where we braved a 30-40 minute wait in the pouring rain. Once inside, we started our two-hour guided tour, getting to see the famous Sistine Chapel — an unforgettable sight.
We then hopped on the bus and took a quick drive to the Spanish Steps. Once we arrived we walked down the steps to the bottom and took a group photo on the bottom steps. We then had free time to explore the great stores, including many designer stores around the area. We arrived at the Trevi Fountain and had free time to take pictures, walk around, and get some gelato. Some people even threw coins in the fountain in hopes of coming back.
We then took a quick visit to The Pantheon, where we learned a little bit of fun facts, including how its unreinforced concrete dome and the oculus at its center is actually the largest unsupported concrete dome in the world.
The last sight we visited on our second day in Rome was the Piazza Navona. We learned some facts about the Piazza Navona like how there is a fountain in the center of the square representing the four rivers. We then had free time in the square to explore, take pictures, and shop.
At 6 p.m., after our free time, we walked to L’Insalata Ricca near the Pantheon, where we had our last group dinner of the trip. It consisted of pizza and chocolate mousse, and we also sang Happy Birthday to Jared because it was his 18th birthday today. Then we got back to the hotel, and we took a final group picture with our amazing tour guide Massimo. It was such a great way to end an amazing week in Italy.