Breakfast was held on the 6^th floor, with views overlooking the Villa Borghese and we could see the weather was lovely. We’d decided on a walk to the Vatican and St Peter’s and that took 45 minutes, via the Spanish steps. They were a bit disappointing as all the pictures show them adorned with flowers but there were none. We arrived at St Peter’s at 10am and it was already teeming with people, the queue going right round the ‘square’ (which isn’t square). I insisted it would be worth it an d in fact it was quicker moving than we feared. Once in, we were invited to join a free tour with Michael, an Irish theology ex-student. Although there were hundreds of people inside, the Basilica is so huge that it didn’t feel too over-crowded.  We had headsets which made it easier to follow what Michael was saying and it was very interesting. At the end we were told he runs paid tours to the museums and Sistine Chapel in the afternoons so we decided to join that. We found a café for the hour we had to wait and finally were off to queue for the Vatican.

Michael knew his Sistine Chapel so entertained us with info about the famous ceiling throughout our wait. We visited lots of other museums and galleries on the way. Unfortunately you shouldn't take photos of the Sistine Chapel although many people did, to my annoyance. It really was too crowded and by the time we got there, it wasn't far from closing so we had little time. But the ceiling really is stunning. We were exhausted - all that shuffling along is much harder than proper walking!

We'd pledged to walk everywhere, but it was hard work walking back to our hotel - up the Spanish steps and lots of uphill at the end! We ate that evening at Harry's Bar (see photo below), very close to our hotel. It was lovely, in every aspect - food, drink, service, surroundings. And expensive, probably the most we've ever spent on a meal.

3rd October

Today we went to the Coliseum, via the Trevi Fountain and the Forum. We joined a tour, which was very interesting, debunking all the myths instilled in us by films of that era. Packed of course, but spacious enough and we had time to explore on our own. It's a magnificent place. We joined the second part of the tour going up to the Palatine where Rome was founded by Romulus after he murdered his brother Remus. The Palatine was an enormous house which even had its own indoor sports arena! Then on to the Forum where the tour ended. It's still quite something - a great place to time travel!

In fact, that's what we did next. On our way back, during which time we saw so many amazing buildings (and the most active cameras we'd ever seen), we found one of those interactive time travel 'experiences'. Good fun, and nice to rest! Then we made our way back to the hotel for a well-earned bath and rest before dinner. We'd booked to eat at the hotel's Mirabelle restaurant up on the rooftop terrace with stunning views across the city including St Peter's Basilica. It was perfect for our special anniversary dinner. Everything was perfect and the food the best we've ever had. And it beat the price of Harry's Bar by a long way. But worth it for a very special occasion.

4th October

We were due to be taken to the airport at 3.15 pm so we packed up and then went across the road to the Villa Borghese's extensive park. The weather was a little rainy so it afforded some opportunities for shelter. We decided to go to the Bio Parc (zoo) rather than the museums and enjoyed the visit (as much as you can enjoy looking at animals in captivity). The macaque monkeys were particularly entertaining.

We were collected from the hotel on time and were soon at the airport. It had been a wonderful trip, living up to all expectations. Citalia had done a very good job for us with everything running exactly according to their arrangements. Both cities were wonderful although I retain a soft spot for Venice, possibly because I enjoyed being away from traffic. Canal traffic doesn't count.