Rome, Italy - October 26, 2012.

With no less than six huge cruise ships in port with passengers all eager to visit the “Eternal City” it was nice that the forecasted thunder with heavy rain blew over and left us with another great day of sightseeing. Rome was founded in 753 B.C., the birth of this great metropolis is celebrated every 21st of April by Romans . The city itself was famously built on seven hills, a number that was a universal symbol for completion and perfection. This was likely not a coincidence as the founders of Ancient Rome wanted the world to that this particular city was destined for greatness. Over the course of 3,000 years the sheer volume of history and culture that has accumulated here is nothing short of spectacular. However what is more charming is the way that history is preserved within a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Vespas and Maseratis speed by architectural landmarks as it they were mere traffic islands. It is the perfect blend of old and new with the must see collection of famous sights that puts most other destinations to shame. Our 90 minute Rome transfer put us right into the center of the action landing us at the edge of Vatican City. We gave the Pope the respectable nod then we hit all the sights, Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Vittoriano in the Piazza Venezia (giving us great views of the Coliseum), then strolled up Via del Corso and over to Spanish Steps. Up the steps and had a wonderful lunch at Ciampinis‘ on the edge of the Villa Borghese. A great spent in this amazing city, a few pictures of our day.... This just in as a result of a severe storm tomorrow afternoon we will not be docking and visiting Florence. We are now visiting Cagliari, Sardinia, Okay by us but many are understanding but upset at missing this wonderful port.