Last Day in Rome - St. Peter's Bascilica

Today we knew we had to get up early.  Our goal was to be out the door at 8 am.  We were 20 minutes late but we were still quite proud of ourselves.

St. Peter's Basilica opens at 7 am. Now that would of been too early but we knew we wanted to be there before it got really crowded.  A lot of Italians are on a long weekend here so we knew it could be busy.

We walked to the Vatican(30 min walk) and the queue was long but it only got longer.  We waited 40 minutes to get through security.  

Remember while in the church - dress appropriately, remove your hat, no talking on your cell phone.  If you have a knapsack you will need to check it at the coat check after security.

This is our second visit to St. Peter's.  Last time we were here we saw a lot and even visited the Necropolis. To read  more click here.

Today our goal is to just walk around and enjoy it with no guide or schedule.  Bernie wanted to come back here to see it a second time.

It was lovely, and not crazy packed.  We were able to move around freely and get up close to many pieces.  Although this time we were not able to go right up to the alter and walk around it like last time.  I am not sure if this is a permanent change or temporary.  So I am glad we got to last time.

After 20 minutes we left and we can see the line for the security has snaked all around completely and doubled back.  Glad we got here early.

We walked around for a while, got our coffee, picked up some bus tickets for tomorrow's tram then returned to the apartment.

On the walk back we heard my name being called - our friend Juan who is also sailing with us was in a taxi stopped at a light.  Too funny that our paths would cross!

It is around 11 and we relax for a bit.

We want to head out again around 1 pm, but not sure where/what to do.  We are getting hungry and since our mid day meal has been our largest since arriving we head out to get a meal.

After a great meal we wander some more.  Thankfully it hasn't rain - although we are prepared with an umbrella at all times.  

I wanted something sweet and was craving a cannoli.  We find a spot and pick up one that is called a Sicilian Cannoli.  It was good, but I couldn't even finish it.  Just so rich.

Again we wander the streets of Rome just gawking.  We pop into a few shops but neither one of us are big shoppers.  But it is fun to look.

It is very busy everywhere so finding some quieter streets is a treat.

Back at the apartment around 4 pm we take note that we have logged 20,000 steps today!  Wow.

We relax - and I even had an hour nap.  We enjoy the wine we have and talk about our game plan for tomorrow.  

Pack up, take garbage down to the street, tidy up, luggage tags, time to leave, etc.

We are catching a train from Trastevere station which is very close to us and a short tram way away.  We could walk it in about a half hour but with our bags it is just as easy to take the tram.

Our train is at 10:27 and we will arrive at Civitavecchia station around 11:15 am.  I know we could take a shuttle but for the two of us it would be way too expensive - private would be 119 e each, or shared at 69 e each.  Our train ticket plus the tram is 8 e each.

We have really enjoyed our time in Rome.  Both of us are glad we came back.  Although both of us agree that we prefer the smaller, quieter places in Italy.   We much preferred Sardinia, Lucca, Genoa than the big cities like Rome or Venice.  

Everyone needs to see Rome, see the sites here but to get a "real" experience of Italy head outside of Rome.  

I have really liked staying in Trastevere, so easy to get around and a feel of a community.

So tomorrow we board the Crown for 24 days and we are both really looking forward to it.