Day 4 on the Brilliance of the Seas Mediterranean Cruise – Rome. Once again we did not dock in Rome, our port of call was Civitavecchia. And once again Royal Caribbean offered an excursion where you could be bused to and from Rome. And once again we decided to go the cheap route and take the train.
The ship lets you off at the port and then you take a bus to the edge of the port/town. From there you turn right and walk down the main road until you get to the train station. Our train tickets were 18 euro – over $150 in savings. I think the train is definitely the better move.
We walked from the train station to the Colosseum. It was about a 30 minute walk. Around the Colosseum is so much history and ruins, so we spent some time exploring while avoiding the gladiators.
From the Colosseum we walked towards the “Spanish Steps”. I put it in quotations because later in the day we learned they really weren’t the Spanish Steps. Whatever it was, it was beautiful and we got some great photos. Oh and we got in trouble for sitting on the steps – security started blowing a whistle at us – troublemakers!
Kenny was the planner for our day in Rome and he really wanted to go to Villa Borghese. It was one of the few places I hadn’t been to before in Rome, so I was up for the ride, the really long, feet hurting ride.
Along the way we detoured to the Trevi Fountain. It was unbelievable how many people were there – craziness!
Lunch in Rome was very momentous. That is where Kenny had “THE BEST PIZZA EVER” (can you hear the trumpets, cause we can). It was a Quattro Formaggio pizza, which is basically a cheese pizza. And it was the best pizza ever.
At most of our meals wine and beer were cheaper than a soft drink, so of course we did a little mid-day drinking. We generally got a bottle of water, still no gas, as well. We loved sitting outside for lunch and people watching.
After lunch it was time to continue on to Villa Borghese. Please keep in mind that we had been walking non-stop for 3 days straight, my legs were in total agony, I did not think I had it in me. But I knew Kenny wanted to see it so I pressed on. After climbing the mountain or hill, depending on your point of view, up to Villa Borghese we were welcomed with this amazing view of Rome and St. Peter’s Basilica.
Villa Borghese reminded us a lot of Central Park. You could rent bikes or carriages or you could enjoy the walk, which we did.
I then reached my breaking point and insisted on a train ride home. Kenny got us to the closest Metro Station and for a euro each we took the metro to the Train Station. Then we had to climb 10 sets of stairs with the crowd to get from the metro up to the train. And when we finally made it back to Civitavecchia, I was rewarded with gelato.
Later that night on the ship we enjoyed an AMAZING sunset.
Tomorrow – At Sea
