Rome

---

We had an awesome ride in our Mercedes Coach back to our hotel while singing our hearts out to the best of “women power” ballads (thanks to Anne) – what a great time. Later that evening, we popped open the magnum of Chianti we purchased in San Gimignano and toasted our trip and new friends!

In the morning, we stood in line to enter St. Peter’s Basilica, where we saw the Papal art collection. We were in awe of the Basilica’s size, being the largest Catholic Church in the world. Then we crossed the Tiber River to enjoy ancient Rome. Our first stop was to see the incredible Circus Maximus and the legendary Colosseum, the site of memorable battles and a monument to the courage of gladiators.

We concluded our tour of Rome and ventured into Vatican City, where we explored the Museums with a Local Expert and saw amazing artwork, sculptures, and tapestries. We were blessed to be able to enter the Sistine Chapel, where we saw Michelangelo’s ceiling masterpiece. 

That evening, we enjoyed a private dinner inside the galleries of the Vatican’s Anima Mundi Museum Bettoja – which coincidently housed gifts and other artifacts from various Polynesian islands. What a treat this was for Allen (Maui dude) and us, and it was an excellent way to end our tour.