Visiting St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums was certainly among the highlights of the trip. We arrived at the Vatican about fifteen minutes after it opened on a Saturday morning. The line to get in was mind-boggling. It looked as if it would take several hours to get to the ticket booth but this would be our only opportunity so we joined the line.

After only a few minutes in line a young woman approached us and asked if we would like to join a tour that would be entering in five minutes. We jumped at the chance, thrilled to avoid wasting hours in line, roasting in the sun. The tour cost 28 Euros in addition to the 12 Euro entrance fee. That was some of the best money I've ever spent. The guide was excellent and we were spellbound by the museum, not to mention pleased with having avoided the queue. I would probably not have done this (fearing it would be a scam) if I hadn't read about similar tours on this site. Again, thank you Fodorites! As I?d been warned, most of the works of art are not labeled within the museum and the guide's explanations greatly added to our appreciation.

During our four days in Rome we managed to visit everything on our list, which also included the Spanish Steps, and the lovely Borghese gardens (but not the museum). All of the sights far exceeded my expectations and we fell in love with this beautiful city. But if I had to pick one favorite activity it would probably be just strolling the streets and piazzas, soaking in the architecture, the fountains, the beauty of the churches, the music, the smells, and the colors.

After four days we sadly bid Rome farewell and took a taxi to the train station at Termini station. We were nervous but it couldn't have been easier buying our tickets and taking the train to Civitavecchia. The train fare was about 12 Euros for two. The limo would have cost 135 Euros.

We boarded our cruise, the Celebrity Galaxy and headed for Naples. Since this is an Italy forum I won't describe aspects of the cruise that don't apply. Our first stop was Naples. We'd booked a tour to hike Mt. Vesuvius and then tour Pompeii. The views from the top of the mountain were beautiful but it was very hot and the mountain itself is not a pretty place to walk. It's barren and desolate; interesting but not high on my list. After an obligatory stop at a cameo "factory" (jewelry store) we arrived at Pompeii. It was everything I?d hoped and more. It was sweltering but I was so fascinated by the sights that I barely noticed.

I wrestled with whether to return to the ship or brave exploring Naples. I'd read such horrid things about how dangerous and ugly the city could be - but I'd also read that it was so vibrant and colorful. I had to go for it! I was thrilled that I did. I loved the little bit I saw of the city. The very old, glass-domed shopping mall a few blocks from the cruise terminal was architecturally spectacular. It let me out into a bustling shopping street that was everything I could have imagined Italy to be. The pastries and candies in the shop windows were works of art! I loved browsing among the locals and I felt perfectly safe. I dragged myself back to the ship, sad to be leaving such a wonderful city.

The cruise was primarily to the Greek Isles. But we had one more stop in Italy - Messina in Sicily. I'd heard that the only reason to go to Messina was for its access to Taormina, about an hour away, so I'd booked a tour. Taormina did not disappoint. Its hilltop location made for spectacular photos of the coastline stretched below. The entire town looked like a perfect postcard, but it was very crowded with tourists. The shopping was wonderful - the best I'd encountered so far. The Greco-Roman amphitheatre (a mini-
Coliseum) was well worth the visit just for the views alone. The entire town oozed charm and I didn?t want to leave.

When our tour returned to the ship I wandered into Messina to visit the cathedral with its famous astronomical clock (easy walking distance from the cruise terminal). Possibly because I had such low expectations, I thoroughly enjoyed the city - the architecture, the wonderful shops, and cafes, and the piazza strung with Christmas lights.

The rest of the trip just kept getting better and better. LOVED the Greek Isles -but that's another forum. Thank you Fodorites for all your help. I hope my report will be of help (or at least of interest) to some of you.

Ciao!

Thank you, Songdoc, I was really interested in what you said about Taormina, as I've seen mixed reports. My father was born in Sicily so am very curious.

Sounds like you had a wonderful time despite the heat. My daughter was in Rome this summer (July/August) and fell in love with it. She actually fell in love with all of Italy. It is the next place on my list to visit.

BTW, even though you can pick a general topic such as Italy when you post, that is mostly for search purposes only. All of the posts are on the Europe forum-so please include your visit to Greece. I am sure everyone would like to hear about it.

Thank you for a beautiful report. It made me feel as though I was in Italy again for the first time. I too would like to read about the rest of your vacation

Hi songdoc,

Thanks for sharing.

May I suggest that you keep all of your posts on a single thread? It makes it easier to respond if it is all together.

Hi,
Thank you for your report. Please include some comments on cruise travel. I have never cruised around Europe and I always wondered about that type of experience.


Thank you

Glad to hear you enjoyed the Albergo Cesari so much. We will be staying there in March on our first trip to Italy.

Also, am interested in just having the opportunity to stroll through the Jewish Ghetto. Some things I have read say there isn't much to see, so glad to read that you found it particularly interesting. It sounds as though it is also located within walking distance to the hotel?