French breakfast served in our cabin on the way to Rome
Countryside Italy, captured from the train
Another shot of the countryside
Take three
View from our hotel in Rome. The hotel was one block from Piazza Navona, the center of Rome. The dome in the background is St Peter's basilica.
On the way to the Vatican city. Vatican city is the smallest state in the world (0.44 km).
At St Peter's Square in the Vatican City
A depiction of Adam and Eve and the serpent
A real mummy preserved for centuries. It was quite scary from close.
View of Rome from the Vatican museum
A depiction of the Trojan priest with his two sons being crushed to death by snakes for warning the Trojans against the wooden horse
Statue of Julius Caesar in the Vatican
The famous ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo
Inside St Peters basilica at the Vatican. This church is considered the richest and most impressive church on earth.
Interior view of the cupola (dome). This dome was the work of Michelangelo.
The famous Pieta by Michelangelo, kept behind bullet-proof glass in St Peter's Basilica. Here Mary is depicted as holding Jesus.
This is the only work signed by the great artist — his name is carved on Mary's sash, and barely visible
At a restaurant
Campo dei Fiori, a popular meeting place in Rome at night
The prime minister's residence
Probably the most magnificent fountain in Rome, the Trevi Fountain. It is said that whoever throws in a coin with his back towards the fountain will o...
Lively night scene at Piazza Spagna (the Spanish Steps). About a block from here is the world's biggest and most lavish McDonald's.
Piazza Navona — Rome's most interesting night scene featuring street music, artists, ice-creams, outdoor cafes, etc.
The fountains at Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona by the day
The Palatine Hill, which was at one time filled with emperors' palaces.
Remains of palaces at the Palatine Hill.
At Palatine Hill
On the way to the Colosseum. Notice how ancient Rome blends with modern cosmopolitan Rome.
View of the Colosseum from the Palatine Hill
Another view from Palatine Hill
The Colosseum was the highlight of our trip to Rome. This huge 2000-year old structure is impressive to explore, especially after watching Gladiator.
Interior of the Colosseum. You can almost feel this place come to life with the crowds, the gladiators, and the chaos that once filled this buildi...
The floors of the Colosseum are missing, exposing underground passages
The two of us at the Colosseum
Close view of the exterior
The Arch of Constantine stands between the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. It commemorates the acceptance of Christianity in the Roman Empire.
Remains of the Roman Forum, which was once the center of Roman civic life for over 500 years. This picture was taken from near the Capitol Hill, where Julius...
