June 6th: Benvenuti a Italia!

The group all arrived safe but tired this morning, the majority two hours late after a delayed departure.
So we had a quick turn-around at the hotel then began our adventure by doing as the Romans do:  riding the local city bus into the heart of the ancient city center.

First view of the Colosseum as we got off the bus!

After time for a quick lunch we met our local guide, Nicoletta, to begin exploring the sites of Ancient Rome - the Colosseum & the Forum.

It was a hot afternoon & by the time we finished heads were beginning to drop after the long night's travel.  So we finished our tour with a stroll down Michaelangelo's famous steps at the Piazza Campidoglio to the Victor Emmanuelle monument, our meeting place.

After time to freshen-up at the hotel we traveled by metro to the Monti district, a fashionable area of atmospheric narrow streets.  Dinner in a local restaurant tonight was great, surrounded by lots of happy locals enjoying the food.
Finally we returned to our hotel after a long & busy day, tired but ready to sleep & recharge for tomorrow...