Emerald Princess Rome to Barcelona September 26 -October 3 2015 in photos and video

[Colo Cruiser]

Yes and paid for it in advance-if you pay on the day it has to be in Euros-no credit cards.

 

I'd say the drive was 40 minutes from the airport.

 

Norris

 

 

 

Thanks!

[Lin336]

Enjoying your adventures so much!

[Bimmer09]

Enjoying your adventures so much!

 

Lin, thanks for stopping by!

 

Glad you are enjoying.

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

We were lucky with the weather and chose our visit time will. It was a perfect morning so far.

 

We came to the place where J.Caesar's body had been burned.

 

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People leave coins here

 

 

More people now-many in groups with guides

 

 



 

 

 

Here, where there is a flat plain with foundations sticking up, was the shopping mall and here you will find rest rooms and some shady trees. There are big boulders to sit on and rest.

 

[Bimmer09]

With the Vittorio Emmanuel Monument (the white thing) in the frame, we are nearing the end of the Forum.

 

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This is me taking a picture-not a selfie!

 

 

An earlier shot I don't want to get left behind

 

[Bimmer09]

The columns of the Temple of Saturn

 

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Looking back the way we had come-quite a walk! That plain building on the left with three windows was the Senate.

 

 

We keep walking

 

 

Off to the Opera in Chicago!

 

More tomorrow

 

Norris

[CRLess]

OK....I am caught up. You may proceed!;);)

[cormike1]

Norris....what wonderful pictures and write-ups! We are doing Rome next year on a Med cruise but also staying at the end of the cruise for 3 days in Rome. Our hotel is near where yours was so I am taking notes of where you ate and had your coffee. It looks wonderful and I am looking forward to the rest of your review. Thank you!

 

Corinne

[Mary Ann 2]

I believe the arched building you asked about a name for is the Basilica of Maxentius(who started it) and Constantine(who finished it). It was the last and largest of the Roman basilicas according to what I put in my scrapbook. I think it's in your book because I think that is what the guide is holding up at the site in question (we also purchased the book just to be able to label all the pictures!).

 

Still enjoying re-living our summer trip with you. Great photos!!

[Bimmer09]

Norris....what wonderful pictures and write-ups! We are doing Rome next year on a Med cruise but also staying at the end of the cruise for 3 days in Rome. Our hotel is near where yours was so I am taking notes of where you ate and had your coffee. It looks wonderful and I am looking forward to the rest of your review. Thank you!

 

Corinne

 

Corinne-thanks for the compliments and for posting them.

 

It's the feedback that keeps me coming back to the computer to write more frequently as I know people are enjoying it. The number of responses is tiny compared to the number of total reads as many people on CC lurk in the shadows.

 

We went back to Albergo del Senato and the Pantheon area without much hesitation-certainly no hesitation regarding the lodgings as it is a beautiful hotel with a superb staff. It is in a very busy square though-that will be apparent in my photos and videos but it doesn't have cars and buses racing past our door. Only taxis (including limos) and service vehicles are allowed in. The big draw is the Pantheon-the most remarkable building still standing as it did 2,000 years ago and open to the public for free. It draws a crowd and the crowd draws the amazing buskers who amp up the sound level.

 

As I mentioned in an earlier reply it is within walking distance(for anyone who walks without difficulty) to the major attractions and has so many restaurant choices and immaculate colorful little boutiques tucked away in narrow streets.

 

I can't imagine us staying anywhere else and have stopped looking.

 

I did a lot of looking, as I always do, before our first trip to Rome using T.Advisor. Carol leaves the hotel choosing to me and is happy with my choices.

 

Thanks for stopping by and keep reading as there is a cruise with an amazing itinerary coming up soon.

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

I believe the arched building you asked about a name for is the Basilica of Maxentius(who started it) and Constantine(who finished it). It was the last and largest of the Roman basilicas according to what I put in my scrapbook. I think it's in your book because I think that is what the guide is holding up at the site in question (we also purchased the book just to be able to label all the pictures!).

 

Still enjoying re-living our summer trip with you. Great photos!!

 

Mary Ann, thanks for filling in the blanks in my knowledge of the Forum.

 

We spent three hours there but there wasn't enough time to stop and study anything in depth and in my case-remember everything, as I have trouble remembering where my slippers are.

 

It will take more visits for us to see and savor everything Rome has to offer. I really wanted to walk across the river to Trastevere this time but that will have to wait until the next visit. We've been to the Borghese Gallery but had no time to walk the massive gardens and park there. Next time.

 

Norris

[FlynnRider78]

Your photos are stunning Norris and add so much to your fantastic review. Just under 290 days until we will be on Emerald for our Med cruise so we are eagerly awaiting the rest of your adventure.

 

 

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[Bimmer09]

The arch of Septimus Severus

 

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We are at the end of the Forum, furthest from the Colosseum and about to exit up a long stone staircase.

 

 



 

 

Climbing higher up the steps to the street above where many people without tickets are taking photos of the Forum below.

 

 

The Free view from up on the street (it's behind Michelangelo Square)

 

 

Next up-a bird's eye view of Rome

[Bimmer09]

Still to come

 

Bird's Eye View of Rome

Re-cap of the day video

Rome sunset

Dinner at a favorite restaurant FOOD PORN and video

Piazza Navona

Sleep

Albergo del Senato in photos and video

Last coffee of the gods

Transfer to Civitavecchia by ROME IN LIMO

Boarding the EMERALD PRINCESS

CRUISING....

 

Don't touch that dial !!

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

Your photos are stunning Norris and add so much to your fantastic review. Just under 290 days until we will be on Emerald for our Med cruise so we are eagerly awaiting the rest of your adventure.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Thanks for the compliments on the Story so Far!

 

Which itinerary will the Emerald be doing?

 

More to come after I drive over to Michigan to check on the garden.

 

Norris

[FlynnRider78]

We are leaving from Southampton and calling at Barcelona, Ajaccio, Rome, Livorno, Genoa, Marseille and Gibraltar then back to Southampton.

 

We haven't visited Genoa before so are very interested on your day there and obviously very excited about your ship photos and food porn!!!! [emoji2]

 

 

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[Bimmer09]

We are leaving from Southampton and calling at Barcelona, Ajaccio, Rome, Livorno, Genoa, Marseille and Gibraltar then back to Southampton.

 

We haven't visited Genoa before so are very interested on your day there and obviously very excited about your ship photos and food porn!!!! [emoji2]

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Thanks for the update!

 

You'll see Livorno and Genoa here for sure-both ports where great excursions are offered.

 

Rome and Barcelona I am covering in as much depth as I can in just a two day stay. In B you can just walk off the ship and have a great walking city at your feet if you don't see an excursion that appeals.

 

You might want to check Rome in Limo-they have Rome tours where they will pick you up at the ship and drop you back afterwards. It's a one hour drive to Rome via RIL. If you do-tell Jany I recommended RIL. (no kickback- I just want her to know they have my endorsement for excellence.)

 

BTW-as the review rolls along if you have ANY questions about the ports or ship don't hesitate to ask. That's what I am here for-man on the spot knowledge.

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

It's BIG, it's white (very) and is visible from the roof of our hotel.

It's real Italian name is Altare della Patria and it was opened in 1925. The roof is 230 feet above ground and that's what we were interested in-a bird's eye view of Roma.

 

Coming up from the Forum it made sense to visit it as it is right there in front of us (the back of it that is). We knew it had an elevator to the roof but didn't know what a trek it is to get there as it doesn't start at street level.

 

First you have some steps to climb

 

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Once up the steps, some more steps then it's find a bench or stone wall to rest on.

 

 

There are more steps but those won't lead us to the elevator

 

 

Before we go any further I decide to go in and scout out the route to the elevator.

There were steps, that led to other steps, then turned a corner where there were more steps, which led to another marble staircase....get the idea?? The elevator probably starts on the 10th floor of a normal building.

 

If walking and climbing steps is not your forte-give this a miss.

 

I went back down and reported my findings to Carol. After a few moments of thought she decided to continue. We were here and who knows how long it may be before we are back in Rome?

 

Off we went, facing a tide of people returning from the roof, with a good number of people behind us on the trek up the North Face. We passed a long line of humans at the restrooms. Finally we came into the sun again on the vast outdoor terrace where the elevators live. There are two and they are small. You will see in the video that follows later.

 

We emerge from the elevator

 

 



 

[DJVKN]

Norris, thanks so much for your in depth review and wonderful pictures. My husband I have previously been to Rome but are returning on a Med cruise on the Royal next July.

 

We were trying to decide what to do in Rome for the day and after seeing your photos from Altare della Patria, we may well need to check this out.

 

Like you and Carol, we never tire of Rome or Italy or Greece for that matter.

 

Looking forward to your review of other ports as well as we have not been to Genoa, or Barcelona.

 

Thanks for sharing.

 

Diana (Myron)

[Bimmer09]

Norris, thanks so much for your in depth review and wonderful pictures. My husband I have previously been to Rome but are returning on a Med cruise on the Royal next July.

 

We were trying to decide what to do in Rome for the day and after seeing your photos from Altare della Patria, we may well need to check this out.

 

Like you and Carol, we never tire of Rome or Italy or Greece for that matter.

 

Looking forward to your review of other ports as well as we have not been to Genoa, or Barcelona.

 

Thanks for sharing.

 

Diana (Myron)

 

Diana- I have plenty of Barcelona to show you much later. We loved that city!

 

Thanks for reading and for complimenting the photos.

 

Great ports and a great ship up ahead -probably Tuesday by the time we get onboard.

 

Norris

[FlynnRider78]

 

 

 

BTW-as the review rolls along if you have ANY questions about the ports or ship don't hesitate to ask. That's what I am here for-man on the spot knowledge.

 

 

 

Norris

 

 

Thanks Norris

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[RNCheryl]

Enjoying your review so much, and disappointed that it is in progress. So, what did I do? Read your whole trip review that started in Venice!

 

Carry on!

[Bimmer09]

Enjoying your review so much, and disappointed that it is in progress. So, what did I do? Read your whole trip review that started in Venice!

 

Carry on!

 

Cheryl good to see you in one of my reviews again!

 

I hope you saw ALL the pics from the Venice trip....some say "photo not available" but they are if you click on the X.

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

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All the photos so far have looked North so I turn around. The Colosseum and Forum are in view now.

 



 

 

 

 

The Pantheon dome left of center

 

 

North again

 

To the west with the huge dome of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican in view

 

You may notice one thing-few construction cranes as you would find in most major cities(there are 2 in the far distance in the St. Peter's shot) so the noise level was low. Unlike Chicago there was also a noticeable lack of emergency vehicle sirens. I think most of the city noise comes from people clinking wine glasses-and the buskers of course.

 

[Bimmer09]

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Colosseum, Forum and the green Palatine Hill. I had switched lenses at this point.