Looooong trip report of our Mediterranean extravaganza and the Celebrity Edge

[cricketgirl]

06/29/19 – Rome City Tour (cont.)

 

 

We then stopped at what our driver called the “secret keyhole”.  This is a spot where visitors can peek into a keyhole for a surprise view.  Our driver didn’t tell us what we would see, as he wanted it to be a surprise.  I had no idea what to expect.

 

The area is high up on Aventine hill, overlooking Rome.  The keyhole belongs to a door to a villa belonging to the embassy of Malta, and recognized by Italy as a sovereign nation.  Three separate nations and three national capitals exist side by side within the boundaries of the city of Rome – Italy, the Vatican and Malta.

 

 

 

There was a small line and when it was my turn to peer in, I was able to view all three nations through one single keyhole.  Closest is the tree-line pathway in the grounds of the villa, then across Rome, and furthest I could see St. Peter’s basilica in Vatican City.  If you search for the “secret keyhole in Rome” I’m sure you can find much better pictures, but this was this best I could do as there were others waiting in line behind me…

 

 

[cricketgirl]

06/29/19 – Rome City Tour (cont.)

 

At this point we were pretty hot and tired, and ready to relax and freshen up in our hotel rooms.  We had one final stop, the Piazza Navona.  You’d think after everything today we’d had our fill of beautiful squares and fountains, but this huge square really was stunning.  I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From here our driver dropped us off at each of our respective hotels and said goodbye.  It was a great tour that covered A LOT!

 

Edited August 22, 2019 by cricketgirl

[cricketgirl]

06/29/19 – Rome Hotel

 

Our hotel in Rome was the Hotel Artemide.  I selected this hotel based on the excellent reviews on multiple sites, as well as its central location and I liked the free mini bar and snack bar in provided in each room.  This hotel also has a rooftop bar/terrace and restaurant that I thought would offer good views and ambiance.  The lobby area was spotless and made a great first impression.

 

 

 

 

[cricketgirl]

06/29/19 – Rome Hotel

 

Since we had already checked into our hotel this morning, when we were dropped off at the end of our tour (around 4:30pm) we simply had to grab our key from the front desk and head up – very convenient.  We booked a deluxe room (which is a bit larger than the basic and comfort level rooms) and were quite happy with our choice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[cricketgirl]

06/29/19 – Rome Hotel & Dinner

 

As was par for the course during this heat wave, I looked like a drowned rat by the time I got to the room.  We showered and changed, then headed up to the rooftop terrace bar for a pre-dinner cocktail.  The terrace was really very lovely and had a pretty view.  The cocktails were delicious, but I was a bit disappointed in the service.  I had to flag someone down to take our order, then again for a napkin, again for another drink… you get the idea.  But we were on vacation and not in a hurry, so this to me can be easily overlooked.

 

 

 

 

 

[cricketgirl]

06/29/19 – Rome Hotel & Dinner (cont.)

 

The hotel’s rooftop restaurant Ambrosia really had some great reviews online so I had a reservation here for dinner that night a couple weeks before our trip.  I was really excited about this restaurant, because I love Italian food and what better place to experience it than in Rome on a rooftop!  While the ambiance was great, the service was not good and the food wasn’t too exciting either.  It was difficult to get the attention of our server, and like pulling teeth trying to get another glass of wine or our check.  All in all we were both really disappointed.  Unfortunately I can’t recommend this restaurant. 

 

 

 

 

 

The Hotel Artemide however was absolutely incredible and I would stay here again in an instant.  Such a convenient location and the front desk staff were extremely friendly and helpful.  The hotel also has a breakfast that was included in our rate that really blew us away.  Service absolutely impeccable, with a huge array of breakfast treats.  Almost a dozen fresh squeezed juices, breads, pastries, fruits, meats, etc.  And each morning they brought out a homemade specialty to each table as you sat down.  Once morning it was some type of bruschetta with fresh ricotta cheese that was just to die for.  I wish I had taken pictures of the breakfast room but I must have been too tired each morning and have none.  Such a shame because the breakfast really should be highlighted, easily the best breakfast I have ever experienced at a hotel.  Don’t miss out on this breakfast and the second-to-none service here!  

 

After dinner we called it a night, retiring to our room for some well needed rest. 

[tcmagnum]

On ‎8‎/‎13‎/‎2019 at 10:58 AM, cricketgirl said:

 

Our flight left St. Louis at 12:45pm.  We of course had to start the trip properly with a beverage at the airport and I found an interesting wine (in a can?!?) that I liked and will have to try and find again:

https://shop.unionwinecompany.com/products/underwood-riesling-radler

 

 

Wine in a can??  Going to search here soon!!

[cricketgirl]

17 hours ago, tcmagnum said:

Wine in a can??  Going to search here soon!!

 

So kinda crazy, I was just at the grocery store last night and saw a whole section of wines in a can.  There must have been 5 different brands each offering multiple types.  I guess that's a thing now?

[cricketgirl]

06/30/19 – Rome Food Tour

 

 

We had a food tour booked today through Secret Food Tours.  This is not the first time we have used this company and they once again proved their worth – worth every penny hands down!  Anyway the description of our food tour online was as follows:

 

In a lazy Sunday morning in Rome, what is better than getting guided into the small backstreets of the old city centre, discovering all the hidden gems and savoring all the best foods that the Roman cuisine offers? Our tour lasts around 3 to 3 ½ hours and start at 11am in front of the Pantheon.

 

We'll start by meeting in front of the Pantheon, the oldest and most well-preserved Roman temple, to learn how the Roman buildings are still used 2000 years later.  Next, your local Roman guide will take you to Piazza Navona, where you'll visit one of the oldest cafés in Rome, famous for their perfectly roasted of coffee, to soak up the atmosphere and sample the special: brewed-to-perfection Italian cappuccino or espresso.  You'll try some of the best and freshest pizza by the slice in town, and earn how to recognize a traditional Roman pizza. You'll also get to try supplí, which are fried risotto balls.  Your guide will teach you about the history of the Pantheon, and show you where Julius Caesar was killed, and where Emperor Augustus mourned his beloved nephew.  We'll continue our tour at the oldest market in town, operating since the 15th century, to sample the best Pecorino Romano cheese, directly from the producers.  We'll visit one of the most famous gourmet shops for hams and salami, and taste different kinds of the finest Roman meats and cheeses, paired with the best Italian wines.  Next, we'll go to a traditional Roman restaurant near the old Jewish quarter to taste two typical Roman pastas, and learn what make the difference when you prepare them.  There's no better way to finish your tour than with an artisanal gelato, made with the freshest ingredients in the most charming area of Rome.

 

I was really excited about this tour, because we used this same company in Paris and it was just superb.  We had a leisurely breakfast, then shopped a bit on our way to our meeting spot in front of the Pantheon.  There was a church service going on inside and with fewer crowds than yesterday I was able to snap a few shots from the outside looking in…

 

 

 

[cricketgirl]

06/30/19 – Rome Food Tour (cont.)

 

 

Our guide met us promptly.  I hate that I can’t remember his name, but I think it was Riccardo.  I believe this is what I thought our guide’s name was the day before as well, so most likely I am wrong about at least one.  Anyway, our guide was EXCELLENT.  So friendly, easy to talk to, and greatly informative.  I believe there were 10 other people, so including us a total of 12.

We started out strolling to a shop to taste Italian coffee.  I snapped a few shots along the way.

 

 

 

 

[cricketgirl]

06/30/19 – Rome Food Tour (cont.)

 

The coffee stop was Vivi Bistrot, right along the Piazza Navona which we visited yesterday.  Riccardo led us in to a large table and we were all given a choice of multiple types of expressos.  I can’t remember for sure but I think mine was cappuccino.  I do remember that it was very good.

 

 

 

 

Fully energized, we headed out.  I of course continued to snap pictures.

 

 

[cricketgirl]

06/30/19 – Rome Food Tour (cont.)

 

Our next stop was Marco Forno Roscioli, a bakery that was obviously popular among locals.  We were led in and I was immediately mesmerized with the smells and sights.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We were seated at small tables and treated to quite a few small bites here, along with white wine and water.  First there was a couple different types of pizza, one was margherita pizza and I can’t remember the other.

 

 

Next was pizza fritta, some kind of deep fried pizza.

 

 

And finally what I found to be my favorite dish of the day – supplì.  Supplì is a fried ball of risotto filled with mozzarella cheese.  These were divine!

 

 

 

[cricketgirl]

06/30/19 – Rome Food Tour (cont.)

 

I could have stayed at that bakery all day, the place was bustling and there was so much to see – from the man making the pizzas to fresh croissants being pulled out of the oven to the locals coming in to grab a quick bite.  I had to snap one last pic of the place on the way out, and then we were off to our next stop.

 

 

 

 

[cricketgirl]

06/30/19 – Rome Food Tour (cont.)

 

We soon found ourselves in a square with an outdoor market; we stopped at a specific stall here to try a variety of cheeses.  Unbelievably good!

 

 

 

 

[cricketgirl]

06/30/19 – Rome Food Tour (cont.)

 

Our next stop was a butcher shop.  It was crazy, because from the outside this place looked tiny, but when you went inside it just kept going back, past the loooong cases to a small room with counters along the walls where you could rest your arms.  Our guide brought out multiple platters of various meats to sample, more than all of us could possibly eat!  In addition we had white wine here, with seemingly unlimited refills.  Everything was excellent.

 

 

 

 

 

 

My favorite was the truffle infused salami.  And the wine of course.

 

Edited August 23, 2019 by cricketgirl

[cricketgirl]

06/30/19 – Rome Food Tour (cont.)

 

By now we were all feeling pretty jovial with all of the wine and everyone began talking to each other and getting to know each other a bit more.  It was a real treat then the owner came out from the back and joined us for a couple of minutes.  He explained he is 4^th generation and his family created specific methods of butchering which he showed us in a book.  He was so friendly and I felt honored he took the time to spend time with all of us.  The meat really was delicious, and we noticed they ship worldwide so we took a card…

 

 

 

[cricketgirl]

06/30/19 – Rome Food Tour (cont.)

 

Next we headed to a traditional Sicilian bakery/dessert shop.  I’m not sure how long they have been in business, but there was a picture of the founder on the wall.  We were seated at small tables and each received a cannoli and a drink.  I can say that hands down this was the best cannoli I’ve ever eaten!

 

 

 

 

 

 

[cricketgirl]

06/30/19 – Rome Food Tour (cont.)

 

We left the bakery and headed for our next stop, and once again I was snapping pics.  Our guide stopped at one of the water fountains and showed us how to stop one side and the water will come out up top, making it easy to take a drink.  These water fountains are plentiful and can be found all over the city.  The water is delicious and ice cold!

 

 

 

[cricketgirl]

06/30/19 – Rome Food Tour (cont.)

 

Our next stop was at a restaurant to taste pasta, or more like eat some plates of pasta, this was more than just a tasting.  If you do this food tour in Rome, be sure to bring your appetite!  We were all seated at one long table and had the choice of white or red wine (with plenty of refills).  Two large platters of pasta were brought to the table and our guide served all of us healthy portions of each (one with red sauce and the other a white peppery sauce).  Both were good, but to be honest not amazing.  We stayed here a while, eating and toasting and having much fun.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[cricketgirl]

06/30/19 – Rome Food Tour (cont.)

 

We left the restaurant with full bellies, and headed to our final stop.  I took a few pictures along the way…

 

 

 

[cricketgirl]

06/30/19 – Rome Food Tour (cont.)

 

Our final stop was for gelato.  At this point I think we were all stuffed, but no one passed up the opportunity for gelato!  We each got to select two scoops of any flavor.  I don’t remember what I ended up with, it was a hard decision.  But it was good!

 

 

 

 

 

After enjoying our gelato we said goodbye to our guide and our newfound friends and headed back to the hotel.

[cricketgirl]

06/30/19 – Rome, Italy

 

This was our last night in Rome, and we had no plans.  To be honest we were pretty exhausted from 4 days straight of tours and 100 degree heat.  After freshening up and relaxing in the room for a bit we headed out to talk a walk and finish buying gifts for friends and family.  Later we grabbed dinner at a small restaurant not far from our hotel and headed back to the room to pack.  Boo, that’s the worst part of vacation in my opinion.  The last photos I took were as we walked around that afternoon/early evening.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[cricketgirl]

07/01/2019 – Rome Airport

 

Our hotel had arranged for a driver to pick us up this next morning and bring us to the airport.  I am a stickler for being on time and always fretting about traffic or long security lines so we planned for the driver to arrive four hours before our flight.  Probably too much time, but you can never be too careful.  Our driver was prompt and friendly.

 

I’m not going to go into too much detail because this review is probably much too long already, but needless to say we looked at our tickets wrong and were completely off on our departing time.  Long story short we missed our flight.  I have never missed a flight in my life before and I was just sick about it. 

 

We couldn’t get on another flight until the next morning so we ended up getting a room at the Hilton connected to the airport.  It was convenient, but NOT recommended.  Dingy, dark, and some areas dirty.  This place really needs a facelift.  But the worst was the service at the front desk.  When we arrived I was quoted a price that was 65 euros higher than a price we had found online.  I showed her this price on my phone screen and she rudely said she couldn’t go any lower.  So I had to step aside, book the room online, and then wait in line again to check in.  I thought this was pretty ridiculous.  And evidently I must have aggravated the woman at the front desk because she put us in a room directly above the gym with techno music that blasted non-stop until 10pm that night.  Any question we asked of the front desk was met with an unfriendly face and no help.  I would never stay here again.

 

But we had an extra day in Italy and made the best of it.  This was a wonderful vacation, and the Celebrity Edge to me was the best part.  We LOVED the ship and can’t wait to book another cruise on the Edge, or perhaps the Apex!

 

If anyone has question please feel free to ask, I'm more than willing to share what I remember.  Thanks everyone for following along!

Edited August 23, 2019 by cricketgirl

[SkystheLimit]

On 8/14/2019 at 8:00 AM, GeorgiaPeach51 said:

Cricketgirl,

 

Looking forward to your review.  We are on the Edge November 1 so I am eager to read every review that appears.  Thanks for taking the time to do it.

 

Regarding getting sick from planes....

 

 I NEVER get on a plane without antibacterial wipes. I wipe the tray, the screen, the buckle, the window shade raiser thingy, the armrests, and the air vent where you touch it. When I get to the hotel room I wipe the handles of everything, the REMOTE, the phone. You get the idea. Got sick heading out on a trip once and learned my lesson. I don‘t care what people think. I dont get sick when we travel. You can buy boxes of the wipe packets on Amazon.  BTW, i I also use them to clean hands after touching and holding menus. We go to restaurants and wash our hands before sitting down, then touch those nasty menus that are never cleaned and covered with germs. So now we order and then everyone inconspicuously uses a wipe to clean our hands again. I promise I’m not a germophobe! Just trying to not get sick while traveling.  

 

Joanie

Agree completely with the wipes.  Last  flight I was on the passenger  in front of me asked if she could have a wipe also!  Happily shared but thought it was funny she asked.

 

[SkystheLimit]

This is just a fantastic review.  Your photos and commentary are unmatched.  Thank you for taking the time and making the effort to share with all of us!