Thursday, June 21, 2012

Days 9-12: The Campania region and Mt. Vesuvius and a little more of Rome with a visit to Pompeii

DAY 9
We visited the city of Naples today in the Campania region. Naples is known for its rich history, art, culture, and gastronomy. We visited the National Archeological Museum, housing one of Europe's most valuable archeological collections. Next we set off for Sorrento!
Sorrento, Italy is perhaps the most beautiful place we visited during our tour in my opinion. We had a beautiful view of the Bay of Naples and our hotel was just a short walk away from the water.


DAY 10
TODAY WE ARE ASCENDING MT. VESUVIUS!!
Our tour bus took us up halfway and the rest of the way up, we are on our own. You can purchase walking sticks/canes for 2 euros to help you on the climb up.
We also took a guided tour of Pompeii. The once thriving Roman city was buried in ash following the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D. The excavations of the city walls reveal the basilica, forum, baths, theater, and amphitheater.
My friend Audrye and I at Pompeii


DAY 11
Today we are taking a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, including a tour of the Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel, highlighted by Michelangelo's ceiling the Last Judgment. Our tour continued with the St. Peter's Basilica, the center of Catholicism. Highlights of the visit include Michelangelo's Pieta and Bernini's Baldacchio Over the High Altar. We concluded our trip with a visit to the Trevi Fountain, where it is believed that if you toss a coin into the fountain you are ensured a safe return to the Eternal City. We also stopped by the Piazza di Spagna, home of the famous Spanish steps.
Taking a jumping picture at the Trevi Fountain

Tossing our coins into the Trevi Fountain to ensure a safe return!
Trevi Fountain

The Spanish Steps

DAY 12
OUR AMAZING TRIP IS OVER! TIME TO GO TO THE AIRPORT AND BACK TO HOUSTON!

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