Pompeii, Vespas and Rome
October 2012
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| MARI (me) ON A VESPA!!!!!!! |
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| Dave (son-in-law) demonstrating how to use an Ancient Toilet (2010 trip) |
On the way to Rome from the Amalfi Coast, we
stopped in Pompeii. Pompeii is a perfect
add-on to the Amalfi Coast or a long day excursion from Rome. My favorite tour company for Italy, I.C.
Bellagio was a hit again because we had a fantastic licensed guide. She knew all the hidden places to visit (in
addition to the “must see” brothel) and kept us from being behind the
crowds. Pompeii is open year round and
my recommendation is to do the tour in the morning to avoid the heat and the
crowds. Pompeii is unfortunately not good
for those with mobility issues. The
stone walkways were a killer! Also,
Pompeii is not for young children.
Children under 10 will be bored!
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| Colosseum |
Until this
trip, I really have never loved Rome. It
was just another BIG CITY with ancient monuments…until now... I experienced Roma on a vintage VESPA as part
of my education experience with I.C. Bellagio. My wonderful Italian driver and I drove past
the squares and the fountains of Rome as well as past the Colosseum, the Piazza del Popolo and Piazza Navona. I was able to experience my own “Roman
Holiday” (just like the movie with Audrey Hepburn). I felt
like a real Roman as we passed by cars and pedestrians going 30 km/hr. I was so nervous at the thought of doing this
tour however, the Vespa tour was DEFINITELY a
highlight for me and for our group!
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| Example of a Gladiator Class |
Our Vespa tour ended near the Colosseum. We grabbed a pizza and got ready for our very
special I.C. Bellagio Underground Tour of the Colosseum. This tour must be arranged in advance and
guests must be guided with a licensed guide AND a curator of the Colosseum.
Speaking of I.C. Bellagio, they have specialty tours for
every interest from cooking classes, to winery tours, and even gelato and pizza
classes for families as well as a Gladiator Class for children 10 and
under. Their Gladiator Class would be
fun before touring the Colosseum.
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| Example of a room at The First Hotel |
We were in Rome for two nights and stayed at two distinctly
different hotels. The first hotel was
called…The First Hotel! The First Hotel
is a modern, chic, great new hotel 3 minutes from Hotel de Russie near Rome’s
great shopping area. They are currently
not part of Virtuoso but for me, our wonderful sales rep. will add Virtuoso
type amenities (including their fabulous breakfast)! The hotel is part of Preferred Boutique
Hotels.
The First Hotel has the most amazing art collection – definitely worth
seeing. The rooms at the First Hotel are
quite nice. My only complaint (and they
are working on this) was the lighting in the bathrooms. The Junior Suites with Jacuzzis are amazing
and sexy – great for honeymooners and couples.
We loved room 405 and room 101!
They even have connecting rooms which are perfect for families.
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| Regina Hotel Baglioni |
Our second hotel, the Regina Hotel Baglioni was in a good
location on the Via Veneto. After
staying at The First Hotel, we found the rooms to have a heavier old school
Italian feeling. The rooms are
classified as either “Classic” or “Deco”.
I found the “Classic” rooms to be well appointed but dark. I much preferred the “Deco” rooms. I loved the General Manager and the
Restaurant Captain but felt that the breakfast needed better options and
service.
Thank you for reading my adventures through London,
Provence, the Amalfi Coast and Rome…
Ciao!
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