Day 17:: Time to fly! FCO-ATL-MLI

Luckily we didn't have to leave SUPER early today like Mr Hulting & Erin (445am).  We didn't depart the hotel until 9 for our 12:50pm flight to Atlanta.  Easy peasy at the airport - no problems - sadly said good-bye to Fran...and his many faces.....but not really a good-bye as he's coming to Iowa in November!!!  So, we'll get to show him around our world!
Our flights today are Rome to Atlanta to Moline.  Our Rome to Atlanta flight was 10+ hours....ugh....  3 hours in Atlanta - time to get some American food!!  Then a quick flight to Moline to land before the storm hit!
We were greeted by a mob of happy parents!!  How sweet!!  Thankfully all our luggage arrived safe & sound!.....
Said our good-byes and off we went!  Most thoroughly excited to sleep in our own beds with real pillows, enjoy our US air conditioning, and not be on a moving vehicle!
All in all, #28 was a huge success!  The kids were amazing!  One of the better groups i have every had!  They rarely complained about anything. I was constantly complimented on how attentive they were and how polite and prompt they were.  They soldiered through the crazy, HOT day in Rome, without complaining.  They watched out for each other - took care of each other - shared snacks (which is important), and just really seemed to enjoy the trip!
Thank you, parents, for letting your kid come on this amazing journey!  They grew in so many ways and have become better travelers, and not just tourists!!  Hopefully they feel they learned more than their brain can absorb, but have increased their curiosity to go out and explore the world more! So, if your child was bit by the travel bug, sadly parents, I'm not sorry - it's a good thing, i promise!  Thank you for sharing #28 with me - too many memories to count.... 2,4,6,8.....2,4,6...2...2....2....  :)  :)
Enjoy the rest of your summer! Guys...guys....guys....wait til November!!!
Hugs!
Señorita :)

Day 16: Capri.....and our Last Supper

We left our lovely abode in Sorrento and headed to the ferry port to catch our boat out to the beautiful island of Capri.  We got lucky and got on the 'fast' ferry, so it only took us 20 min to get out to the island.  We immediately hopped on a private boat that took us on an island tour for the next hour.  The water was a bit choppy in the port due to all the other boats coming in and out. But once we made the turn, it was much better. Such a beautiful island with turquoise waters.... sigh....  We went almost all the way around, checking out the coral grotto and seeing the beautiful rock formations and the natural 'elephants.'  Was a beautiful day to be on a boat!!
Once back at the port, we headed up the funicular to the top of the island, and went on a stroll to the beautiful Augustus gardens.  Beautiful flowers, beautiful overlook of the whole island....wow!!!
After lunch, we had some free time prior to our return ferry.  Most of the kids hit the beach, some went shopping, and some others just chillaxed.  It was a beautiful day for all those activities!
We took the ferry back to Naples, so that took about 40 min, found our bus (eventually), and headed to Rome.  A quick drop off of our bags in the hotel, and off to dinner we went... our Last Supper!
And of course, it was pizza!!!
Over the last few weeks, we have been shopping for gifts for Fran, and at dinner tonight, the kids presented them to him.  Only rules were they should be $5 or less, and should be something that reminds them of Fran.  We had such fun & thoughtful gifts - many many laughs!  Needless to say, Fran was surprised!
Back to the hotel to get ourselves packed up for departure day tomorrow!

Day 15: Pompeii and Sorrento

Today we packed up and headed south to the cooler temps. Our main stop today was Pompeii, where we were greeted by Roberto, our local guide. He took us on an amazing tour of Pompeii and was fascinating to listen to as he was an archeologist on the Pompeii dig. Luckily we had a bit of a breeze and could find shade, so it was tolerable today.
We had an entertaining lunch...and a show... and finished the day in Pompeii with shopping & slushies.
We headed down the coast to Sorrento and got some pool time at our hotel. It was just what everyone needed!!
Hard to believe tomorrow is our last day...feels like we just got here, but also feels like we've been here for a month. Crazy how travel can affect you in a variety of ways!

Day 14: Free day in Rome!

After yesterday, we all needed some extra sleep. We didn't leave until 10am, and headed into Rome. As it was a holiday, there was hardly any traffic. We dropped off near the Spanish steps. Some broke off and went back there and to do some shopping.  The rest went with Fran to the Capuchin church...aka the bone church. It's really unexplainable so I'll let them tell you when they get home! We then headed to the Pantheon as they were only open until 1pm. When we got there, the line was across the plaza...and then some.  So, we all went off for lunch. So explored the Duck Store of Rome,  some hit Piazza Navona, others went to Piazza Venezia, etc...
We all met up at Trevi Fountain and went for dinner. As the bus had to pick us up by the Colosseum,  we got some great, and last minute, photo ops before heading back to our hotel.  We also said good bye to Sandy's family as they are heading to Germany tomorrow.
Gotta get packed - we're heading South on Sunday...where it's  cooler...figure that one out!!

Day 13: Roma.....all in a day!!

What took 24 centuries to build, we saw in less than 24 hours. Due to the holiday weekend of St Peter & St Paul, most of the major sites are closed tomorrow,  so we had to get our visits in today. Plus, there's a huge heatwave hitting Europe right now, mostly in the north (Paris = 115°), but it's about 99 here in Rome today.
First stop, the Roman Forum & Colosseum.  No matter how many times you see it, it's just so impressive! A quick lunch near the Vatican City, and then we met with our next local guide.  We did a tour of the Vatican museum, Sistene Chapel, and then in to St Peter's Basilica.  They were getting all set up for tomorrow's celebration.
We then meandered along the river and arrived at Piazza Navona for a quick gelato break before dinner.
After Pizza dinner, our next local guide, Luigi,  met us for our Rome by Night tour....which is usually more on the bus, but as it wasn't  dark yet,  we walked to a bunch of sites. We saw Piazza Navona,  Parthenon, Trevi Fountain,  and the Spanish Steps...phew.... Then we got on the bus and drove by some big sites all lit up, before heading back to our hotel.
Exhausted....but amazed at all we did & saw today. So proud of the kids for keeping up, staying hydrated,  and just being amazing!!

Day 12: Assisi, on our way to Roma!

We left our lovely little town of Montecatini,  and headed southeast towards Assisi, home of Saint Francis. We arrived early so we were able to wander the town, see the main square, and grab some lunch.
We met with our local guide and she showed us the beautiful 2-story church and all the frescos, tomb of St Francis, and learned about the life of St Francis.
We sadly left Tuscany and headed to Roma....and the traffic. Checked in, had dinner, and prepared ourselves for tomorrow....

Day 11: Pisa & Florence

We got a bit of a sleep-in this morning and headed to Pisa! Boy, has the heat kicked in...and we have noticed! We walked into the walled town of Pisa to see the Tower. Also, in the complex is the Baptistry, the Cathedral, as well as the Tower. After some photos, we met up with our local guide. First we went to the Baptistry to hear the echos of the chants & climb to the top. Next was the black & white striped arches, then the tower. Most were surprised that there were other buildings in the complex, and not just the Tower.
Next we headed into Florence for a quick lunch, and to meet up with our local guide. The kids were troopers as well saw the beautiful sites of Florence.  We ended at a leather demonstration & shop, and were left with some free time before dinner.
A great day in Florence....and off to Rome tomorrow!!