Rome and Torino

January 12- Vatican City

We started our day at the Vatican Museum. We were the first group to be let in, so it was a great chance to see all of the art, artifacts, and statues with no one else around. At the Sistine Chapel, Barb and I were the only 2 there for about 15 minutes. The students also were in the Sistine Chapel with very few others. This allowed a wonderful uninterrupted view of all of the glorious paintings.

After the museum, we attend the Papal Audience. During the winter months it is held in an auditorium that holds about 3,000 or more people. This was a very interesting experience for all of the students.

In the afternoon, we split into to groups to visit the Scavi. The Scavi is the ancient city of the dead, with streets and tombs that look like a city. There are still carvings, painting, and artifacts to see that help you to imagine what it was like centuries ago. The tombs date from pre-christian times to the times of Christianity. At the heart of the tour is the site of St. Peter's grave. There is a rich story that goes with why there is the belief that the remains of St. Peter are there.

The history of the underground excavation and the discoveries are wonderful.

The students than enjoyed a night of visiting other sites in Rome.

January 13-Colosseum, Palatine Hill, Forum

This morning we took a tour of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and the Forum. Again, there was so much historic information to be heard that at times it was overwhelming, but enjoyable.

The afternoon and night were spent visiting sites that they did not get to see on Wednesday, such as the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. Of course, a lot of Gelato was consumed while going from site to site.

January 14-Appian Way

On a 3hour guided bike of the Apian Way (the main road of ancient Rome), The guide pointed out aquaducts, catacombs and other historic points of interest. The trail was a dirt road, but at times we rode on the actual stones that made up the Apian Way.

January 15-Travel to Torino
We arrived in Torino by train around 1:30. We had our first glimpse of the Italian Alps about 30 minutes before arriving. Torino is surrounded by the Alps on 3 sides. This afternoon was spent exploring the city. Tonight, is a group dinner.