DAY 7–
–8:15 am reservation Accademia (just to see David, is that a sacrilege?)
–skipped my planned climb of the Duomo dome :(
–Duomo Baptistry museum
–not on the plan, but I have some extra time on my hands and no plans for lunch. Stopped at Enoteca Alessi for a lovely glass of Carmignano served with a piece of bruschetta. Fantastic idea :) Since I had “lunch” under my belt, why not dessert?? Gelato? Yes, Edouardo fit the bill–cherry, coconut and hazelnut, yum!
–Santa Maria Novella (WOW!)
–SMN Profumery
–Scuola del Cuoio (Leather school. An interesting stop)
–Basilica Santa Croce church (both the church & cloisters were phenomenal)
–Plan B back to the convent for a quick rest
–Plan B take out from Carpe Diem pizza (ham/basil/tomato/burrata cheese–tasty!)
–7:30 pm reservation Uffizi museum (a breathtaking setting for the beautiful art)
–repack and ready to leave Florence in the morning
** A very busy day! Loved David more than I thought I might. Wine, bruschetta and gelato for lunch-brilliant! I was surprised at how beautiful the Uffizi was. I LOVED Florence!
DAY 8–
–8:30 am train to Rome (On time and no problems. Waited over 30 minutes for a taxi to my lodging from Termini)
–11:30 am arrival to my Rome lodging–Domus Romana Sacerdotalis (mainly a priests lodging, but they do allow lay people with prior recommendation from their parish priest)
–Trevi fountain viewing (a madhouse)
–San Marcello al Corso church
–Sant’Ignazio di Loyola church
–Largo Argentina cat sanctuary ( a lovely retreat home for street cats, such an iconic setting)
–Sant’Andrea della Valle church
–St. Mary of Minerva church
–dinner at the Domus (soup, salad, simple main course, carrots, fruit, wine/water 15 Euro)
–laundry done at the Domus
** Another busy day. The churches just keep getting more visually beautiful. Every church is my “favorite”!
The Domus is a great lodging–great and helpful staff, clean, private bathroom, great bed, well located and serves 3 meals a day if you’d like. Breakfast is included. Two washers and dryers are also available to use. A perfect set up for my trip!
DAY 9–
–9:00 am Non-Catholic cemetery (another beautiful peaceful cemetery with such artistry)
–San Saba Basilica church (lovely “simple” church)
–lunch Augustarello (OMG is all I can say about the Carbonara, also green beans in tomato sauce, bread and white house wine. Paola provided wonderful service! Highly recommended)
–Plan B skipped Keyhole, Giardino, Janiculum Hill and Basilica Santa Cecelia (I’m pooped from walking)
–Basilica of Santa Maria Trastevere church
–the most gorgeous long walk back to the Domus along the river mostly
** Rome is beautiful, busy, chaotic drivers and overwhelming. There’s history at every turn. The churches on this trip have been otherworldly beautiful! How blessed am I?
Can I say I’m in love with Carbonara!!
DAY 10–
–9:30 am-12:45 pm Colosseum/Forum Gladiator’s Entrance tour (transportation strike today! I fretted about how to get to the Colosseum and just decided to walk the 55 minute walk. It was great)
–gelato for lunch again–3 scoops at Fatamorgana
–St. Cosma & Damian church
–Santa Maria Ara Coeli church (and its 123 steps. Saw another wedding)
–Gesu church
–Victor Emmanuel monument (walked up to the free 2nd level)
–Jewish Ghetto (I wanted to see some of the bronze sidewalk plaques commemorating houses where people lived who were removed and exported to Auschwitz and beyond)
–dinner Hosteria Grappolo d’oro ( I had the tasting menu–starter of: cod mousse/meatball/panzanello, Amatriciana pasta, lamb, roasted potatoes, cherry mousse and another beautiful house wine. OMG is all I can say! So full I could hardly walk back to the Domus!