Rome for a day

This was our first private ( not ship organised) tour.  We were a small group of 8 and were picked up at the dock by our driver Maurizo from Rome in limo.
We drove for an hour into Rome from the dock at Civitivecchia.
Immediately it was obvious this day was going to be a highlight. Nothing I knew prepared me for the scale nor the condition of the ruins of ancient Rome. The ancient city was huge and much of it is still obvious and some looks like it is not even 200 years old let alone 2000!
Our first stop was the colloseum where we spent an hour looking around this iconic stadium.

Next stop was a lookout over the forum.  Unfortunately we couldn't explore further due to time constraints. Next time!! The forum ruins are huge.

We then drove around Rome through narrow lanes, while Maurizo pointed out various structures and landmarks such as Egyptian obelisks, Spanish steps, the Victor Emanuel monument, and various piazzas including a stop at Piazza Navona which was a highlight.  I bought some prints of drawings of Rome here as a souvenir.

Everywhere there are reminders of ancient civilisation such as this fresco which was on the side of the road.This was part of a partially excavated Roman house.

After a lunch of wonderful pizza and salad we met our private Vatican guide who took us on a 2 hour tour including parts of the Vatican museum,  Cistene chapel and St Peters.

St Peters was incredible. There was a special service on while we were there so the main alternative was lit up and the were bands and processions.
Sadly one day is simply just a tiny taster. We really need to come back for at least 3 or more days.. 
Each day is better than the last. We love this method of travelling. After the hustle of Rome it was great to come back to the elegant peace of the ship.
Tomorrow we are in Naples.. Pompeii beckons...