We quickly got through customs and our all our baggage arrived punctually.

We were met at baggage pick-up by a representative of GCT, Antonella, who turned us over to a driver who was a tour guide himself. He gave us a whole run down of Rome as he drove us to the hotel.

He explained that Rome needs more subways, but each time they dig, they discover new priceless artifacts, so digging comes to a halt.

We met Guido Ochner, our tour director, who told us about a section of Rome architected by a Gaudí disciple Quartiere Coppedè. who designed a piazza within walking distance of the hotel.

We checked in and went with another couple in search of an ATM that would take our cards. After several tries we found one in a bank, even though the clerks could not personally help us.

For lunch we found Grué, a fancy patisserie. Barbara had a proscuito mini-sandwich, and Nick, a peanut butter mini-cake and gelato.

After lunch we tried to get into the Borghese Gallery, also near the hotel, but we had no reservation. But the Villa Borghese, a park around around the gallery, was open, so we went there for a stroll. The park was filled with many Italian families enjoying the day.

A nap was followed by dinner at a nice restaurant, Osteria Po. Nick had spaghetti carbonara, Barbara fettucine bolognese.