Review: Western Med Jade cruise Nov. 1 -12, 2014

[QuattroRomeo]

On to St. Peter's- which we found incredible. For whatever reason, we enjoyed this more than the Vatican. The enormity of the place overwhelms you. There had been a service earlier in the day, so it was roped off near the altar.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[QuattroRomeo]

The masterpiece I really wanted to see did not disappoint:

 

Pieta

 

 

 

 

 

 

[QuattroRomeo]

 

 

 

 

 

 

[QuattroRomeo]

 

 

 

Maurizio was waiting for us, and we boarded the van. It was getting late, so we just did a drive-by of Castel Sant'Angelo.

 

 

 

[QuattroRomeo]

Sunset.

 

 

We were thrilled with our day in Rome, we saw so much!

 

 

Maurizio drove DH and me, and our luggage, to our home for the next 2 nights at the Hotel Golden, and then drove the others in our group to their hotel. I chose Hotel Golden for its proximity to Borghese Gallery, which we would visit the next day. The Hotel Golden is on the second story of a building on a side street near Via Veneto.

 

There is a tiny, old-fashioned iron gate elevator, and marble staircase, to access the second floor, and a buzzer panel at street level to access the hotel after hours. It is a fairly quiet location in a safe area. The room we had was spacious and comfortable.

 

We had some difficulty operating the Sky TV hook-up, but had good reception when we got it going. The wifi was always working. Good storage space and large modern bathroom with shower. The toilet was very awkwardly placed against the shower door though, and legroom would be a challenge for tall or large people. Not sure if it was just our room(111), you may want to view your room first if you book here.

 

The terrific breakfast is available from 7:30-10:00. Even the coffee is good and plentiful (a plus for North Americans like us used to ordering extra large coffees!). We wished that coffee was available all day!

 

There is a cafe on the corner right beside the hotel, but of course it serves the usual espresso size cups.

 

 

 

 

[QuattroRomeo]

Golden Breakfast!!

 

 

 

Views from our room:

 

 

[QuattroRomeo]

The next morning we walked along the street in the previous photos, to Via Veneto, then through the Old City gate and backtracked to Borghese Gallery and Gardens.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[QuattroRomeo]

A nice walk through Borghese Gardens brings you to the Gallery:

 

 

I had booked reservations online prior to coming here, as all entrances are timed. Just had to pick up our tickets inside and wait for the first entrance of the day.

 

 

Seating for the cafe.

 

 

Cavern-like entrance area before the actual gallery:

 

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Once inside, this was one of many gorgeous views!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[QuattroRomeo]

timed out

Edited March 19, 2015 by QuattroRomeo

[QuattroRomeo]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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On to the next floor!

 

 

 

This is a test. This is not a work of art. Not even modern art.

Give up?? It is simply the ladies room in the Borghese!

 

[QuattroRomeo]

 

 

 

Incredible detail in this sculpture, I thought:

 

 

 

 

 

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Caravaggio. There were a couple of them in this room, but the light was very glaring for photos.

 

 

 

 

A very unusual installation. Every few minutes, they would turn off the lights, and spin it around very fast, creating the illusion of slave masters whipping people, and others falling off the top tier. Weird but something to see up close!

 

 

 

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David, about to slay Goliath:

 

 

 

 

 

[QuattroRomeo]

The masterpiece I was waiting for- absolutely wonderful:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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These little cuties seemed to enjoy themselves!

 

 

 

 

 

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Walking through the grounds after leaving the gallery:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[QuattroRomeo]

 

 

 

Okay, some statues haven't fared so well...

 

 

[apmecruise]

Great review thanks!

[QuattroRomeo]

Bernini and Caravaggio lovers will be thrilled with the Borghese, especially for the access you have to the sculptures - you can view the fine details first hand.

 

The grounds surrounding the gallery are also beautiful, and offer a welcome retreat from the busy city areas.

 

Back out to the main road, we took a long stroll and ended up near the gate to Piazza del Popolo.

 

 

 

 

 

Bought some bus tickets here, for the way back!

 

 

 

We got off the bus near Borghese, and walked in another direction, ending up

at the top of the Spanish Steps.

[Carnac767]

Great shots. Thanks.

[QuattroRomeo]

Great shots. Thanks.

 

Great review thanks!

 

My pleasure, glad you both enjoyed it!

[QuattroRomeo]

At the top of the Spanish Steps: