Upon landing at a very busy Rome airport we were confronted with a throng of chauffeurs & drivers with name cards. After searching for about 10 minutes we located our fellow......I am sure he was the oldest living man in Italy!!!!

Poor Sandra & Gay had the 'pleasure' of the front seats in our mini van, what an experience for them!!! A great welcome to Rome & the traffic madness .

Our driver had one hand on his mobile phone....looking at the GPS we think?? & the other on his glasses. Apparently hands on the steering wheel is not so important in Rome.

We soon learned that road rules & signs in Italy are suggestions only........

Glad to say we did make it to our hotel in one piece. Hotel Monte Carlo was in a great position, very central to Roma Termini (main train station).

After unloading our luggage we headed off to explore Roma. First stop was LUNCH. A traditional trattoria where we had our first taste of pizza & prosecco!!!  

Next on the list was the metro to check it out for our individual sightseeing tour meeting points the next day & buy our travel pass.

We then headed off on foot from Republica station to the Trevi Fountain. Walking through interesting little lanes & side streets taking lots of pics as we went, we found a gelato shop on the way. Delicious!!

The fountain area was as usual....jam packed with people, it’s only May & the tourist are everywhere!!

Next on the list was the Spanish Steps, more tourists......more walking. The long flight was starting to take its toll & jet lag was setting in.

The girls decided to find a taxi to take them back to the hotel, Urs & I opted to walk. We had our trusty map & knew roughly what direction we were headed to so off we set.

Around ever corner was another amazing view. The buildings, the history & the people.....so stylish.

It took a while but we found our way back. After freshening up we headed out for dinner around the corner to another little ristorante. Food is so good, thank goodness for all of the walking or else I would need a new wardrobe!!!

We finished off with (another) prosecco at our roof bar. Great way to end day 1 in Roma....