6/7/24 The Rome Post-trip: Exploring Rome's Catacombs, Hiking the Appian Way, The Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps 

After breakfast, I said arrivederci to my fellow travelers returning to the USA before I continued the post-trip to Rome with another Trip Experience Leader, Jacopo (Jack) Fanfera.

The River Palace Hotel was centrally located in the heart of the city, steps from Piazza del Popolo, Villa Borghese Gardens, Spanish Steps, and other key places. A multi-room breakfast was sumptuous with anything one could imagine, with one long table dedicated solely to pastries and another for coffees, teas, juices, and even Prosecco in a tub of ice. 

I immediately liked Jacopo when he brought some delicious cookies to our first meeting and confessed that his fiancé should be credited for organizing our adventure's detailed layout. He was born and raised in Rome, loved his city, and was ready to share its wonders with travelers (which is precisely what I wished for since a previous tour of the city 23 years ago left me wanting to know more).

The Roman Catacombs, ancient burial places with elaborate tunnel systems that lie beneath the UNESCO-protected city, contain frescoes and sculptures as remarkable as their history.

Stunning outdoor gardens near the entrance to the tombs below.

After leaving the catacombs, we walked a two-mile hike along the well-preserved 2,000-year-old cobblestones of Rome's ancient Appian Way, which was initially constructed in the fourth century BC 

   and was the widest and longest road of its time. 

Views of The Imperial Residence of Massenzio (below)

After hiking, we went to an outdoor terrace for lunch. I went out on a limb and chose a pasta dish with sausage (an easy decision) and chicory (a new adventure). It was delicious and paired well with a large Perone beer. (Jack was batting a thousand so far when it came to choosing restaurants.)

Views of Trevi Fountain.

The Spanish Steps.