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Rome was quite the whirlwind of a tour.  Amazing ancient sites, beautiful fountains, art and architecture everywhere - but to get from one place to another - Mama Mia!!  The Coliseum is the most recognized and iconic structure of Rome and so fabled in countless movies - Ben Hur, Gladiator etc.  I love that you can see multiple levels at one time to appreciate the advanced technology and workmanship of the place.  You can almost hear the roar of lions they kept there, the clash of centurion swords and screams of poor victims.  The massive amphitheater held many thousands of  people, who we can imagine showing their thumbs up or down for the brutal shows. 

The Holy Roman Empire was so named because Rome was the epicenter of the Catholic Church.  The politics of Rome were inextricably entwined with the church, for better or worse.  The art of the eras were well-patronized by either the Church or the Emperor de Jour.  The Renaissance was flourishing with the work of Donatello, Brunelleschi, Michelangelo and other of import and funds were no issue.

The Vatican and St. Peter's Cathedral are the most visited and famous sites beyond the Coliseum - and must top the list of things to see for any tourist.  Your head will be spinning at the end of the day from seeing any of these sites - but for a good reason!!

Every inch of the Vatican was embellished to nth degree - even the inlaid stone on the floors (right image).  I was the last one in our group continuously because I was so enthralled with everything, and taking pictures!  We were allowed to view the Sistine Chapel in the Papal chapel for a finite amount of time - with a guard in there to keep people silent and from taking photos of any kind.  It was very revered and secured in order to preserve it.  I hate to say it, but the Sistine Chapel was almost a letdown after we'd gone through hallways like those above..... 

Even the inner courtyard and views out of the windows were exquisite - as well as the Swiss Guard with their colorful uniforms.  (I love their spats!!!!!!)

I was glad we got to see St. Peter's Basilica, even if it was a short visit with many other tourists.  Knowing the wall art was made of thousands of mosaic tiles, seeing Michelangelo's Pieta, Donatello's unusual but ethereal altar and the grand scale of every facet of this cathedral made me wide-eyed in disbelief.  My head hurt that night and my heart was pounding from the sensory overload!

I rated Rome lower because of the difficulty of getting around, and how crowded it was.  Of course there are better and worse times to see it, but it really hurt the experience.  I must say the grandeur was a little off-putting too, but have to admit it was impressive.  I would probably stay outside of the city if we were to go back, just because it seemed so crazy (and this is coming from a Jersey Girl!)

Hope you get to visit here one day too.  We were here from a cruise stop and one day from an Italian tour.  I don't think I would have enjoyed Rome without the guides we had - it is not as hospitable as other cities in which I've been.  Ciao for now!

Bev    

SO, did you agree with Barcelona or are you still a holdout for Paris?  If you've been to both, maybe you can chime in with your opinion too.

Having been to Paris as an art student 40 years ago and later with my husband on a tour, I've had the opportunity to see it with and without money, lol.  As a student, I saw the obvious incredible iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, The Arc de Triumph, Notre Dame Cathedral (before the fire),  the Louvre (sans Pyramid entry), the Jeu de Pomme (the former museum for the Impressionists - now the D'Orsay Museum),  and the Champs Elysees.  Highlights of that trip included meeting Sissey Spacek in the Jeu de Pomme, an evening organ recital in Notre Dame, and going to the top of the Eiffel Tower.  I was also there long enough to do day-trips cheaply to Versailles, Chartres Cathedral, and Chateau de Fontainebleau.  

With that background, the three days I had on our tour as an adult did not include most of the aforementioned sites.  You need lots of time and knowledge of the City to get to all of the above locations.  What we did see was, of course, amazing and memorable - but I still say Barcelona had easier ways to see more in less time.

For first-timers, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, The Louvre and L'arc de Triomphe should top your list.  There are several ways to see each of these, and hopefully you would get to see them at your leisure.  They are everyone else's top picks too.  Tip:  take the Isle De Cite evening boat ride around Notre Dame for a relaxing and beautiful view of the old city and cathedral at night.  Have dinner on the Champs Elysees in one of the outdoor street Bistros then walk to the Arc de Triumph.  You'll be treated to one of the best views of Paris at night and the Eiffel Tower's nightly light show.

Yes, Paris has the Louvre, which is a cavernous building with the need to have a guide, and the D'Orsay Gallery - my top of the list must-see for art lovers.  I'm still an Impressionist fan and will never get enough of the Masters here.  I bet you can name every artist or work in there too....  L' Orangerie is another top pick for a meditative view of Monet's Waterlilies in a 360 degree immersion gallery.   

Le Sacre Couer Cathedral is an underrated attraction that takes you to the seedier, more interesting part of Paris, Montmartre.  You have to take a cog railway to it's upper setting that overlooks Paris (or die first with the stair climb).  Up here are lots of people-watching opportunities - more of locals than tourists.  You'll also see the infamous Lido and Moulin Rouge night clubs - hangouts for Toulouse Latrec and other notable historic artists.  There are several pleasing walks with art sprinkled throughout.

The plethora of avenues in which to wander and enjoy are a delight in Paris too - but only if you know where to go.  It is overwhelming with tourists and some areas are not safe at all.  You MUST have a croissant while there to understand what a real one tastes like, and indulge in some patisseries.  You are, after all, in Paris!!

Lastly, you are cheating yourself if you don't stay long enough to do some of the day trips to Versailles (Bridgerton fans?) and Monet's Giverny, to name a few.  Paris is not a city I would do without a tour the first time - unlike Barcelona.  That's what tipped my scale from #1 to #2.  The waiters disdain for Americans is palpable, - especially if you don't order wine with your meal, so be prepared.  Look at it as an expectation, and have a secret competition for the surliest one!  Au Revoir and viva la France!