2019 Italy Tour (Day 1,2) KLIA to Rome

When in Rome, Do as the Romans Do - refers to the importance of adapting yourself to the customs of the people who are in a certain place or situation and behave like they do.
L-R Squatting: Ching Neng Bin, Lin Kang Liew, Chan Mei Leng, Ngo Kok Fei, Lee Lin Sin, Hu Chee Yip, Chiew Lin Lin
 
L-R Standing: Ching Jin Yuan, Catherine Oon, Ho Har Mooi, Wong Tai Meng, Dr Diong Ko Ing, Bong Shong Kian, Aloysius Allan, Pauline Toh, Dr Yasmin, Joyce Tan Chun Hong, Dr Nancy Vilmert, Lu Shue Yueher, Dr Lee Teck Ming, Tan Yoke Yin, Chen Ching Oun, Chiew Pang Tee, Lau Pik Ying

At Fontana di Piazza Castello at Piazza Castello, Milan, Italy


Ms Audrey Tow Siew Keng our tour manager from Golden Destinations.


Day 1 (09.4.2019) Depart 8.50pm Qatar QR849 KUL-DOH Hamad Int. Airport
Day 2 (10.4.2019) Depart 1.50pm Qatar QR115 DOH-FCO Leonardo daVinci Int. Airport Rome


The 8D5N Amazing Italy tour from 9th to 16th April 2019 by Golden Destinations was at RM5,188pp for the early birds. A 15hour flight with a transit stopover in Doha before arriving in Rome on day 2 morning at 7.01am. In Rome it was cold at 10C and raining all day. The bus picked us up at the airport and we visited: St. Peter's Square and Basilica, Circus Maximus, Arch of Constantine, Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vittoriano Monument (drive pass), Piazza Venezia (drive pass), Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps.

Inclusive of Italian lunch at Trattoria Pizzeria Caffe and Dinner at Città in Fiore, Via Cavour, 269, Roma
Accommodation at 4 star Hotel Green Park Madama Spa & Wellness, Strada Colle Rosa
Rome weather: Raining 8'C-18'C
Toilet fee everywhere is EUR1


The Sitiawan group getting ready for boarding Qatar Airways QR849 at KLIA.


Landing at Qatar Hamad International Airport.


Landed at Qatar Hamad International Airport for a 2.5 hour transit to Rome.


New art installation — Cosmos — set up at the Hamad International Airport, Qatar. Created by internationally acclaimed contemporary French artist Jean-Michel Othoniel.


Taking a rest and listening to a pianist playing at Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, Rome Italy.


At Leonardo da Vinci International Airport waiting for Dr Yasmin to report her damaged luggage.


St. Peter's Square, Vatican City, Rome. Vatican City is the world's smallest fully independent nation-state.


Father and son: Ching Neng Bin and Caason Ching Jin Yuan. St. Peter's Square is a large plaza located directly in front of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City, the papal enclave inside Rome. Both the square and the basilica are named after Saint Peter, an apostle of Jesus considered by some to be the first Pope.


In the center of the square stands an Egyptian obelisk, 25.5 meters tall - 41 meters (135ft) including the pedestal.




In the center of the square stands an Egyptian obelisk, 25.5 meters tall - 41 meters (135ft) including the pedestal.


St. Peter's Square is bordered on two sides by semi-circular colonnades which, according to Bernini, symbolize the stretched arms of the church embracing the world.


The colonnades were built in 1660 and consist of four rows of columns with in total 284 Doric columns and 88 pilasters. The columns are 20 meters high (66 ft) and 1.6 meters wide (5ft). 140 statues were installed on top of the colonnades, all created by Bernini and his students. They depict popes, martyrs, evangelists and other religious figures.


Unfortunately it was raining and we were not able to walk freely in the square.


The giant colonnades at St. Peter's Square.


The giant colonnades at St. Peter's Square.


Buildings beside St. Peter's Square, Vatican City.


Buildings beside St. Peter's Square, Vatican City.


Vatican City situated on the west bank of this Tiber River.


Beautiful buildings along Tiber River in Vatican City.


The Tiber is one of longest rivers in Italy. It is about 250 miles long and varies between 7 and 20 feet deep. It is the second longest river in Italy, after the Po.


Beautiful buildings along Tiber River in Vatican City.


Beautiful buildings in Vatican City.


Roma Termini main train station in Rome Lazio Italy.


Beautiful buildings in Vatican City.


Beautiful buildings in Vatican City.


The tour provided one Italian three-course lunch at Trattoria Pizzeria Cafe.


Ching Jin Yuan, Ching Neng Bin and Catherine Oon for lunch at Trattoria Pizzeria Cafe, Rome.


The tour provided one Italian three-course lunch at Trattoria Pizzeria Cafe.


The tour provided one Italian three-course lunch at Trattoria Pizzeria Cafe.


The tour provided one Italian three-course lunch at Trattoria Pizzeria Cafe.


Mr Lin Kang Liew and Ms Bong Shong Kian from Kuching. Ching Neng Bin sitting behind.


Mother and son: Catherine Oon Siew Ngoh and Ching Jin Yuan from Sitiawan.


Mother and son: Lee Lin Sin and Hu Chee Yip from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.


Rigatoni pasta with tomato sauce.


Main dish meat and chips followed by ice-cream.




Beautiful buildings in Vatican City.


The Colosseum or Coliseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheater, is an oval amphitheater in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy. Photo taken from Via Celio Vibenna road.


Built of travertine, tuff, and brick-faced concrete, it is the largest amphitheater ever built. Photo taken from Via Celio Vibenna road.


The Colosseum is situated just east of the Roman Forum. Photo taken from Via Celio Vibenna road.


The Palatine Hill is the centremost of the Seven Hills of Rome and is one of the most ancient parts of the city and has been called "the first nucleus of the Roman Empire.". It stands 40 metres above the Roman Forum, looking down upon it on one side, and upon the Circus Maximus on the other.


The Circus Maximus is an ancient Roman chariot-racing stadium and mass entertainment venue located in Rome, Italy. Situated in the valley between the Aventine and Palatine Hills, it was the first and largest stadium in ancient Rome and its later Empire. It measured 621 m (2,037 ft) in length and 118 m (387 ft) in width and could accommodate over 150,000 spectators.


The Circus Maximus is an ancient Roman chariot-racing stadium and mass entertainment venue located in Rome, Italy. It measured 621 m (2,037 ft) in length and 118 m (387 ft) in width and could accommodate over 150,000 spectators.


View of the Circus Maximus an ancient Roman chariot-racing stadium site. It measured 621 m (2,037 ft) in length and 118 m (387 ft) in width and could accommodate over 150,000 spectators. The site is now a public park.


View of the Circus Maximus an ancient Roman chariot-racing stadium site. In its fully developed form, it became the model for circuses throughout the Roman Empire.


Dr Yasmin and Dr Nancy Vilmert posing for a photo shoot. Along Via di San Gregorio Road.


Acqua Claudia, Via di San Gregorio, Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome, Italy. It is one of the oldest and most complete aqueducts that carried to Rome clean water; substantial differences with spectacular arches spanning several sections; a final section is still quite visible on via san Gregorio near the Colosseum.


The entrance to Horti Palatini on the Palatine Hill. Along Via di San Gregorio Road.


Walking towards the Colosseum on Via di San Gregorio Road. The Colosseum was built by Emperor Vespasian, founder of the Flavian dynasty for Titus his successor.


The Arch of Constantine is a triumphal arch in Rome, situated between the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill. It was erected by the Roman Senate to commemorate Constantine I's victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 CE. The arch is 21 m high, 25.9 m wide and 7.4 m deep.


The Arch of Constantine, erected in 315 CE, stands in Rome and commemorates Roman Emperor Constantine's victory over the Roman tyrant Maxentius on 28th October 312 CE at the battle of Milvian Bridge in Rome.


The Arch of Constantine is the largest surviving Roman triumphal arch and the last great monument of Imperial Rome.


Our local guide (in red) took us for a two hour tour of the Colosseum.




The exterior of the Colosseum, showing the partially intact outer wall (left) and the mostly intact inner wall (center and right).


The outer wall is estimated to have required over 100,000 cubic metres (3,531,467 cubic feet) of travertine stone which were set without mortar; they were held together by 300 tons of iron clamps. However, it has suffered extensive damage over the centuries, with large segments having collapsed following earthquakes.


One of 80 Colosseum entrances.


Our local guide in red, briefed us on the surviving part of the outer wall's monumental facade comprises three stories of superimposed arcades surmounted by a podium on which stands a tall attic, both of which are pierced by windows interspersed at regular intervals.


The arcade on the first floor of Colosseum and has over 80 entrances.


The arcade on the first floor of Colosseum.


Our local guide briefed us on the display of Colosseum broken pillars and decorations.


The roof carving of first floor Colosseum.


Display of Colosseum broken pillars.


Display of Colosseum broken pillars.


Display of Colosseum broken pillars.


The broken engage Corinthian Column. Pieces on display that were once decorations on walls, pillars or ceilings and the broken pieces have been marvelously preserved and cleaned.


The broken engage Corinthian Column. Pieces on display that were once decorations on walls, pillars or ceilings and the broken pieces have been marvelously preserved and cleaned.


Pieces on display that were once decorations on walls, pillars or ceilings and the broken pieces have been marvelously preserved and cleaned.


It is thought that over 500,000 people lost their lives and over a million wild animals were killed throughout the duration of the Colosseum hosted people vs. beast games.


The Colosseum arena, showing the hypogeum now filled with walls. The walls were added early in the Colosseum's existence when it was decided it would no longer be flooded and used for naval battles.


A panorama of the interior of the Colosseum in 2019. There were 36 trap doors in Arena allowing for elaborate special effects. Festivals as well as games could last up to 100 days in the Colosseum.


The Colosseum could hold between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators and was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Classical mythology.


The area beneath the Colosseum was called the Hypogeum (meaning underground). The hypogeum consisted of two-level subterranean network of tunnels and 32 animal pens. It had 80 vertical shafts which provided instant access to the arena for animals and scenery.


Display of broken ancient artifacts and plates at Colosseum.


The Smart cars that you can rent in Rome - City Centre, Italy. A new car cost about EUR 8,000.


The Smart cars that you can rent in Rome - City Centre, Italy. A new car cost about EUR 8,000.


Beautiful buildings along Tiber River in Vatican City.


Beautiful buildings along Tiber River in Vatican City.




Buildings at Largo Carlo Goldoni - In front of Fendi a tree appears with ruins falling out of the sky.


Beautiful buildings at Largo Carlo Goldoni.




Our local guide ends her tour here at Largo Carlo Goldoni and was led by our own tour manager, Ms Audrey Tow.


Along Via del Condotti road, Mr VA Allan at 84 was seen walking faster than all of us.


Along Via del Condotti road, walking towards Barcaccia Fountain, Rome.


Jimmy Choo shoe store along Via del Condotti in Rome. Datuk Jimmy Choo Yeang Keat from Penang is a Malaysian fashion designer based in the United Kingdom. He is best known for co-founding Jimmy Choo Ltd, which became known for its handmade women's shoes.


Barcaccia Fountain or “Fountain of the Old Boat.” This fountain was built as a monument to the great flood of the river Tiber in the Christmas of 1598. During that time, Rome was flooded in its entirety that the only possible way was to go about in boats. According to stories, a boat was left in the square when the flood water subsided. Hence, the inspiration for this work of art.


Piazza di Spagna at the bottom of the Spanish Steps, is one of the most famous squares in Rome (Italy). It owes its name to the Palazzo di Spagna, seat of the Embassy of Spain among the Holy See. Nearby is the famed Column of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.


The Column of the Immaculate Conception is a nineteenth-century monument in central Rome depicting the Blessed Virgin Mary, located in what is called Piazza Mignanelli, towards the south east extension of Piazza di Spagna.


On the base is also 4 bass reliefs that represent the Annunciation, St Joseph’s dream, the Coronation of Mary in heaven and the definition of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception.


The Prophet Ezechiel: “Porta haec clausa erit – This door will remain closed” (Ezech. 44:2).


Moses holds open the prophecy from the Book of Genesis: “Inimicitias ponam inter te et muliere – I will put enmities between thee and the woman” (Gen. 3:15).


King David: “Sanctificavit tabernaculum suum Altissimus – The Most High has sanctified His tabernacle” (Ps. 65:5).








Antica Gelateria Trevi Ice-cream Shop - good gelato from this little outlet near the Trevi Fountain. Happy, friendly service, lots of flavours to choose from and fantastic taste.


The Trevi Fountain is a fountain in the Trevi district in Rome, Italy, designed by Italian architect Nicola Salvi and completed by Giuseppe Pannini and several others. Standing 26.3 metres high and 49.15 metres wide, it is the largest Baroque fountain in the city and one of the most famous fountains in the world.


The fountain dates back to ancient Roman times, since the construction of the Aqua Virgo Aqueduct in 19 B.C. that provided water to the Roman baths and the fountains of central Rome. It’s said that the Aqua Virgo, or Virgin Waters, is named in honor of a young Roman girl who led thirsty soldiers to the source of the spring to drink.


When the fountain is open roughly €3,000 is thrown into it every day as people follow the tradition of throwing coins over their shoulders. The legend holds that a coin thrown into the fountain will ensure a return to Rome. This tradition also dates back to the ancient Romans who often threw coins in water to make the gods of water favor their journey or help them get back home safely. (Throw in a second coin if you’re seeking love – even a third for wedding bells!).

What many don’t know is that the coins are collected every night and given to an Italian charity called Caritas. Caritas, in turn, use the money for a supermarket program giving rechargeable cards to Rome’s needy to help them get groceries.


No trip to Rome is complete without a visit to the Fontana di Trevi, or Trevi Fountain. Located in the Quirinale district of Rome, the Trevi Fountain is known as one of the most stunning fountains in the world. But there’s a lot more than just beauty behind this famous fountain!


Dr Diong, Joyce Tan, Catherine Oon and Ching Neng Bin tossed coins into the Trevi Fountain, Rome.
Three Coins in the Fountain movie: Three hopeful American secretaries visiting Italy -- Maria, romance-seeking Anita and the more mature Frances -- fling their coins into Rome's Trevi Fountain, each making a wish. Soon, Maria is pursued by a dashing prince (Louis Jourdan), Anita finds herself involved with a forbidden coworker (Rossano Brazzi), and Frances receives a surprising proposal from her boss (Clifton Webb). All three women vow to one day return to Rome.


Tan Yoke Yin, Chen Ching Oun, Dr Lee Teck Ming and Ms Lu Shue Yueher at the Trevi Fountain, Rome.


At the Trevi Fountain, Quirinale district of Rome.


Mother and son: Catherine Oon Siew Ngoh and Ching Jin Yuan at the Trevi Fountain, Rome.


The Spanish Steps are a set of steps in Rome, Italy, climbing a steep slope between the Piazza di Spagna at the base and Piazza Trinità dei Monti, dominated by the Trinità dei Monti church at the top.


The Spanish steps were built in 1723-1725 by a design of the rather little known architect Francesco de Sanctis and were financed by French diplomat Étienne Gueffier’s bequeathed. It was built in order to link the the Trinità dei Monti church that was under the patronage of the king of France, with the Spanish square below. The long, triangular Spanish square is named after the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See. In the 17th century, the area around the embassy was even considered Spanish territory. The idea of connecting the church with the square below originates from the 17th century, when the French also planned a statue of King Louis XIV of France at the top of the staircase. This plan was never executed, due to the refusal of the Pope.The Spanish steps were built in 1723-1725 by a design of the rather little known architect Francesco de Sanctis and were financed by French diplomat Étienne Gueffier’s bequeathed. It was built in order to link the the Trinità dei Monti church that was under the patronage of the king of France, with the Spanish square below. The long, triangular Spanish square is named after the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See. In the 17th century, the area around the embassy was even considered Spanish territory. The idea of connecting the church with the square below originates from the 17th century, when the French also planned a statue of King Louis XIV of France at the top of the staircase. This plan was never executed, due to the refusal of the Pope.


Church of Trinità dei Monti - Built between 1502-and 1519, it was given Gothic elements to celebrate the great French Gothic cathedrals, especially notable in the pointed arch and the cross-vault ceilings. The twin bell towers give the church symmetry, one with a clock and the other a meridian.


The church of Trinità dei Monti is a Roman Catholic late Renaissance titular church in Rome, central Italy. It is best known for its commanding position above the Spanish Steps which lead down to the Piazza di Spagna.


Trinità dei Monti


The Nave inside Trinità dei Monti, Rome.


The High Altar inside Trinità dei Monti, Rome.


Art treasures in Church of Trinità dei Monti.


Trinità dei Monti - Deposition by German sculptor Wilhelm Achtermann depicting Mary embracing Jesus after being taken down from the cross.


Art treasures in Church of Trinità dei Monti.


Art treasures in Church of Trinità dei Monti.


Art treasures in Church of Trinità dei Monti.


Art treasures in Church of Trinità dei Monti.


Art treasures in Church of Trinità dei Monti.


The church Trinità dei Monti, is a Roman Catholic late Renaissance titular church in Rome, central Italy. It is best known for its commanding position above the Spanish Steps which lead down to the Piazza di Spagna.


The church Trinità dei Monti, is a Roman Catholic late Renaissance titular church in Rome, central Italy. It is best known for its commanding position above the Spanish Steps which lead down to the Piazza di Spagna.


On the streets of Rome, there are many orange trees with fruits, however, no body seems to collect it.


Dinner at Città in Fiore, Via Cavour, 269, 00184 Roma RM, Italy


Dinner at Città in Fiore, Via Cavour, 269, 00184 Roma RM, Italy


Accommodation at 4 star Hotel Green Park Madama Spa & Wellness, Strada Colle Rosa, Castel Madama, Italy


Accommodation at 4 star Hotel Green Park Madama Spa & Wellness, Strada Colle Rosa, Castel Madama, Italy


Accommodation at 4 star Hotel Green Park Madama Spa & Wellness, Strada Colle Rosa, Castel Madama, Italy

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Day 1 (09.4.2019) KLIA to Qatar Hamad Int. Airport

1 comment:

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