Wow! Talk about a whirlwind first 48 hours in Rome!  We practically went directly down the plane jetway and up the steps to the top of the Dome of St. Peters Basilica.

But despite going for a solid 24hrs, everyone’s spirits were high on our first day and tour of the Vatican. The students got their first taste of Italian cuisine and earned a good first nights sleep in Roma.

The second day started with our first classes at Pontifica Universita Urbianiana, one of the most beautiful campuses in the world with spectacular views of the Vatican and Rome. Jill, our incredible tour guide, took us on a enjoyable and enlightening tour of the Roman Forum and Colosseum area with a stop at The Church of San Pietro in Vincoli (St. Peter’s in Chains) and the tomb of Julius II by Michelangelo.

And as is custom for our tours of Rome, we finished with an authentic gastronomic delight that becomes a highlight of our time here for many… GELATO!!! (pics of the gelato unavailable as it was gone too fast 😉