You go on vacation either to relax, for a holiday or event (usually family-related) or to go sightseeing. Most of us joke about needing a vacation to recover from vacation because- let’s face it: vacations are exhausting. I’ve found that no matter what type of vacation you have planned, it’s always important to allow for some down time. It’s good to take a breath, relax and let it all soak in.

Our last three big vacations have allowed us to see the world. We’ve experienced the Baltic region, Southeast Asia and now London and Italy. Having already explored two amazing cities, and barely reached the midpoint of this adventure– Michael and I were both ready for a little relaxation time.

What to do? Our suitcases had to be packed and ready for transport (early) leaving us about four hours before boarding the coach bus. From there, it would be about an hour to Cittavecchia, where we would meet our ship.

So what do you do with time to spare in one of the world’s most famous cities?

You go for a walk in the park.

Villa Borghese Gardens. After breakfast, Michael and I headed to Villa Borghese just to wander around. No rush, no set destination– just a relaxing walk on what was to be another beautiful day with perfect weather.

Who knew that we would spend our time, sitting on a bench, enjoying ducks swimming around the Temple of Aesculapius (built in 1786)?  Or, that we would find a replica of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre (2003)  hidden among the trees? Well, we did.

Here are some of the images I captured along the way:

Strolling through Villa Borghese Gardens.

The Temple of Aesculapius.

Statuary at the Temple of Aesculapius.

A peaceful scene at Temple of Aesculapius in Villa Borghese.

The Galleria Borghese.

Rome’s replica of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in Villa Borghese.

One of several beautiful fountains in Villa Borghese.

A morning stroll through Villa Borghese Gardens.

The Tempio di Annia Faustina e Cerere.

Mephistopheles and Faust – part of the Monument to Goethe by Gustav Eberlein.

Monument to Goethe by Gustav Eberlein.

Tempio di Diana in Villa Borghese.

Villa Borghese Gardens.

The view across the Piazza di Siena in Villa Borghese Gardens.

Leaving Rome. We walked through the streets after leaving the gardens, arriving back at the hotel with plenty of time before boarding the bus to Cittavecchia.

Standing guard at the American Embassy in Rome.

We found Bernini’s Triton Fountain in Piazza Barberini.

Upon arrival at the port, we were greeted by the ancient Cittavecchia fortress at the harbor. In just a matter of minutes, we were on board the Silver Seas ship, Silver Wind.

The fortress at the harbor of Cittavecchia.

Sailing on the Silver Wind. Since we weren’t technically leaving Italy, boarding was fast and simple and our luggage was to be delivered directly to our room. We got our keys and checked out the room before exploring the ship.

The Silver Wind is a small ship with a modest passenger capacity of  296 and a crew of 222. Silver Seas has paid great attention to detail, providing most of the amenities of a larger cruise ship. Pool, spa, gift shop, casino and four restaurants all beautifully provided.

Shortly after boarding, we ran into Lindsay Mendez (Wakefield) and her husband Philip– they remembered us from last year– and they had just enjoyed a beautiful honeymoon (pre-cruise) in Tuscany.

Our room on the Silver Wind.

Our Bathroom on the Silver Wind.

Once everyone was on board, we had the required muster drill, which was fast and painless. Our luggage didn’t reach our room until about that time; so afterwards, we quickly changed for the cocktail reception and dinner.

We were treated to a beautiful sunset shortly after sailing. It was difficult not to pause and enjoy it– with the flurry of excitement and meeting many new people that was all happening at the same time.

Our first Sunset on the Silver Wind, off the Italian Coast.

Luckily, George had made dinner reservations for the four of us at The Grill prior to the cruise. We enjoyed dining outside with the ‘Black Rock experience’– cooking our own choice of meat on preheated volcanic rock at our table. It was unique. Our meat cooked perfectly– but bibs were required! Lots of pops and sizzles on the hot stones.

Broadway On the High Seas. Our first concert of the cruise was a special treat: Andrea Burns, taking a break from her Broadway run in On Your Feet and traveling with her husband Peter and son, Hudson.

She is an incredible performer with great versatility and talent. Andrea Burns was in the original casts of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In the Heights and Jason Robert Brown’s Songs For a New World among many other theatre, film and television credits.

Andrea Burns with music director Seth Rudetsky in the background.

Andrea Burns pulling out all the stops.

The wonderfully versatile, Andrea Burns.

After the concert (and some unavoidable raving,) we said our goodnights and headed to our room for some much-needed sleep.