Rome Trip

After a delayed flight and most of our luggage being left behind at Heathrow, we finally arrived in Rome in time for a very late dinner and hotel check-in.

On Sunday morning, we were up bright and early and headed straight to the Vatican. Arriving before the crowds, we were able to climb the dome of St Peter’s Basilica and enjoy spectacular views across the city. As we descended, we were just in time to stand on the steps overlooking St Peter’s Square and hear the Pope deliver his blessing to the gathered crowds. We then returned inside the basilica to explore further before lunch.

In the afternoon, we visited Castel Sant’Angelo and then took a leisurely walk through Rome’s narrow streets, passing through Piazza Navona and stopping at a gelateria to sample some of its 150 flavours of ice cream. Back at the hotel, we were pleased to find that some of the missing luggage had finally arrived. Dinner that evening was at a local pizzeria, where students enjoyed bruschetta and a selection of popular pizzas.

On Monday morning, after a buffet breakfast, we set off early to visit the Colosseum. Despite the crowds, it gave a vivid sense of how busy it must have been during gladiatorial events. We continued on foot past the Roman Forum, the Vittorio Emmanuel Monument and the site of Julius Caesar’s assassination (now home to a cat sanctuary) before arriving at Campo de’ Fiori. Here, students explored the market, did some shopping and enjoyed lunch. The afternoon included a visit to the Pantheon, along with another opportunity to sample some delicious Italian ice cream.

Our final day included visits to the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain, followed by more shopping and a relaxed lunch. We made time for one last gelato before returning to the hotel to begin our journey home.

Throughout the trip, the students were outstanding ambassadors for the school. They conducted themselves with positivity, good humour and resilience - particularly impressive given that many were without their belongings for much of the visit and that the group walked nearly thirty miles overall. It was a pleasure to travel with such a wonderful group of young people.