Bath, England: Ancient Rome’s Influence on the United Kingdom

14 January 20253 May 2025

Bath, England, was once an artists’ paradise where the likes of Jane Austen, the famous writer, made frequent visits as a child. Today, visitors from all over the world are drawn to the historical Roman baths, the beautiful Bath Abbey and the quaint pedestrian square lined with British restaurants and souvenir shops.

On our way to Bath, the countryside was dotted with farms and charming villages as well as picturesque cottages and lovingly tended gardens. Corner pubs seemed to have been plucked from a popular London crossroad and relocated to this rural scene.

The purpose of my trip to Bath was to explore the Roman Baths, the site of Aquae Sulis and the surrounding courtyard, that were built here in the 1^st century AD. Rome’s empire spanned as far as England at the height of its success and this therapeutic pool of water is what remains of Rome’s influence on this area.

Our big red bus dropped us off in the heart of Bath so we followed the crowds making their way to the Roman baths and took in the extraordinary charm of the town. The cobblestone roads and Georgian architecture reminded me of Jane Austen’s book about Bath’s high society in Northanger Abbey and her novel, Persuasion.

The sky had been threatening to rain all morning, but seemed to have held off for now. Our wait in line extended out the doors and around the corner near Bath Abbey and somehow I managed to bring up the end.

While standing in line, I noticed the square was surrounded by four story buildings with shops, restaurants and bakeries on the ground floor open for business. The Roman Baths Kitchen, Jack’s of Bath, tourist center to exchange money, the Cornish Bakery, the Edinburgh Woolen Mill, Hawkin’s Bazaar were well lit and provided a respite from the drizzling rain.

Bath Abbey stands behind me in the Abbey Church Yard in the heart of the city. The dark, carved wooden arched doors, gorgeous stained glass windows and yellow-hued Bath stone are highlights of the Gothic façade, while its crown jewel are the stone angels climbing up Jacob’s Ladder towards heaven. The church is dedicated to Saint Peter and Saint Paul and was formerly a Benedictine monastery founded in the 7^th century.

Our entry into the Roman Baths provided us access to the upper and lower levels of the museum. Following along the top floor of the complex, statues of Roman emperors and British governors lined up at intervals along the terrace overlooking the Great Bath. From this point of view, I clearly noticed the green water of the bath below and wondered if it was warm, as steam seemed to have been coming off of the pool. A doorway led into a dark room where well lit exhibits provided a timeline and explained how Rome transformed the Sacred Spring of Bath into England’s first spa.

The Sacred Spring not only fed into the baths, but was a collection pool for curses and offerings to the gods and goddesses. Metallic inscriptions on lead or pewter contained curses where locals would write the names of the suspects and blaspheme them for their wrongdoing, many times for theft or perjury. Offerings to the goddess included jewelry, personal belongings or even coins. Some of the currency dated back to the Republic when Augustus was Caesar of Rome.

The lower level leads to the Great Bath yet the complex extends beneath the square and streets of town. The water’s natural temperature is a steady 46 degrees Celsius. The pool’s depth is just over five feet and stairs lead down on each side. Tables and benches may have lined the sides of the pool where visitors could enjoy drinks and snacks.

Large pipes of water extended from the Great Bath on the east and west sides creating additional spa features to the complex. The baths were constructed where the patrons would begin with the hottest bath to the coldest. The hot plunge bath, known as the Caldarium, was heated by a system under the floor called the hypocaust. They were constructed of stacks of pilae (tiles) that allowed the heated air to circulate throughout the floors and surrounding walls. The Laconicum, similar to today’s sauna, was a small room with intense heat designed to induce sweating.

The final bathing experience was the cold bath which helped close the pores of the skin. The water would have come from outside of the baths, most likely a nearby cold water spring. The two columns were added in 1904 as additional support when electric trams were installed.

Adjacent to the Roman Baths was the Temple of Sulis Minerva, honoring the native Celtic goddess of the spa, who carried out the curses provided to her in the Sacred Spring. The temple, built in the classical style, had four large Corinthian columns that supported both the Temple Pediment and beautifully decorated frieze. The Temple Pediment, discovered in 1790, is one of the most fascinating relics of the temple. The detail in this piece of artwork is thought to have come from the area of Gaul in the first century AD.

An inscription that was found in the Temple of Minerva is dedicated to the goddess Sulis Minerva and may have been the podium that supported her statue. Identified as the Haruspex stone, it was committed to the temple by a Haruspex priest L. Marcius Memor, who had the power to provide consulting services and made important decisions for the temple.

Several tombstones and relics on display represent the kinds of people who lived and died near the Roman bath. Many came to Bath, from Europe, leaving their homes to find work here. One stone inscription was identified as the gravestone of Rusonia Aventina who passed away at the age of 58. She came to Bath from Metz, France.

Another fascinating find was the altar where the priests conducted animal sacrifices. Several altar stones and inscriptions were found at the Temple of Sulis Minerva. Discovered in 1965, two of the cornerstones remained in their original positions. The pedestal carvings depicted the Roman gods, such as Bacchus and Jupiter and were thought to have been painted.

The bronze head of Sulis Minerva is one of the rarest objects from Roman Britain as there were only two other fragments of its kind. Discovered in 1727, it is said that it was most likely from the statue of Sulis Minerva that stood in the temple. Dating back to the first century, there are several layers of bronze gilding applied at various stages over time.

Shortly after the discovery of the first century Roman Baths, John Woods and his son revived the town of Bath into a spa resort once again in the 18^th century. They added to the landscape by building The Royal Crescent’s thirty townhomes were decorated with beautiful Ionic columns and Palladian molding. Today it is a museum and houses the Royal Crescent Hotel.

The charm of this town is in its Gregorian architecture and the pedestrian square and it is just as I had imagined it would be, thanks to the writings of Jane Austen.

Have you had the opportunity to visit the charming English town of Bath? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my excursion to Bath from London and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Roman Baths, Bath
Abbey Church Yard
Bath, BA1 1LZ
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 1225 477785

Admission Fee: £16.50 for adults (18 – 59); £10.25 for children ages 6 -16; children five and under are free; Seniors (65+) are £14.50
Hours: January to February: Open from 9:30AM to 5PM; March 1 – April 18: Open from 9AM to 5PM; April 19 – April 22: Open from 9AM to 7PM; April 23 – June 20: Open from 9AM to 5PM; June 21 – August 31: Open from 9AM to 9PM; Open September – October: 9AM to 5PM; November to December: Open 9:30AM to 5PM
Amenities: local guides, museum, restrooms, audioguides, WiFi throughout the site
Scenic View: Upstairs there are stunning views of the baths below.
Length of Visit: 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes for walking. No re-entry is provided. Photographs are permitted. There is no bathing at the baths.

Where to Stay:

The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
16 Royal Crescent
Bath, BA1 2LS
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 1225 823333

Where to Eat:

Sotto Sotto
10 North Parade
Bath, BA2 4AL
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 1225 330236

What to Eat:

Fish and Chips – fried fish and French fries
Sunday Roast with Yorkshire Pudding – usually eaten from noon to five on Sundays
Full English Breakfast – includes eggs, sausages, potatoes, mushrooms, blood pudding, tomatoes and toast
Pie and Mash – typically a simple steak and kidney pie or pork pies, this is a classic British comfort food served with mashed potatoes and gravy
Bangers and Mash – which is sausage served with mashed potatoes and gravy
Cockles – a small type of clam
Eton Mess – a dessert made of merengue, cream and strawberries
Sticky Toffee Pudding – a moist sponge cake baked with dates or raisins and smothered in toffee sauce served with custard or ice cream
Afternoon tea – with teacakes, scones, jam and clotted cream as well as champagne and tea
Beef Wellington – filet steak covered with pate and wrapped in puff pastry

What to Read:

Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen
Bath Tangle, by Georgette Heyer
Persuasion, by Jane Austen

Photo Guide to Bath:

The Roman Baths
The Town of Bath

The Roman Baths of Bath, England

Funerary Statue at Bath, EnglandAncient Coins found in the Roman Baths of Bath, England

Exploring World Civilizations at the British Museum

17 December 20243 May 2025

I was overwhelmed with excitement as I entered each of the rooms at the British Museum. I have never before seen so much history represented in one place. Unprepared for the amazing relics and archaeological objects spanning thousands of years, I was excited for the opportunity to glimpse into the lives and cultures of so many ancient civilizations. Established in 1753, the British Museum is the oldest public museum in the world and in my opinion, one of the most fascinating.

Credited as the first “archeologist”, Roman Queen Helena’s pilgrimage to the Holy Land in the 4^th century AD was focused on preserving the sites and relics relating to biblical accounts of the life of Jesus Christ. It was her desire to protect the Christian items and locations so that others could visit them in the future.

Today, museums such as the British Museum, house spectacular finds through archaeological digs and private collections that span thousands, even millions of years. Covering the rise and fall of some of the most powerful civilizations such as Egypt, Assyria, Greece and Rome, these insights explain their religious, political and societal beliefs. From artwork to architecture and skeletons to sarcophagus, visitors have the ability to understand how these societies evolved over many generations.

Ancient Egypt:

The mummies are one of the most popular exhibits among visitors and are located in rooms 61 – 66 upstairs. On display are some of the various instruments used by embalmers to preserve the bodies before they were entombed. This floor also houses Coptic art, fancy jewelry and one of my favorite statues, the bronze cat with the gold nose ring.

Entering through the main entrance and arriving into the Grand Court, the Egyptian Exhibit is located to the left of the Reading Room in Room 3. Displays of large, colossal statues and Egyptian sculptures dominate the space dating from 3000 BC. One of the most historically significant finds in all of ancient history is the Rosetta Stone.

One of the most visited objects in the British Museum, along with the mummies, is the Rosetta Stone. Unearthed in the Egyptian desert in 1799, the Stone was used by Francois Champollion, a French scholar, to decipher Egyptian hieroglyphics. This black slab of rock included three inscriptions in three different languages (Classical Greek and the two forms of ancient Egyptian) which assisted in the decoding of the Egyptian pictographs. Their biggest breakthrough was when it was discovered that the name of ruler Ptolemy V appeared on the sixth line of the stone. The Rosetta Stone dates back to 196 BC, made in honor of the coronation of Ptolemy. Large stones, such as this one, would have been displayed in temples all across Egypt and there are another seventeen quite similar that have since been discovered.

Not far from the Rosetta Stone (about 20 steps), is the Limestone False Door and Architrave of Ptahshepses dating back to 2400 BC. The door as well as the lintel are inscribed with hieroglyphics which tell the life story of a man named Ptahshepses. False doors were similar to our grave markings today, yet they were used as a ceremonial entrance into the room in which the mummified deceased was buried with his belongings. The purpose of the door was to allow the soul to come and go as it pleased but also used to keep out grave robbers from removing the earthly possessions of the dead.

Towering over the Ancient Egypt complex on the main floor, I easily spotted the Colossal Statue of Ramesses II in the distance. Ramesses took the throne in 1279 BC and reigned for 66 years. Known for his building accomplishments erecting temples, tombs, palaces and a large number of statues of himself, it is debated that he may have been the King of Egypt during the Exodus of Moses.

Weighing in at twenty tons, the full size sculpture stood 8 – 9 feet high. It was the largest Egyptian sculptures the British had ever seen and only the upper half of Ramesses statue is displayed at the British Museum. The statue dates back to approximately 1250 BC and was found in the Ramesseum, the pharaoh’s mortuary temple in Thebes. This memorial complex was built so that Ramesses could be worshiped as a god for many years after his death.

Exiting the Egyptian Room through the door facing the back of the Ramesses statue, there is a set of stairs that leads up to the mummies, coffins and one of the most fascinating displays I had ever seen, the human remains of the Gebelein Man (nicknamed Ginger due to a tuft of reddish hair) a naturally preserved body.

The body was discovered in 1856 in the desert of Egypt in a grave covered by stones. A combination of elements contributed to the preservation of the human tissue to include the hot sand naturally dehydrating and protecting the body and the additional layer of grave stones may have kept animals away. Scientists estimate Ginger to have died 5400 years ago, long before the pyramids were erected. He was found buried with bowls, beads and a flint blade next to his arm.

New technology has brought additional information to light about the death of Ginger. With digital imagery, it was determined that Ginger was “certainly murdered” and “his injuries suggest he was the victim of a deliberate, violent killing….consistent with a stab wound”. Additional information states that he was between the ages of 18 and 21 and was “stabbed by a blade of copper or flint at least five inches long.”

Ancient Assyria

Assyria, known today as modern-day Iraq, was a power-house civilization of the Middle East. Making their way as conquerors and traders, this Semitic culture expanded their dominion in a fierce ruthless manner terrorizing their neighbors from 900 – 600 BC. Some of the most beautiful artwork comes from the Assyrians on display at the British Museum.

Backtracking back to the Rosetta Stone in the Egyptian Gallery in Room 6, there are Two Winged Lions with Human Heads dating back to 870 BC. Found guarding the Assyrian palace of Ashurnasirpal II at Nimrud was called the Lamassu, the god of protection which defended the king from evil spirits. What makes this statue interesting is that it has 5 legs. The small marks between the loins of the Lamassu is cuneiform writing.

Passing through the Two Winged Lion entrance, turn right into Room 7, a narrow red hallway leading into a room with brown stoned panels. The beautifully detailed reliefs would have been painted and varnished, displayed in the throne room of Ashurnasirpal II’s palace. These intricately carved panels tell the story of Ashurnasirpal’s victories and hail him as the greatest king of the world.

Known to be ruthless in battle, the Assyrians carried their brutality into their leisurely activities as depicted in a set of reliefs in Room 10 labeled the Royal Lion Hunt. The impressive artwork depicts the horses and dogs preparing for the hunt while lions await unknowingly until the lions are killed by arrows. Lion hunts were the sport of kings and when wild lions were not available, staged hunts were arranged with animals bred for the fight. One of the reliefs shows King Ashurbanipal riding in a chariot participating in the hunt. Soon after the king’s death, the civilization of Assyria is overthrown by the Babylonians in 613 BC.

In Room 55, an extraordinary artifact is on display. Dating between 1500 – 500 BC it is identified as the “Flood Tablet”, which was found in King Ashurbanipal’s library. While many people are familiar with the story of Noah and the Great Flood, according to this writing, a similar story to the biblical account is referred to as the “Epic of Gilgamesh”. The gods planned to destroy the world with a flood, so Ut-napshti built a large boat to save his family and every type of animal. Of course the finding of this documentation in the late 1800’s caused quite a scandal due to the similarity between the Gilgamesh and Noah accounts.

Ancient Greece:

Visiting Greece last summer, a trip to the Acropolis was one of the highlights of my travels. I remember standing at the bottom stair leading up towards the Propylaea. This Panathenaic Way led to the Parthenon, the temple dedicated to Athena, the goddess of wisdom and victory. Inside, there once stood a colossal statue of her likeness made of gold and ivory, while the exterior was just as extravagant, with columns and colorful relief carvings.

Today, the ninety-two reliefs, known as the Elgin Marbles, are on display at the British Museum. These metopes, carved out of stone, depict war and battle scenes in elaborate detail. Some of them represent mythological conflict, while others portray actual battles. While many visitors stroll the exhibit to view the fifth century artwork, many are also intrigued by the political controversy that surrounds the display…should these ancient artifacts stay in London or should they be returned to Greece?

Ancient Rome:

The Romans embraced many gods from various cultures and celebrated an assortment of beliefs. From Persia, they adopted the worship of Mithras, or Mithraism which involved a number of initiations and rituals. The Mysteries of Mithras lasted in Rome between the first and fourth centuries so there is limited knowledge about the religion. It was so secretive that there were underground temples. What remains of this faith are several marble sculptures portraying the god Mithras, including the Statue of Mithras on display at the British Museum.

Dating somewhere around the 2^nd century, the beautifully carved stone shows Mithras performing the ritual slaughtering of a bull. Wearing a Phyrgian cap and trousers, his attire depicts the fashion of the east. The bull’s blood was said to have had cleansing properties, which would explain the dog and snake licking the blood, while the scorpion is shown attacking the bull’s testicles.

The detail of this sculpture, the flowing skirt and cape, and the folds in the shirt are exquisite. The sculptor is unknown, but it is one of the most fascinating pieces of Roman art in the museum.

The British Museum collection includes additional artifacts from other cultures around the world. For example, the North American Otter Pipe, found in Ohio dates back to 200 BC – AD 100 or the Shang bronzes from 15=00 BC. There are modern plaques from Africa, Mayan statues, and the Lewis Chessman found on an Isle in Scotland. Even the Great Court and Reading Room are both impressive and historical.

Have you had the opportunity to visit the British Museum? What was your most fascinating memory of your visit? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Want to know where to go, eat and stay in London? Check out more of my recommendations below for a magical experience in London! Many thanks for exploring the British Museum through my post and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The British Museum
Great Russell Street
Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3DG, UK
Telephone: +44 20 7323 8000

Admission Fee: There is no fee for visiting the British Museum
Hours: Open daily from 10AM to 5:30PM and open until 8:30PM on Fridays
Amenities: scheduled tours, audio guides are provided in 10 languages, special exhibitions, restaurant, cafes, shops
Scenic View: Photograph the glass ceiling of the round reading room designed by Sidney Smirke
Length of Visit: At least 2 – 3 hours to see the highlights
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes for walking, pick up a map of the venue for planning your visit.

Where to Stay:

The Montague on the Gardens
15 Montague Street
London WC1B 5BJ, UK
Telephone: +44 20 7637 1001

Where to Eat:

Afternoon Tea at The Montague on the Gardens
15 Montague Street
London WC1B 5BJ, UK
Telephone: +44 20 7612 8416

On my first visit, I happened upon the Safari Themed afternoon tea which included an African-themed menu. I enjoyed a selection of finger sandwiches of African-spiced chicken and apricot, scones baked fresh with Devonshire clotted creme, a giraffe macaron with toasted coconut mouse, banana meringue and a wide variety of teas to include traditional, flavored, aromatic, fruit and green teas. I couldn’t pass up the Leopard Cocktail made with Amarula cream liquor, decorated with leopard spots and a paw print.

On Sunday, I returned for the Free Flowing Champagne garnished with fresh strawberries. From 2 to 6, I could enjoy as much champagne as my heart desired along with a wonderful selection of scones, pastries, sandwiches and cakes.

What to Eat:

Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon in Piccadilly
Bangers and Mash at Mother Mash in Soho
Beef Welington at Simpsons on the Strand
Cockles, a type of clam, are best tried at Borough Market
Crumpets, similar to English Muffins should be ordered at Ask for Janice in Farringdon
Eton Mess is an amazing British dessert made of crushed meringue, cream ans strawberries at the National Cafe at the National Gallery
Fish & Chips at Poppies Camden in London
Full English Breakfast, which also includes blood pudding (a blood sausage) at The Ivy
Pie and Mash at the Windmill Mayfair
Pimm’s Cup, a gin-based drink made with ginger ale or lemon lime soda, fruit and mint is the official drink of Wimbledon and is best ordered at Lido Cafe Bar in Hyde Park
Scones at Gail’s Bakery
Scotch Egg is a dish that includes a hard boiled egg wrpeed in sausage meet, breaded and then fried; Try this at Fortnum & Mason’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon in Piccadilly
Shepard’s Pie is on the menu at The Ivy Restaurant
Sticky Toffee Pudding at the Queens Arms in Kensington
Sunday Roast with Yorkshire Pudding in Nottinghill at The Windsor Castle
Toad in the Hole, a pastry filled with sausage at Bistro Union
Victoria Sponge is a vanilla sponge cake filled with jam and whipped cream at the Wallace Collection Museum

What to Read:

A Parcel for Anna Browne by Miranda Dickinson
A Week in December by Sebastian Faulks
Absolute Beginners by Colin MacInnes
Act Like It by Lucy Parker
Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding
London: The Novel by Edward Rutherford
My Best Friend’s Girl by Dorothy Kroomson
Oliver Twist, by Charles Dickens
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle

Photo Guide to London:

The Lobby of the British Museum
Covent Garden Market
St. Paul Cathedral from the Restaurant Madison at One New Change, Millenium Bridge or Paternoster Square
Summerset House, especially during the Christmas holiday
The houses of Notting Hill
The architecture of Pancras Renaissance Hotel
Saturday market at Portobello
For amazing views, photos from the Coppa Club, close to Tower Bridge
The lovely pink cafe in London, Peggy Porschen
Panorama of London from Sky Garden Rooftop
Street art in Shoreditch
Leadenhall Market looks like Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley
South Bank for photos of the Thames
Panoramic Views of London from the London Eye
Saint Aymes Cafe for lovely feminine photos

Three Money-Saving Tips for Booking a European Cruise

23 July 201918 September 2024

Update on December 2020: Pullmantur Cruise Lines was heavily affected by COVID-19. They are partnering with Royal Caribbean to reorganize the company but currently not offering cruise vacations.

A great way to experience the Mediterranean coast is by booking a cruise. With so many cruise lines providing itineraries of The Med, I have provided some tips that should help point you in the right direction. So don’t delay and and book your next unforgettable vacation.

Tip #1: Try a wholesale online cruise provider. My go-to website for inexpensive cruises is vacationstogo.com. My favorite part of this site is the 90-Day Ticker for last minute cruises at a discounted rate. Just select the information provided under “Find a Bargain” to assist you in locating the type of cruise that suits you. Once you have entered the appropriate data, the site will list the cruises that meet your criteria. To sign up for this service, all that is required is your email address and then you will have a variety of cruises at your disposal.

Have you heard of Pullmantur, Fred Olsen or Costa cruise lines? These are just a few of the international companies that offer fabulous cruise itineraries with headquarters located in Europe. Which brings me to…

Tip #2: Don’t limit yourself to US-based cruise ships!

I was able to save a significant amount of money on a European cruise from a company based in Barcelona. The catch? Well, the primary language of the ship was Spanish, but all announcements are then followed up in English. So bring out your adventurous side and practice your Spanish skills. Another bonus for booking with an international-based company is that beer, wine and mixed drinks may be included in the price of your cruise which also means no extra surprises when settling your bar bill.

So you have found the perfect itinerary. You love all of the ports of call, but you really wish you could spend more time in one port versus another. No problem!

Tip #3: Did you know that you may be able to board the ship in another city or country other than the primary embarkation location? I recently cruised aboard the Pullmantur Sovereign with an itinerary that originated in Barcelona, but since I had already spent time here, I really wanted to spend more time in Rome. So, on the day of embarkation, I was surprised to learn that I was only 1 of 100 that boarded the ship that day….no lines and no waiting. I would highly recommend checking this out.

Booking a cruise through the Mediterranean can leave you wondering where to start, but using a tip or two provided here may relieve some of your stress. I have recently written a couple of posts about my first time trip to Rome, so check it out. I have also covered the remaining ship’s itinerary in posts which include the ports of Barcelona, Livorno (tour to Pisa and Lucca), Naples (the Amalfi Coast), and Villafranche (Monaco and Monte Carlo)!

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Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas

19 February 201921 September 2024

The colossal palace complex of Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas represents the opulence and luxury that only the Romans could have envisioned. Adorned with Romanesque statues and artwork, this fine resort could have easily been a summer home for the rulers of Rome, one of the world’s greatest empires. The mega-resort first opened in the 1960s with its over-the-top reconstruction of the European city’s most memorable monuments, statues and fountains.

The Trevi Fountain outside of the Forum Shops

Caesar’s Palace would not adequately represent Rome without its Colosseum offering entertainment from such acts as singers Celine Dion and Elton John as well as comedian headliner Jerry Seinfeld. The high-tech version of Rome’s ancient arena seats 41,000 with state of the art lighting systems and sound. While some may not be able to afford the venue’s entertainment, there are a group of animatronic statues that provide free hourly shows called the Fall of Atlantis & Festival Fountain Show.

The main dining attractions of Caesar’s Palace include three star Michelin chef, Guy Savoy’s restaurant, Gordon Ramsay’s Hell Kitchen (opened January 2018) and Pronto by Giada (opened early 2018). In addition to its dining and nightlife, it is no surprise that the Forum Shops are also a major attraction within the casino hotel.

Shopping at Caesar’s Palace

The most dramatic entrance into the Forum Shops is through The Strip. Gargantuan statues and a grand staircase welcome the shopping goddess to over 160 boutique shops to include expensive designers such as Fendi and Armani as well as specialty boutiques and a three story H&M.

Caesar’s Palace Fountains

After a day of shopping, a girl’s best friend is the Qua Baths and Spa. In addition to its spa services, a $25 day pass at the Roman Baths includes the opportunity to feel the heat in the cedar sauna or enjoy the cold of the arctic room.

Late into the night, the resort’s OMNIA nightclub, Pure, is known for its patio providing a view of the strip as well as its DJs spinning the latest chartbusters. Alternatively, for a laid-back atmosphere, drinks at the Spanish Steps are a must.

What is your favorite Las Vegas hotel and why? I would love to hear about your experiences in Las Vegas, especially if you stayed at the luxurious Caesar’s Palace, so leave a message in the Comment section below! Happy Travels!

Caesar’s Palace is located at 3570 Las Vegas Boulevard South. For more information about the resort, you can contact their website at www.caesarspalace.com.

Replica of the Trevi Fountain in Rome

Fall of Atlantis & Festival Fountain Show

Aquarium with Fish Swimming among Roman Ruins

Mosaic Like Artwork Depicting Roman Chariot Racing

Romanesque Statues

Replica of the Parthenon of Rome

Replica of one of Rome’s Famous Fountains

Beautiful Fountains of Caesar’s Palace

Exploring Venice in Vegas at the Venetian

29 January 201921 September 2024

Italy is well represented in Las Vegas with its themed hotels. You have Caesar’s Palace from Rome, the Bellagio from The Lakes Region and the Venetian from none other than the beautiful city of Venice. It’s only obvious that Venice would come to Vegas with its history of hosting the first casino. And you can’t forget about Venice’s past reputation for secrets and scandals.

We could not believe the view from our suite with a full size view of the glittering Trump Tower. The gorgeous staterooms decorated in leather and cherry were comfortable and expansive and I would have been happy to have stayed in and ordered their decadent room service.

The Venetian Hotel replaced the Sands which was made famous by the Rat Pack and the filming of the movie “Ocean’s Eleven”. After it was imploded in the mid-1990’s, the area was ready for a new hotel in town! In came the Venetian and a bit of Venice was brought to Vegas! With a stroll over the Rialto, a view of the Campanile (Bell Tower) from the Doge’s Palace and of course, the canals that provide gondola rides. As you stroll through the Palazzo, you will continue to catch glimpses of other Venetian attractions such as the clock tower that have a strong resemblance to Italy’s Venice.

But it’s the Palazzo that is the main attraction as the canals meander through the shopping area. Bridges cross over throughout the galleria and provide a network for the gondolas to pass under as lover’s kiss in hopes of good luck in their relationship. Such a romantic tradition! So as you watch the gondolas or decide to float along the canals for yourself, the setting will help you feel like you are truly in the city of Venice.

So what about all of the celebrity sighting you hear about in Las Vegas? If you came here looking for stars, search no further than the Venetian as this venue hosts the famous London-based wax museum, Madame Tussaud’s. Whether it’s sports, television or music, you can see today’s superstars such as Miley Cyrus, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Tiger Woods and George Clooney all waxed up and looking real. It will feel like going to an A-list party!

You may need to take a break from all of that celebrity action and re-energize at one of the restaurants at the Venetian. Make your way over to the Taqueria Canonita and enjoy a taste of Mexican Soul Food. And if you happen on Happy Hour (3PM to 6PM and later starting at 9PM to close), you may want to order a $5 margarita. There is plenty of seating, but if you want to relax along the canal and watch the gondoliers cautiously paddle their passengers through the waterways, the restaurant recommends that you book a table in advance.

SUSHISAMBA is a colorful restaurant that provides a unique dining experience, with an eclectic assortment of dishes and a generous happy hour of $6 caipirinhas which starts at 4PM to 7PM from Sunday to Friday. Choose from exotic sushi rolls, sushi or other exclusive fish made with a Peruvian, Brazilian flare. My favorite dishes are the Yellowtail Sashimi Ceviche and the Miso-Marinated Chilean Sea Bass, Roasted Organic Vegetables and Oshinko! And of course I cannot break myself away from ordering the Classic Mojito!

There is a wide, diverse selection of restaurants that are located near or within the Venetian. On Restaurant Row, one can find Aquaknox (Seafood), B&B Ristorante (Italian), Cafe Presse (Coffee and Pastries), db Brasserie (French), Delmonico Steakhouse (Steak) and Public House (Gastropub).

Restaurants are also located at the Grand Canal Shoppes for a scenic view of the gondolas. These eateries include Buddy V’s for American-Italian cuisine, Canaletto for Italian, Carlo’s Bakery, Casanova for Mediterranean, Grimaldi’s for NY-style pizza, i (heart) burgers, Mercato della Pescheria for Italian Seafood, French restaurant Paris Baguette, Table 10 (New American), Tintoretto Restaurant & Bakery, Trattoria Reggiano and Zeffrino for Italian Seafood.

After spending the afternoon at the Canyon Ranch SpaClub, check out Canyon Ranch Cafe or Canyon Ranch Grill. Or if you are having a difficult time breaking away from the casino, there are several options available here as well, such as CUT (Modern American), Hong Kong Cafe (Asian), and JuiceFarm (Organic)

The Food Court is another option for fast, quick culinary offerings or B&B Burger and Beer, Lagasse’s Stadium (American), Noodles Asia, OTTO Enoteca Pizzeria, and Rockhouse (American) while more upscale dining locations include Carnevino (Steak), Grand Lux Cafe (Global Cuisine) with two locations in the Venetian and the Palazzo, LAVO (Italian), Morels French Steakhouse & Bistro. TAO Asian Bistro and Yardbird Southern Table & Bar. The Venezia Tower includes French Restaurant Bouchon on the 10th floor.

Poolside one can order from two of Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant’s such as Riva at the Venetian Pool Deck and Solaro at the Palazzo Pool.

There is an exorbitant number of night clubs, bars and lounges in Las Vegas, so should one choose to stay within the properties of the Venetian, there are certainly a great number of options, some which are open 24 hours such as Bellini Bar and Fusion Latin Mixology Bar. Double Helix Wine Bar, Laguna Champagne Bar, LAVO Restaurant Lounge, Rockhouse, and The Lounge at SUSHISAMBA have set hours of operation as well as the TAO NightClub and LAVO Casino Club.

With Venice, all the world is a stage as you cross the Rialto or glimpse through the architecture of the Doge’s Palace, you never know where it may take you. So keep your eyes wide open and you may even catch a glimpse of your Cassanova.

What has been your experience visiting The Venetian in Venice? I would love to hear about your trip to Las Vegas if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section. List your favorite restaurants, hotels, casinos and more! Many thanks for reading about my visit to The Venetian and wishing you many Happy Travels!

Cruising the Pullmantur Sovereign- COMPANY CLOSED

9 February 201616 March 2025

UPDATE: During the COVID Pandemic, Pullmantur announced liquidation of the company. As of November 2020, the company stated that it would be up and running again by the end of 2021.

Having come off of a whirlwind two-day visit to Rome, I boarded the Pullmantur Sovereign for a seven day cruise through the Mediterranean. The spectacular itinerary included some of the most beautiful sites the Med coast has to offer. With a full week of excursions, I could just sit back, relax and enjoy the cruise.

Pullmantur is a cruise line based out of Spain and is very popular with the Europeans. The primary language on board is Spanish, but announcements are followed up in English. This piqued my interest along with the fact that alcoholic beverages are included in the price of the cruise. I had learned about the company while searching for a cruise on the Vacations to Go website and booked it immediately.

So why did I choose Pullmantur? First there was the itinerary of course, but having checked the cost of cruises in the Mediterranean, I found this to be quite economical at US $349 for 7 days (not including port fees and taxes). AMAZING! In addition, the price for my roundtrip ticket to Rome was only $850 so I could not pass up the opportunity and knew that I was going to have the time of my life.

Travel Tip: I took this cruise in late September, which is considered off-season. The weather is still quite warm and the children have all gone back to school by this time.

My journey began in Rome where I had a couple of days to wander the ancient ruins, historical museums and religious places of worship. It was my first time in The Eternal City, so to be honest, I was slightly overwhelmed. I had booked the hop on, hop off bus because I knew it would be an economical way to explore the sites costing me only $50. The bus route listed a number of stops where the main attractions were within a couple of blocks. I was able to step off of the bus for an hour or two, return back to the drop off location and reboard at my convenience.

The day of my cruise had arrived and I had hired a car to take me to Civitivecchia, which lasted approximately 45 minutes. Upon arrival at the port, I was pleasantly surprised that there were no long check-in lines. Within minutes, I had passed through security, boarded the ship and dropped off my luggage in my room. When I inquired how the process of embarkation could be completed so quickly, I learned that Barcelona was the originating port. Rome had less than 100 passengers boarding on that day and I was excited to start my adventure.

To learn more about my adventures in Rome, check out my following blog posts!

Visiting Rome – Day 1
My First Trip to Rome – Day 2
St. Peter’s Basilica
St Peter’s Square
The Roman Forum
Palatine Hill
Capitoline Hill
From Piazza Popolo to the Spanish Steps

Next stop Livorno!

Livorno is a port town located in the northern region of Italy. It is the perfect location for day trips to Florence, Tuscany and the colorful villages along the coast like Portofino. There are several tours that operate from the ship and I selected the Pisa and Tuscan Wines tour. If I had the opportunity to cruise this ship again, I would definitely choose the Coast of Cinque Terre and Porvenere! There were so many great options! To hear about my exciting day in Pisa and Lucca, check out my following blog posts for some great information about these two spectacular locations!

Pisa and Its Leaning Tower
An Afternoon Wine Tasting in Tuscany

Additional excursions from the ship:

Florence and Pisa: This excursion includes a guided tour of the Renaissance city of Florence with stops that include the Cathedral of Santa Maria dei Fiori, the Ponte Vecchio bridge and Piazza della Signora. The next stop on the tour is Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower and to roam the Piazza dei Miracoli. The cost per adult is 85 Euros.
The Best of Florence begins in the historic center with views of the Piazza da Santa Croce and the Ponte Vecchio. Visit the Uffizi Gallery with some of the world’s most famous art by renowned Renaissance artists such as Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo.
Lucca the Fortress City: Explore the wonderful city of Lucca that dates back to the Roman period of 180 BC. The guided tour includes a visit to the Old Quarter, San Michele de Foro, the Guinigi family tower, a Roman amphitheater and the Cathedral of San Martino. The cost for this tour is 38 Euros.
The Coast of Cinque Terre & Portvenere: For 77 Euros per person, a bus will take visitors to Manarola, which is the oldest of the Cinque Terre villages. Take a tour of the area and then a boat ride to Vernazza. From here, catch the ferry to Monterosso where lunch will be served with time to explore the town and shop. Another scenic boat ride will take passengers to Portovenere until returning back to the ship in Livorno.
Italian Pasta Experience: The coach will take you to Lucca where a tour guide will give you an overview of the beautifully walled city. See the narrow streets while visiting the churches of San Frediano and San Michele. There will be plenty of time to wander before visiting Pisa. Learn how to make pasta and of course, there will be plenty to sample. The cost for this tour is 188 Euros per person.
Florence and Wine Tasting in a Tuscan Castle: Take a 90 minute bus tour through Renaissance Florence before arriving at the Piazza della Santa Croce. Here there will be an opportunity to see street performers and shop among the traditional craft shops in the village. After a 45 minute ride, arrive in Greve at one of the main castles where a traditional Tuscan lunch will be served, and of course plenty of wine.

Our next stop on the itinerary was Villafranche, France. I remember the beautiful, subdued hues of this cozy port town and wished I had the additional time to visit the relaxing cafes along the harbor.

I opted to book the Monaco and Monte Carlo bus trip which was panoramic, pristine and posh. To learn more about my visit to Monaco, check out the following post!

The Beautiful French Riviera: Villafranche and Monte Carlo

Some of the other excursions available were:

Nice – Eze: Take a coach tour to Nice and walk the famous “Promenade des Anglais”. Check out the Hotel Negresco before taking a guided tour through the old part of the city. The medieval village of Eze is one of the most picturesque villages of the Cote d’Azure located high on a hilltop with amazing views of the coast. Stop by one of the famous perfumery’s which is known for its amazing scents. The tour is 45 Euros per person.
Nice and Saint Paul de Vence: In addition to visiting the famous beachfront of Nice, this tour also includes a walk through the medieval village of Saint Paul de Vence. Considered two of the most picturesque locations in the French Riviera, go from walking the beach to exploring cobblestone streets with a rich history. The cost for this tour is 39 Euros per person
Mountain Village of Eze and Nice Wine Tasting: For only 69 Euros per person, take a visit to the medieval mountain village of Eze and then on to Nice, famous for its Promenade des Anglais. Enjoy Provencal wines with a professional oenologist.
Dream Villas in the Blue Coast: Explore the luxurious peninsula at Saint Jean Cap Ferrat and visit the one time residence of baroness Rothschild to wander the home and gardens. The bus tour takes the coastal drive back to Villafranche where million dollar homes line the coast. This tour costs 50 Euros per person.
A Tasting Tour of Nice: Visit the local fresh market and sample its produce on this guided tour of Nice. Visit the Old Town district with its Baroque buildings and neo-classic colonnades. Try some of the local specialties such as pissaladiere or socca. The tour allows for some free time to wander about the Old Town for some shopping or a cup of coffee. This tour costs 90 Euros per adult.

I had been waiting for the day when our ship reached Barcelona. I was so excited to see all of the architecture and to stroll the street of Las Ramblas.

I had decided that instead of booking an excursion with the ship, I would go out on my own and purchase the Hop On Hop Off bus tour. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate and there was a torrential downpour. I was determined to make the most of my time in Barcelona where was able to visit the Boqueria market, the Sagrada Familia, Palau Guell and Parc Guell. I wished I had more time in Barcelona because there were so many interesting points of interest, that I will need to make plans for a future trip!

The ship offers its own wonderful share of excursions for Barcelona to include:

A Tour of Barcelona: See the architectural wonders of Antonio Gaudi by visiting the ever changing Sagrada Familia. This tour is perfect for the price at 29 Euros. Check out the popular Gothic Quarter, shop and visit the cathedral. The tour includes a stop at Montjuic, which overlooks the city and was once the sight of the Olympic Games.
Barcelona Highlights and Jamon Tasting: Starting in the Gothic Quarter, see the medieval side of Barcelona’s historical buildings. Stroll Las Ramblas, the main thoroughfare that runs north and south through the city. Enjoy a ham tasting sampling three different types as you sip on a glass of cava. Complete the tour with a visit the to ever so vibrant Boqueria market. All of this for only 39 Euros per person.

Day Four was spent at sea as we sailed toward Tunisia. The following day, we arrived at the port of Tunis. Weeks before cruising to Tunisia, the US embassy was attacked and it was recommended that Americans should not disembark while in port. We took heed to their warning and stayed aboard, but if I had the opportunity, I would have loved to have seen the city of Carthage and the village of Sidi Bou Said, which is said to look much like a Greek village with its whitewashed buildings accented in blue.

According to the brochure on the ship, “Sidi Bou Said is perched high atop of a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean, this picturesque village is a delightful place for a leisurely stroll through winding cobbled streets. Wander around the boutiques for souvenirs or relax at a cliff-side Moorish café”. Sounds exciting!

UPDATE: The ship no longer travels to Tunisia due to the heightened safety alert to visit this country.

It was Day Five and we were visiting the Italian city of Naples. Besides having its own historical significance, there are some great locations close by that are truly worth exploring. I selected Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast but making my decision was not an easy one when tours to Capri and Ischia were also offered.

Panoramic Tour of Pompeii and Naples: Check out one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in all of the world, Pompeii. Back in Naples, visit the Posillipo neighborhood, the Mergellina district and the great seaside promenade. Take the opportunity to visit the Ovo castle in the charming district of Santa Lucia and explore the busy fisherman’s neighborhood. The tour costs 49 Euros per adult.
Pompei & Vesuvius: Pompeii was devastated by the explosion of Mt. Vesuvius in 49AD. Pompeii is now an archaeological site and Vesuvius a national park. Take an hour long city bus tour of Naples before reaching these sites. The tour costs 89 Euros per person.
Capri: Catch a Jet-Foil boat ride from the port of Marina Grande through the Bay of Naples. Hop on a ship that will take you around the island before heading back to port. Catch the minibus to Capri’s Piazetta where there will be plenty of time to stroll the city’s famous white streets. This tour is well worth the 89 Euros per adult. (If the weather does not cooperate, the excursion will head over to the town of Anacapri).
Tour of Naples: Stroll the Piazza del Plebiscito where you will discover Castles, Galleries and an Opera House. There will be time on your own before visiting the San Gennaro Duomo. Continue to the tour with stops at Mergellina, Via Caracciolo and the Ovo Castle. You can’t beat this price at 34 Euros per adult.
Relaxing Ischia: This is a perfect excursion for 85 Euros per adult. Reach the island quickly by hydrofoil for a visit to Ischia, the largest isle on the Gulf of Naples. Famous for its hot springs, the tour coach also takes you through the municipalities of Ischia, Barano, Serrara Fontana (for wine sampling) and Forio (for a local meal). Walk through the Castiglione Gardens at Lacco Ameno and or visit the town of Casamicciola. This tour include the spa facilities at the gardens which include 10 different pools, and two saunas, whirlpools and a platform that gives you the opportunity to swim in the sea surrounding the island.

I had one last day in Rome but since I was staying close to the airport, I decided to stay near the hotel. The ship offered quite a few options in Rome, including:

A Full Roman Excursion: Check out some of the most iconic spots in Rome which include, the Vatican City, Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. Stand in awe in front of Michelangelo’s Pieta and then it’s time for lunch. Hop on the bus for a sightseeing tour to see the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, Circus Maximus and Mussolini’s balcony, The tour cost is only 85 Euros per adult.
Eternal Rome and Imperial: Start in the Vatican City to visit St. Peter’s Basilica and the square. Take a walk to the Trevi Fountain and then after lunch, check out the Piazza Navona. Before completing the tour, drop by the Roman Forum and see the exterior of the Colosseum. All of this for only 64 Euros per person.
Etruscan Secrets. See the secret Etruscan tombs and the Tarquinia Museum for only 59 Euros per person. The tombs are located in Monterozziune and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Venture into the city to view the Roman church of San Francisco and the XIII century palace.
Tivoli and Hadrian’s Villa: Dating back to the second century, Villa Adriana was the home of Emperor Hadrian and is now a World Heritage Site. Some of the features of the house include a Greek theater, spas and baths, a maritime theater and the Golden Piazza, a residential complex. Next, visit Villa Este with gardens that are fit for a king. Check out the Alley of the Hundred Fountains. This is an exceptional tour and will set you back 115 Euros per adult.

The Pullmantur Sovereign was the perfect ship for my Mediterranean trip. Having worked on ships for over three years, I remember my cruise ship days as if it were yesterday. I was especially fond of the “Sail Away” events where I could watch passengers enjoy the start of their cruise setting sail for its first destination. It have to admit, I wasn’t going to pass up the opportunity for a Bon Voyage drink!!

Have you cruised with Pullmantur? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for your interest in my trip with Pullmantur! Happy Travels!