Luckily we set the phone alarm as a knock on the door was not sufficient to wake us. Breakfast was a buffet of cold meats, boiled or scrambled eggs and breads plus tea or coffee.
  
We disembarked and then tried to work out how to get to Ancona central station. There were a few other individuals who were trying to navigate their way to a bus so we formed a little bond. There was a Croatian woman who did not speak English. There was a Italian guy who had very limited English and there was Richard who spoke English. We all followed the lady who seemed confident about where to wait for the 1/4 bus but after 2 passed us by we decided that we had to find another bus stop. Then we were not sure about which direction we should go in so the Italian guy flagged over a police car and asked. We were assured at the right stop. You would never think to flag a Police car to ask directions but we got the answer we needed. The Italian guy then asked Teresa where she was from because she looks like a Spanish film star…..(hopefully not porn!) Once at the train station we had assistance from a Trenitalia assistant to purchase tickets to Rome. We had an hour until the train so we found a cafe at the station and were joined by Richard and chatted easily. It was nice to have added company and listen to someone else’s stories. It was also a bit of an adventure that our group of 5 bonded over the short time to solve the problem of how to get to the station. People are generally always willing to help each other wherever you are.

The Trenitalia train was comfortable without being crowded.

  
  
  
As the train wound through the mountains we were treated to more dusting of snow on trees and houses plus really high snow capped mountains.

  
 

  

 
 
   
    
Trevi was an amazing town built on a hill. There were many of these sort of towns built on hills in the Italian countryside.

  
  
  
We arrived at Roma Termini at around 12.45 and found a happy taxi driver to take us to Spagna again. Mauro was as welcoming as when we were there last and we were given our old room and arranged an airport transfer for the morning. With explicit directions from Mauro, we walked to the Vatican and were amazed at the opulence and enormity of the buildings. 

 

   

  

  
We continued on to St Peter’s Basillica and entered through the Holy Door which was not a popular choice by other visitors. 

  
  
  
  
  

  
 
It was for those who ‘trusted’ but turned out to be the line with the shortest security queue. The paintings and sculptures are awe inspiring. 

  
  
  
  
  
  
 

 
   
In contrast to the wealth and affluence of the area there were many beggars and homeless individuals.

  
  
  
  
  
  
  

It was a lovely stroll along the Tiber river in both directions. The day finished with a desire for takeaway pizza and a night in because we needed an early start in the morning for the long way home.