28 October 2026 — Civitavecchia: Lake Bracciano, Wine Tasting & Counting My Blessings

28 October 2026 — Civitavecchia, Italy (Port for Rome)

6:00 AM — Up and Ready

I woke up, got myself dressed, and got ready for the day’s activities.

7:30 AM — A Hearty Pinnacle Breakfast

Time for a hearty Pinnacle breakfast with my friend Judy Kunhardt. She is always a breath of fresh air. We discussed our plans for the day and yesterday’s adventures. It was a very pleasant breakfast.

9:00 AM — Bracciano Lake & Wine Tasting Shore Excursion

We boarded our air-conditioned motor coach in Civitavecchia and set off for a day of Italian scenery and wine tasting.

A route-map screenshot for the day’s excursion.

Our winery stop was Cantina Castello di Torre in Pietra. We enjoyed a nice tour, went back to see where the wine was made, and eventually tasted an excellent white wine and an excellent red, accompanied by some tasty treats. It was truly a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

The sign for Cantina Castello di Torre in Pietra.

Enjoying the wine tasting with fellow travelers.

Lake Bracciano and Anguillara Sabazia

Next, we continued to Lake Bracciano, the second-largest lake in Lazio. The lake occupies a depression created by volcanic and tectonic collapse.

An Italian flag and an anchor beside Lake Bracciano.

The lakeshore and pier.

We rode along the lake toward Anguillara Sabazia, a town whose old center preserves its medieval layout. We had approximately 30 minutes of free time to appreciate the lake, the town’s architecture, and its cozy atmosphere before returning to our waiting ship.

A stone monument beside the lake.

A lakeside selfie during my visit.

My Italian adventure: beside the large lakeside anchor.

A local map screenshot showing Anguillara Sabazia’s waterfront.

2:00 PM — Back Aboard and Off to the Spa

As soon as I got back on the ship, I rushed up to the Vitality Spa for some more treatments.

A sign at the Vitality Spa advertising IV therapy.

3:00 PM — Intensely Cleansing Salt Scrub

Next was my 50-minute salt-scrub treatment, an exfoliating body treatment designed to leave the skin feeling smooth and soft.

Megan did a wonderful job with my salt scrub and massage. It made me feel really good.

The treatment room at the Vitality Spa.

Megan, my spa therapist.

Later That Afternoon — A Men’s Facial

I followed the salt scrub with a men’s facial. Sheer delight.

After my treatments, I went back to my room to rest, relax, and take a nap, because tonight I was gonna get formally dressed up and have dinner at Chef’s Table.

8:30 PM — Chef’s Table Dinner

If you enjoy gourmet fare paired with wine, then dining at Chef’s Table is an absolute must. This intimate dining experience features a five-course menu with wine pairings and presentations from the chef and sommelier. It is the kind of dinner where you can relax, enjoy every bite, and ask questions along the way.

My personalized Chef’s Table menu, listing scallop carpaccio, smoked tomato soup, and Maine lobster salad with wine pairings. The printed date on this menu is October 20, 2026.

A beautifully presented steak with vegetables, piped potatoes, and sauce at Chef’s Table.

10:30 PM — Counting My Blessings

It was a long, exciting day, and I was very tired. I took a slow walk from Chef’s Table back to my room, got undressed, stretched out on my bed, and relaxed, thinking about how blessed I am and how much I appreciate the gifts God has given me.

Tomorrow’s plan is Ajaccio, Corsica, but basically I’ll be resting on the ship and trying to relax.