10 nights in Rome

It's totally up to you, of course, but you will never run out of things to do in Rome. And no matter what you do in Italy, you'll be missing out on something else. Throw in a daytrip to Orvieto if you find yourself needing a break.

You are sane. I have visited Italy many times, including a month spent in Florence. You can't go wrong visiting almost any part of this amazing country. That said, I spent a month in Rome two years ago and am going back for another month this spring. A lifetime wouldn't be long enough to really know Rome.

"I have always promised myself that I'm going to spend my declining years just taking walks in Rome --nothing could be more profitable, I think, for the last 20 years of one's life.
------Elizabeth Bishop, letter to Robert Lowell, July 18, 1948

I am the type of traveler who thinks less is more. More time hanging out in one wonderful place to me is preferrable to darting all over trying to see as much as possible in the alloted time. I don't think you will be bored.

Steve,

Great minds think alike. I rented an apartment for the ten days in Rome. Did the hotel scene in Paris, and although I loved the place, after 4-5 days I was tired of the room, tired of not having more space and really wanted to cook my own meal. I know the cooking part is strange, but really wanted to try out some of the fresh foods I could get at the open market.

David

Hi David. I would definitely do a day trip to Orvieto as someone else suggested. It's only an hour away from Rome (by train) & it's a really nice town...in fact I think it was one of my favorite places that we visited. So, if you visit Tivoli, Ostia & Orvieto, that leaves you 7 days in Rome itself. I think that's a perfect amount of time to spend because there's so much to do there. I loved Rome and wished that I had scheduled more days there so I think you have the right idea. Happy travels.

I think that sounds fantastic, but then I adore Rome. I would spend 10 nights there in a heartbeat. Florence, on the other hand, while one of my favorite cities, I would not want to spend 10 nights there. It really will just depend on how well you take to the city or not.

I'd stick with your original plan, but keep a few nearby destinations in mind for daytrips, if you decide that Rome is not for you. Orvieto is fantastic.

Since you'll be in one place for awhile, try to be a temporary local. Go back to the same cafe each day so they recognize you after awhile, shop in the local grocery store, etc.

We spent a week in Rome last year and would gladly have stayed longer. One fun thing: If you go to the same place for breakfast each morning, they'll start treating you like a local on your third visit. Our place (on Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere) even started making our cappuccinos when they saw us coming.

You can plan your trip to your interests. Spending 10 days in Roma is ok, but remain flexible. You may wake-up one morning and decide to take the 75 minute train to Orvieto for the day. So, just do it. I travel to Italy every year with a plan, but sometimes it changes as we go.

Buon viaggio,

RB

I second the suggestion to take the one hr. train ride to Orvieto...experiencing an old & charming Italian hilltown such as Orvieto shouldn't be missed.

As usual great replies. Thanks for all the great advice!!! Looks like Orievto is the place to add.

The duomo in orivieto is stunning, not only the facade, but the cappella nuovo contains the most amazing frescoes by Signorelli, it is some of the finest for that period in Italy and the content is so interesting. Check it out on wikipedia, I know that section is not open all day, I think they close for siesta, not sure if its open every day.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orvieto_Cathedral

hotel or Apt in Rome?
We loved getting away to Sorrento & Amalfi for a few days, but we are Beach people.