Hi! Arriving in rome in June at 7am on a Friday, so thinking we can drop our bags at our hotel (near the colloseum) by 8-9. Here is what I am thinking. R/S suggests Day 1: AM Colosseum/Forum/Capitol Hill/Pantheon, PM Vatican EVENING Dinner at campo de Fiori He says if you have a second day, he says to switch the afternoon with piazza de popolo to spanish steps, and do vatican on Day 2, with EVENING in campo de fiori, spanish steps, trevi fountain. This sounds all great to me as these are the places I want to see, plus with jet lag it sounds more relaxing. But I read also that Rome is "best done in a day and Italy is nicer elsewhere." On day 3 we are headed for 2 nights in Venice already. But I also always wanted to go out of rome and see the vineyards and all the beautiful countryside?. Where can I go on the second day if I want to squeeze all of Rome in a day ? Any suggestions would be great! we leave early the next morning to venice by train. I want to come back in tiem to still be able to spend the evening as recommended on his Day 2.
THANKS!
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
Where on earth did you read that Rome is "best done in a day and Italy is nicer elsewhere."?? We've been to Rome three times, usually staying about a week, and we've never run out of interesting things to see and do. I think one reason it's called the Eternal City is that it would take an eternity to see all of it. That said, there's no shortage of amazing places to go in the rest of Italy as well. It all depends on what you enjoy doing. If you want to see pretty countryside, then go to Tuscany or Umbria, but not as a daytrip from Rome.
Posted by
OP
Orlando, FL, USA
34 posts
LOL it was actually in the 2012 guidebook RS says "many travelers say rome is best done quickly, italy is more charming elsewhere". But that's why I go to the help line coz I've never been there and want to make sure I get input from other people:-)
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11349 posts
I am firmly in the more-time-is-better camp for Rome. If you try to rush too much she will exhaust you, especially when jet lagged. Your Colosseum to Pantheon run is enough for day one, followed by your evening plan. Adding in the Vatican is too much for one day, even if you are recovered from travel. Also, restaurants right in CdF are not all that good and are over priced for tourists. Have an aperitivo there for the experience, then head over to Cul de Sac near P.za. Navona for a better dinner. It's a 10 Minute walk from CdF. Do the Vatican Day 2, just stroll the amazing streets of Rome, past monuments and fountains. Soak up the atmosphere.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11349 posts
I am firmly in the more-time-is-better camp for Rome. If you try to rush too much she will exhaust you, especially when jet lagged. Your Colosseum to Pantheon run is enough for day one, followed by your evening plan. Adding in the Vatican is too much for one day, even if you are recovered from travel. Also, restaurants right in CdF are not all that good and are over priced for tourists. Have an aperitivo there for the experience, then head over to Cul de Sac near P.za. Navona for a better dinner. It's a 10 Minute walk from CdF. Do the Vatican Day 2, just stroll the amazing streets of Rome, past monuments and fountains. Soak up the atmosphere.
Posted by
OP
Orlando, FL, USA
34 posts
Thank you! I'm not hard to convince, I just booked us online for Vatican museum on Day 2. Do you know how long I should plan on staying there and what is the best time to start? I chose 1030 and I think if I really need to I can change it once.
Posted by
Toledo
653 posts
Tina, youer 10:30 time sounds good. Allow time to get to the museum (it's a long walk from St Peter's Basilica if you plan to go there first). Your appointment time will be honored, so you should be inside the museums by 10:30. You can stay as long as you like, no one will rush you out (not even in the Sistine Chapel, but you may get tired of all the noise from guests and guards). If you plan to eat at the museum, DO NOT go to the cafeteria downstairs - food is awful. There is a lovely cafe/restaurant in the courtyard where you can take a break and have a light meal or a snack for a reasonable price. Note that RS is quoting "some people" about Rome, I don't think it's his own opinion. It all depends on what you like. Rome is a big city of lots of little neighborhoods, I lived there on and off for nearly eight years and never ran out of things to do.
Posted by
Dallas, Texas, USA
9 posts
Tina, We have been in Rome several times and I must say your first day itinerary sounds VERY ambitious--especially with jet lag. Walking the forum is a very nice way to wake up and enjoy some sunshine--But if possible, I would try to make time for a relaxing lunch and a nap before the evening. The Vatican can be overwhelming--especially if you have to wait in the long lines for the museum. Entry with a guide allows you to skip the line. One thing we highly recommend is Rick's Nightwalk through Rome--Don't be intimidated. It is so beautiful, well lit, and there are lots of people out and about. Finishing up at the Trevi Fountain by moonlight is an experience of a lifetime, and then you can easily catch a taxi back to your hotel. Happy Travels! Linda R
Dallas, TX