3-4 days in Rome - Suggestions appreciated

You indicated that on Day 4, 30th, a Monday you would go to Ostia Antica. If memory serves correctly (and it doesn't always anymore) it is closed on Monday. Check their web site to be sure.

You are correct. Hmm, I did not expect that. I'll have to replace it with other stuff from Rome itself on this last day. Any suggestions?

Ville d'Este, Tivoli?

If you want to see the Campo dei Miracoli, by all means do it. Don't forget to visit the cemetery.

On your Monday, you could go to Via Appia Antica and Acqueduct Park, then spend the remainder of the day in Roma visiting churches or piazze. Via Appia Antica and the aqueducts are safe. Most crime in Europe takes place in very crowded areas.

If you visit the Vatican Museums without a before-hours tour, it will be crowded regardless of what day you go.

If you plan to go to Ostia Antica on your last day in Roma, just check your bag at the station and pick it up after your visit to Ostia Antica. It's a big site, I don't remember if there is baggage storage there, and ten pounds is still ten pounds to carry around (even if there were a more direct way to get to the airport).

I don't know that it's only an hour's walk to the airport (FCO); the train (nonstop) takes 35 minutes.

Ville d'Este, Tivoli?

Seems lovely, but I think it might be a bit out of my way. It's too far opposite to the airport.

If you want to see the Campo dei Miracoli, by all means do it. Don't
forget to visit the cemetery. On your Monday, you could go to Via
Appia Antica and Acqueduct Park, then spend the remainder of the day
in Roma visiting churches or piazze. Via Appia Antica and the
aqueducts are safe. Most crime in Europe takes place in very crowded
areas. If you visit the Vatican Museums without a before-hours tour,
it will be crowded regardless of what day you go. If you plan to go to
Ostia Antica on your last day in Roma, just check your bag at the
station and pick it up after your visit to Ostia Antica. It's a big
site, I don't remember if there is baggage storage there, and ten
pounds is still ten pounds to carry around (even if there were a more
direct way to get to the airport). I don't know that it's only an
hour's walk to the airport (FCO); the train (nonstop) takes 35
minutes.

This is how I got that information, from the western side of the site straight up to the airport. Not sure if it's accurate.

https://www.google.com.br/maps/dir/41.7531704,12.2817307/Leonardo+da+Vinci+International+Airport,+Via+dell'+Aeroporto+di+Fiumicino,+Fiumicino+Metropolitan+City+of+Rome,+Italy/@41.7646302,12.2669096,5378m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m9!4m8!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x1325f0793898141f:0xafe513b4e358316f!2m2!1d12.2462384!2d41.7998868!3e2

But it doesn't matter anymore because even If I still go there, it can't be on the flight day. I'll probably skip it unless I can't find other good attractions in Rome itself.

I had Circus Maximus, Baths of Caracalla and the National Gallery of Ancient Art in my maybe list, and eventually cut them. But I have not done much research about them yet. I could also do a good walk on a nice neighbourhood, maybe Trastevere?

And don't forget that you MUST make a timed reservation for the Borghese Gallery -- otherwise you have to wait around to see if somebody doesn't show up for their reservation time.

What about Ostia Antica on Sunday morning, then a late afternoon visit at the Borghese? Bike the Appian way on Monday morning.

You can check your backpack at Pisa Centrale then take the bus (or short taxi ride might be faster - it took me a long time to find the bus stop - locals weren't helpful when I asked) to the Campo. I did it and was very glad, even though I didn't climb the tower. Seeing the Leaning Tower in photos isn't the same. The church is interesting and the baptistry is about the most beautiful I've ever seen.

Psyche,

You wrote:

“I'm considering using Day Zero, the travel day, to do a quick stop at Pisa since it's more or less on the way from the CT. I'm only interested in the Campo Dei Miracoli area and nothing else, and I'm not even climbing the tower or anything like that. I'm wondering if it's worth it? Seems like a waste to be so close and ignore it.”

Just be prepared for the hordes of selfie-stick wielding maniacs. I don’t remember seeing a luggage drop at the Pisa San Rossore train station but it was pretty much a construction zone last October. To be safe, I would use Pisa Centrale instead.

“I'm a little concerned about the crowds in the Vatican. I know it's always crowded, but is it worse on a Saturday in comparison to Friday? I could swap Day 1 with 2, but then the Colosseum and other big sites of Rome would likely be more crowded as well. Which one is the less of two evils?”

I doubt it will make any difference. But, I would give yourself a little more time though. Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill all in one morning would be a brisk walk. Also, you’ll need to purchase Colosseum tickets in advance or risk standing in line for hours.

I would be concerned on Day 3 if you can bike and make it back for your given time for the Borghese Visit. Remember you get a time to show up there.

Why not do the Borghese Gallery on Day 4 in the morning then head to the airport when done.

On Day 3 I would do this (which we did a couple of months ago). We visited Ostia Antica in the later morning, wandered around and used Rick's tour. Then we took the train with a connection to Aquaduct Park . Stopped at some fruit stands and shops for a picnic. Had a picnic at the part and walked around the aquaducts. We were there at sunset and some of my favorite pictures where of the sun setting thru the acquaducts. It's a nice park that you can jog around too.

Day 4 is Monday and the Borghese is closed. That's why :-)

Todd:

I'm totally expecting that in Pisa! I'll use Pisa Centrale, so I'll be able to store my bag. But how does it work exactly, is it a coin operated machine?

I guess I forgot to mention that this is my first trip out of my country and that I never rode trains or checked bags before.

I was worried about the Colosseum day, maybe I can move some of that stuff to the last day (flight day). Maybe Palatine Hill? I could do the hill, then walk along Circus Maximus on my way to Tiber Island and from there do a walk on Trastevere. I'm packing light but I'd probably have to find a place to store my bag before doing these.

Robert:

Can I choose the time for the Borghese or do they issue an arbitrary one? If I can choose I think it's no problem, I can be there by mid-afternoon, no? I figure worst case scenario would be 1 hour riding to the Acqueducts with some photo stops on the way, 1 hour at the park itself, 1 hour to go back. Factor in some time for a quick lunch, and transport to and from the appian way... can't I be on the Borghese by 3pm or so? Unless I'm missing some details.

Chani:

It's a good idea, but like Todd said, having the Colosseum + Forum + Palatine Hill on one morning is probably overambitious, so I'll need extra time if I want to see all of them. I think it has become a matter of choosing between Ostia or Palatine Hill + Circus Maximus + Trastevere walk. Which one would you guys choose?

Thanks!

My first visit to Rome was 6 years ago. I remember the Colosseum and the Forum, but I can't quite remember what I saw at Palatine Hill. I went to Ostia Antica 2 years later and remember that well. So I guess, I'd vote for Ostia Antica. Trastevere is nice, but Ostia is special.

I was underwhelmed by the Spanish Steps. If you are an early riser, you could get to St. Peter's when they open at 7 a.m. (or maybe a little later :-) and have a relatively quiet hour there (and a speedy security line), then walk to the museum entrance for a 9 am. start. The museum visit includes the Sistine Chapel. Don't rent the audio guide (you'd have to return to the entrance), and you may be able to use the group exit at the Sistine Chapel, saves a little time. Sometimes you can attach yourself to a group, sometimes the guards don't care.

Chances are they haven't moved the baggage deposit in Pisa (I used it 7-8 years ago). On the first platform, with your back to the tracks, facing the station entrance, the baggage room is to your right at the far end of the platform. BTW the toilets are on your left, near the other end. It's a room with one attendant. You will need to show your passport (maybe photo ID, like driver's license is enough, can't remember) and he'll make a photocopy of it. Then he'll take your bags. They charge by the piece, so if you've got stuff in a tote bag, for instance, it's another piece. When you come back, he returns them to you. Leave enough time in case there's someone ahead of you, or he's taken a bathroom break.

The Borghese is a timed entry. You book a specific slot - they are every 2 hours. You need to arrive at least 30 minutes (45-60 is better) in advance to check any bags, pick up your ticket (they'll sell it to someone else if you don't collect it in time), rent an audio guide if you want, use the bathroom (you don't want to wait until you're in the galleries and waste time then). To maximize your time, you'll want to line up a few minutes early. Most people start on the first floor, so if you skip to the second floor, you'll be one of the few. Then you can visit the first floor when it's relatively empty. At the end of the 2 hours, everyone must leave.

Thank you very much Chani, that's tremendously helpful.

Does anyone have any other thoughts on my itinerary? Anything that is a Rome must see that I missed?

Be sure to go to the top of the Victor Emmanuel Monument. The view is spectacular.

It has just come to my attention that I'll be in Rome in a last sunday of the month (day 3). I think I can anticipate what your answers will be, but it can't hurt to ask. Is it worth visitting the Vatican for free on that day?

Be sure to go to the top of the Victor Emmanuel Monument. The view is
spectacular.

I will for sure. After the Capitoline Museums and before the Pantheon. My itinerary is incorrectly swapped btw, it should read:

Afternoon: Capitoline Museums and Piazza Venezia
Evening: Pantheon and Trevi Fountain

I would not visit the Vatican on a free Sunday. My preference would be a before- or after-hours tour.

Be sure to go to the top of the Victor Emmanuel Monument. The view is spectacular.

Check closing times. We were there last May and found the elevator had closed hours before sunset, when the view would have been spectacular.

If you are an early riser, you could get to St. Peter's when they open
at 7 a.m. (or maybe a little later :-) and have a relatively quiet
hour there (and a speedy security line), then walk to the museum
entrance for a 9 am. start.

I'm thinking of using this tip on my last day (monday). What do you guys think?

Day 1, 27th, Fri

Morning: Colosseum, Roman Forum

Afternoon: Capitoline Museum and Piazza Venezia

Evening: Pantheon (late arrival for less crowds) and Trevi Fountain

Day 2, 28th, Sat

Morning: Ostia Antica

Afternoon: Borghese Gallery and Villa Borghese

Evening: Piazza del Popolo and Spanish Steps

Day 3, 29th, Sun

Morning: Biking in the old Appian Way (until the aqueducts and back, no stops for tombs on the way)

Afternoon: Circus Maximus and Palatine Hill

Evening: Trastevere walk and a nice dinner

Day 4, 30th, Mon

Morning: St. Peter's Basilica (7:00), Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel (9:00)

Afternoon: Quick lunch on St. Peter's Square (12:00), Vatican Gardens (skippable if out of time) (12:30), Castel Sant'Angelo (photo stop) (14:00) and fast train to airport (16:00)

Evening: Fly home (18:45)

This plan seems way better than my previous one. Any other tips and suggestions?

You might also consider getting a reservation for the Friday night opening at the Vatican Museums? If you did that, I'd shuffle ALL your Sat. activities to Friday, and your Friday activities to Saturday. As you can do the basilica and gardens in an afternoon, it would free up some time in the morning for something else to shuffle into that spot: maybe the Borghese? That would give you a bit more time out on the Appia Antica: trust me, you'll be stopping at some of the those tombs for photos!

At the time of year you're going, I don't know as it makes any difference, really, what day you do the Colosseum/Forum/Palatine.

But another thing to consider: your itinerary needs to allow some flexibility for weather. The Appia, for instance, would not be fun in pouring rain. We have experienced some of that in Rome in May, and purposely left flex for the Appia on a day when no precip. was in the forecast. You could have the same challenge with Ostia Antica.

Yeah. What sucks is that the sites that are good for rainy days (Vatican and Borghese) require specific day reservations, so if it rains on the days I have choosen, it's fine. But if it rains on the others, there's not much I can do. They're all full of outdoor activities. I'll have to either endure the rain or find something else to do.

I like your idea but isn't it a little too inconvenient to make two trips to the Vatican on two separate days? It's kind of far from everything else.

Splitting the Vatican visit in two isn't necessarily bad. The entrance to the museums is about 15 minutes' walk from St. Peter's. You'd take different buses/metro to get to each. If it means you avoid crowds, it's worth another 15-30 minutes transportation time.

Interesting. I'm looking a night reservation on the official Vatican site. I still can't choose May, so I chose April just to see how it is. But every Friday I pick the latest entry I can choose is 15:00. How do I reserve a night ticket?

Has something changed? I thought the same combo ticket gets you in to the Colosseum, the Forum, and Palantine Hill. If that is still correct, you would need to see Palantine Hill when you see the Forum. And since they are really side-by-side as you exit the Colosseum, it would seem the best use of time, rather than trying to come back 2 days later and buy another ticket. (Hope I didn't miss something here that makes this comment irrelevant!)

We spent the morning at the Colosseum, then the afternoon at Palantine Hill and the Forum - probably left about 4. About that time it really started raining, but we popped out our little umbrellas and wandered past Trajan's Column, etc., in the rain, and found ourselves at Victor Immanuel Monument and ate in the rooftop cafe with the amazing views. (Used the stairs). We did have to give up the Capitoline Museum, though.

Yes, the same entry ticket covers the Colosseum, Palatine and Forum. It does not cover tours for the third ring and underground at the Colosseum: that's a separate ticket.

The best way to make sure you get to the Borghese Gallery on time is obviously booking a morning slot. You can't accidentally miss it if that is the first place you visit on one of your full days in Rome. That is what I plan to do.

I assumed the Colosseum ticket could be used for remaining sights on another day. I'll be using a Roma Pass in this case, still need to do all three on the same day?

Do I really need a full morning and almost full afternoon to visit all three (assuming I get to the Colosseum 8:30)?

I assumed the Colosseum ticket could be used for remaining sights on another day. I'll be using a Roma Pass in this case, still need to do all three on the same day?

The Roma Pass website FAQ page says, "with the admission ticket to the Colosseum, the three sites included in the entry can be visited on two different days (within 36 hours). Therefore, if the Colosseum is chosen either as one of the first two sites visited for free, or as one of the sites visited at a reduced price ticket, then the archaeological area of the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill can be visited on the following day, as long it falls within the card’s period of validity. In the meantime, the card can be used to visit other sites of your choice."

Do I really need a full morning and almost full afternoon to visit all three (assuming I get to the Colosseum 8:30)?

No. There is certainly enough in all three to occupy someone in depth for days. But if you just want to make it a quick visit, it is possible to start at the Colosseum entrance at 8:30 am, see the high points of the Colosseum, Palatine and the Forum, and be out in time for lunch. My grandson and I did just that last May. That's not a bad idea in hot weather. And being there early in the day, before the crowds arrive, allows you to cover more ground and see more in a shorter time.

Suggestion: When you leave the Colosseum, enter the Palatine and Forum area at the Palatine Hill entrance on Via San Gregorio, south of the Arch of Constantine -- much less crowded than the Forum entrances.

Interesting. I'm looking a night reservation on the official Vatican
site. I still can't choose May, so I chose April just to see how it
is. But every Friday I pick the latest entry I can choose is 15:00.
How do I reserve a night ticket?

That's because the Friday night "Under the Stars" is seasonal so they don't start running it again until Friday, May 6th. You should see booking availability on the site around March 6th (60 days in advance).

I read your comment: Biking in the old Appian Way (until the aqueducts and back, no stops for tombs on the way)
What website you purchase for biking in the old Appian Way?

fsg89, you don't need a website to purchase bike rentals on the Appia Antica: you do that when you get to Rome. The park's service centers are probably the best resources for that:

http://www.parcoappiaantica.it

http://www.parcoappiaantica.it/home/servizi/rete-accoglienza

http://www.parcoappiaantica.it/home/servizi/nolo-bici