I feel like I need some itinerary advice. This is our first trip to Italy (not our first trip to Europe). We are always Rick Steves' travelers and prefer to stay in Mom & Pop kind of places, but in the interest of budget, we're using hotel points for our trip. I welcome all suggestions and advice on improving this itinerary. 1.We arrive at FCO at 2300 on a Tuesday. We have a chain, American hotel (points) at the airport because our hotel in Rome doesn't have availability that night. We'll stay at another chain hotel for the balance of our stay in Rome. 2.Wednesday. We plan to take the free airport shuttle to Via Teatro Marcello, near Piazza Venezia. We need to buy a Roma Pass for transit and museum entrance – purchasing it at Termini or Forum/Palentine Hill. I'll have a roller bag and probably a duffle. Question: Is there a left luggage counter at the Forum or any of the nearby sites, or is Termini the best bet? . Our plan is to see the Colosseum and Forum and walk around a bit prior to heading to the hotel. 3.Thursday is Republic Day. We are planning to see Borghese Gallery (appears to be open). What will Rome be like on this day? In my searches, I've seen conflicting reports of shops open/closed, restaurants open/closed, museums open/closed? What's the real answer? 4.Friday, we are planning to see the Vatican and St. Peter's and take the Scavi tour (already booked). I am considering whether we should book a Friday evening Vatican Museum tour to free up more daylight for other sightseeing and walking around. Does anyone have experience with visiting the Vatican in the evening? Pros? Cons? 5.Saturday morning, we're taking the train to Naples to spend a few days in Positano. Thanks in advance for any advice or improvement suggestions.
Posted by
Ballwin
833 posts
To my knowledge there is nothing like a left luggage place at the Forum, etc. The sites are very basic as far as services go and I don't remember anything for luggage. I would advise Termini or check with your hotel and see if they will hold your luggage until later when you are ready to check in. I don't know what will be open on Republic Day, but I was in Italy on that day last year (not Rome where the big celebrations are, but still..) and I would say you should consider allowing yourself some time to be out of museums and on the streets with the locals celebrating on that day, it will be a memorable experience. I don't know what will be open versus closed however. I'm sure you will be able to find restaurants to eat at, but I'm not sure if museums and shops will be open. The Scavi tour is very neat, you will enjoy it! Just hope you have a guide that speaks English clearly enough ;) it took some time to understand ours, so when she would make jokes we would not understand it until 5 seconds later and she started getting annoyed when we didn't laugh at her jokes haha. Remember that Rome is beautiful at night as well, you don't need to only walk around during the day. Seeing the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain at sunset or later, strolling around the streets is a lot of fun too.
Posted by
Versailles, Kentucky, US
7 posts
You can get reservations for numerous museums in Rome on-line, for example, http://www.galleriaborghese.it/borghese/en/einfo.htm. In fact, some, like Borghese Gallery, are mandatory. If you can get a reservation, that's a pretty good sign it will be open. You don't actually have to make a reservation, just see if the on-line service offers them that day.