4 days in Rome (Jul) - how would you schedule this?

July 18 is Wednesday. I understand there is a papal appearance typically on Wednesday morning so there's a crowd in front of St. Peter's, which then floods the VAtican museums (I assume that is what you mean by the Vatican - including the Sistine Chapel). So probably Thurs or Friday is best. Saturdays are more crowded because it's weekend AND the museums are closed on Sunday. To save time, book online in advance (maybe €-3 each). It can save an hour or more waiting in line. Segway tours are usually a good way to start, get a look at the places you will be going back to visit, get an overview of the city, etc. Pompeii is a full day trip. Seems easy enough to work the others in around these.

I urge you to include the Borghese Gallery in your activities. The Berninis are exquisite. You have to make reservations. I am including the link. Since the visits are in 2 hour increments, everyone starts out on the ground floor. Start out on the top floor and spend about 45 minutes on the top floor and then explore the ground floor (where the Berninis are) for the last hour and 15 minutes. http://www.galleriaborghese.it/borghese/en/edefault.htm

if going to Borghese: be prepared to check your bag on the lower level before you are admitted to upper level entrance at your appointed time. They won't let you take anything in.

Wednesday morning during the papal audience is the best time to go to Vatican. While all the crowds are watching the pope you can walk right into the museum.

That would work, Scott, except the schedule says they'll be traveling from Florence to Rome on Wed morning. Of course they could switch to a late evening arrival in Rome on Tuesday. . . .

Thank you! It's starting to look something like this. Wed the 18th Train in from Florence, night segway tour Thu the 19th Vatican, et al; Fri the 20th Pompeii Sat the 21st Caesar Shuffle including the Coliseum dungeon Sun the 22nd open
Mon the 23rd Fly home I don't really want to do Pompeii on Sun (they day before we fly out) but should we consider flipping Fri and Sat?

David, One possible complication with the Segway Tour..... According to their website - "The minimum age for hiring a bike or a Segway is 18 years, under which the presence of an adult will be necessary to assume all responsibilities. Riders must have the ability to make motions such as climbing and descending stairs without assistance. The Segway is not appropriate for those weighing under 100 pounds (45 kilos) or over 250 pounds (113 kilos)." They may be somewhat "relaxed" about enforcing the rules or they may enforce them rigidly. It would probably be a good idea to send them an E-mail to enquire. Regarding the trip to Pompeii, be sure to leave early and plan to return late. It will be a LONG day! I'm not sure whether Saturday or Sunday would be a better day to visit? I suspect weekends will be busy in either case. Good luck!

Ken that means someone under 18 cannot hire one,, it doesn't mean they can't ride one, as it states "under which an adult must assume responsibility),, meaning David can hire them for his kids but of course must accompany them and be responsible for them. The weight and height requirements don't look too restrictive most 13 year old boys weight 100 pounds at least. I think Pompeii would be a great side trip, educational for the kids, interesting to adults,, one caveat,, I constantly read about the heat issue there,, the stones just maginfy the sun,, so take water water water and hats..