We have 4 days in Rome before a cruise. We would like to see as much as we can in this short time. Is anyone able to give me an itinerary for these 4days so we don't tour like the army (left right left right). What I would like is to clump the sites into an area for each day. We are there in early August and also should we purchase tickets for exhibits prior or just roll up on the day and where should we purchase them from. again thanks for your help and yes I do have Rick's latest book.
Posted by
Ottawa
1446 posts
There is quite a bit to do in Rome, so this is just a quick suggestion for how to possibly chunk your visit:
Antique Rome (Palatine Hill Museum, Forum, the Colosseum + a side visit to the nearby San Clemente church) can be combined with dinner and a walk through the old Jewish quarter.
The 'classic' do-it-yourself walking circuit (Spanish Steps - Trevi Foutain - Pantheon - Piazza Navona) can be combined with the Borghese or any guided tour/activity that suits your fancy (I'm a big fan of Context Travel's tours, for example).
The Vatican (museums, basilica, gardens) can be combined with dinner and an end-of-the-day self-guided walk in Trastevere (i.e. using the Rick Steve's itinerary).
I'm sure that you'll get more suggestions to help you with this one. Do look up the recent posts regarding the Vatican visits... there's good info there regarding pre-booking.
Have fun!
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
One of my favorite walks starts with a visit to the Galleria Borghese (must have reservations with specific time block; allow 2.5 hours). Then walk through the extensive grounds (you can meander or focus). At some point, follow the signs for Pincio; you will end up on a terrace with great views of Rome. Take the footpath down to Piazza del Popolo, there are a couple of interesting churches. From there you can go to the Vittorio Emanuelle II monument, take the elevator to the roof for more great views (with labeled photo murals). There's a nice cafe there for a refreshment break.
If you start this in the afternoon, the churches in Piazza del Popolo may be closed, but it will put you in a good spot for either a Trastevere or Piazza Navona/Pantheon/Campo dei Fiori walk and dinner. The Pantheon is open until 7:30 during the summer.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23666 posts
It will be hot and very crowded in August so you should adopt the Med habit of staying indoors from about 2 to 5 and extend into the late evening when temperatures are cooler. If over a weekend, do the Appian Way on Sunday when traffic is limited.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Some tested itinerary plans are summarized at the start of the Rome chapter or Rome book (p. 21-24), which I think give you the best shorthand version of what's doable in a day. It looks like Rick forgot to list the siesta in his plan. My experience of trying to "push through" and sightsee during the siesta time was that I would later go to my hotel to freshen up for dinner, and then end up sleeping through dinner.