Hello Fellow Travellers.
I'm in the early stages of planning an itinerary to Rome. Would you help me? It's my spouse's 1st trip. I have seen many of the "must see" sights, and would like to try to squeeze in 1 or 2 things that I haven't seen before.
As written, there are several blank slots of time.
Please let me know where, if anywhere, you would squeeze in the Pantheon, and the Baths of Caracalla, and possibly, the National Museum by Termini, and any other sights of note that you deem as being MUST SEES for a visit to Rome. We were also toying with the notion of a day trip to somewhere within a 0.5 to 1.0 hour's by train journey from city center, like possibly Castel Gandolfo, since Rome is the only Italian destination on our grand tour, and it might be nice to see something outside the City Center that moves at a slower pace.
I recognize it is not typical to put one's "ancient Rome day" at the end of the itinerary, but I placed it there because I was trying to place it on a day when the crowds might be less.
EDIT: We have booked both at Hotel Smeraldo, and Hotel Lancelot, at their refundable rates. Hotel Smeraldo has the more central location and a higher price point; Hotel Lancelot offers a more affordable price point at a good location. I'm keeping things flexible for now.
EDIT: We have no mobility issues other than being out of shape.
Thank you for the gift of your time and advice!
Day 1: No closures of note
Friday*
6:30 Arrive in FCO; get into Rome by taxi or Leonardo Express+ Taxi; check in to Hotel probably around 9 AM and leave bags in the hotel.
AM Question: How to use 4 hours in Rome while jet lagged?
AFT 14:00 earliest possible entry to rest at hotel room
AFT Question: How to use an afternoon in Rome while jetlagged?
EVE Question: How to use an evening in Rome while jetlagged?
Day 2: No closures of note
Saturday
AM VILLA BORGHESE
AFT Villa Torlonia (I would like to see Villa Torlonia, though I recognize it is not a must see for everyone.)
EVE What do you recommend for the evening? E.g. eat dinner by Piazza Navona?
Day 3: Via Appia no cars; Vatican Museii Closed
Sunday **
AM St. Paul's outside the Walls (I recognize St. Paul's is not a "must see" for everyone, but my spouse has a special devotion to this Saint)
AFT Via Appia, Catacombs, Aqueduct Park.
EVE Where should we eat dinner? I had thought maybe this would be a chance to hop down to the EUR, but is there a better option on the way back to the city center?
Day 4: Closed: Roman Nat'l Musuems; House of Augustus; Ostia Antica
Monday
AM What do you recommend we do on Monday morning in or near Rome?
AFT What do you recommend we do on Monday afternoon in or near Rome?
EVE What do you recommend we Monday evening in or near Rome?
Day 5: Closed: House of Livia
Tuesday
AM EARLY: ST. PETER's BASCILICA
AFT Castel Sant'Angelo;
Optional: Ara Pacis
EVE Would you recommend dinner in Trastevere? If not, where would you recommend dinner?
Day 6: St. Peter's closed in the AM for Papal Audience
Wednesday
AM EARLY : VATICAN MUSEUMS & SISTINE CHAPEL & VATICAN GARDENS- MUST SEE
AFT Rest at hotel after museums and lunch
EVE What would you recommend doing after seeing the Vatican Museums, if anything? I had thought maybe dinner near the Aventine Hill, see Garden of Oranges, if we feel up to it.
Day 7: Last Full Day in Rome
Thursday
ANCIENT ROME DAY
AM Coliseum
AFT Roman Forum, Supersights: Livia's House, Augustus' House; Trajan's Market
EVE Last night in Rome. Do you have any recommendations for Thursday evenings in Rome? I think probably make a reservation for a nice restaurant with a view, possibly near Celio.
Day 8: Last Morning in Rome
Friday
EARLY EARLY EARLY AM TREVI FOUNTAIN
Ciao Roma
AFT go to FCO to next destination on the grand tour.