Hello - we are considering spending 8-9 days in Italy late December 2018/early January 2019 with Rome as our home base and taking some day trips to Tuscany, Pompeii, Ostia Antica, Naples, etc. Those aren't set in stone, but could be potential destinations. I am honestly mostly looking for a hotel/lodging recommendation at this time - one that would be a good home base for a few days in Rome and a good starting point for day trips. Also, if you have done this type of trip before, did you rent a car for the day trips, or were you able to get by with public transportation for the most part? Thank you in advance for any advice you might have.
Posted by
Reno, Nevada
1025 posts
You're really in a state of flux, and you need to focus on your desires and destinations. Start by buying a copy of Rick Steves' Italy 2018 guidebook.
Once you begin your trip planning in earnest, you can narrow down your choices and this forum will become valuable to you. Right now, we are whistling in the wind when we make any kinds of recommendations.
To begin, with only 9 days in Italy, you would be hard pressed to really enjoy more than 2 places, 3 at the most. The desirability of and feasibility of any day trips are dictated by your time constraints and traveling goals.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
8028 posts
You don't want to have a rental car in your possession while you are sleeping in Rome. Even if you don't want to buy Rick's book, you MUST go to the library (age of the edition doesn't matter for basic research) because you have so much research to do. Although the number of people affects the decision making, most European daytrips are always better with rail travel. But discounts require commitment to advance purchase. Your reasonable inquiry covers hours of reading about travel mode, car insurance, ZTLs, advance purchase, open-jaw air tickets, time to be spent getting places. You can get a free hint of this with Rick's blue menu top left, "Explore Europe" | "Travel Tips".
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thank you, Tim. That was helpful. I know my request was vague and I definitely plan on doing lots of research in terms of our actual itinerary - was just trying to get a recommendation for a good location in Rome both for touring Rome and heading out on day trips. I would definitely prefer rail for day trips and was leaning that way anyway. I would like to avoid a car, if at all possible. Thanks again.
Posted by
11673 posts
We like to stay near Piazza Navona in Rome. Others may say to stay near Termini Station but we don’t care for that area.
For Pompeii and Naples it would be better to stay in Naples a few nights. We enjoyed staying at Palazzo Alabardieri.
Day trips from Rome to Tuscany-Florence, Siena. Orvieto in Umbria. Ostia Antica is an easy train ride, near the airport.
8-9 days isn’t much time so just pick a few of them.
Posted by
11673 posts
In Rome we stay at Palazzo Navona Hotel.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thank you, Suki! Very helpful.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
12035 posts
I have stayed at Hotel Aberdeen. Would do so again.
Its close to Termini and Metro stations, so getting around is rather easy.
As you are planning your day trips do not forget to take into account that at that time of year, daylight hours are short.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thank you, Joe.
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
Rome as a base for 5 days doing day trips to Ostia Antica and Orvieto. Then decide on either Tuscany or Naples not both for three nites.
If you're flying R/T Rome, reverse, hit Tuscany or Naples first. That way you're already in Rome for your departure.
From FCO, there are 2 direct trains to Florence.
For Naples, Leonardo Express from FCO-Roma Termini then on to Napoli Centrale.
Both will take about 90 minutes by train.
Official rail site
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thanks, Gerri! All great suggestions.