When I was in Rome in April I saw that several different companies offer "Big Bus" type tours of the City. We chose the actual Big Bus Tour. It was fun and offered two different routes-- one of historic central Rome and another of Villa Borghese. I'm wondering what everyone's favorite "Big Bus" tour company is? Are some of these tour buses better than others? Our Big Bus tour did not have a live guide in Rome. It did in London, but not in Paris. And do these tour buses allow you to sit on top in the open air in December? Do you know what their hours are in late December? Thanks for your help. All recommendations appreciated.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
The bus websites can give you information on schedules, prices, etc.
Roma is one city where I think the big bus or hop on/hop off buses are not worth it. They can't get near many major sights which are in very narrow streets, or are restricted. The RS guidebook gives lots of good walking tour advice, I would use that instead.
Edited to add: you can also get a multi-day transit pass and just take a city bus ride (or more). Signs are posted at major bus stops near monuments that list the stops, you can pick a route that hits some of the major ones. Sometimes I take a bus ride just to give my feet a break (assuming there's a seat available).
There are a few bus hubs in the historic district: Termini station area, Piazza San Giovanni, and Piazza Venezia.
Posted by
OP
365 posts
Good to know, Zoe. I think that is a really good idea, although I loved the Italian music on the Big Bus. It was so energizing. Is the RS Guide available on Amazon or in major bookstores? I've never heard of it? I have read that the city buses attract pickpockets? Have you ever had a problem on them? Do they go to Villa Borghese, like the Big Bus tour does? My sis and I forgot to go on that leg of the Big Bus tour, sadly. It was our first Big Bus tour, and we didn't realize it went into that cool district, so we missed seeing it in April. Do you think the Villa Borghese Gallery is worth seeing?
Posted by
Houston, TX
487 posts
The RS guidebook that Zoe mentions is the Rick Steves guidebook, or the owner of the site you are on. It is sold on this website, Amazon and other major book stores.
Posted by
OP
365 posts
Oh, Duh! Thanks, Jen. LOL. I haven't had my morning coffee yet. HAHA. I have SEVERAL Rick Steves guides to Rome, including a pocket one I love. I never think of them as RS Guides, as I always use his whole name. Giggles. Thanks for the info.
Posted by
OP
365 posts
Zoe, this is hot off the press. How timely. It appears we may, INDEED, be taking a lot of WALKING tours. LOL. http://www.nydailynews.com/newswires/news/business/beleaguered-rome-faces-transport-meltdown-puts-5-star-difficulty-article-1.3370439