Borghese gallery

Jeff, getting tickets/reservations is a no-brainer; do that here (official website):

http://www.tosc.it/tickets.htm?affiliate=T2C&sort_by=event_datum&sort_direction=asc&fun=erdetail&doc=erdetaila&erid=912678&language=en

It's too early to reserve yet but when openings become available for October, you must choose a specific day and open time slot. You need to be there 30 minutes or so before your reservation time, and just about all bags have to be checked. No-flash photography is allowed, though: ignore the line about cameras having to be checked in the info page linked below.

It is a national museum that is closed on Mondays, and here's the detailed info page:
http://www.ticketone.it/obj/media/IT-eventim/pdf/en/galleria-borghese-5.pdf

Does this help?

The Borghese is further away from the main attractions in Rome. You could use public transportation, however, this would be time consuming. I suggest taking a cab. Check with your hotel. Maybe they could get a taxi for you. Also, get the price before you get in the taxi. The gallery is beautiful. Enjoy!

Yes, museum is sort of removed from most of the other attractions in Rome but the park, while very large, is a nice stroll. I might suggest taking a cab or public transit one way and doing the other on foot? It's a hike from your hotel but well worth the shoe leather if you can manage a few miles. You WILL need a map to work your way through the park.

Assuming your 2nd day is not a Monday, I'd book your reservations for that morning. I'm hesitant to recommend anything requiring reservations for the day of an incoming flight as delays and whatnot can throw a wrench in that machinery!

Thanks Kathy and deesal,

we are booking a private tour with Sonia Tavoletta on the 4th, so I am talking to her about lenghtening our tour, and adding the gallery. It will shorten the time we have to see the forum and the coliseum, but I think it is worth the effort.
It is going to be a busy day, but this trip is for my brother and his wife, who are first timers in Italy. Our next 6 days are in the Umbrian hills, and will be easy enough for us to relax a little.
Any other suggestions are certainly appreciated.

A presto,

Jeff

The Borghese limits the gallery to about 200 visitors for a 2 hour time slot. So, once inside - there are no crowds and people spread out. Just get your tickets before you leave - go online. Then, arrive at Borghese early for your time slot. You first enter under the steps at the front door in the middle of the building. Go to the right side to collect your tickets with your printed reservation/confirmation paper. Then, go back outside and up the front, outdoor staircase to wait to enter at the proper time. Take a taxi. A taxi from Piazza Navona will cost you about €12 each way. We just did this last June.

After you pick up your tickets, you will need to check your bags. When I was last there, they give you an opaque gift-type bags for things you don't want to check, it's sturdy and makes a nice souvenir.