I am aware that there have been other posts about these changes and have read them. I wanted to see if anyone could tell me what to do in my specific situation. I have purchased tickets for the Belvedere for an early morning tour, but waited to purchase entry tickets because we plan to visit the Forum the afternoon before. The dates are June 13-14 this year. I am wondering if we will still be ok to purchase entry tickets on Wednesday afternoon at the Forum and tour there at that time and plan to use the same tickets the next day to enter/tour the Colosseum. What time we arrive at the Forum will depend on other factors, but it might be before 2pm. I think that I could purchase the entry tickets now to ensure that we can enter as desired, but don't want to screw up and get the wrong ones so I thought buying them onsite would be simpler. Thanks for any advice.
Posted by
Slidell, LA
571 posts
I just got back Wednesday from a two week solo trip to Italy, Milan, Venice, Florence and Rome, and had the same concerns you had. I think you will be better off to buy your ticket in advance if possible, although there might be a small fee to do so. It will save you time and time over there is money. I believe the combo ticket for all three places is good for two days. The time of day you plan to be there will be Very crowded, especially in June. I arrived last week without a ticket at 3:00 PM (15:00 over there) and the line at the Colosseum to buy a ticket was very long, as was the one for those with tickets. I walked across the piazza to the Forum ticket booth, as Rick suggests in his guidebook, where there were only 12 people in line. I bought my ticket there and went into the Forum first.
A word of caution...if you like history the Forum will take more of your time than you expect, and it is a must to go to the Palatine Hill and see ruins of palaces dating back to BC. DON'T BUY THE AUDIOGUIDE. Instead download Rick's Audio Europe. I did, and put on my playlist everything I thought I might see in all four cities in Italy. It is especially helpful in the Forum.
A couple of unrelated suggestions....Go to the St. Peter in Chains church and see Michelangelo's Moses. It's about a 10 minute walk from the Colosseum. The sculpture is incredible, but on the outside the church is so non-descript that you would not even think of going in. Inside it will blow you away. Also, if you like opera there is an English speaking Episcopal Church not far from the Termini station that hosts several different operas during throughout the week and on a couple of nights a concert of 16 of the most famous Arias from 12 different operas. Cost 20-30 euros depending on where you want to sit and there are no bad seats. I stayed at the Hotel Aberdeen where several of Ricks tours ended while I was there and the church was right around the corner. The name is "St. Paul's Within the Wall" and their is an interesting explanation of the name. Hope this is helpful. Have a great trip.
Jim
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
Yes, you can either purchase entry tickets now and use them for the forum/palatine hill on that Wednesday and the colosseum on Thursday or you can wait and buy entry tickets at the forum/palatine hill entrance and still use them the next day for the colosseum. Either way will work though buying them onsite could mean a long wait in the ticket lines.
If you decide to purchase the tickets online do it before June 1 to guarantee being able to use them any time you wish.
Donna
Posted by
OP
Rock Hill, SC
10 posts
Thanks so much! I will go ahead and get the tickets today to save the time in line. I know everywhere will be super crowded, but we had to go when the kids are out of school. Thanks also for the other sites to add to the list, every recommendation helps.
Posted by
OP
Rock Hill, SC
10 posts
Confused again... I am purchasing "Open Tickets" for adult, extra-EU for 2 adults (14 euro each including the reservation fee). Do I need to purchase the "Free ticket, under 18, extra-EU" which is simply the 2 euro reservation fee for my 15year old? I already have the 3 tour tickets for a 9:30ish Belvedere tour. I am happy to add the 2 euro reservation for her ticket, but if I don't need to I would be just as happy to save the money. Thanks so much again!