Day at the Vatican

You won't have much time before the audience so I would just do that, wander around the square for a while, grab some lunch then do the museums. After the museums I would visit the basilica when most of the audience crowd has left. Donna

When we were at the vatican we got there for the sistene chappel at opeining. doing that we ran thru the muesum to the chappel and were there with a dozen others quite beautiful. Later in the day, at the end of the museum tour it was shoulder to shoulder people and not at all pleasant.,

Thanks for the info! Any other suggestions for Rome? we have 1 day for colosseum etal. 1 day for naples/pompeii and 1 day, saturday we r leaving open. Any suggestions for that open day?

Do one of the Rick Steves walks in the guidebook. I liked the one from Camp di Fiore to the Spanish steps , pausing for gelato.
Or, visit the Forum/Palatine.

As for your day at the Vatican ... In my humble opinion, I wouldn't plan too much before the service. As was mentioned above, get a bite to eat before the museum, and if you're really serious about SEEING the museum, as opposed to just walking through it, expect it to take a few hours. I must confess that by the end of the walk, the Sistine Chapel was insanely crowded and probably the biggest disappointment of our trip :-( We did not have the opportunity to appreciate it the way it deserves. So if you get out of the museum at 4pm-ish, I would suggest going to St. Peter's Basilica prepared to have your socks knocked right off your feet! It's amazing! If you're feeling especially energetic that day, I would suggest climbing the dome to the top of St. Peter's. The views are incredible, and it will help you appreciate the Vatican and the immensity of St. Peter's even more! On your free day someone had suggested visiting the Forum, but I would combine that with your visit to the Colosseum because they are so close and tie the time period in history together nicely. Side note I might get mocked for this, but I found Palatine Hill to be underwhelming and would definitely walk through the Forum if you have to choose between the two. We had a little picnic on the grass next to the Arch of Titus with the Colosseum in the background and it is still one of our fondest memories being surrounded by such history! Back to your free day ... Rick Steves has a great walk that we followed (except for the detours to look at statues that ultimately got us lost). We visited the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, and then almost ruined it by going to the Spanish Steps. The harrassment we received by the people trying to sell us things was worse than at the Eiffel Tower! Not worth it to me! Good on you for keeping a free day, but choose how to fill it wisely ... good luck!

The Borghese Gallery - it is absolutely exquisite. However, you have to make reservations and you can only tour for 2 hours. It is a two story building. When you get there, start on the top floor while the rest of the crowd starts on the first floor. However, make sure to spend at least an hour and 15 minutes on the bottom floor where the sculptures are. The Borghese is a not to be missed gem. http://www.galleriaborghese.it/borghese/en/edefault.htm The rest of the day can be spent at Piazza del Popolo, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain (it is really beautiful at night), and/or Piazza Navona.

Another vote for the Borghese Gallery. Then you can walk through the park to the Pincio (just follow signs) and down the steps to the Piazza del Popolo. Any of the streets leading away from it is worth the walk. Another interesting walk is through the Jewish Quarter. My favorite place is the Piazza Navona/Pantheon/Campo dei Fiori area.

Yes, all the pickpockets trolling around like koi in a fish pond sucked! I really appreciate all the ideas and will use them when we travel.

Which pickpockets were those fish, Todd?

On the bridge when you can take full pictures of the Eiffel Tower. The guys walking around with coathangers selling the keychains! You are visually distracted, then they are making noise with the keychains, and then there buddies with the black plastic bags all walking around bumping into you constantly! P.S. Also saw the cheap gypsy girl gold ring scam poorly done walking to the louvre, just like Ricks books mentioned!