Hello! I'd like some feedback and any suggestions.
6 full days after Christmas and through New Years.
2 parents, 2 boys (12 and 15).
We are flying into and out of Rome.
I definitely don't want to try to pack too much in and want to see any holiday/festive things that we wouldn't encounter at other times of year. We will do some museums/art, but probably can't have a heavy focus on that with two teen boys. Pompeii is high on my list. Would a trip with 4 nights in Rome and 2 nights in Naples (including NYE) seem like a good way to divide the trip? While I'd love to get back to Venice, not sure it's worthwhile at this time of year and is obviously a different direction!
Are there other places we should make sure to visit? What would be a good day trip from Rome if we want to see a smaller town? Siena?
Many thanks!
Posted by
Bay Area SF & Uppsala Sweden 🇸🇪
1461 posts
Sure, why not break up the trip with a few nights outside Rome - The only issue would be that you need to be back in Rome the night before your flight, perhaps stay out in the town of Fiumicino? (Lots on here about hotels near FCO.)
We're staying IN Pompei (one i). The hotel is across from one of the entrances to Pompeii, and the hotel was 30% cheaper than a comparable one in Naples or Sorrento. I just booked 6 nights over NYE 2025, we will take day trips to Paestum & Naples rather than staying in a larger town. Here's the thread that inspired us to make the booking - https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/staying-in-pompei
Inside my TR on Rome last Christmas, you will find a few ideas I think teenage boys might enjoy There are 2 underground museums in Rome. One had bits of a coliseum, it's just around the corner from Piazza Navona. The other is a FABULOUS underground museum by the Trevi Fountain, with water flowing below a series of walkways through old Roman housing. You need to book that one ahead one day via Whatsapp. The TR also has some restaurant ideas, Rome will be VERY crowded, we planned some meals ahead of time! https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/rome-was-jammed-over-ny-but-still-fun
An Italian friend warned me to be very careful in Naples on NYE, with a lot of illegal fireworks she said there are some accidents. I enjoy Naples, but I won't be there on that day! BTW, it looks like both Pompeii & the Archeological Museum of Naples will be open January 1st, but I would check closer to the day.
What would be a good day trip from Rome if we want to see a smaller town? Siena?
IMO, Siena is too far away, how about Orvieto by train? OR if you decide not to go to Pompeii, you could visit Ostia Antica instead. I also loved Tivoli & Hadrian's Villa, easy train access. Have fun!!!
Posted by
St. Francis, WI
93 posts
You could go to see the ruins at Ostia Antica. Just a short train ride outside of Rome. I was in Rome at the same time of year as you are planning, but it was about 20 years ago. At that time, I took the train to Ostia Antica and was there on a sunny day just about by myself. So, if going to see Pompeii seems too much, consider Ostia Antica. Rome has fireworks for New Year's Eve. If you are not opposed to religious things, check out the multiple presepi in Rome. The most imaginative and elaborate nativity scenes you'll ever see.
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
8309 posts
How many nights on the ground in Italy do you actually have?
To get 6 full days you need 7 nights and you only list 6 in your proposed plans.
Can you change your flight to fly in or out of Naples- multi city- In to Rome, out of Naples or vice versa?
If not the smart thing to do is travel onward on arrival to Rome take fast train to Naples and spend first 2 nights there- visit Pompeii.
Then fast train back to Rome to end your trip- you need to be IN Rome night before departure.
Ostia Antica is a really good substitute for Pompeii.
https://search.ricksteves.com/?button=&date_range=2y&filter=Travel+Forum&query=Ostia+Antica&utf8=✓
Siena is too far as a day trip- it is a convoluted train trip with changes that will take several hours.
Orvieto is a nice day trip from Rome. I’d think boys would enjoy all the underground sights there. Takes about 1.5 hour by direct train IC or fast train from Rome.
https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/italy/orvieto
Keep in mind days are short in December!
With only 6 nights you don’t want to lose time traveling to and from. Staying in Rome the whole time would be fine. Plenty to do there.