Me and wife are going to Rome/Venice for 2 nights each. I have booked the bb's through venere.com, but other than that we really have done no planning of where to go and what to see. We were just thinking of walking around and seeing whatever comes our way in both Rome and Venice. Yeah there is the Colosseum, but that is about it.
Is it possible to do this and still have a good time?
If you are relaxed, "wing-it" travelers, then there are only two things you need to decide:
1) Is there anything you MUST see?
2) Is there anything you need a reservation for?
For Rome, if you think there is any possibility you will want to go to the Borghese Gallery, it needs to be booked in advance. The Colosseum does not, but use the tips in Rick's guidebook (purchasing ticket at the Palentine Hill) to avoid the line.
I would still pack a guidebook just because it is so useful, and read the information in it before I went. Other than that, just take it easy and have fun.
As for walking, Venice is pretty compact and walkable (no other option besides boats anyway). I found Rome pretty walkable as well, but my feet were definitely sore some days and we made good use of the metros. You might consider a combination--ride the metro out away from your B&B and then walk back. I liked the map my hotel had just fine, but there are also excellent recommendations on this site, just do a search.
The thing to remember about navigating in Rome is that the city is arranged in 'circles', and that landmarks really help you navigate around. For Venice--eh, just expect to be lost. That's part of the charm.
Yeah, 'wing-it' is probably a good way to describe our intentions. Other than the Colosseum, there is nothing must see.
I think I will purchase RS's Rome book tonight and read up on it.
Thank you all once again. Time to use the search function for this pass stuff! =)
Only 2 more weeks to go! Yay.
Depends on what you consider fun. Part of the fun for us is the research and planning that we put into our trips. We didn't always do that. Our first trip to Europe was much more laid back than the rest of our trips have been. As a result, we later discovered many things that we would have really liked to have seen that we didn't. It also makes the trip more enjoyable if I have some idea of what I am looking at and the history behind it. Otherwise something like the Forum is just a pile of rocks.
In Rome, there are many really nice churches with great art and Vatican City with St Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. There is also the Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, Spanish steps, and the Borghese Gallery.
I recommend that if you are going to just wander that you get a good map. Also, keep in mind that while Rome does have a subway system, it is limited to only 2 lines. Every time they try to build another one, they run into ruins and have to stop and check them out before continuing on. I would also recommend that you do a little research concerning other modes of public transportation so that you know what to expect. Rome is a very large and thriving city.
Venice yes - just wander and enjoy.
Rome yes- once you get into the area you want to wander. The area around Piazza Navona holds so many surprises - I still find new ones with each visit!
Enjoy your wanderings. And yes, as indicated above be sure you have a good map. We picked one up a couple of years ago that looked great - but we realized quickly that it was actually a MIRROR IMAGE of reality!!!!
Absolutely! Especially if you're not that excited by museums and churches, wandering is a great way to explore and experience the cities serendipitously. Although I would say of Rome especially, it's a huge city and at least knowing which sections or neighborhoods you'd like to see would help - in two nights you can only walk so much.
Thank you very much folks. Neither of us are 'history buffs', but we would like to explore the sights and museums as they come along. There wouldn't really be a sense of 'oh I should have gone there' because neither of us really know much about roman history.
I did jot down some locations that I will try to hit in our walking, or maybe by a bus ride (?), but really just exploring what comes our way is the idea.
Lastly, is there a recommendation for a map of Rome, or would any be good enough?
Thanks!!
There is so much to see in Rome that I'm afraid you will waste a lot of precious time by merely "roaming" there (considering you only two days). I would do some research before you leave, at least on Rome.
Bella Roma!
Well if someone gave me a ticket right now to get on a plane to Italy and go to Rome and Venice on the fly I would go, and I know I would have a great time. I have been to both places on well-planned trips, which is how I like to do it, but if you aren't up to it, just go! Both places, particularly Venice, will floor you.
Ciao!
Here's some food for thought, from the master himself.
For your map, I recommend a version called "Streetwise". We have the Rome, Florence and Venice versions. They are laminated and fold up nicely.
We used the one provided by out hotel. It was perfect for our needs.
Keeping with the wind it theme: I will have 2 days in Rome and I was planning on taking the Hop on Hop off bus tour and trusting that it will stop at the most desirable locations. Has anyone taken this sort of self guided bus tour?
Hi SaHiL,
If you're going to purchase one of Rick's books check out his Italy book which gives you maps and info on both Rome and Venice.
Have a great time!
You'll have a great time in Rome & Venice without planning every second. We usually read our guide book a little on the way over (assuming you are landing in one of those cities) just to get an idea of where to head once we've checked in. Then we see what we can and bring the book to dinner to plan for the next day. You already know that there are great things to see - so much that you couldn't possibly see it all anyway in 2 days even with the best planning. So just be sure you "plan to return"!
And I second the Streetwise Maps suggestion - I use them whenever possible.
I've also done Hop-On Bus tours for our first day when we are tired and just want an overview. Haven't done it in Rome but in other cities it was a great easy choice that gave us ideas for where to go back the next tday.
Thank you folks for your precious advice. I start fretting over the non-planning part, but I believe i like the idea of purchasing the book and just reading over the way to get a general idea.
Hopefully will report back a pleasant trip.
Ty.
Sahil,
You may want to reserve on the Secret itineraries tour of the Doge's palace in Venice. It was great fun and let us visit the rest of the palace when we were through. Have a great time. George
