I'm trying to decide if I want to buy a Roma Pass. I want to visit the Borghese Museum, which is included with the Roma Pass. But, for my second free choice, I'm thinking Palatine Hill. However, the Heart of Italy tour includes a group tour to the Colosseum, Forum, and Pantheon, and then the brochure says "spend your free afternoon wandering Palatine ruins," etc. So does anyone know if Rick Steve's Guide will give us an actual ticket to visit the Palatine Hill; in other words, I don't need the Roma Pass as it's included already? Thank you.
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
Well, it's part of the combo site so I don't know why they wouldn't give you the ticket. Actually, once inside the forum you can access the palatine hill via a walkway between them so unless the tour continues from the forum you can just stay and visit the palatine hill. As for the romapass, if the Borghese gallery is the only other site you'll see with it then it's not worth the cost. Just book your tickets online. Donna
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32402 posts
Melinda, I don't know for sure, but suspect that the Guide will provide you with a Combo ticket, which covers the Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill (might be good for two days, but my memory is a bit foggy on that). As I recall, there's no admission charge for the Pantheon. Rather than buy a Roma Pass to visit the Borghese Gallery, it would be easier to simply book on the gallery website. You MUST have an appointment for entry to the Borghese (even with a Roma Pass), and it's a good idea to show up early or they may give your tickets away to "standbys". Visitors are allowed two hours to tour the gallery. When visiting the Borghese, note that just about everything has to be checked including Purses, Daypacks and larger Cameras (no photos are allowed). If you want a definite answer on which pass they'll provide on the tour, contact the Tour department. Happy travels!