I want to breakaway from scheduled tour for one day to explore the Vatican and Pantheon. I have arthritis, but can walk for 15 min. before having to rest. How is the best way to see these 2 must see places. I will be solo traveler. Hop on Hop off bus available?
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23286 posts
A couple of years ago the hop on off might have worked for you but this year the numbers of stops have been reduced and are further from the attractions. So that is probably out. If you have some limitation on walking, I would just use a taxi for those two sites. You can get fairly close to the Pantheon via taxi but the Vatican will require a lot of walking.
Posted by
Dallas
1021 posts
I also advise using taxis. They're not that expensive in Rome and save valuable time and energy. Taxis can deliver you to the door of the museum and just outside Piazza della Rotonda where the Pantheon is located. The Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's require some walking, but it sounds as if you can handle it. Read RS's book to learn about the shortcut from the Sistine Chapel to St. Peters if you want to use it, but note that if you have to check anything at the entrance to the museum you won't save any time or walking by using the shortcut as you'll have to return for your stuff.
Posted by
OP
McAllen, TX, United States
4 posts
Thank you for the replies! Yes, I have read about the shortcut thru Sistine Chapel :). Glad to hear that taking a taxi would be best and that it isn't too expensive. I guess the next obvious question would be getting a taxi back to hotel. Should I assume that there is a taxi stand somewhere? I could probably get that info from the hotel itself. Keep the suggestions coming and thanks.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32813 posts
ACDB, Taxis to the Pantheon should be no problem, as will be the Pantheon which is lovely and flat inside and maybe a couple of steps up. Nice Gelato around the side, too, down a side street. I would worry for you at the Vatican though as there are lines to get in the Basilica and I don't remember any place for tourists to sit down inside. I also worry about the amount of walking in the Vatican museums. Have you considered hiring a wheelchair? I found a neat internet article called Accessible St Peters which might be interesting.... For some weird reason the link won't format, here it is in the open: http://www.saintpetersbasilica.org/People/Accessible/AccessibleStPeter's.htm