We fly into Rome in late afternoon\early evening on a Saturday. We have reservations for the Borghese Gallery at 3:00 on Sunday afternoon (the next day). Monday morning we head to Florence but we will be back in Rome later in the month for a Saturday - Tuesday stretch. How would you fill the morning and early afternoon on Sunday given that it's our first full day, we'll be jet lagged, and we have to be promptly on time for the Borghese at 2:30 or earlier? Thanks!
Posted by
point pleasant beach, nj, usa
646 posts
When you arrive on Saturday, try to stay out in the daylight. Have a pretty early dinner and bed around 9 pm. You should be good to go on Sunday. You will absolutely love the Borghese! Arrive at least 40 minutes before your reservation.
Posted by
Alta Loma, CA, USA
1446 posts
When you arrive on Saturday, make yourself stay up, go out for a walk, eat dinner and then return to your hotel and try to go to bed at around 9:00 or so. Hopefully you'll wake up at a normal time Sunday morning feeling rested and ready to take on the day. After breakfast, I would walk around and perhaps visit the Pantheon &/or Piazza Navona areas, grab lunch somewhere and then head to the Borghese in the afternoon. You might also enjoy walking around Trajan's Market; it's not very crowded and we found it interesting to walk around for an hour or so. I would play it by ear though; if you're really tired after breakfast, take it easy so you'll be rested for your visit to the Borghese. By the second day, you should be acclimated. The key to fighting jet lag is to be outdoors.
I also read that melatonin is helpful in combating jet lag so you might consider taking it as well for a few weeks before your trip. I started taking Melatonin a few months before our trip and I continue to take it and I felt that it helped. Have a great trip.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Good advice so far. I would try not to sleep on the plane based on your arrival time (set your timrpiece to lical time as soon as you board). Stay hydrated. Go for a walk around your neighborhood. Have a nice dinner and go to sleep at a normal hour locally.
The next morning you can sleep in a little if you are still tired. You have time for whatever morning sites you want (I wouldn't try the Vatican Museums that morning), have lunch and head to the Borghese. The Galleria is surrounded by a beautiful park if you want some strolling time.
And keep in mind that you need to check in at the Gaeria Borghese 30 minutes before your appointment time.
Posted by
Tampa, FL, USA
1054 posts
Take one of Rick's Rome Walks in his guidebook or Audio App when you land.
Posted by
OP
Towson
125 posts
Thanks all for your responses.
You pretty much have recommended what we already had planned to do. We just need to decide which of the walks to choose. We can do that the next morning based on how we feel.
Thanks!