How would you guys suggest we (my husband and I, in our late 20s) spend our last day in Rome? We don't have to be at the airport until 5 p.m. (three Saturdays from now), so we've got some time to see a few sites. We'll have been there for three days already and seen the Vatican and the Colosseum/Forum/Pantheon (the big stuff in that area). The three other things we'll see in that time but don't have a set date for are the Borghese, National Museum and Ostia Antica. Normally I would just leave it until we're there to decide, but alas, we have to reserve for the Borghese. So, does going to the Borghese, say at the 1 p.m. slot, sound like a good way to wrap up a trip to Italy? Or would maybe Ostia Antica be a cool way to end the trip? The National Museum seems like it wouldn't be as interesting a finale, but hey, they've got free storage for luggage - not exactly a con in my book, as we'll have to store it somewhere. We'll get a chance to go to all three, as we'll see the other two sites during the afternoons of our other days there. But should we go for one last wow factor or the simplicity of the National Museum?
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23354 posts
One pm would not work. Do the Borghese in the morning. You don't have as much time as you think. At that time of day you probably should plan on being in the airport by 3 pm if it is not a direct flight back to the US - if a direct flight than by 2 pm. Checking in for direct international flights is a bit complicated with having to be bused between terminals. And at that time of day the airport can be pretty crowded. If using the train to get to the airport it would take over an hour from Borghese. You could do OA and take a taxi to the airport. Both on the same side of Rome but getting a taxi at OA could be unpredictable time wise. Personally we would have a leisurely breakfast or early lunch and enjoy the scenery.
Posted by
Poulsbo, WA, US
223 posts
My two cents... I had been to Rome 2 previous times for 5 days each prior to my trip this fall and skipped the Borghese for one reason or another (There is so much to see in Rome) but finally went on my trip last fall. The Borghese is simply stunning and at least for me is bite sized enough that I dont get overwhelmed in the allowed time. The National Museum (when I went) is relatively quiet and I think under appreciated but I would take the Borghese every time. Possibly the National Museum would get the nod if you learn more toward the history side than the art side. I try to do active things on the last day so I might try and work in the Borghese and maybe the Pilgrims tour on foot.
Posted by
OP
Chicago
57 posts
I said I need to be at the airport by 5 p.m., not that our flight leaves then. It leaves at 7:30 p.m. Plus, we're flying SAS, so we don't have to deal with Terminal 5. I'm pretty certain that getting out NO LATER than 3 p.m. (we probably wouldn't stay the full two hours, as we're mostly interested in the sculptures) from the Borghese will give us plenty of time to get to the airport. So, with that clarified, anyone else?
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23354 posts
That changes the time line. Then you could do it.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15290 posts
If you fly SAS, it means you are flying to CPH (or maybe ARL or OSL). No matter what you are in the Schengen zone. Therefore it is sufficient to be at the airport 75 to 90 min. prior to departure. The check in for those flights close 45 min. prior to departure, and 30 to 45 min. are way more than sufficient to complete the check in. For storage of suitcases you can use also the Bon-Bags company:
www.bon-bags.com They will pick up your luggage at the hotel and deliver it to you where you want it, when you want it (including at the airport). If you decide on Ostia Antica, that would be perfect for the afternoon. Ostia Antica is just a short taxi ride from the airport (15 min).
Posted by
OP
Chicago
57 posts
Thanks guys. I was going to give us two and a half hours at the airport because I've heard it's not the greatest and there can be some crazy lines sometimes. We have an overnight layover in Copenhagen before heading back to the states, but I wasn't sure if we would go through immigration in Rome. We did that in Dublin, and it added some time to the whole process. Should two hours be enough? And thanks for the tip on the bag pickup company! I'll look into that.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15290 posts
In Rome for CPH, 90 minutes prior to departure is way more than enough. There will be no passport control, you are in the EU-Schengen Area, so it's like traveling on a domestic flight from Chicago to Texas. In CPH for the US, I don't know, but probably at least 2 hours is a good rule of thumb. There will be no US immigration at CPH. Only Ireland (DUB) has pre-immigration with US immigration officers in Europe.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
I would go to the Borghese gallery in late morning or early afternoon, then take a walk through the gardens to the Pincio for some last looks at Rome, then take the footpath down to Piazza del Popolo, have a late lunch or a cocktail in the piazza and then collect your luggage and get to the aitport. Bus, taxi or hired car could run into traffic so you may prefer the Leonardo Express. If you take the train, allow some time for shuttle by bus from the train stop at the airport to your terminal, depending on which terminal you need.
Posted by
Alachua, FL, USA
238 posts
Another suggestion is either San Callisto or San Sebastian catacombs. They are simply amazing.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32958 posts
Any reason you couldn't leave your luggages at your hotel after checkout until you need to collect them prior to hopping over to Termini? Virtually all hotels will hold your bags after checkout for no charge.