just back from Rome

Poit in travel tips.

Hello, I was wondering if you went across the river to Trastevere?? What was your favourite part of Rome?
Thanks

Actually, Trastevere was were we stayed! It was awesome. We rented an apartment from cross-pollinate.com under the name Iris's flat and that was perfect. It was 3 of us and that neighborhood is perfect to get away from the touristy termini area. During our 5 nights in rome, we ate at pizzeria marmia 3 times and bar doe poeta once and that was great food. For something besides pizza, order the fagioli with hamhocks from marmi! They are incredible! From Termini it is simply bus 75.
From Vatican bus 23. Taxi is 6-9 Euros from Vatican or Termini.

That is great! Thanks for the info. We hope to be able to travel through Europe next summer (2013), and I have been doing some research, and that is the area in which we wish to rent an apartment during our week in Rome. I will definately take note of your restaurant suggestions and transport. Really glad you liked Trastevere. Seems like a great place to stay. Cheers!

We stayed in Trastevere on our second trip to Italy, in May 2008. I wouldn't always recommend it to someone for their first trip to Rome, as it's farther away from the traditional tourist sights, but it definitely has its charms. Here are some photos I took in the area, if you're interested: Trastevere May 2008 You can also see a lot from Google Maps Streetview. Happy travels.

True, Trastevere is not on the main path. If you are not one that is very directional savvy, or enjoy the planning and preparation for reading maps and bus taking, then this area is challenging.

Michael, your photos are amazing!

When I responded that it seemed unusual her response was "No march is high season in Rome. Low season are: January, February, end of June, July, August and November."
Honestly, it makes me a little skeptical of this otherwise highly recommended agency. I will have to check out the agency you went through.

I am working on a trip to Rome next March. Everything I had read said that March was the off season, but a recent property manager said it was the peak season. Do you mind me asking if you paid peak season or off season rates for your rental? Thanks

My apartment was for 115 Euros per night thru cross-pollinate.com If they are saying that is peak, then what do the call july? Sounds a little misleading from them.

I wouldn't be so skeptical of that agency. I think you could make an argument that for Rome (not all of Italy), low season could be January, February, end of June, July, August and November. It's because of religious holidays (Christmas and Easter, esp.) and the weather (fiercely hot in the summer).

oh great... we are going this July to Rome. staying at the Relais 6 on Tolimino. I have no clue how far that is from the nearest bus stop. are taxi s priced per person? hourly or mileage?
Iheard you should only take "licensed" ones. how do you find out if they r licensed?

great pics michael!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Every hotel and other facility has its own definitions of what peak season, mid or shoulder, and off season mean to them. I just made a load of Italian reservations and checked many more for March, April and May, and each place was different. You know what? When a hotel thinks it will be busy it charges the top rate, when it thinks it will be empty it may charge the lower rate. Done't worry what "season" it is, ask the rate and if you are happy with it and it meets your needs pay it. If not, don't. There are very few times in the year that Rome is truly quiet. If you think that's bad, try Venice. Most places there don't even post their rates and you send an email and see what they send back.