We will be spending several weeks in Italy (Venice, Florence, Siena, Cinque Terre). We weren't supposed to end up in Rome but due to a flight cancelation we will have the fortune to spend 24 hours in Rome on a mid May Monday about noon until Tuesday 2:40 flight back to the states. Since our time is so limited I feel we need to have a good idea of what we wish to do. Mostly ancient Rome and the top tier tourist sites are what we wish to see (mostly exteriors, no Vatican). At first I thought an afternoon walking tour would be good but we don't want to schedule anything until after 2. Then I thought, if we walked on our own in the afternoon an illuminated bus tour would be a nice way to spend the evening, any thoughts on which one? Then we plan to visit Borghese Gallery first thing (8:15) Tuesday morning before meeting our cab to the airport at 11 AM. Looking for ideas and suggestions with these things in mind. Thanks in advance.
Posted by
OP
NY, USA
500 posts
We don't mind paying for a tour or guide, we have more money than time here and for a short trip like this would rather be guided. I don't expect this to be comprehensive. Our hotel is very close to Borghese Gallery so we could do a quick visit before leaving, we have already scheduled a cab to the airport.
Posted by
Rome
27 posts
Several weeks in Italy, and not having time for Rome????? One day only for the city which has most to see? You can not see much in a day....
Posted by
OP
NY, USA
500 posts
Like I originally said we weren't supposed to go to Rome, we were supposed to fly out of Pisa our flight got cancelled and our plans are all set so now we are going to Rome for a day. We will be sure to throw some coins in the Trevi Fountain to ensure a return. We just expect an overview, just looking for recommendations for a tour company based on what I said above. Thanks
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
Please rethink the Villa Borghese on tuesday. It's an hour to the Rome airport, and 3 hours is the minimum for checkin. You check in in one terminal and are bussed to another. Just think you're cutting it too close. A better option would be to do the Borghese on monday, as soon as you get settled , maybe the Palatine Hills & Colosseum, or reverse, then a guided Rome walk in the evening. Very busy day, but possible. It's hard to do Romes' sights in 5 days, but this would give you a small overview.
Try contextrome.com for tours.
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
Sorry, forgot the Borghese was closed on mondays.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
29 posts
I disagree that you can't see some great stuff in Rome in a day, as you can't see all of Rome in a week - there's a lot of great ways to get enough of a taste to make you want to come back and see more! You could certainly see the Colosseum & the Forum in a morning (the RS free audio guide is a great way to know what you're seeing and to stay focused, especially in the Forum, as it's huge and you could wander around for ages, but if you're on a time restriction. . . ), take a break for lunch, maybe go to a couple of churches (a great and generally free way to see some amazing art in situ, plus a good way to rest your feet for a minute) and be sure to see the Pantheon. I'd skip the bus tour and opt for the Rome Night Walk in the RS guidebook, I've done it and loved it, it takes you by the Trevi fountain, the Pantheon (it would be closed at night, so if you want to go inside, go earlier), the Piazza Navonna, the Spanish Steps, and a whole lot more. I'd also recommend some gelato to enhance your experience, there are some great places near the Pantheon. If you have more money than time to spend in Rome, you might want to consider getting the Roma Pass. It's 25 euros per person and it would get you in free to the Colosseum & the Forum, plus you would have free transportation use (buses, Metro) and a pretty good map. But the real time saver would be that you get your own entrance into the Colosseum & Forum, so you don't have to wait in a line that can be ridiculous. And since your first two sites are free (check out their list) and the Colosseum & Forum count as one, you could potentially pop into a museum in the afternoon and not feel too badly about not spending hours and hours there. Unfortunately a lot of things are closed on Monday, so be sure to check before you go. Enjoy!!
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11780 posts
Lisa:
Francesca Caruso does an amazing 3 hour tour of Ancient Rome: Coloseeum, Palatine Hill and Forum. It would be private, just your family and Francesca. You could meet her at 2:00 or 3:00, take your tour that Monday afternoon, and still have the evening (Night Walk as suggested by another) and Tuesday AM. About the best overview you could get. Contact her via email, [email protected]. Laurel
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
I loved the bus tour of Rome... great overview and you could get off and on as you desire. It's a great bonus to your trip...and you can decide whether or not you need to return. When i am on a tight time schedule I will do the whole tour one time around, then on the second go round I have already decided where to get off. By the end of your time you may be wanting some comfort! Have a great time.