Fellow travelers... what do you think? First time in Italy (with 2 teen boys) and current plans leave just the weekend days for Rome? My family is going to Italy for the first time and we want to spend most of the time at an agriturismo in Tuscany exploring the hill towns free-style. We don't like touristy stuff. (Suggestions welcome! Also, for Rome nightly apartment rentals!) I see that many agriturismos have Sat through Friday rentals, so our itinerary leaves us just weekend days in Rome. Is that a blessing or a big mistake I'd regret... p.s. You all are the best. I just posted once before and am amazed by this group of all the adventurous travelers with advice at the ready :)
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
If you wish to see the Vatican museums you would have to see them on a Saturday when they are usually very busy. The other sites are open on the weekends so you shouldn't have problems with that. I don't think a weekend is enough time to see much in Rome but if that's all the time you have you should try to make the best of it. I would have your boys go through the guide books and make a list of their "must see's" . This will help you plan your days and skip things they are not really interested in. donna
Posted by
Columbia, MO, USA
249 posts
Nicolas Inn on Via Cavour is located near the big sights and a good value.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23340 posts
It is not necessarily a mistake for the weekend but it will be more crowded. However, Sunday is the only day of the week that most traffic is restricted on the Appian Way and a great time to visit that area.
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
All major sights in Rome are open on Saturday and all but Vatican Museum are open on Sunday. Monday is the day with the most closures. Sundays are nice if you wish to attend the Pope's noon blessing. Only minor downside to weekends is that restaurants are busier on Friday and Saturday evenings, and you may want to reserve if you have your sights on a particular one.
Posted by
Gaston, Oregon, USA
931 posts
Barb, Rome has so much to offer the family. The boys can have an awesome time ..especially at night. I like Donna's idea. Hand them your Rick Steve's guide book and let them read and then tell you how much time they would like to spend in Rome, or spend elsewhere. And let them help plan the all of the trip. We use VRBO.com and Homelidays to find our apts in the EU, with gereat results. We have NEVER been restricted to Sat thru Friday rentals at any agri in Italy, but sometimes find it hard to get an apt rental for less than 3 days.