We will be arriving by train from Monterosso to Rome about 2:00 PM on Tuesday, May 17th. We are leaving early on the morning of Friday the 20th. We want to see the Colosseum (hopefully someone can give me info on how to get to see the bottom floor which is supposed to be open now). We also have an opportunity for a private audience with the Pope on Wednesday, so that should be the day we want to also see St. Peter's. The Vatican Museum is not a top priority for us, but is possible. We would rather skip that if it means we can do other things on our list. We also may have an opportunity to get on a Scavi tour (someone knows someone who works at the Vatican, etc.). Hopefully that would also happen on that Wednesday. I am also hoping to get to Ostia Antica if possible. I would also like to see the Borghese Gallery, but that would be last on my list. I know we can't do everything. Sounds like we should plan on Wednesday being our Vatican day. I am thinking Thursday should be Ostia Antica. I am wondering if doing the Colosseum on Tuesday, our arrival date, is feasible. I imagine it would be 4:00 or so before we could even begin to get there by the time we get to the hotel and check in. I was thinking of walking back to our hotel near Piazza Navona after the Colosseum for that nice leisurely evening walk of Rome. If the Colosseum on that Tuesday is not a good idea, would it be feasible to do it after Ostica Antica on Thursday? I also don't know what to do about tours. I was thinking of just downloading Rick Steves audio tours, or should we splurge on guided tours? I'm thinking this would lock us into times, though, and might also limit how much we can see. I appreciate any tips you have for me!
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11659 posts
Barbara:
You are wise to be planning out your time in Rome and not "winging it." First, take a look at Rick Steves' guide to planning your time in Rome http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/destinations/italy/rome3.htm. (On this site in the menu bar click on "Plan Your Trip - Italy for lots of great tidbits.) I don't agree with all of his Rome Plans but it's a good starting point to understand how much you should maybe pack into a day. IMHO, you want to be wary of over-scheduling, and since you already have a list of what is important to you, you can refine. First, fire off a respectful note to the Ufficio Svaci and see if you can get on the Scavi tour Weds. They will tell you what time, and you have to work around it. "Someone who knows someone" may come through, but if you can get the entry via the official channel, so much the better and you aren't waiting on someone else's good graces. Assuming the best outcome on that request, here is what I would do given your interests: (See Part II)
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11659 posts
Part II Tuesday - Do part of the Caesar Shuffle from Rick's book, Colosseo to Campodoglio. This will take you 3 hours. You can take as much or as little time as you like in the Colosseo, Palatino, Foro Romano, etc. Assuming you start by 4:00PM, you'll be at the Campodoglio by 7:00PM. If there is time, consider going to the top of the Vittorio via the "Elevator to the Sky" for a wonderful evening view over the city. See Rick's book for the shortcut to the elevator from the Foro Romano. A tour guide can be helpful here. Consider Francesca Caruso. She will conform to YOUR times, or recommend someone if she is not available. Wednesday - St. Peter's, Papal Audience, Scavi Tour; Rick Steves' Dolce Vita Stroll. If you do not get into the Papal Audience or the Scavi Tour, this would be a good day to go to the Borghese after you see the Basilica (Borghese reservation required!), or maybe take Rick's Pilgrim's Rome tour. Thursday - Ostia Antica; Rick's Night Walk Across Rome The Tuesday plan gives you more of a taste for ancient Rome. The Colosseo is magnificent, but the Palatino and Foro Romano will give you more depth of understanding this amazing ancient culture. Almost forgot: Lower level Colosseo tours have been covered in other posts here. You can search for them. My impression from reading the posts is that it is not worth the time, money and bother. But you can decide once you read opinions of those who have taken the tour, and ask your guide if you hire one.
Posted by
austin, TX, USA
23 posts
I don't know the size of your party or the ages, but I can give you a little insight, but not answer all of your questions. An afternoon visit to the Colosseum is quite possible since it doesn't close until 19:00. Or one hour before sunset. RS guide book for Rome allows 45 min. but you may want more. If you do not have this guide for Rome - RUSH out and get it. Also use the internet to research your questions as well. Your season of travel will be better crowd-wise versus June or July when it is REALLY crowded. To walk from the Colosseum to Piazza Navonna would be quite a feat - or maybe "feet". It could be done and would be very interesting.... but it would be a pretty long walk. Along the walk you could view the Forums, the Victor E "typewriter" monument, swing by the Pantheon, and then on to P. Navonna. Also stop at any handy gelato or cafe for refreshments. OR if you are tired by that time you will be right across the piazza from a major bus hub. Do your research about riding the bus in Rome ahead of time. OR as a last resort get a taxi. RS Rome guide has a chapter on Ostia Antica which is reached by a metro line/train combo. It allows 2 hours so you could do this on a morning or afternoon & have more time to go to another site as well. FYI - Wednesday is the day that the Pope gives his audience so expect crowds in the Basilica - don't know how that works. We went to the V. Museums on Wed and had the place to ourselves. We were in Rome in April 2010 for two weeks and still didn't get to see everything we wanted... Rome is big and it is bigger that it looks on your map... Make it easy on yourself and you will enjoy your time there more. =)