ROMA card (aka - ROME planning is not so easy)

Lisa, try not to be overwhelmed! Vacation planning is supposed to be fun! To reserve at the Borghese with the Roma pass, call the phone number Rick lists in his book, get the english option, and tell them you need a res with the romapass. I did it, it was very easy. I'm not sure who told you that there are a million things you have to do in advance, but I would take a step back and just breathe because italy and stress are two polar opposites. it's about, as you said, enjoying and soaking it in and seeing a few world-class sights along the way. It may help you wrap your mind around it all if you try to organize your planning by neighborhood. see the sights around the Vatican in one half day, do the ancient sites (colosseum/forum/campidoglio) in a half day, do the central stuff (campo de fiori/navona/pantheon/trevi/ghetto) in a half day, etc. The Borghese is the only thing you HAVE to book ahead of time, except maybe the underground tour of the colosseum if you plan to do that. Otherwise, what I like to do is organize by neighborhood and half day like above. I say OK in the morning I will be in this neighborhood and see these sights, then I'll have lunch, then in the afternoon I'll move to this neighborhood and see this group of sights, etc. Rome is very conveniently divided like that so it is actually pretty easy. In 3 full days, you can see a lot of Rome as it is compact and easy to get around. Tick off your top must-see sights (which it looks like you've already done) and leave yourself the rest of your time free to do the wandering you want to do and should be doing. Grab a gelato or pizza bianca on the way, wander into any little church with open doors, sit on a bench and watch Rome go by, and just enjoy. Also, do you have Rick's book? Because my favorite thing about his books are the logistical tips, which it sounds like are what's troubling you the most. it'll help you!!

Lisa, it seems overwhelming because there is so much available to do. I know Rome really well, but planning five days in Paris makes me hyperventilate. Good suggestion above, figure out how many half-day segments you have and then match them up with your neighborhood lists of what you want to do. I will suggest putting Trajan's markets on your ancient sights list, it's across the street from the Forum, and maybe take the elevator to the top of the Victor Emmanuele monument for views of Rome. Also, walk around Rome at night when the fountains and buildings are lit. For a little orientation self-tour, take the #116 electric minibus around Rome - this bus will also take you to the Galleria Borghese (remember to validate your bus ticket). Have a great time in my favorite city!

Hi Lisa, I know it might seem overwhelming but planning for Rome is very easy. There is very little that must be reserved in advance. For the Borghese gallery, visit their website to get the phone number and call to make the reservation. This is the only way to book if using the romapass. Just tell them you'll be using the pass. You don't need to have the pass before making the reservation, only when you show up. You can book entry tickets or a tour of the colosseum ahead of time. This might make it easier for you. There are two tours you can book. One is the regular tour of the main areas of the colosseum. The other is a tour of the underground and third tier. These two levels can only be visited while on a tour. The basic information in both tours is the same so you wouldn't need to do both. You can read this thread for more information: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187791-i22-k6091886-Colosseum_undergound_tour_FAQ_s-Rome_Lazio.html For the Vatican museums you can also book a tour or entry tickets. You can visit their official site at: http://biglietteriamusei.vatican.va/musei/tickets/do?weblang=en&do Tickets and tours booked at both the colosseum and Vatican websites allow you to bypass the lines outside. If using the romapass for entry into the colosseum please read the above thread carefully. You need to book in a specific way. Other than these three sites you really don't need to book or plan anything. There are so many wonderful restaurants in Rome that you won't have any problems finding a place to eat. Getting around Rome is simple. You walk. It's a very compact city and walking is the best solution and allows you to see the most. In three days you'll certainly have enough time to visit your must sees so just relax and take a breath. You're doing fine. Donna

Thank you all for your suggestions and reassurance. I think I've been able to put things into a little better perspective as a result. I suppose I had a mini-meltdown. You know...you plan this expensive vacation and you want everything to be perfect and I know "perfection" is not a realistic goal. Debra, your suggestions for planning definitely make things seem more manageable. I just looked at a map and realized that things aren't as spread out as I was thinking they were. I do have Rick Steve's Italy guide but even his logistics were confusing. I think I'll go back and reread it now that I've calmed down a bit. I'm still not sure if I want to book tours for the sites I want to see. If we do go to the Vatican museums I would definitely book a tour for that but I don't know about the Colosseum? Can I get by with just the audio tours and Rick Steves guide? I was not planning on doing the lower level. Also, I still get to skip the line with the Roma Pass even if I'm not taking a tour, correct?
Thank you all again for your support!

Yes, you skip the line with the pass even if you're. ot taking a tour.

Glad you are feeling better about the planning! I used Rick's audio tour for the main parts of the Colosseum on my ipod and found it sufficient but then I am the type who has a pretty short attention span at sights and I don't find I really get much out of guided tours. I like Rick's self-guided tours in his books as well - you get the basics but can go at your own pace. If you're not sure if you want to take a tour, don't book in advance. These sights all have official guides around the entrances, should you decide at the time you want one.