First of all, don't limit yourself to the Rick Steves guidebook. Buy or check out at least one other guidebook. I like the Lonely Planet guidebooks. I can't answer all of your questions, but here are my thoughts:

I loved staying in the Trastavere. We were able to walk to everything that we wanted to see on our first visit to Rome. The Hotel San Francesco was a bit pricey, but worth it. I would suggest that you book directly with whatever hotel or airline you choose and not use Expedia or any other booking agent. If there is a problem with your reservation, you're up the creek if you didn't book directly with the hotel or airline, IMHO.

I am still obsessed with the artichoke ala Judea that we had at Al Fontanone, in the Trastavere by the Ponte Sisto. A fried artichoke like a "bloomin onion" on steroids.

We didn't use a HOHO in Rome. Personally, I think there a great idea for the first time visitor.

Have a great trip!

Been to Rome several times, 10 days would be great for what you are thinking.

1. September is great, plane tickets might be a bit less, most of Rome that left for August vaction will be coming back, weather great, so yeah, good time.

2. I also like the Trastevere, others rave about the Campo di Fiori area and the Pantheon ares. Another popular area is near Termini, but for 10 days, I just think you are away from the central area and the action. I go for quiet and sedate in a hotel, the Trastevere does that for me (Hotel Trastevere actually) can't say that it is for everyone.

3. For day trips, read some guides and see what appeal to you. Orvieto is a classic, a nice hill town. Tivoli for a bit of Roman Palaces, Naples, Pompeii, and Herculanium are a quick high speed train away, Florence not that far, so lots of options. Ostica Antica is often mentioned as a day trip, but really that is just a morning or afternoon on the Metro, about like the Vatican in scope.

4. Must visit? No, Great restaurants, too many to mention. My favorite strategy is just to wander off the main track, find a small place with something interesting on the menu, and eat there. Yes, look into the great pizza places, but it can be hard to go wrong.

5 and 6: sorry, no great suggestions.

1. The HOHO bus in Rome is all but worthless, you will see some stuff, but most of Rome is a walking city, Rick Steves has some great walking tours in the guide, I hae used those multiple times.

2. I have not had the opportunity to use any apps, figure out whether you will have data access on your phone, otherwise you need to look at off-line apps, which have limitations. Beyond that, I love just walking in Rome, whether I double back or not. I usually just pick an area and wander there for half a day.

The only other thing I can say is just relax. Rome is a wonderful walking city, besides sights (which are many) we love just wandering, stopping in shops, and ducking into random churches for a look. We also stop here and there for a glass of wine, maybe a snack. We might plan one major sight per half day, using the above to fill the rest.

Where weather is concerned, there are few guarantees, but I'd expect mid-September to late-September to be in the nice-to-a-bit-warm range. It would suit me, but some others would prefer to hold off a week or two or three to reduce the chance of hot weather (but that also increases the chance of rain, I believe).

I've been to Ponza. It's an interesting place but a somewhat unusual choice for a first and rather short trip to Italy. If Rome2Rio.com can be trusted, it's not workable as a day-trip from Rome. Should you decide to pursue this (planning to stay overnight on the island), poke around online to be sure that things will still be up and running when you get there. I went to Ponza in late September or early October, and the sidewalks had been rolled up. I like to avoid the tourist hordes, but there's a point beyond which an island can be just too quiet. That would be when you have a very hard time finding a restaurant to eat in!

One possible day-trip would be to the large hill-town of Orvieto, which is about 1-1/2 hours north of Rome by train. Rick covers it well in his book. Viterbo is just a bit farther away, a larger city but less touristy. Closer to Rome you have Ostia Antica for Roman ruins, Tivoli, and the Castelli Romani. Plenty of choices, and all of these can be arranged on the spot via public transportation after you get there and have a better idea of how much time you want to spend in Rome itself.

I have no information on night spots, but I think you'll pretty easily find places to listen to jazz. I've noticed that the background music in European restaurants is quite often jazz. I suspect it's more popular in Europe than it is in the US.

There are boat trips on the Tiber River, probably including some at night. I haven't taken one, but you might check those out. It's fun to see a city from the river perspective. Much time in Italy can be spent simply walking around in the evening, enjoying the historic areas. That's a popular local activity. Well, that plus gelato.

Thanks all for the post thus far. You have given me some great info and things to think about. I like the Lonely Planet guidebook also, so that is on my list. I will research the places listed above and see what will appeal to me and my mom.

We had lovely warm days and nights at end of Sept and early Oct
Hired a private driver from airport to our hotel. Was not too expense.
Stayed at Albergo Santa Chiara (behind Pantheon) great location
Would suggest hiring a Rick Steves guide for the Vatican, Coliseum, Roman Forum. We hired Francsca Caruso for two half days. She helps write his guidebooks. The best guide we have ever hired. She will plan with you on what you want to visit. You can find her info in RS guidebook. Feel that spending that much money to get there that spending part of a few days learning the history is crucial. A guide will set the historical content of what you are seeing. Saw many people looking in guidebooks and wondering what they were looking at.
Orvieto would be a great day trip. Bought lots of ceramics there. My favorite gelato there!
Food is great, wander and find what looks good to you!
Night time activities would be sitting in an outdoor restaurant, taking time eating, drinking wine and enjoying the ambience.

Book directly with the airline you will fly, if there is a problem at the airport, the airline can help you; if you book through Expedia, the airline will refer you back to Expedia.

Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Campo dei Fiori are most central; Monti, the area near the Colosseum, is very good, too. Trastevere is across the river from most sights.

Daytrips: Orvieto, Frascati, Tivoli, Castel Ganfolfo. Closer is Ostia Antica.

The ho-ho bus in Roma is a waste. Get a good map and a guidebook to plan a route. The Rick Stsves walking tours are very explicit. I have never minded passing through part of the city more than once,sometimes it makes more sense to tour by theme or historical period.

Putting in a vote for the Orvieto day trip. We stayed for one night and it was fantastic. Not enough for more than one day's worth of touring for those thinking about it.

European weather is like northern states weather . . . unpredictable. Last year on September 15, the high in Rome was 93. That's hotter than I'm comfortable with, but it's about what I'd expect in mid-September in Rome. Keep in mind that there's little shade when you're outdoors. Where do you live, as in what's 'normal' for you, what's 'hot' or 'cold'? I've been in Rome in snow and it wasn't cold. You're more like to need A/C in October than not.

Another daytripping thought: Florence is only 1.5 hours away by Freccia (fast train). It's actually about the same travel time as Orvieto because the Orvieto train is slower. You could get on the direct-to-Florence train at around 8:00 am (just get a cab to Termini to save your walking energy), and be at the Uffizi by 10:00 am. In September it will still stay light enough into the early evening that you could have a lovely early dinner and then be back in Rome at your hotel by 10:00 pm. A long day, yes, but a chance to see a very different city with fabulous art, strolls, etc. (If you do it, be sure to download Rick's free audio tours for the Accademia, the Uffizi, the Renaissance Walk, etc., on his "Rick Steves Audio Europe" app.) Oh: And I really prefer staying in the center of the city, around the Campo de Fiori or Pantheon area. Puts me right smack dab in the middle, so almost everyplace I want to go is within a reasonable walking distance.

Skip the hoho, it's basically worthless.

I would not waste $$ on a nite tour when you can do it for 1,50 E.

Use the trams. # 19, 3 and 8.
Use these stops and you'll see all of Rome.

Starting near the Vatican...

19,Piazza Risorgimento.

Transfer to the # 3 at Villa Borghese ( galleria of modern art). Change to #8 ( Trastevere Min. Instruione or Trastevere Pascarella). Last stop Argentina. This can also be done in reverse.

You can get off at any stop, but for a nite ride just use the transfers.

Trams run every 5-10 minutes.
And seeing the city lit is amazing, no commentary needed.

Tram map.
https://www.rometoolkit.com/transport/rome_bus.htm

I think that, especially with a year to go (and a bit) you are kind of putting the cart before the horse.

With all the interweb to act as a candy store window you can be completely overwhelmed with so many choices.

I see that you are going to read a couple of books. That's great, but that 's what I think you should be doing first. Get at least two books, Rick Steves and maybe Lonely Planet, and take a month now to read and understand. Rick Steves is particularly good for planning for first timers and helping you prioritise.

You don't need to buy them, get the most recent issues from the library, then get your own copies when the revised editions come out. The main attractions, advice about areas etc., don't change much - it is the detail about prices, recent opening and closings, transportation which change some from issue to issue.

Then after you've read them you find find that most of your questions above are answered.

I find a plastic covered map (a real map) on which I put gold stars with numbers which match a list on a piece of paper is great for showing how the places are related.

I'm sure the planning over the months with you will be fun, Tanya.

I'm glad you're planning on getting the Rick Steves book. It gives you the info you need to answer almost every single one of your questions. Even better, it will answer questions you don't know you need to be asking.

Happy travels.

Tonya,

I was in Rome for three days last (13-15) October and the weather was about perfect. The crowds were still a bit large but it wasn't too bad. If you can push to the right a few weeks from September, I think the weather will be a bit cooler and the crowds a little smaller. Plus, airfare and lodging may be a bit less.

Instead of a 4 or 5 star hotel, have you thought about an apartment? We rented an apartment (2 bedroom/2 bath) just off Piazza Navona for substantially less than two 3 star hotel rooms. The added bonuses were a lounge, a kitchen (only used for breakfasts) and clothes washer.

I heard Jazz being performed in the neighborhood but I couldn't tell you specific club names.

I, too, agree that the HOHO bus is pretty much worthless. I don't remember even seeing one close to any of the main attractions.

Good luck and have a great tip!

Todd

I can't thank you all enough for your suggestions and comments. Maybe I am planning a little bit too soon. I just got excited, but I am overwhelmed. I appreciate all your great suggestions. I am definitely getting Rick's book along with the Lonely Planet. I will definitely take my time reading them and have a better understanding of what we are instore for. Everyone has been a big help. This is going to be so much fun and my mom will love this trip. Who wouldn't love 10 days in Rome?! I will definitely consider looking at an apartment like someone mentioned. Maybe that would be a great option. One more thing to research.

Much appreciated. :-)

Tanya

What Nigel said!

No, you are not planning too soon, you are getting deep in the weeds of planning without the benefit of basic research. Read the books then come back with your refined questions. We'll be here.

FWIW I think it is terrific you are spending a long period in one place instead of trying to see the entire country in 10 days. Good for you!

You may have a better experience if you try a nice Italian high-ish end hotel (i.e., don't do Marriott since you can do that anywhere), but also think about the benefit of an apartment for a long stay. More room, an opportunity to rest, eat simple meals when you get sick of restaurants.

Try to stay in Centro Storico or Prati, near the Vatican. Atmospheric and convenient.

Hi, my husband and I were in Rome for our honeymoon and really enjoyed it. One of our favorite things that we did was completely unplanned so I do have to share. We got lost one night after dinner while trying to find the Garibaldi statue and ended up on the outskirts of the city.

Castle of St Angelo was awesome. It is open extremely late (12am late) you are able to walk most rooms yourself with the main admission paid at front. It is truly a great experience AND you can walk to the Vatican via a path that was used during war times to sneak people out of vatican to safety or out of castle....You get super close to vatican and then can walk back. There is a lovely room filled with art as well. In addition there is a BAR room so you can hang out and enjoy the scenery while having a beverage. Do not miss this. It does say on the website that last entry is 7:30pm so you will have to check but we entered at 10pm when we went which seemed insane but a fun thing to do.....
The best advise I have it to NOT EAT ANY FOOD AT RESTAURANTS IF PICTURES ARE ON THE MENU they are all tourist traps regardless of what you think. Most Italians eat late and you will be able to tell. Some of the worse food we had on our trip was in Rome. Off the main streets and hole in the wall places were the best. Ask your hotel for authentic recommendations. REMEMBER NO PICTURES
http://www.italyguides.it/en/lazio/rome/ancient-rome/castel-st-angelo

If you do decide to stay in Trastevere or the Pantheon/Piazza Navona/ Campo di Fiori neighborhoods, think about taking the local train from the airport to the Trasteve train station. It's less expensive, plus it lets you off closer to these areas. There is then a trolley from the Trastevere station that gets you even closer to these areas. Rome is wonderful. We used the DK Eyewitness guide to Rome on our first trip. It has wonderful maps and walks. It makes a good compliment to Rick's book and others. A hotel to consider is the Palazzo Navona. It's not cheap, but very nice and close to Piazza Navona.

You might consider a hotel stay for the first couple of nights, to get the benefit of a 24-hour front desk, and the expertise they can offer about the city. It also takes the pressure off your apartment check-in and orientation. I would not recommend this if you only have a couple of nights in Roma, but since you will be there for nine or ten nights, you might enjoy a bit of pampering (buffet breakfast, housekeeping service) before you set up temporary house in an apartment.

Zoe's idea is great, particularly since you can then get a one week apartment after your hotel stay.

I love to plan my travel almost as much as I love the travel itself - it's never too early. I suggest an apartment in the Navona/Campo dei Fiori area - Trastevere is also very nice but Navona/Campo are a bit closer to sites. I was traveling with my family - husband and two teen girls - and we rented from Italy Perfect and had an outstanding experience. It's certainly not the cheapest, but the apartments are all very nice and the service is excellent. The manager even made restaurant reservations for us on our first night!
Pushing the trip to the end of September and into October might be a good idea.
I love the idea of a day trip to Florence on a high speed train!
As for restaurants - stay away from places near the big sites and you will do fine. Find neighborhoods where people actually live and then figure out where they eat.
The Galleria Borghese was one of our favorite museum experiences anywhere. You need reservations,
Make sure you spend lots of time strolling - it's a fabulous city with so much richness to offer.

We love, love, love Hotel Campo de Fiore which is right next to one of Rome's famous squares - Camp de Fiore - and in the heart of the tourist area of Rome. It has a wonderful rooftop terrace that is to die for. The staff is young, fun, and all speak English. http://www.hotelcampodefiori.com/en/

Thank you all, again. I have much research to do especially regarding the apartments. Based on your feedback, maybe October would be a better month to go.

Given the choice, I'd always go for October over September. I'd hope for somewhat lower airfares, hotel rates, and fewer tourists. October is fall in Italy. September is still summer.