Has anyone taken this tour? If so, my question is: Is there any time between the guided tours? If so what recommendations does anyone have to fill the time. Such as sites that would be easy enough to get to & from as to not interfere in our guided tours.
Thanks for any input. First time to Europe and am only going Rome so I want to take in as much local color as possible.
Gab
I am sorry but I don't have a clue as to what you are referencing or asking about? Rome in 7 Days ??? Is that a tour title? Who's tour? How much time do you have for the trip? Are you asking about, "Best of Rome in 7 Day Tour?" When are you going? Maybe you should asking these questions of who ever is offering this tour? I am sorry I cannot be more helpful but I need a lot of clarity to provide more useful information.
If it's the RS tour you're considering, the itinerary is on this website: https://www.ricksteves.com/tours/italy/rome
It seems to make the free time pretty clear. I haven't taken one of the tours, though, so I don't know for sure whether there might be some variation.
Right. As above, if it's the Rick Steves Rome tour, that itinerary is laid out in detail (see "itinerary" in the link acraven kindly provided) so you can see exactly where free time is scheduled. Of the 5 FULL days of this tour, free time is:
Afternoon and evening of Day 2 (your first full day of the tour)
Evening of Day 3
Afternoon and evening of Day 4
Evening of Day 5
Afternoon of day 6 (last day of the tour)
Day 1 is a partial: the tour officially begins with a 3:00 PM walk and evening dinner. As you'll want to arrive in Rome the day BEFORE the tour starts, you'll have the morning and early afternoon free.
As you can see, all other free time occurs AFTER the daily guided tours. Other than dinner on the last night, you don't have to meet up with the group for any scheduled activities. What to do with your free time? That's where a good guidebook will be a necessity. If you are signed up for the RS tour, you'll be receiving his Rome guidebook BEFORE your trip: spend some quality time with it to choose attractions which appeal to YOU. The historic center is not as vast as you might think, and it's most enjoyably explored, IMHO, on foot whenever possible.
There's no danger of running out of things to do and see unless nothing at all in Rome trips your particular trigger. I've the equivalent of nearly two weeks of time in the city over several trips and STILL have a long wish list for future visits! :O)
I have been to Rome once before in the 90's and getting ready to go again. Both times we have been on our own plan. One thing I plan to do differently is not spend so much time at the early part of the Vatican Museum so that I can really enjoy the Sistine Chapel. I always think learning some of the language helps with getting local color.
Hello gab,
I've not taken a tour, but a quick read on the seven-day Rome tour lists some free time. Just read through each day's activity list. I think some people add on a few days before or after the tour if it's doable for them financially and time wise. Of course, traveling independently has its own freedoms and rewards.
Rome is definitely an outdoor walking museum in itself. What are your interests? More churches? More museums? A simple walk around the city? Depending on the time of year you are going, check out some Rome activities related to that time of year. You may be able to be part of a celebration going on or may be able to secure tickets (free or for a small sum) to attend an event going on.
I went to Rome, two consecutive years so far, in the month of December. I like to mingle a free-spirit attitude with some planning.
You never know who you'll meet or what you may come upon.
On my first visit to Rome, I came out of the Pantheon (around lunchtime) and was greeted with street musicians setting up near the Obelisk. I listened, mesmerized with the lead singer's voice. His band mates were terrific with each of their instruments. I was hooked. Literally, "a concert." I sat on the wall outside the Pantheon and listened to them for about an hour & a half; maybe two; until they stopped. I caught them at Piazza Navona and Campo de' Fiori on other days for a bit.
Another day, I was walking around lunch time, and I heard this "marching band" in the short distance. I couldn't see them yet, but I followed the music. There were musicians, all dressed in Santa suits blaring their horns and banging their drums to jazzy renditions of Christmas music. It was a blast. People were dancing, clapping and singing.
On both trips, I met people; had great conversations in piazzas and or my fav restaurant. (I made a few friends my first trip; met a few family members.) My visit the second year involved hanging out with them on different days for breakfast or dinner, a drink or cafe or spending some time chatting at the stores they owned or worked in. It was tons of fun. They were generous and very kind.
This past year, I was talking to a woman who worked at a gift shop at St. Peter's; she gave me a free, limited invite to attend a special mass given by Pope Francis in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Stunning Mass!
If it coincides with your visit and your interests to get a taste of an opera, make your way to St. Paul's (Within The Walls.) They hold special concerts at the church. Check their website for availability and presence of musicians and operas.
Until you're there, in front of some of the most beautiful buildings ever, no picture or description can do a true justice. Getting "lost" and discovering something out of the ordinary? It's endless; especially in a big, bustling city such as Rome. You can walk the city forever and still come upon something new.
With the RS guided tour, you'll be taken around to the most highly attracted sites. You'll also learn to navigate the city's transport system and streets. I stay in the Termini area and never encountered any danger or issues. But, people need to exercise common sense too. I didn't wander around Termini in the wee hours. I wouldn't do that in Boston either, and I am very familiar with the streets and neighborhoods.
Riding the buses, especially #64 (or #40 Express) was fine. Just keep aware of your valuables. I would advise that to people riding on Massachusetts buses and trains too.
I rode the Rome Metro once, during the afternoon (about a half hour ride) back to Termini. No issues.
Get a head start and watch some YT videos to get a flavor. Rick Steves and The Roman Guy. I really like to watch The Roman Guy for a number of reasons.
Have fun on your trip!
thank you all,
I appreciate all feed back.
most helpful
