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Rome, Italy for 2 days

We are going to Rome in June, at the end of a 2 1/2 wk self tour of Northernand CentralItaly. We want to see as much of Rome as possible for 2 days, any sugggestions? Is it wroth it to take a guided car or walking tour? Thanks

Posted by
4152 posts

Without knowing you it's impossible to make suggestions on what you should do. You should get a guide book and decide what it is that most interests you. At that point we can help you put together a working itinerary. As for guided tours, I would only take one of the Vatican museums if you are going to visit them. With only 2 days you might want to skip that and fit in as much of Rome as you can. Just grab a good map and your guide book and start walking. Donna

Posted by
4 posts

Thanks for the quick response, we are 2 long time friends that walk everywhere... and do, so that is not the issue, just want to see as much as we can. We want to see the Vatican and the Spanish steps, and the fountain of course! but also want to see some less touristy stuff... We are getting in before noon one day have all the next day and then to hte airport the morning of the 3rd day.

Posted by
70 posts

Never been to Rome before, but I am going for the first time this summer. I plan on being in Rome for 6 nights, and have no intentions of renting a car. If you are into the RS style of travel, check out any of the tours that spend time in Rome as a good start.

Posted by
4152 posts

You can book a tour of the Vatican museums in the morning and go to the basilica after. That will give you the later afternoon and evening to see other sites. You can book skip the line entry tickets directly through the Vatican. http://biglietteriamusei.vatican.va/musei/tickets/do?weblang=en&do Walking is the best way to see Rome. The city is compact and very easy to navigate. Just be sure to get a good map. Donna

Posted by
3696 posts

Since you really will be there such a short time I would consider getting on the HOHO bus as soon as you arrive and get an overview of the whole city. Then, once you have seen it all the next day you can walk as you wish and spend time exploring those sights you want to see. Some sights might only be worth a drive-by for you, but at least you will have had a chance to catch a glimpse of the whole city.

Posted by
11840 posts

We are great walkers, too, and love to get away from the hoards. Get your hands on the book "24 Great Walks in Rome" as a self-guide to many of the great sites and lesser known ones as well. With your short time, I'd probably skip the Vatican Museums but drop in to Piazza San Pietro and the Basilica for an hour or two.

Posted by
1501 posts

I've been to Rome five times, and the first time I HAD to see the Spanish Steps. Biggest disappointment of my life.........just a set of steps that look so much better in all of the commercials you see here on television than in real life! So after seeing pretty much ALL of Rome, and missing so much my first few years, my priority would be: 1. Vatican museum/St. Peter/Sistene Chapel; 2. WALK from Trevi fountain, throw your coins in and continue walking to Campo di Fiori,(enjoy, pick up a souvenir or two........) and onward to Piazza Navona! IMHO the most beautiful Piazza in all of Europe......and I've been around! My last trip, couldn't believe I'd missed Piazza Navona and Campo di Fiore all of those years!!
Depending on where you're staying, St. Peters at night is beautiful! With oly 2 days you might want to consider a segway tour that will give you an overview of Rome on your first day. They start at 9am, and will let you see the Collisseum and Forum. Check out Trip Advisor! Have fun, and LOVE beautiful Roma!

Posted by
144 posts

Are you catholic and religious? If yes, spend most of your whole day at the Vatican and maybe heart of Rome walk with half day for colosseum and ancient Rome. If religion is not your thing then spend your whole day on colosseum and ancient Rome. The half day could be spent on heart of rome walk, Jewish ghetto and trastevere walks.

Posted by
32400 posts

Lee, With only two days in Rome, you'll need to plan your touring very efficiently in order to see as much as possible. I'd suggest checking your local Library or Book Stores to see if you can find a copy of the Italy or Rome Guidebooks. With those you'll be able to narrow down the sights that you most want to see. For example, if you're not "big" on art, there's no point in visiting the Galleria Borghese. If you do want to see some of the major sights such as the Colosseum, it's important to have good information so that you don't waste either time or money. If you're interested in a particular sight or period of history, you might consider hiring a local Guide for a few hours for a tour. You'll learn far more and it will be a much more rewarding experience with a Guide. Regarding "how to get around", I'd suggest a combination of walking and public transit. I find that it's easy to get worn out walking in Rome, so it's a good idea to "pace oneself". Also, with only two days there, my preference would be to keep travel times short so that I have as much time for touring as possible. You could (for example) buy a Roma Pass or just a B.I.G. Day ticket to get around (DON'T forget to validate the ticket prior to boarding the first Metro or Bus!). Happy travels!

Posted by
4 posts

Thanks for the excellent advise. It certainly helps me make a decision.

Posted by
368 posts

My thoughts; taxis are great for time savers and getting you to your destination. Last July there was a one day strike getting into the Roman Forum which made other sites more crowded. (And changed my day). Also security lines can be a time waster, so plan accordingly.
Planning ahead from home can make a big difference on what you are able to accomplish in a few days and a well located hotel is also a plus.