We're heading out to Rome and I was curious the best way to do a quick orientation of Rome. I've been there twice and have always preferred walking or taking the occasional taxi or metro ride. This will be my children's (5 and 7 years old) first trip out of the country and I thought an overview of different sites, before we do the "big ones", might be fun. I thought a hop on hop of open top bus may be a good fit (albeit touristy) but I can't seem to find any that are running. Does anyone have other ideas or know if Rome even has the double decker bus option?
Posted by
Milan, Italy
308 posts
I did an electric cart tour of Rome with Angel Tours. Your kids would love it http://angeltours.eu/rome/eco-city-tour
Posted by
1970 posts
I took my 9 year old to Rome. I recommend just jumping into your trip with a walk from Sopra Di Minerva to Pantheon to Piazza Navona and grab gelatos along the way to eat between sites. Then, trip to Colosseum. A visit to St. Peter's. Rome is not the best place for busing around. The main bus is often crowded and does not stop directly in front of many sites. Rome is for walking. There is a McDonald's near Trevi fountain. I may get schellacked for that comment. But, giving kids a treat for good travel behavior is more than justified.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11852 posts
I can't seem to find any that are running. Does anyone have other ideas or know if Rome even has the double decker bus option?
The HOHO buses run all year and they are double-decker. Several are listed here.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
You may want to take along the hotel map and mark your ho-ho sights on it to show the kids how much ground they've covered. This will also help you plan routes for later sightseeing that don't wear their little legs off.
Gelato stops are a great idea, as are the little pizza shops where you can buy small amounts by weight.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16768 posts
I'm with Barb that Rome isn't a good city to explore by HOHO, and theirs have seen largely middling to lousy reviews for quite some time. I'd skip those in favor of other options which may be suggested.
Posted by
30 posts
My Kids loved the golf cart tour of Rome. Our guide was great and you see many of the important sights. It is the way to go with kids.
http://www.mybesttour.com/us.htm
Posted by
693 posts
If you want to give your kids a great history lesson try Pinocchio Tours. They are brilliant.
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
Kids love sculpture and they love water. Perhaps use Rome's iconic fountains as a theme for your orientation walk. Some ideas and information here....
http://rome.yourguidetoitaly.com/top-12-most-famous-and-iconic-fountains-of-rome/
Posted by
OP
Westminster
53 posts
Thank you all for the responses. The guidance is appreciated. Side note, that's great to hear about pinnochio tours - as we've already scheduled a colosseum tour with them.