We will be in Rome for only 2 nights at the end of a 2 week trip. Arrival day I have so far left open to explore on our own, and our full day there have booked a custom “Rome in a day” private tour. Am I crazy to leave the Vatican off of this itinerary? It seems like too much for a day and with 2 teens and the crowds this year in particular, but now I’m second guessing myself. I’ve opted to prioritize the Colosseum at this point, and hope for some of the special access there. Should I see if the tour could be reworked to also include the Vatican? Or maybe do an after hours tour the evening before? Current tour is to include underground Rome, the pantheon, the capitoline museum, and a few other sites and stops along the way.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
12224 posts
When you reference 'the Vatican', do you mean the museum or St Peters , or both?
Posted by
OP
Ohio
7 posts
I was referring to all, but we will be going to St. Peter’s square, just weren’t planning on entry there or touring the Vatican museums and Sistine Chapel.
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
8076 posts
Crazy? Not with just 2 nights in Rome. You’ve got to leave something off your brief itinerary, to see on a future visit. Unless you’re on a Catholic pilgrimage, or the Sistine Chapel is your non-negotiable reason for going to Rome, stick with the several things you’ve already got on the agenda (including St. Peter’s Square), and don’t stress. Just make sure you get at least a gelato a day, and it doesn’t have to be at the Vatican.
P.S. Is someone going to be caring for your cats? I’ve got a tabby and a Himalayan, and ensuring they’re taken care of is my first travel priority.
Posted by
OP
Ohio
7 posts
Thank you! I just need people telling me I’m making the right choice for this time so I don’t get caught up in all the things we should do.
And yes - cats are taken care of! :)
Posted by
Washington DC
28789 posts
To me, the #1 priority when I travel is to know I'm in a foreign place. That means time to be outdoors, seeing different-looking architecture, smelling different food, etc. I love art and spend a lot of time in art museums, but inside an art museum, you could be in any city.
Since you really don't have time to go to St. Peter's, I'd suggest popping into the occasional small church as you walk around Rome--the sort of church that doesn't have a line out the door. Look around for a few minutes. Many of the churches are fabulous, and you may be the only people inside.
Posted by
northern CA
2911 posts
Only reason why you might prioritize the Vatican museums is if your teens happen to be big fans of museums; elsewise, stick with your day tour and some additional wandering around. To the gelato you should add some carryout focaccia (pizza square slices) and arancini.
Posted by
Vancouver
177 posts
Even with an early tour time it can easily suck up an entire day, with 2 days I wouldn’t go imo.
Posted by
Los Angeles
1333 posts
Hopefully you'll have time to visit the cat sanctuary at Largo Argentina: