We will be ending our 10 day Italy trip in Rome. We will have 3 nights in Venice, 4 nights in Florence and 2 nights in Rome. We will arrive in Rome via train on Sunday, May 3 around 11 a.m. Monday we are signed up for a private tour to see all the basics (coliseum, pantheon, Sistine Chapel, Vatican, etc) and we fly home on Tuesday. Any suggestions on what we could do our first day in Rome? Thank you!
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Some of the things on this list (click below) that are not included in your Monday tour:
http://www.ricksteves.com/europe/italy/rome
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11852 posts
Galleria Borghese if you can still get reservations, or one of my faves, Palazzo Valentini. You must reserve in advance (online) for either. Then take a long, beautiful walk. Follow one of Rick's guidebook recommendations for a walk.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Yikes! Laurel's suggestions are very good. On Sunday afternoons, many churches will be open for visitors (dress appropriately).
One of my favorite walks is from the Galleria Borghese through the park to the Pincio (follow signs), great views of Rome from the terrace there, then take the footpath down to Piazza del Popolo. From there you can continue walking toward the Monument to Vittorio Emmanuele II, take the elevator to the top of the building for more great views and panoramic, well-labeled photo posters of the landmarks you will look at. A stroll through the Ghetto and Trastevere is another good way to spend some time on your first day.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11852 posts
Great stroll, Zoe! We do almost that exact walk every Saturday and end up at the market.
Posted by
Grass Valley, California
506 posts
I agree with Zoe, Sundays are great days just to stroll through Rome, have a wonderful lunch. The Rick Steve's guide book also has a great day stroll through Rome. We are going with some friends that have never been in May and we are going to take the day to wander through the main sights of Rome to get oriented.
Posted by
Atlanta
5299 posts
Sunday is a great day for strolling, people watching, and getting the lay of the land so to speak. There are many good walks you can take and the RS guide book list several. Don't forget Piazza Navona. Just don't eat at any of the restuarants on the Piazza itself. Just about all of them (imo) are overpriced and just moderate quality.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Some good restaurants on via del Governo Vecchio - I like Cul de Sac, small menu but great selection of wines.
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
You'd better be working out in preparation for that private tour. To travel to, go inside of, hear a tour guide's standard presentation would be very difficult for Vatican Museums + Sistine Chapel + St Peter's Basilica + Colosseum + Pantheon + lunch + bathroom breaks all in 1 day.
Posted by
OP
Vancouver Washington
2 posts
Thanks for the suggestions everyone! I think Zoe's idea of going for a stroll is wonderful! I also appreciate the dining recommendation!
Certainly appreciate the assist! We leave in ten days so if anyone else has suggestions please let me know!!!