This September my wife and I will be visiting Rome for the first time and are trying to make plans for our stay. We like the idea of The Caesar Shuffle to get our bearings the first day, but our flight lands ay 7:30am and we're concerned that by the time we get to our hotel etc, we won't have enough time to do it justice. Does the Shuffle assume real touring of the Colloseum and the Pantheon (using the tours in Rick Steves' book), or just walking by and returning another day? The Pantheon is part of the Shuffle as well as the Heart of Rome Walk, both in Day 1 of "Rome in Seven Days".
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11834 posts
I would do it as a walk only, saving the touring of complex sights like the Colosseum for another day. If the Pantheon is not too crowded, that is doable even in a jet-lagged state. My favorite time at the Pantheon, though, is right at opening, so you might save that for another day also.
On arrival anywhere we like to check-in, unpack, and shower then hit the streets for lunch and a self-guided walking tour of some sort. We will even pay for the night prior to arrival if it guarantees we can get into our room right away, but we've seldom had to do so.
Ask your hotel now if an early check-in is possible. You'll probably arrive at the hotel about 10:00 or 10:30 if all goes well and your flight is on-time.
Posted by
1970 posts
I don't know what part of Rome you are staying in. If you are staying in the Campo Dei Fiori area, Piazza Navona area, or Pantheon - you are in a great spot for strolling. Get a streetwise Rome map and just go strolling. Have fun and explore. Open up a church door and walk inside.
Many hotels will let you drop off your luggage if you cannot access your room immediately. You can lounge around the hotel lobby for a break or go for a stroll.
Posted by
5 posts
We arrive in Rome on a Saturday afternoon and considered doing the Shuffle on Sunday. Is Sunday a good day for this or are the crowds too heavy? We're not planning to enter the places (Coloseum, etc.) but only view from outside.