This will be our first trip to Rome so not sure about the sights and the time it will take to properly take things in.
We'll have 5 full days and the biggest thing for us to see is old Rome. Looking through the 2010 guidebook it seems like there's alot to see just there so I'm thinking two pretty full days there. Is that enough to really take it in and appreciate everything? Keep in mind we have two kids so that will slow things down a bit.
Also planning on a full day at the vatican. As long as I can see the Sistene Chapel I'll be happy. The other two days I'm pretty much leaving open to a museum, shopping and wandering around.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23343 posts
It is and it isn't. We have spent nearly four weeks over four visits to Rome and still have a list of things we want to see -- have yet to make it to the gardens. In five days you can see a lot of the major attractions. I think a full day at the Vatican is a bit much but if a little slow it might be a whole day. Our favorite expression is, "We will save that for the next time." Some of it will depending on your timing. Monday can be a dead day as many sites are closed on Monday. If there over a Sunday, you should catch the Appian Way. Rents some bikes if the kids are big enough. And Rome can be hot and exhausting so don't over do it.
Posted by
OP
Cesena, Italy
791 posts
Thanks Frank. We'll be getting there on a Sat. so will have a full day beginning Sun. sounds like I should save the Roma Pass for Tues. thru Thurs. Would Sun. be a good day for trying to do the Vatican?
Posted by
Dallas, TX, USA
1170 posts
Five days is a pretty good stay, although you still probably won't be able to see everything on your list. I'm sure that it's fairly long in any event. You will need to prioritize your sightseeing excursions and try to group them geographically so you don't spend a lot of time traveling from place to place. I've been the last 2 years and still haven't seen everything that there is to see and experience. It's a process...
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23343 posts
The Vatican probably is not a good idea on Sunday unless you want to participate in the services. There will be nearly continuous services which will draw the faithful and the usual tourist crowds. The Archaeology hop on/off bus could be a good option on Sunday. Take in the Appian Way and the Catacombs along with the Colosseum and the Forum and the Baths of Caracaila. Monday is not a completely dead day as some museums will be open but not all. So pick and chose.
Posted by
boston, ma, usa
160 posts
Hi Ron,
How old are your kids? Just came back last week w/10 & 14 yr old boys. Are you going other places in Italy?
Your children's ages and where else you are going/doing would change my answer to you...
Posted by
OP
Cesena, Italy
791 posts
OK, sounds like Appian Way for Sunday and winging it on Mon. Thanks again Frank.
Michelle, our kids are 9 and 15. We'll be going on to Sorrento for another 6 nights and then back to Naples for 3.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
Consider a trip to Ostia Antica. Kids love it. See a recent posting here on the same subject.
Posted by
boston, ma, usa
160 posts
Hi Ron, We spent 3 full days in Rome with our kids and 2 (1/2) days in Rome to fly in/out. We did "old" Rome one full day, Vatican one day and National Museum one day. The third day was supposed to be Borghese Gallery but we overslept and missed our appmt!
Rome was the first stop in our Italy trip. If your kids are anything like mine, spending LONG periods of time looking at busts and fine art is interesting but not for too long. It would have been a very different trip w/o kids. Their favorite spot was the Colesseum. Gladiators and wild animals- very cool!
I would concur w/Michael about Ostica Antica as this was something I might have considered if we had more time. I would caution you however, that it can be pretty scary and if skeletons or dead stuff freak your kids out might want to re-consider :)! The other option was a seaside beach town not far from Rome to break things up a bit.
Enjoy!
Posted by
Rome
55 posts
The Vatican is closed on Sunday!!!! Every Sunday but the last Sunday of the month, it's closed; that Sunday, it's free (but there are looooooong lines).
Also, you don't really need a full day at the Vatican museums -- unless you feel like spending hours and hours looking at art and exhibits. It's a lovely idea, but with the crowds you'll experience (depending on what time of year you're going...?), and with kids, it's not actually going to be enjoyable in practice. Consider taking a tour, since the museums can be pretty overwhelming. And even if the only thing you want to see is the Sistine Chapel, be aware that you won't be able to: You MUST go through the museums to get there.
Hope that helps!
Mandy
Posted by
OP
Cesena, Italy
791 posts
Yes! Thank you Mandy! And eveyone else for the replies. Trying to get a plan for Roma has been a bit of a nail biter so I really do appreciate all the input.
Yeah,my kids are the same as yours Michelle. Exception though, my 15 year old son is eager to see some dead stuff. He was disappointed when we did'nt make it for the Cappucian crypt in Palermo.As was I!