Hello - The family and I are going to Rome in July. Few questions: 1. What's the weather like? 2. What are some safe and affordable ways to pre-pay for museum tickets? Is there a reputable online service or company that anyone can suggest using? 3. Is it worth it to travel to Venice for the day and if so - does anyone have any suggestions on where to stay for just one night?
4. Some people say that getting a personal driver can be cheaper than cabs - any opinions on that? Thanks!!
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
Deza, in July the weather in Rome will be very hot and humid. For buying museums tickets online you should always go to the official websites and never use third party vendors. For the Vatican museums use vatican.va. I don't have the link in front of me for the colosseum but I'm sure someone else can provide it. Venice is at least 3.5 hours each way by high speed train from Rome. I would not consider doing this as a day trip. I wouldn't even do it as an overnight but if you can do two nights it might be worth it. Cabs in Rome are very cheap. I don't know who would tell you that a personal driver would be less. Rome is a very walkable city and I think you'll find that you won't use cabs that much. Donna
Posted by
OP
Chicago, IL
7 posts
Great! Thanks for the input. One more question - how do you know if they are "official" sites? I found the one for the Vatican, but what about for the colosseum? What else should we see? We're a pretty big "shopping" family, so I know most of our time will be spent doing that, but I want to work in more historical tours. Is the Pantheon worth visiting? What about St. Peters? Thanks again
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
Here is the official site for booking colosseum tickets or tours: http://www.coopculture.it/en/ticket.cfm?office=Colosseo&id=2 click on the "buy single" button, agree to the terms and pick a date. All tours written in English will be conducted in English. What else you see is entirely up to you and what you're interested in. No one can decide that for you. You should grab a few guide books and read them to help determine what is of interest to you and the family. I love the Pantheon and St. Peters but I can't tell you if you will or not. Personally, I would not spend the majority of my time shopping. Unless you're big designer names and big designer price tags I would save the shopping for home. Donna