Travel and eating between the "main" events (colosseum to borghese)

Google Maps is helpful in answering questions like this, especially in terms of distance on foot and walking time. I've found it quite reliable on those subjects. Here the distance is about 4 km, so close to 2-1/2 miles. It would be an interesting walk, and there would surely be places to eat along the way. If that's too much walking on a day when you are already going to be on your feet a great deal, you can click on the bus/train icon near the upper left and get public-transit directions. I don't know how wonderful those are, because I basically walk everywhere.

We have some folks who are very knowledgeable about Rome, and I'm sure they'll offer specific guidance.

The Borghese Galleria is not far from my old stomping grounds of the U.S. Embassy. I walked by it almost daily on my walk to-and-from work for three glorious years! So, 12:30, stop for a much ended cool drink, then hop the Metro from the Colosseo stop to Piazza Barberini. That puts you at the foor of Via Vittorio Veneto . Two minutes southwest is a wonderful restaurant, Colline Emiliane. Have your hotel make a reservation for 13:30 and enjoy a leisurely lunch. Should take at least until 15:00!

Then you can take one of several routes Google Maps will show you to stroll. Up Via Veneto, which is old elegance, and into the park, where you can sit on a bench and watch people, have a gelato, etc. Or maybe up to La Rinascente Roma at Piazza Fiume where you can see what a Roman department store is like, or find a coffee bar on the way for a pick me up before your tour. If you walk up Via S. Nicola da Tolentino, you will find your way to my favorite gelato in all of Roma, Come il Latte. So many choices!

Google Maps will be a great help to you.Roman streets change names — sometimes several times in a short distance — so it will keep you on track an show you options.

I just saw your request for a budget lunch. Ugh. Check out Osteria Barberini a bit north of the Piazza Barberini. Probably more accessible pricing. Reservations strongly advised. You can also get a good lunch at the department store, La Rinascente, on the top level.

There is a casual cafe at the Borghese Gallery on the bottom floor. We fueled up with the breakfast provided by our hotel so weren't hungry after our 11 a.m. tour, but I wish we would've been. The panini sandwiches looked wonderful, as did the salads and fresh vegetables. There are benches outside the cafe and the park and gardens are beautiful with many places to relax, sit and enjoy a bite to eat. Just watch out for the birds - they are everywhere and will want to help you eat your lunch. The park is huge and is full of people doing people things - walking dogs, jogging, pushing strollers, groups of girls laughing and groups of boys pretending they're not interested in them, children running around squealing, lovers holding hands. You know, the usual. I wish we had spent more time there, stayed for lunch, etc, but guess we'll just have to go back! hope you and your daughter have a terrific time in Rome and Sicily!

Thanks again, Liz. You have a way with words, drawing such a delightful picture!

Laurel, thanks for the wonderful recommendations for our early afternoon on the way to the Borghese. It sounds perfect- I will definitely make a reservation as you recommended in your first comment. And, FYI, my daughter was an intern at the embassy in BA. Appreciate you weighing in with your experience. Thanks!