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Two Days in Rome. Am I trying to do too much? Colosseum, Sistine, Basilica, and Appian Way.

Posted by on

Traveling that last half of August 2024 - Initially I knew I wanted to see the Colosseum and Sistine Chapel. Simple. Learning more, I'm tempted to do the Colosseum (Underground) tour, climb the Basilica (I love activities), and E-biking along the Appian Way. So many options and combined tours and tour guide companies to choose from. I'm overwhelmed and concerned I'm not leaving myself time to simply enjoy the city.

Are these all great ideas and tours? Do the extras things like going underground at the Colosseum (vs just seeing it), climbing the Basilica (vs just seeing it), and biking the Appian Way overkill? Will I find that they weren't' worth trying to jam it all in?

I'm staying in Florence and will take the train to Rome on a Sunday anytime I want/need to leave, stay two nights, and will take the train back to Florence Tuesday whenever I'm done. The current possible plan is to leave Florence early Sunday to get to Rome late morning/noon and try to book a 3PM tour. Do one tour Monday. Then one Tuesday before taking the train back to Florence. Too much?

Thank you!
- Rookie Traveler.

Posted by
1227 posts

Seems reasonable to me. But I'd encourage you also to tour the Palatine Hill. For me it's far more interesting than the Colosseum itself, but then again I've seen several Roman colosseums and amphitheaters across southern Europe. But the Palatine Hill writ large was the center of Imperial Rome.

Posted by
8322 posts

That is a lot, but you may be able to do it.
Still, if you do the Coliseum you should also do the Forum nearby and if possible Nero's palace (underground).
You can do St. Peter's, the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel in one day.
The Appian Way is good, but no match for the Forum and Coliseum. Also, Trajan's Markets and column.

Posted by
2603 posts

Get a timed ticket for the Sistine Chapel/Vatican Museum. Franly, I would. just see the Chapel and forget the rest of the Museum

Posted by
10 posts

Considering you could see most of Rome in a day without entering any museums (I will soon post an article on that), I think that seems doable. Just keep in mind that the Vatican will take the longest, especially if you booked a guided tour or plan to take an audio guide.

Also for the Basilica, assuming you refer to St. Peter's, the queue is insane. I suggest you go at 7 am when it opens, every day except Wednesdays.

Enjoy.

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