I can't recommend enough Rick Steve's shortcuts to no lines. I know they cost more but in the end wouldn't you rather spend the time your way instead of in a line. We just got back from Italy and we could not believe the hundreds of people waiting at each site to go into the Vatican or the Colosium or the Uffizi or the David or St. Marks. The waits posted were up to 2 hours in the sun! Meanwhile we just walked in to all of these places saving time and wear and tear on us! Plus if you don't reserve for the Last Supper and the Borghese, you just won't get in since they were sold out for the entire day when we were there.
Posted by
san diego
2 posts
Hi Lionel, we will be in Rome next month. Please tell me about the shortcuts and cost. Thanks, Hanson
Posted by
OP
Kennebunk
8 posts
If you are going to Rome, Roma pass sold at the train station will give you 3 days of transit and lets you skip the line at Colosium, includes entrance fee. Also you can go elsewhere such as the Borghese (separate reservation required) or go to another museum. Cost 30 euros per person. Good deal plus saved 2 hours in line. If you are going to florence, have your hotel reserve for the Uffuzi and David (Accademia), don't have to pay till you get there. 4 euros per ticket for the reservation, both accept cash only. Again saved 2 hours in line for Uffizi and 90 minutes for the David. St. Marks, Venice, did on line before we went, only 1 or 2 euros per person, can't remember. Saved 90 minutes, paid for actual ticket when we got there. Vatican, had to pay for reservation and ticket on line before we went at their website but saved over 2 hours in line. Check today to see if any reservations are left. Last Supper just about requires a reservation on line just to get in. again check today to see if there any reservations are left.
Posted by
san diego
2 posts
Thanks so much. These tips help for traveling with kids.
Posted by
OP
Kennebunk
8 posts
Should have been clearer on the Roma pass, bought them at the TI in the train station. Since you mentioned the kids, if you are arriving by train, depending on how old the kids are and the luggage, I would recommend a taxi. They are not expensive, relative to nyc and the subway is very crowded at the train stop. We did it with my 2 kids but they are adult age and can manage their own luggage.
Posted by
Evergreen, Colorado, United States
14 posts
Totally agree! We finished our trip yesterday and we commented over and over about how the tips saved us time and the free audio tours we put on our phones were great too.
Posted by
Nanaimo, BC, Canada
2 posts
I second that motion Lionel. The passes are well worth it and save you a lot of time. Just make sure you pay attention to signage and that you are indeed in the line for pass holders which may or may not be the same as the line for "groups". Also, best to book the Borghese before you head to Rome, there were no openings during the four days in May we were there. My bad, guess I'll have to go back.
Posted by
Genesee, ID
1840 posts
I like lines. We have met the most interesting people.
Posted by
harwich, mass, usa
42 posts
Going to Rome in July and cannot wait! Thanks for the heads up about watching for the correct line to be in. We took Rick's advise and bought skip the line tickets through and online agency and also plan to get the ROMA PASS. Also thanks for the on the cost of the ROMA PASS. Good thing the dollar is a little stronger against he euro right now.
Where are the good places to eat in Rome? It's just the two of us and no kids.
Posted by
OP
Kennebunk
8 posts
Since my family's stay in Rome was for a wedding, we ate very little at typical restaurants. However if you are near the Vatican, please make sure you stop at the excellent Gelateria Old Bridge just off Piazza Risorgimento across from the Vatican walls at Via Bastioni 3. If you visit the Pantheon, which you should since it is free and interesting, we also really enjoyed Gelateria Caffe Pasticceria Giolitti at Via Uffici del Vicario 40. Of course there are many very good pizza places everywhere, take away or sitting down.
Posted by
harwich, mass, usa
42 posts
my husband lives for pizza. however i am willing to experiment except for tripe type items. thanks for the info:)
Posted by
OP
Kennebunk
8 posts
You're welcome. If you are thinking of a short day trip, Orvieto is highly recommended. We went there and had an excellent time in the town, very different from Rome. It is a short trip by train but if you drive, you have a little more flexibility in visiting the wineries nearby.
Posted by
Burbank, CA, USA
30 posts
Near the Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna) is a restaurant called "Ginger." It is absolutely lovely, so we ended up eating there twice. Everything is fresh, they have a corner where you can purchase cheeses and pestos, and they have incredible juices and smoothies. It is located at Via Borgognona 43.
Posted by
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
265 posts
Pizza, Pizza, Pizza... it just seems everywhere you go you find a Pizza restaurant. I love pizza but it was so nice to find Filetti de Baccala restaurant, off the Campo de Fiori. Good Cod fish and not Pizza. We always talk about how good the pizza was, but someone will always turn around and mention that Cod fish restaurant.
Posted by
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
265 posts
Pizza, Pizza, Pizza... it just seems everywhere you go you find a Pizza restaurant. I love pizza but it was so nice to find Filetti de Baccala restaurant, off the Campo de Fiori. Good Cod fish and not Pizza. We always talk about how good the pizza was, but someone will always turn around and mention that Cod fish restaurant.