I recently returned from a quick 5 day trip to Rome. We used Rick's Rome guide book and all I can say is that you would be a fool not to follow his suggestions. We saved time and money by doing so. Following Rick's advice, we booked online a 9:00 a.m. entry time to the Vatican museum. We arrived at 8:30 a.m. We were immediately allowed in to the ticket office to exchange our online voucher for museum tickets. At 8:35 a.m., we then entered the museum, some 25 minutes before the unticketed long line of tourists were allowed in. We practically had the place to ourselves for the first half hour (at about 1:30 p.m., after our fill of the museum and St. Peter's, we went to Rick's recommended gelateria near the museum entrance--the line for tickets was 2 blocks long; the gelato was excellent). We also bought a Roma Pass at the airport upon arrival (another of Rick's tips). We used it at 9:30 a.m. on another day to by-pass the long lines to the Colosseum--we walked right in without any delay with the Roma pass. The 3 day pass also saved us immensely on public bus/metro/train rides. Following Rick's day trip suggestions, we went to Ostia (very easy), running into other folks with Rick's guide book and/or audio app, and also to Pompeii. One thought about Rick's suggestions on travel to Pompeii: The train trip from Rome to Naples was a breeze and felt safe. HOWEVER, the trip on the commuter train (Circumvesuviana) was very unsettling. Rick says you will meet the "salt of the earth people) on this commuter line. Rick, you were being extremely polite in that description. The train was packed like sardines, and full of ruffigans and pickpockets. We had to be on guard the entire time both ways from Naples to Pompeii. There is a better option: a 10 euro roundtrip bus ticket available at the Naples train station (more safer and less crowding--everyone has a seat)--the Circumvesuviana roundtrip cost was 5.8 euro. Spend the extra money and feel safe. Finally, we followed Rick's tips on times to see different sites, in addition to which gelaterias and restaurants to visit, and we are so thankful that we did so. Thanks Rick for making my first Italy experience an overall great trip!
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