Ancient Rome sightseeing plans
Feb 3rd, 2011, 01:37 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ancient Rome sightseeing plans
We are visiting Rome in May 2011, and will spending 1 full day at the "Ancient Rome" sites - Roman Forum, Colosseum, lunch at Hosteria da Nerone near the Colosseum, St Peter in Chains church, Imperial Forums, Palatine Hill, Capitoline Hill and museums. We would like to end in the early evening in the Piazza Venezia area. How much time should we plan for each area, and in what order should we plan to see these sights? Anything I've left out in this area, or anything you would recommend skipping that's on my list? FYI: We are not archeology or Roman history buffs, and will likely be using the Rick Steves audio tours for this area...
Feb 3rd, 2011, 02:42 PM
#2
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,741
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I hope you're starting at 7am, because otherwise you will not be able to fit this all in and be done by "early evening".
I think St. Peter in Chains actually opens at 7am, so you might hit that first.
I also suggest you take a Context Rome tour (or private tour) of the Forum/Palatine/Colosseum, to make the most from your "one day". You say you are not history or archeology buffs, so I'm wondering why you've chosen to spend your one day at these sites?
Piazza Venezia is on one end of this area and the Colosseum on the other. Plenty walkable, short distance between the two.
Have fun. May in Rome? Awesome!!!
Buon viaggio!
I think St. Peter in Chains actually opens at 7am, so you might hit that first.
I also suggest you take a Context Rome tour (or private tour) of the Forum/Palatine/Colosseum, to make the most from your "one day". You say you are not history or archeology buffs, so I'm wondering why you've chosen to spend your one day at these sites?
Piazza Venezia is on one end of this area and the Colosseum on the other. Plenty walkable, short distance between the two.
Have fun. May in Rome? Awesome!!!
Buon viaggio!
Feb 3rd, 2011, 02:44 PM
#3
I think you're going to have a busy day.
Given your desires, I'd say start at the forum. Buy your ticket to the Palatine and Colosseum together. Walk up the Palatine, then over to the Colosseum.
Depending on the time, have lunch and see the church, or see the church and have lunch.
Walk back past the Imperial Forums to visit the Capitoline Museums, descend the stairs and you're where you want to be for evening.
There are a great many other churches and ancient Roman sites in the area -- it's really worth two days at least.
Given your desires, I'd say start at the forum. Buy your ticket to the Palatine and Colosseum together. Walk up the Palatine, then over to the Colosseum.
Depending on the time, have lunch and see the church, or see the church and have lunch.
Walk back past the Imperial Forums to visit the Capitoline Museums, descend the stairs and you're where you want to be for evening.
There are a great many other churches and ancient Roman sites in the area -- it's really worth two days at least.
Feb 4th, 2011, 04:04 PM
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sarge 56 - Clarification: We are planning to spend one day on these sites, but will be in Rome for 6 days total. Thanks for the tip about Context - I checked out their website, and we may look into that further.
Fra Divalo - Your plan sounds perfect. Thank you!
I'm just a little confused about how much time we'll actually be at these places. Some tour books say to allow 1 hour at the Colosseum, others say 3. Ditto for all the other sites. I guess it's just a matter of personal preference...
Depending on how the time goes that day, I'm considering skipping Palatine Hill (I have heard it described as "extra credit" once you've seen the Forum) or maybe doing that another day along with San Clemente church, Baths of Caracalla, and other stuff in that area. The other option is possibly skipping the Capitoline museums, since we will be seeing the Vatican museums and Gallerie Borghese (at a minimum) later on in the trip. Thoughts?
Fra Divalo - Your plan sounds perfect. Thank you!
I'm just a little confused about how much time we'll actually be at these places. Some tour books say to allow 1 hour at the Colosseum, others say 3. Ditto for all the other sites. I guess it's just a matter of personal preference...
Depending on how the time goes that day, I'm considering skipping Palatine Hill (I have heard it described as "extra credit" once you've seen the Forum) or maybe doing that another day along with San Clemente church, Baths of Caracalla, and other stuff in that area. The other option is possibly skipping the Capitoline museums, since we will be seeing the Vatican museums and Gallerie Borghese (at a minimum) later on in the trip. Thoughts?
Feb 4th, 2011, 04:10 PM
#5
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Too much for one day - you won;t have time to really see things - just wander past some.
Also IMHO there are some really interesting places you're missing - the Etruscan museum at the Villa Giulia and the incredible San Clemente church - wher eyou descend through a number of churches to the original Temple of Mithras in the lowest level.
Also IMHO there are some really interesting places you're missing - the Etruscan museum at the Villa Giulia and the incredible San Clemente church - wher eyou descend through a number of churches to the original Temple of Mithras in the lowest level.
Feb 4th, 2011, 04:18 PM
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Nytraveler - Thanks for the advice! We may visit the Etruscan museum later in the week when we're in the Villa Borghese, and I've heard great things about San Clemente from several people, so we may try to see that on another day...
