David

It would be of great help if anyone would have suggestions on how my wife and I should spend our time in or around Rome. Tours or places we must see or do. Restaurants etc. Anything special we should not miss. Day trips etc. Thanks David

kam

David, Do all the guide book suggested things (don't mean to sound flip, but you should see them all) Don't miss St. Peters and the Sistine Chapel (make sure you wear appropriate clothing), have a lunch or dinner in Trastevere (lunch is better, I think as you can look around more), go to the bar in front of the Excelsior Hotel on the Via Veneto and drink a Campari and soda about 6:30 pm and people watch--don't pass up the wonderful olives! For a side trip you might want to see Tivoli (don't take a tour bus, do it by train from Termini Station mark to Avezzano--takes 40 min.or you could go to the medieval town of Viterbo, the city of the Popes, or go to Ostia Antica to see the Roman excavations or go to Orvieto, again by train from Termini on a train marked to Firenze. But, I would caution choose one or two don't do all 4 or you won't have enough time in Rome.Be city smart and keep your eyes open and your money well hidden and have a wonderful trip to Rome. <BR>

kam

Thanks Kam, <BR> I am sure we will enjoy your suggestions. If anything else comes to mind please let us know! David

Anna

Rome is a wonderful city, but as Kam suggested keep your money hidden. On two trips to Rome, I've worn a money belt under my clothes with my passport, credit cards, cash and had absolutely no problems. Now for places to see. Spend a morning or afternoon at the Roman Forum, then head next door to the Colosseum. Trestevere is a nice area to find a place for dinner and so is the Campo di Fiori. Try to arrive at St. Peter's early (around 8:00AM), you will practically have the place to yourselves. Then head over to the Vatican Museum to see the Sistine Chapel and whatever else sparks your interest. The Pantheon is another not to be missed site. You'll want to see the Trevi Fountain too, as well as the fountains at Piazza Navona. The Spanish Steps are a bit overrated.

Missy

Just got back yesterday from Rome. The money belt idea is one of the best. I saw someone get their pocket picked on the subway, but someone else warned them and they got their money back. Be sure that you bring very good walking shoes. I think I have blisters on my blisters and I wore shoes that I normally spend 8-10 hours a day standing in. I did the Vatican before St. Peters, and although St. Peters was a little crowded at noon, there was a huge line to get into the Vatican at that time. When I went in at 9am there was no line until the ticket window. Don't miss the Borgese gallery, and the Capitoline museums were pretty nice too. And if you want to buy tacky t-shirts for anyone, get them anywhere but at the airport. They had the same t-shirts going for 5.000 lire in front of the colosseum at the airport for 55.000. I actually saw someone buying one there. Oh, and watch out for that traffic. Have fun!

Dayle

David, you and your wife are in for a treat! When I went to Italy on my first Europe trip 3 years ago, I had the idea that Rome would just be a crowded, dirty city and I wouldn't want to spend time there. WRONG! I loved Roma best of all and was completely blown away by the centuries of history, art, architecture, etc., etc., etc. There is so much! See everything and be sure to walk around at night. Everything is beautifully lighted. Enjoy the food and the wine. Have a wonderful time! <BR>

Bob

Just returned from Rome in Aug. Cannot stress the pickpockets enough. Beware of girls carrying babies with newspapers in their hands. They will get you. As for tours: Do the standard greyline tours. They help you around the traffic and you can return to places you like. If you are up to it, the trip to the very top of St Peters has a great view. The steps are pretty tough though, but the view is great. Shopping is best around the Spanish Steps. All the high line stores can be found in that concentrated area if you are interested in that. Taxis will charge you various fares so be prepared for that. The subway is easy to use and really faster than the taxis. Have a great trip. Watch for the pickpockets! <BR>

kris

In addition to all of the wonderful suggestions so far, you might consider a day trip to Pompeii. We got there by taking a train to Naples and then another train to Pompeii. If you like archaeological sites, this is a good one. Many of the outdoor buildings are still standing and you can see the artwork on many of the houses. <BR> <BR>Be sure to also hunt out the Mouth of Truth at one of the churches in Rome (it was in the film "Roman Holiday") and also the statue of Moses by Michaelangelo which is also at a church in Rome. <BR>

Rachel

David, <BR> <BR>A few more suggestions: climb (or take the elevator) to the top of St. Peter's for an absolutely breath-taking view of Rome; visit the church of Santa Maria in Trastevere to see its beautiful Byzantine mosaics; Il Tempietto by Brunelleschi (?) is the 'perfect' Renaissance temple; seek out anything created by Carravaggio, Bernini and Borromini (a good guidebook will help you find them); and eat plently of gelato. Enjoy your trip! <BR> <BR>Rachel <BR>

Alex

Message to Bob; <BR>What do you mean "Beware of girls carrying babies with newspapers in their hands". We are planning a trip to Rome <BR>in NOvember and would certainly not want <BR>any pickpockets. Thanks to everyone. <BR>

marcie

No. the babies don't have newspapers in their hands The gypsy girls often approach the tourists in this way, either holding babies or else noticeably pregnant,ostensibly to beg They often pick a time when there is a group of people together so that they can push and jostle in the hustle and bustle. They will sometimes flap a newspaper or a sheet of cardboard at you at around about your chest or waist height to provide a screen cover for their hands or those of an accomplice to extract your wallet, pick your pocket, cut the strap on your purse etc. They are extremely skilled, most don't see them coming, its over in a flash, the gypsies have a way of disappearing into thin air and most people have no idea that they have been robbed.