I did forget to add that most of the shopping in the Spanish Steps area is out of our budget. We will be LOOKING! Any suggestions for shopping on a college student (my daughter) budget appreciated!

Greetings Darlene. Rome is a fantastic city and you will most likely fall in love with it! I'll comment on your Friday, May 24th. I went on the Scavi Tour twice (once in 2006 and then in 2011). One lasted the 90 minutes but the other extending to almost 2 1/2 hours. It depends on the docent and the group as to how long the tour actually is. I would not plan on walking to Castle Sant'Angelo and then to the Vitican Museaum to meet your 1:00 tour. When you finish with the Scavi Tour, I recommend that you proceed directly upstairs to St. Peter's Basilica and spend a hour or so there; then a quick lunch before meeting your guide. I haven't felt the need to go to the top of the dome but I'm sure other's have done it and loved it. Since your tour is the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel it doesn't include St. Peter's and you don't want to miss that.Plus it is a more efficient use of your time. I don't know if your are a "museum person" (I am) and if you want to spend more time in the Vatican Museum, you can do so after your guide departs. 3.5 hours is not a long time for a museum so important and you may find you want to stay in the Sistine Chapal for a good, long look around.
The view from the top of Castle Sant'Angelo is picturesque ...but, bear in mind, it's not a quick trip to the top. Once you enter the castle, you start walking up a ramp - around and round - until you get to the top. There is not a lot to see in the castle although being inside such an ancient building is an unique experience. Then again, you'll have many unique expereinces in Rome.
more to follow:

Day 4 - please do not miss the Bernini ecstasy in San Francisco a Ripa church. It's in the front chapel on the left and a wonderful sculpture. You can go right up to the sculpture and since it's on the floor it's very visible (unlike Bernini's St Teresa which is up high and not as easily seen). The afternoon is the best time as the light comes in from a window and makes the sculpture quite visible.

<QUESTION: What is the best/fastest way to get from Pantheon area to metro stop at the Colosseum? I’ve read that walking is faster than buses or going all the way to Termini to get the metro back to the Colosseum. Opinions, please!<

Walking will be faster.From Pantheon area the closest metro stop is Barberini(Fontana Trevi)(red line).You should get off at Termini and take the blue line (2 stops) to Colosseo metro stop.
Instead of walking to Barberini metro stop,I'd prefer walking to the Colosseum if taxi is not an option.

Margaret - Thank you for that information. I forgot to add that the tour finishes at St. Peter's, so it is included. I had planned to take the 5 hour tour, but the Scavi time I was given conflicted, so I had to choose the shorter one starting at 1:00 or come back another day. I, too, was concerned about having enough time. Your suggestion is a good one, and I think we will stay behind when the tour exits the Sistine Chapel to go to the Basilica so that we can explore more of the museums since we will have seen the Basilica earlier. I think a guide is more important for the museums anyway.

Adrienne: Is San Francisco a Ripa in Trastevere? I've not yet looked at the area in depth, I just know it's highly recommended as a place to spend time it, so I thought I'd allocate an afternoon.

Senozkadir: A taxi is an option, and we could certainly do that and save our feet for the Colosseum. Is it difficult to find a taxi in the Pantheon area? Do you have to phone ahead for taxis in Rome or are there frequent taxi stands?

Yes - the church is in Trastevere but not near the main square. If you're at all a Bernini fan you should not miss this. I love Trastevere and stayed there on one trip. It's not a spruced up area so don't immediately be put off by its look. Things are much cheaper there (eating and drinking) if you go beyond the main square.

<< Is it difficult to find a taxi in the Pantheon area? >>

Just walk to the nearest main street and you can hail a taxi. I find they are very cheap in Rome and well worth using. Make sure you note the meter when you get into the cab and make sure you get the correct change after paying the driver. Rome taxis are required to stop if you hail them (unless they are occupied).

Yes, I've read wonderful things about Trastvere, and I am a Bernini fan. Had considered staying there just to get more of a "local" feel, but for the first trip, decided on a more central location.

Thanks for the taxi tip! Do we need to call for one on the morning of our departure, or are they easily hailed at all hours like NYC?

Biggest concern is that my phone will not work in Italy and as far as I know, the apt. does not have one. This isn't a problem EXCEPT for securing transportation to the airport. That's why I had considered hiring a car in advance. Suggestions?

If you are a Bernini fan, I recommend reading The Genius in the Design: Bernini, Borromini, and the Rivalry That Transformed Rome by Jake Morrissey

A short walk uphill from the main square in Trastevere takes you to St Pietro in Montorio with Bramante's Tempietto in the courtyard and a great view.

My experience with booking a taxi in advance (Radio Taxi - they have dispatchers who speak English) is that they would not take an advanced booking if one did not have a phone number.

I would take a shuttle to the airport for your flight and not depend on hailing a taxi. I've used this shuttle a couple of times and found them to be reliable. I think there are recommendations from posters on this board that you can search for.

http://www.limoservicerome.com/

I second The genius in the Design.

To get to the Rome airport, I recommend using a limo service, which you can reserve weeks in advance. My family and I have used this service several times: http://www.romeshuttlelimousine.com/ The prices are displayed on their website.

It is one of several excellent limo services. You'll find others, including RomeinLimo , on my website.

Sometimes, it's not easy finding a taxi.

Another alternative is to find out if the owners or agency from which you're renting the apartment offer a limo service. If so, you could get a quote from them.

Have you considered buying a European cell phone? The basic phones are quite inexpensive - probably 30 euros or less - and cell phone calling using a local provider can be very reasonable. I use a cell phone to confirm arrival times when I'm renting an apartment and to make restaurant reservations and for other incidental uses. I find it very valuable.

Some other books of interest:

Michelangelo and and Pope's Ceiling (Ross King). Even if you don't have a chance to read/finish the book there's a map of the Sistine Chapel that you can photocopy. It tells what the panels mean and I thought it was interesting to have in the chapel.

An Architect's Rome (John M. McGuire, Jr.)

For Florence:

Bruneschelli's Dome (Ross King) and The Sixteen Pleasures (Robert Hellenga) - a fictional account of the "mud angels" who saved Florence's treasures from the overflowing banks of the Arno in the 1960s.

Will definitely take a look at all of the book recommendations - thank you!

Sounds like the limo/shuttle service is the way to go. This is the option I was leaning toward, but needed a few good, reliable recommendations. I will check both of these out.

IdyllicItaly - I've been researching cell phones for Europe just for the purpose you described. I'm reading that Italy is not always compatible with the phone that you buy in France, and that Italy is difficult in general with cell phones. We will be in France also. I can imagine that you would find it valuable. I'm already going into withdrawals thinking about being without it. I guess I will have to rely on phone cards and email. I'll have my pad. I don't think anything will be critical except securing airport transportation. The advice here has been very helpful.

I booked the apt. through Sleep in Italy. I did see an airport transfer option on their site, but when I inquired by email, the rep. at SII told me to talk to the owner and he could arrange a taxi. Not sure I feel so comfortable with that since it's for such an early hour. I'd feel much better if it were a "done deal" so to speak.

I think your daughter might enjoy shopping/exploring in Trastevere. My college student daughter is studying in Rome right now, her apt is in Trastevere. She says there are a lot of students living there and good food and shopping in the neighborhood. Lots of activity at night, particularly on the weekend.

Our past two trips we have stayed near the Pantheon- you will not be disappointed!!

Darlene,

As far as compatibility of a cell phone in France and in Italy, the phone will work but you would need a SIM card specific for France and a SIM card specific for Italy. Otherwise, using a SIM card that is specific to one country within another country will be very costly.

There are many other options, too, such as an International SIM card. (I find the SIM specific cards simplest for my own use but there can be lots of reasons not to use them, such as keeping your U.S. phone number and getting an International plan if your phone and your cell phone service support that.)

I believe this topic has been covered in detail on this forum.

We used Rome Cabs from the airport into Rome http://www.romecabs.com/. On time, price was as advertised and I would definitely use again.

There is a taxi stand next to the Pantheon (just to the right as you face the Pantheon). As I recall the taxis were lined up there as early as 7 AM. It was our experience when we hailed a cab on the street, they put an extra 3-5 euros on the meter to start. That did not happen when we used a taxi stand.

Also, we found that as a ploy to get an extra large tip, many of the taxi drivers feigned having no change. Therefore, I would recommend carrying 1 and 2 euro coins to help.

jgg - Thank you for that tip.

IItaly - I've researched the phones extensively. We are with Sprint; they don't have an international plan that covers Europe; and all of their SIM cards are locked, even on the Galaxy s3, which we both have. I've more or less decided to forego a phone in France as the apt. is equipped with one and I can use Skype to "call" home. For Italy, I was planning to purchase a calling card and rely on payphones. I assume they are relatively easy to locate. Feedback on accessibility of pay phones in Rome? Again, I don't anticipate needing a phone often as most reservations and confirmations can be done via email. Biggest concern is leaving Rome on time! (Not that being "stuck" in Rome would be a bad thing - only on the bank account.)

gh - good to know. I will be sure to carry that extra change and to check the meter! Unfortunately, for a 9:30 flight, we will have to leave between 6-6:30, so the taxis may not be lined up yet.

On another note, Delta says to arrive at the airport 3 hours before the flight. Is this really necessary? That seems REALLY early. I know that outbound, we don't plan to arrive at our airport until 2 hours prior to flight time, but security is very fast and lines are not long. Any opinions on how early to get to the airport for an international flight to the US from Rome?

<<<5:30: Twilight Tour of Rome with Walks of Italy BOOKED (gives an overview of the historical district).>>>

Good choice with you arriving in the afternoon, this way your travel day isn't a complete loss as far as seeing some sites.

<<<DAY 2 - THURSDAY, MAY 23
8:30 - Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palantine Hill 3 � hour tour with Walks of Italy � BOOKED>>>

Looks like a good deal as it includes the Colosseum's underground and 3rd level plus the 74e includes the admisson fees.

<<<QUESTION: What is the best/fastest way to get from Pantheon area to metro stop at the Colosseum? I've read that walking is faster than buses or going all the way to Termini to get the metro back to the Colosseum. Opinions, please!>>>

It's around a 20-25 walk. A bus for 2 is 3e and the Termini option is well out of the way.

It's a long day for you I'd take a taxi to the Colosseum Metro Station which is right across the street from the Colosseum and I assume that is the meeting point for the tour?

A definite taxi stand if you have no luck around the apartment area is to;
Face the Pantheon, walk down the street on its left side and in ~250m it ends at major street and there is a big taxi stand there (Largo di Torre Argentina). |T|_____(P)_<-- (I hope no icons appear)

<<<AFTERNOON � Walk to Jewish Quarter for lunch and explore. Afternoon and evening are open. Suggestions??>>>

This is after your Colosseum/Forum tour so ~noontime.

Even the 4hr tours that cover the Colosseum (not including the underground & 3rd level), Palatine and Roman Forum miss *alot* esp in the Roman Forum.

And I assume your tour ends in the Roman Forum?

It's a one of a kind place full of history perhaps after the tour spend alittle more time there with one of those free downloadable things or purchase the Roman Forum guidebook on the site.

An example; Guides will point to the Rostra and say that is where Marc Antony give Julius Caesar's funeral speech.
But that is a later Augustus addition mostly reconstructed.

If you stand at the triple Arch alongside the Rostra you will see a curved narrow long seperate section at the extreme rear of that Rostra with stairs behind it.
That is where Marc Antony stood and delivered his famous speech.

Rostra - I think it's a good idea to "save" our feet for the sights. We will taxi to the Colosseum. Thank you for the directions. Yes, the tour includes the underground and the 3rd level, and it's a good suggestion to consider spending more time exploring after the tour.

I got a cheap Europe compatible cell phone on EBay (it was mailed from China, under $30) and a E15 sim from Wind when we hit Italy. It included a bunch of Italy minutes, which did not run out but could be topped up. I could have bought time for international calls, but didn't need them. The Wind store did the setup on the phone.

I did not see public phones, but really wasn't looking. The SIM has since expired but the phone will work with any SIM when I need it again.

I have to say the same thing that AJPeabody said, "I did not see public phones, but really wasn't looking." But some years ago, you used to see many of them without looking for them.

If you do get an inexpensive European cell phone, ask the people from whom you buy it to set it up with English prompts and also make sure you know how to find out how many euros are left on the phone. Recharging it is quite easy. Most tabacchi sell the recharge slips and the clerks are quite willing, in my experience, to enter the info on your phone to recharge it.

I recently lent one of our phones to a friend who spent a week in Rome and she recharged it when she arrived at a Tabacchi shop without any problem.

Sounds like the phones are the way to go. I rarely see pay phones in the US anymore except in airports and such. Of course, like both of you, I'm not looking for them . . .

Oh, also, an expired SIM will still let you test many functions on a new phone although you won't be able to use it for calls.

We have Sprint, which uses the CDMA system rather than the GSM system that is used in Europe and most of the world. We won an ATT smart phone a few months ago, but it's not tied to a phone number, phone plan, or company.

We just use it for wi-fi and for the camera (Awesome camera!). I wonder if I could bring that and have an Italian SIM card put in it? Since it's an ATT phone, it should be GSM/European compatible. How do I tell?

If it's not locked to ATT, then any SIM will run it. Check the model and see if it is quad band. If so, it will work worldwide.

Thank you! I will do that. I guess if it is locked to ATT, I could take it to an ATT store and ask them to unlock it. It's a Nolia Lumina 900, but it does say ATT on the box.

Since you're staying in the Historic Center, you can see a lot of art in the nearby churches. In Santa Maria Sopra Minerva (just behind the Pantheon)you can see the Bernini Elephant right in front and inside, "Christ Bearing the Cross" by Michelangelo and a great Fillipino Lippi fresco. Just in this one church. In San Luigi dei Francesi is the Saint Matthew cycle of three paintings by Caravaggio and practicalli next door in San Agostino in another Caravaggio masterpiece. And, since you mentioned your interest in Bernini, I'm sure you'll visit Piazza Navona to see his great fountain.

TTT

Wonderful suggestions, Margaret!

tdk320n: What is TTT?

ttt = to the top. It sends the thread back up the list so it is seen, rather than drop out of the top 25/50 where it is unlikely to be visited by those not already contributing.

You often see it or "bookmarking" which is what I am doing here - keeping the thread in my list of recently commented on posts, so that I can go back and read it later on when trying to get ideas for my forthcoming trip to Rome in March.

About arriving at the airport. I see your flight is leaving at 6:30am. Often the desks won't open until 4:30/5:00am unless they have super early flight, so I would agree that 3 hrs is probably not necessary. If you can call Delta and find out what time the desk will open that would probably be ideal.

You could check out my trip reports on Rome at -
http://www.rimerson.com/

I could write an epistle here on Rome but just look at the reports.
We have had good luck with Rome taxi's. We just flagged them or got them from a taxi stand. Only use taxi's with meters. We did get ripped off once and nearly a second time from Termini.

Rob

Regarding taxis: if you are within the city of Rome, be sure that the meter reads Tariffa 1 ( tariffa 2 is for outside the city limits and is a higher rate). I haven't taken many cabs but of the six I have taken, two tried to rip me off. That's a high proportion so be sure to watch the meter.

Thank you Willit - I'm relatively new here. Still lots to learn. I will anxiously await comments about your trip. Safe travels!

JGG - Flight is leaving at 9:30am. I thought I would need to leave the apt. by 6:30am. Sorry if that was confusing.

Roblm - You have a wealth of information there! Thank you for sharing.

I've used Rome cabs both to and from the airport. Very dependable.

Hello!
You mention that you want to visit the Borghese Gallery. You need to make reservations in advance, or else you can't get in.

Here's a link that let's you purchase tickets:

http://selectitaly.com/browse/things-to-do/museum/id:42/borghese-gallery-tickets-rome

I've used Select Italy on previous trips to Italy - saves a lot of time when you make reservations - no waiting in line.

Have a great trip!
Sandra

Glad to see you have The Borghese Gallery on your intinerary. It is awesome. However, you do need tickets beforehand. It is free, but you need the timed ticket. You can pre-order from here online.

The Borghese Gallery is not free!

darlenef17-
My wife and I are traveling to Rome the first week of October and we want to do the exact same things you are doing for your Day 3. Can you give me the details on how you went about booking your tours - Scavi and Vatican Museum and Sistene Chapel Tour please! Thank you so much!!!

DAY 3 - FRIDAY, MAY 24
MORNING - 9:00 AM – Scavi Tour Booked 1 ½ hours.
10:45 – 12:30: Go to Castel Sant'Angelo, see that, take in the view, have lunch, and head back to the Vatican.
QUESTION: Is there enough time to do this and get back to the Vatican for 12:45???
1:00 - 3.5 hour Vatican Museum and Sistene Chapel Tour with Through Eternity – BOOKED

Just a quick tip on your day 4 plan--- the Campo de Fiori and Spanish Steps are not very near each other, then you are backtracking to Trastevere.. I'd suggest combining the Campo and Trastevere in the morning, then saving the Spanish Steps for the afternoon. You certainly can walk from the Campo to the Sp Steps, it's just a longer hike than to Trastevere, so better to do after fueling up at lunch.

>>>Here's a link that let's you purchase tickets:

http://selectitaly.com/browse/things-to-do/museum/id:42/borghese-gallery-tickets-rome<<<

No need to pay a reseller for marked up tickets when you can book directly with the Borghese.

http://www.galleriaborghese.it/prenota-en.htm

Thanks to all for the information on the Borghese. I tried several days ago to pre-purchase the tickets; however, the official site only went 30 days out. I did not check reseller websites bc I saw no need to pay a mark up. I assume that I will be able to secure them through the official site when the date is closer.

msteacher - I appreciate the geographical tip. I certainly don't want to needlessly criss-cross the city if there is a better plan. I believe I put Trastevere in the afternoon planning to eat dinner there and not wanting to traipse back. Will look at alternatives.

burnstock - You can ONLY book the Scavi tour through the excavation office at the Vatican. I booked it first, and then chose a tour that worked with the time slot I was given. You provide them dates and they tell you when your time is. Here is the link with all of the information:
http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/institutions_connected/uffscavi/documents/rc_ic_uffscavi_doc_gen-information_20090216_en.html

You will have to submit a written request by sending an email to: scavi@fsp.va The link above elaborates.

For the tour, we are taking a small group tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's. Based on outstanding reviews and my price point, I narrowed it down to Through Eternity or Walks of Italy. We are using Through Eternity as their tour time best fit with the Scavi tour time.
http://www.througheternity.com/grouptoursrome/grouptoursrome.htm

OR

http://www.walksofitaly.com/tour_bookings/tour_listing/6/6

Here is a more detailed description of Day 4. Critiques appreciated!

DAY 4 - SATURDAY, MAY 25
MORNING - Campo di Fiori
10:30 - Shopping and window shopping! Spanish Steps area, etc.
1:00ish - LUNCH
MID/LATE AFTERNOON: Bocca Della Verita (Mouth of Truth) in the portico of Santa Maria in Cosmedin ; Explore Trastevere, Jewish ghetto
SUNSET - Walk along Tiber River - Ponte Umberto I – Beautiful views and sunset!
DINNER TRASTEVERE - Where?

Darlenef17 -
This is Mrs. Burnstock, and I did a little research and the trip you are taking with your daugther in may is the SAME trip my husband and I are taking in Sept/October. Please keep in touch afterwards and let us know how it all worked out. What you are glad you did, what you wished you did and didn't do?!? I was looking at your itineray and it is very similar to what we had in mind so I will be curious to get your feedback if you don't mind. Thank you so much and I hope you and your daughter have an AMAZING time!!!! We are so looking forward to our adventure as well.

Tips from a Frequent Rome Visitor:

Wonderful restaurant near the Pantheon: DaFortunato
Best Cup of Coffee near the Pantheon - Tazza De Oro

After visiting Villa Borghese walk through park to viewpoint near Piazza di Spagna, to Casina Valadier Garden Cafe, a lovely outdoor cafe for a coffee or cocktail. I watched ths sunset from this location on my last night in Rome during one trip. Memorable.

Spanish Steps area: Rest your feet and enjoy a coffee or cocktail in Cafe Greco and enjoy the historic Cafe.
Lunch or dinner at OTELLO della Concordia on Via Della Croce- Greate food, charming and very affordable.
Your daughter will love shopping in along the Corso from Piazza di Populo to Piazza Venezia.

Mrs. B - I certainly will! We will be doing Paris, Florence, and Rome in 16 days. Are you doing the others as well, or do you just want the Rome info?

artebella - Thank you SO much for the recommendations. There are so many highly rated restaurants in Rome that it's overwhelming. I love getting tips from those who have actually been there. Please post anything else you feel will be helpful. I'm grateful for the shopping tip also, as will be my daughter!

Your trip sounds grand. Please post a summary when you get back, with your recommendations. I'm taking my daughter on her first visit to Italy this fall, and will appreciate your input.

darlene- we are booked on the 3pm Scavi tour same day you're booked for 9am. We may pass each other in the streets!

hi darlene,

I only just came across this thread [after "meeting" you on the Florence one] and I haven't followed every twist and turn. But after spending a week in Rome only 2 weeks ago, I may have a few ideas that might be useful to you.

1. Buses. Don't be frightened of them. you can pick up a map of Rome that shows all the bus routes for €3 from any tabac or book shop. several parts of your trip would be enhanced by using the bus -eg the Pantheon to the colosseum [bus from the corso vitttorio emmanuele to the colosseum], spanish steps to the Bocca della verità etc. tickets are €1.50 each from any tabac, [valid for the metro too] and don't forget to validate them in the machine when you get in.

2. Shopping. as well as the "posh" shops round the Via Condotti, there are other more affordable areas. One street which specialises in antiques is the Via Coronari - it runs west of the piazza Navona, from its northern end. at the southern end of the Piazza Navona is the Via del Governo Vecchio, which leads into the Via dei Banchi Nuovi -the far end of this street meets up with the other end of the coronari, forming a triangle. there are lots of lovely and interesting shops along these streets.

if you venture into the Monti area, there are some interesting shops and workshops [and some very nice restaurants] along the Via Dei Serpenti and the streets around it. well worth a wander.

3. The Galleria Doria Pamphilj - a little known gem. http://www.doriapamphilj.it/ukvisita.asp
packed with great works of art but very few people, the entrance is on the via del corso. [the main shopping street in Rome]. the first part comprises a guided tour [by free audio guide] of the family's rooms displayed as in the C17 onwards. After that you enter a gallery into which a huge no of wonderful works of art [Breugel, Caravaggio, Velasquez] have been crammed.

and both times i've been there were virtually no other people there.

sdcasch - It is my intention to do a trip report; however, if it's slow in coming, feel free to bump this thread and ask any questions. I'll be happy to share whatever I've learned!

sarge56 - The older I get, the smaller the world seems to get! You will probably be exiting the Scavi tour into the Basilica about the same time that our Through Eternity tour is ending in the Basilica!

Annhig - I've made a note of the recommendations - thank you!

A couple of logistical questions:

Our fist two days are going to be well-filled with Vatican City and the Colosseum/Forum/Capitoline Museusm.

Saturday and Sunday are relatively open and very flexible as nothing has been reserved yet. Tenatively, this is what I have, BUT I would like to incorporate these sights as well:

Capuchin Crypt (appears to be very close to our Pantheon apt.) Via Veneto 27

San Pietro in Vincoli (St. Peter in chains)
Hours 8:00 am–12:30 pm and 3:30 pm–6:30 pm

Any suggestions on where they would fit or how I might improve DAYS 4 & 5?

DAY 4 - SATURDAY, MAY 25
MORNING - Campo di Fiori and wandering the shopping areas of Rome – Spanish Steps area, etc.
AFTERNOON: Bocca Della Verita (Mouth of Truth) in the portico of Santa Maria in Cosmedin; Explore Trastevere, Jewish ghetto
SUNSET - Walk along Tiber River - Ponte Umberto I – Beautiful views and sunset!
EVENING: Open

DAY 5 – SUNDAY, MAY 26
MORNING: Go to Mass at an unfamous church between apartment and Borghese Gallery - ANY SUGGESTIONS?
11:00 am - Reserve Borghese Gallery & Gardens
Lunch
3:00Piazza del Poppolo, Basilica di San Clemente
EVENING: Open – Last night in Europe 

On Sunday, we also have the option to book a 9:00 tour and go to the 6:00pm Mass at Santa Maria Minerva, which is very close to out apt. This would give us more time in the day.

What is acceptable clothing for Mass in Italy? I know for visiting, no shorts, no knees, and no shoulders, but for Mass, is it acceptable for the women to wear capris or nice jeans/pants or do they require "Sunday" clothes?

No, just be sured you're covered up. As long as you don't look like a total slob, how dressed up you are is not really an issue.

Darlene- I believe you mean Santa Maria sopra Minerva? One of the most beautiful churches in Rome! It's right next to the Pantheon. Can't miss the Bernini elephant obelisk in front of it. Google it- the ceiling is stunning!

Just make sure arms and knees are covered. (My DD always takes a large scarf [they are sold all over Italy] and wraps it around her shorts to create a "skirt". Also handy to wrap around shoulders if you are sleeveless.)

PS Men should also have their knees and shoulders covered (no tank tops, no shorts).

Darlene, what a great plan you have and what great advice you have been given! We intend to see many of the same sites as ou are planning on visiting. I am adjusting some of my plans thanks to some of the answers to your post. We will be arriving as you are leaving. Thanks so much for the trip layout.

msteacher and sarge56 - I thought it would be okay, but wanted confirmation, so thank you! It seems that modesty is more of an issue than "dressiness." sarge - yes - that is the church I am referring too and have googled it.

Willowjane - happy to have been of some assistance. Hope you have a wonderful trip!

Still lacking advice on fitting Capuchin Crypt and San Pietro in Vincoli (St. Peter in chains)into Days 3/4 and critique on those days.

FOUR POSTS UP - Anyone?

The Galleria Doria Pamphilj is a true gem. See if they are doing a concert tour on your Saturday. We went to one that had a walking lecture art tour with chamber music at various points along the way and a short sit down concert at the end. We booked in advance on line.

AJ- Just googled The Galleria Doria Pamphilj. It looks wonderful and best of all, not crowded!! Thank you so much for the tip! We may see this and forego something else. Sounds as though the artwork is magnificent! I don't know how this place is not on more "must see" lists of Rome - it looks amazing and is right in our neighborhood! Thank you!

<< San Pietro in Vincoli >>

Yes - go see the statue of Moses, although you can't get as close to it as you used to be able to.

Day 4/5 - I would walk to the Spanish Steps after the Borghese Gallery. Nice walk through the grounds and down the steps.

I'm a bit confused with your schedule. Perhaps you could post the entire schedule again.

Do you have the Pantheon & area anyplace? See Santa Maria Sopra Minerva (beautiful) with the Pantheon as it's only a few yards away.

Adrienne - Here is the revised itinerary. The first three days are more or less set, as the reservations have been made for tours. The last two days are flexible. I've not yet reserved a time for the Borghese so it's all still very fluid - we can make a 9, 11, 1, 3, or 5:00 reservation. My daughter wants to do some shopping, so I thought Sat. would be a good day to do that on both sides of the river.

I'd like to include Capuchin Crypt and San Pietro in Vincoli (St. Peter in chains) in the trip, but I'm not sure exactly how to best arrange those two days. I think the other days are just about as full as we want them to be.

DAY 1 - WEDNESDAY, MAY 22
Train arrives from Florence @ 1:30; Get to and settle in apt. Streets by 2:30.
Shop to stock apt., and explore immediate area
See Church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva
4:45: Meet for Twilight Tour of Rome with Walks of Italy BOOKED (gives an overview of the historical district).
8:00: On our own – dinner and back to apt.

DAY 2 - THURSDAY, MAY 23
8:30 - Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palantine Hill 3 ½ hour tour with Walks of Italy – BOOKED
Lunch – WHERE???
AFTERNOON – Capitoline Museum (open til 8:00)
EVENING: Open.

DAY 3 - FRIDAY, MAY 24
MORNING - 9:00 AM – Scavi Tour Booked 1 ½ hours.
10:45 – 12:30: Go to floor of Basillica and take elevator up to top of dome and stairs down. Have lunch and meet tour at 12:45.
LUNCH: Pizza al Tonglio (pizza by the square) on via della Grazie
AFTERNOON: 1:00 - 3.5 hour Vatican Museum and Sistene Chapel Tour with Through Eternity – BOOKED
After the tour, go to top of dome if the line was too long earlier. Another option: Go to Castel Sant'Angelo, and walk back along the Tiber.
EVENING: Open

DAY 4 - SATURDAY, MAY 25
MORNING - Campo di Fiori and wandering the shopping areas of Rome – Spanish Steps area, etc.
AFTERNOON: Bocca Della Verita (Mouth of Truth) in the portico of Santa Maria in Cosmedin ; Explore Trastevere, Jewish ghetto
SUNSET - Walk along Tiber River - Ponte Umberto I – Beautiful views and sunset!
EVENING: Open

DAY 5 – SUNDAY, MAY 26
MORNING: Find a cool church and go to Mass
AFTERNOON:
11:00am - Borghese Gallery & Gardens
Lunch
3:00 Piazza del Poppolo, followed by Basilica di San Clemente
6:00 – Mass at Santa Maria Sopra Minerva if we don’t go to morning mass.
EVENING: Open – Last night in Europe

DAY 6 – MONDAY, MAY 27 – Early flight, leave apt. at 6:00am.

Borghese -
I enjoyed the docent led tours at the Borghese which are only available in English for the 9:00 and 11:00 spots. I've been to this museum 3 times and the last time I booked back to back reservations since 2 hours was not enough time. You might consider this. I have not read this entire thread but you need to be there 1/2 hour prior to your ticket time to check all bags; the line is often long since the Italians sidle into the middle of the line and it never seems to move.

Day 2 - lunch - ask your guide - they know the places in the area to eat lunch.

I still think you should do the Spanish Steps after the Borghese. It's only steps but I enjoyed the views from the top. Take note of the sunken boat fountain at the bottom.

<< Find a cool church and go to Mass >>

There are so many cool churches it's difficult to know what to suggest. Here's a site that might help you. There was a poster on this board who also had a great site for Rome churches but I can't find it. Perhaps I'll think of his name or maybe someone else will remember.

www.stuardtclarkesrome.com/churches.htm

The crypt looks great!

I found the other thread for Roman churches but the link no longer works. You can email him - email address is in his profile.

http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/daveesl/

Never mind - I looked further and found this link that works.

http://passagetoroma.com/index.php/ptr2010

It's an easy switch to put the SSteps on Sunday.

I know 2 hours isn't nearly long enough, but we will have done many museums in Paris and Florence, so I think we will just do the one reservation at the Borghese. I did read to arrive 30 minutes early, but thank you for the reminder!

I am still a bit stumped as to how to arrange Day4/5 to include Capuchin Crypt and St. Peter in chains. I think both are fairly close to the apt., so maybe it won't be to difficult to work it.

Thank you for the "church" link!

If you move the Spanish Steps you'll have enough time in the morning. Neither place should take much time inside.

So then, our last 2 days should look like this:

DAY 4 - SATURDAY, MAY 25
MORNING - Campo di Fiori and wandering the shopping areas on "our" side of Rome
Lunch
AFTERNOON: Bocca Della Verita (Mouth of Truth) in the portico of Santa Maria in Cosmedin ; Explore Trastevere and shopping areas there, Jewish ghetto
SUNSET - Walk along Tiber River - Ponte Umberto I – Beautiful views and sunset!
EVENING: Open

DAY 5 – SUNDAY, MAY 26
11:00am - Borghese Gallery & Gardens and Spanish Steps area
Lunch
3:00 Piazza del Poppolo, followed by Basilica di San Clemente
6:00 – Mass at Santa Maria Sopra Minerva
EVENING: Open – Last night in Europe

The Campo dei Fiori market is small and much of it is flowers and vegetables and housewares so it won't take much time to go through it. I guess you're putting the Crypt on Saturday morning. Looks good.

i wouldn't bother with the bocca della verità unless you really want a long walk followed by a big disappointment.

really there's not that much to it.

instead go to san clemente - which is closer and will make your last day make a lot more sense. - Piazza del popollo - san Clemente - Santa Maria sopra Minerva has you hopping all over the place .

and if you are going to Mass at Ste Maria Sopra Minerva on the last sunday you don't need to make a special trip to it on your first day. instead i think I would just head for the Pantheon and wander around the neighbourhood soaking it all in after that.

Yes, sorry for not including that. I was thinking that Sat. morning would have time for Campo dei Fiori market and the Crypt, followed by shopping and lunch.

Then about 3:00 head over to Trastevere.

Annhig

>>>and if you are going to Mass at Ste Maria Sopra Minerva on the last sunday you don't need to make a special trip to it on your first day. instead i think I would just head for the Pantheon and wander around the neighbourhood soaking it all in after that.<<<

I checked the hours and it will be closed when we arrive on the first day, so I moved it to Sunday. Your suggestion of staying in the neighborhood until it is time to meet our tour is good. We meet at the top of the Spanish Steps by the obelisk at 4:45.

Very good to know that the mouth of truth can wait for another trip! Thank you for that input.

So revision should look like this?

DAY 4 - SATURDAY, MAY 25
MORNING - Campo di Fiori and wandering the shopping areas on "our" side of Rome
Lunch
AFTERNOON: Basilica di San Clemente, followed by Trastevere and shopping areas there, Jewish ghetto
SUNSET - Walk along Tiber River
EVENING: Open

DAY 5 – SUNDAY, MAY 26
11:00am - Borghese Gallery & Gardens and Spanish Steps area
Lunch
3:00 Piazza del Poppolo
6:00 – Mass at Santa Maria Sopra Minerva
EVENING: Open – Last night in Europe

Your new schedule makes much more sense to me. However, I'd just suggest to not get overly tied to any schedule. Good to have a general plan for each day, but prepared to change, swap around, etc based on the weather , your mood, a long meal, or to check out that cool thing you just stumbled upon.

msteacher - I could not agree more! I just find it helpful to have an idea of what is realistically doable and the best way to do it. After we get there, we will go with the flow!

You are going to have a great time. Buon viaggio!

Brava, Darlene.

that looks a lot better.

i'm sure that you'll have a wonderful time.

Thanks to everyone for the great tips and advice!

I keep thinking of things to bother you with, but can anyone recommend an excellent "walking map" for Rome?

I have purchased the Streetwise laminated, -it's excellent, but too small to "flag" the things we want to see. I find it's quite impossible to locate things quickly.

I'm sorry I haven't read all the posts.
Do you know about Michelangelo's Risen Christ at Santa Maria Sopra Minerva?

http://www.perfectraveller.com/article.asp?aid=14

Hi Darlene,

I've only skimmed the thread; sounds like things are generally in order (and you like order!).

Perhaps you ran across this during your "homework", if not seen if it is helpful:

http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/rome-with-kids-blog-photos.cfm

Have fun.

PeaceOut - Yes, I have and we are going there. Will see it Sunday.

Indydad - YES!! Your blog is amazing and very helpful. In fact, I've planned our Vatican Day lunch at Pizza al Tonglio, thanks to your advice. I'm so grateful for your efforts, and I hope that will inspire me to follow through with a trip report!

I disagree with Annhig in one regard. It's true that Santa Maria in Cosmedin is, in itself, one of the smallest and least impressive churches in Rome (IMHO).

However, one of my all-time favorite movies is "Roman Holiday" and I found it well worth the trip (I took a bus down the west side of the river, walked over the bridge, took my pics and caught a bus back up the east side) to have my picture taken with the Mouth of Truth. Great talking point picture on my dining room wall. And great fun, I thought.

Just sayin'...

Just a Galileo tidbit (following over from the Florence thread) about the Santa Maria Sopra Minerva church.

In the photo on this website which is also a good read. http://vexilla-regis.blogspot.com/2012/05/galileo-myth-part-ii.html

See the door to the left of the Bernini Elephant (there are 2 but the one I mean the 1st one as there is another larger one just to the left of that one).

That is the door into the Dominican monastery where Galileo walked thru to spend some quality time with the Inquisition Boys.

He spent some days there at the 'Inquisition Inn', his hotel review said that the room was great but the service was terrible .

The elephant obelisk is from 6thC BC Egypt and 1 of a many found there from the 'Temple of Isis' which was on the otherside of the church.

But everytime I see that statue (and the 1 in front of the Pantheon also from that temple) I think of this really bizarre story told by Josephus about the Temple of Isis.
www.utexas.edu/courses/rome/paulina.html

Darlene - I came to these forums tonight to work on some planning for our Rome trip. My daughters, ages 21 and 18, and I will also be arriving in Rome on May 22. Our Colosseum tour with Walks of Italy is scheduled for the day after yours. We are scheduled for the Vatican the day after you as well.

This thread has been so helpful that I almost feel quilty because you have done all the work. Thanks for posting your Rome schedule!

Sarge - I was thinking the same thing about the photo op at the mouth of truth, and since my last posted "final" itinerary, have made even more adjustments to have the trip "flow" better and not be criss-crossing. I'm pretty happy with it now, but didn't want to exhaust everyone by posting another version! Our first two days will be busy, but the last two will be leisurely and we will have time to get that picture!

Rostra - Thank you for posting a link to more information on Santa Maria Sopra Minerva. It is one of our "must sees" for many reasons. The information is fascinating!

Viaggitrice - Glad that this has been helpful, and I'm very happy to share. My daughter is 22, so our trips are very parallel in more than itinerary!

I'm pretty happy with it now, but didn't want to exhaust everyone by posting another version!>>

oh, go on, we can take it!

Agreed. Post again. We want to see the final version.

the "final" version.

Annhig and Adrienne - here is is, just remember, you asked for it! =)

Adrienne - we are going to exit the Borghese via Piazza del Poppolo because we will have already enjoyed views from the top of the Spanish Steps on our first night, and I understand that the Piazza del Poppolo views are wonderful also!

Remember that I KNOW this is a lot, and we probably won't do it all, but at least we have a working plan.

DAY 1 - WEDNESDAY, MAY 22
Train arrives from Florence @ 1:30; Get to and settle in apt. Streets by 2:30. Stock apt.
Head to top of Spanish Steps to meet tour,on the way stop at Capuchin Crypt (15-20 minutes)
4:45: Meet for Twilight Tour of Rome with Walks of Italy(gives an overview of the historical district).
8:00: Tour ends in Piazza Navona,
Dinner and back to apt.

DAY 2 - THURSDAY, MAY 23
8:00 - Taxi to Colosseum
8:15 - Meet guide for Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palantine Hill 3 ½ hour tour with Walks of
12:00 Tour over - Lunch and relax a while - stay in the area
2:30 - Taxi to San Giovanni in Laterano and Santuario della Scala Santa about 1 hour to see both (stairs are quick)
4:00 - Walk or taxi to Basilica di San Clemente (Last entrance to the excavations at 5:40)
EVENING: Open - maybe Campo di Fiori

DAY 3 - FRIDAY, MAY 24
MORNING - 9:00 AM – Scavi Tour Booked 1 ½ hours.
10:45 – 12:30: Go to floor of Basillica and take elevator up to top of dome and stairs down. Have lunch and meet tour at 12:45.
LUNCH: Pizza al Tonglio (pizza by the square) on via della Grazie, street leads off the road that runs between the columns of St Peter's and the entrance to the Vatican Museums.
AFTERNOON: 1:00 - 3.5 hour Vatican Museum and Sistene Chapel Tour with Through Eternity – BOOKED
After the tour, go to top of dome if the line was too long earlier.
If we aren’t too tired we can walk back along the Tiber, and enjoy views.
EVENING: Open - maybe Trastevere if we walked the Tiber or just hang out in our area.

DAY 4 - SATURDAY, MAY 25
MORNING - Campo di Fiori for the market
Taxi to San Pietro in Vincoli (St. Peter in Chains) Allow 30-45 minutes for the church
Walk to Capitoline Museum – allow about 1 hour or so per museum (open til 8:00)
Lunch
AFTERNOON: Taxi to Bocca Della Verita (Mouth of Truth) in the portico of Santa Maria in Cosmedin; Explore Trastevere
SUNSET - Walk along Tiber River if we haven't for the views and sunset
EVENING: Open

DAY 5 – SUNDAY, MAY 26
MORNING:
Taxi to Borghese Gallery – be there at 10:30
11:00am - Borghese Gallery & Gardens – follow the route to come out atop the Piazza del Popolo, with a stunning view of the entire piazza
Lunch
3:00 Shopping along via Corso from Piazza di Populo to Piazza Venezia.
5:30 – Santa Maria Sopra Minerva (Open 8-7 Daily)
6:00 - Mass
EVENING: Open – Last night in Europe

DAY 6 – MONDAY, MAY 27 – Early flight home, leave apt. at 6:00am.

Any recommendations for a good guide book for using (and carrying) while in Rome?

Lightweight, small but relatively thorough.

I'm not a huge fan of guidebooks, but with Rome, I think having one would greatly enhance our experience of many of the sights,as I'm sure much of what we will see just wandering is not explained in English!

I've read the the Michelin Green books are good and won't weigh you down.

Opinions?

darlene, given that you are going to venice, florence and Rome, the green guide will be hard to beat.

easy to carry, and comprehensive. with that and some detailed maps, you're good to go.

Another vote for Michelen green guides. They have lots of good information and are easy to carry. You do have to have another source for restaurant info.

Annig - Just to clarify, it's Paris, Florence, and Rome. We considered Venice, but there weren't enough days to do all 4 cities justice, so it's saved for "another" time (says the ever hopeful optimist!). =)

Thank you both for the confirmation - green guide it is!

ooops, Darlene, I was having a senior moment.

I'd still get the green guide - you can use it next time for Venice!

the more modern green guides [unlike my 30 year old version] do have some hotel and restaurant suggestions, but not enough to make them any use in that respect, so I don't know why they bother.

I would also get the green guide for Paris - IMO still the best.

darlene- couple notes
1) I love the DK Eyewitness Travel Guide for Rome. But you should really hit up your big box book store's travel section and pick one that works for you.
2) Don't forget there are some excellent iphone apps for travel.
a) I have downloaded the free Rick Steves Audio Europe. His 1/2 hour "tour" of the Pantheon was perfect. He has several other ones for Rome.
b) The free Google Translation app is awesome! Let's you speak into the phone and translates to Italian for you- it will even speak the words for you. Love it.
c) There are dozens of free apps for learning some basic Italian. Practice on the plane ride over!
d)Elizabeth Menchilli's restaurant apps rate high. I paid a small fee for "Eat Florence" and "Eat Rome".
e) I also have a free currency convertor app from Oanda. Comes in very handy to convert Euro to dollars.
f) Tripadvisor also has free app. You can check restaurant reviews if you're standing in front of some place without a reservation.

I'm sure there are hundreds more. I'm betting there is a thread on here somewhere about best travel apps.

Finally, I'm thrilled you're going to both St. John Lateran (I think it is more beautiful than St. Peter's) and the Boca della Verita. Here is a link to my pic: http://sargeatboca.shutterfly.com/ (Fortunately, I've lost 40+ lbs since this was taken 3 years ago!) haha

Buon viaggio! May cross paths. I'm also in Rome from May 22nd til ?

Sarge - Thank you again for the tips! Great photo - thanks for sharing. I definitely need that in my family album!

After some research, I downloaded Eat Florence and Eat Rome a while back - glad to hear that I made the right choice. I don't have an iphone, but they had android versions, so my Nexus 7 is loaded and ready to go.

I also have the Google Translation app, and I love it too!

The DK books are GREAT, but they are a bit heavier than I wanted for daily lugging around. I was looking for something a bit lighter that wasn't too brief on information.

Rick Steves = good audio tours, but not my favorite for a guide book. You're right - a trip to Barnes and Noble is in order before hitting up Amazon.

I still need to find a good app for learning basic Italian and French. Any recommendations? Annhig, this may be your department!

My biggest concern is that because my cell phone won't work in Europe (we have Sprint - no international plan or removable SIM card on my Galaxy3); therefore, I won't have internet access everywhere I go. I'll have internet devices, but

>>>You can check restaurant reviews if you're standing in front of some place without a reservation.<<<

this may not be possible if wireless networks are not abundant. We'll either have to plan where to eat the day before or "wing it."

I just downloaded Learn French and Learn Italian Phrasebooks by Codegent. It's not a comprehensive language course like Rosetta Stone, but rather a compilation of very useful phrases for tourists and business travelers.

Bookmarking

"My biggest concern is that because my cell phone won't work in Europe (we have Sprint - no international plan or removable SIM card on my Galaxy3); therefore, I won't have internet access everywhere I go"

I have just got back from Rome and did find this a problem. There is some free WiFi available at many tourist sites such as the Park around the Villa Borghese, but you need to register for it, and therefore need an Italian Cellphone number. Many bars and restaurants advertise free WiFi, you just need to ask for the password.

I still need to find a good app for learning basic Italian and French. Any recommendations? Annhig, this may be your department!>>

sorry Darlene - i missed this. I've only just got an i-phone so i'm not very up on apps yet, so i can't comment on what you got. but for general language learning, i strongly recommend Michel Thomas. you can get a short introductory course, or the full beginner's course, both on CD or cassette tape. i ought mine through e-bay. IMO they are better than most other approaches as he teaches you the grammar from the beginning which is very helpful when trying to work out what you need to say, and when people reply to you.

for come reason I had no difficulty picking up wi-fi at all - in fact it was too good and i could never get away!

Thanks for the info Annhig. I'm also very happy to hear that your experience with the wifi is good!

Willit - we will have wifi in the apt., and I'm downloading apps so it won't too terrible if I can't access wifi in public places. It's good to know that I may encounter a problem.

One suggestion - see the Santa Prassede church. Best mosaics in the city by far. It's only about a block or so from Santa Maria Maggiore, and, IMHO, more spectacular.

Also...depending on traffic, walking can be as fast as the bus.

I found that a cheap, unlocked phone and a country-specific SIM is a very economical way to go...at least in Spain (Orange Store) where we were last May. The chip was 10E and came with 10E time on it. Adding time was a snap at the Orange Store...put your 5E bill into the machine and type in your phone number...presto!...instant results! No credit cards needed, though you do need your passport to buy the SIMs.

The people at the store put the chip in and checked to see that it was working correctly.

I'll be testing this out (with my $35 unlocked Samsung phone that I bought online -- I used a friend's phone in Spain) in Italy and Austria on our early May trip, and I'll get back to you with my experience. I hope there are stores similar to the Spanish Orange Store in Venice and Vienna..they were fantastically helpful.

Make sure you buy a phone with GSM 900/1800MHz band for Europe. Mine is a Samsung E1080 Unlocked Dual-Band GSM Phone. It had great reviews, but, as I said, I report back when I return.

SS

I second Santa Praesde - i have lovely memories of visiting it as we arrived there when a french choir were rehearsing which made it quite magical. we were following Rick Steves' mosaic churches walk which on this occasion proved very good.

do remember to have a store of 50c and €1 coins to put in the slots to turn on the lights for the mosaics.

I've just made a note on Santa Praesde. So many beautiful sights, so little time!

Thank you SS for the phone info. Very helpful!!

I've been following this post with high interest - lots of great info, which I am using for planning our own 7 days in Rome. Not enough time

Darlene, please post a trip report (and pictures) when you get back.

A good website for info of all sorts is
The Church of Santa Susana-Home of the American Catholic Church in Rome
http://www.santasusanna.org/index.html

Visitor info-http://www.santasusanna.org/visitorInfo/visitorInfo.html

Tips-http://www.santasusanna.org/visitorInfo/tips.html

Public Transportation-http://www.santasusanna.org/visitorInfo/transport.html

Surprisingly, I found the Rick Steves Rome to be the best Guide book, check it out at B&N.

What good information! I too am using a lot of this for planning.

Dugi - what great info. I would not have thought to look here for such comprehensive visitor information. Thank you!

Wow most of my trip inspiration comes from this extensive post.....hav a great holiday

Some thoughts

I enjoyed both the Twilight Tour of Rome and Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel Tour with Through Eternity. Of course it is all about the guide. The Twilight Tour is covered by Rick Steves Rome as "Night Walk Across Rome".

In addition to the Basilicas and churches you are visiting I recommend the following in case you are in the neighborhood:

SANTA MARIA MAGGIORI (basilica near Nat'l Museum)
for manger relics, mosaics, tombs of Sixtus V, and Bernini, Madonna painting and miracle relief.

Church of Santa Prassede (near Santa Maria Maggiora)
for mosaics, St Zeno chapel

Basilica San Paolo Fuori le Mura (St Paul's Outside the Walls)-via Ostiense 186, metro San Paolo
for mosaic portraits of all popes, cloister,courtyard.

Church of San Luigi dei Francesi (near Pantheon)
for Caravaggio chapel- calling of St Mathew, St Mathew and the Angel, Martyrdom of St Mathew.

Gesu(Jesuit) Church(near Pantheon)
for ceiling fresco, nave,Tomb and alterpieces of Sts Ignatius of Loyola and Francis Xavier, Bernini sculpture of Cardinal Roberto Bellarmine, Manger Scene

Church of St Ignazio(near Pantheon)
for frescos

Santa Maria della Vittoria (near C Crypt )
for Bernini's St Teresa in Ecstacy

Santa Maria degli Angeli ( near Piazza Republica )
for Baths of Diocletian

Santa Susana ( near Piazza Republica )
for English mass being the American church
From their website:

CHURCHES ( DRESS CODE AND HOURS)

Please remember that churches are primarily places of worship regardless of their fame as a tourist attraction. Dress accordingly (which means NO shorts, sleeveless or lowcut tops, miniskirts etc.) Don’t undergo the humiliation and/or frustration of being turned away at St. Peter’s due to casual summer dress. It’s an argument you won’t win. You can also be prepared with a shawl or wrap if you are in shorts or a sleeveless top.

Know that most churches are CLOSED between noon and 4:00 PM. They usually open again for three hours in the late afternoon. This can be frustrating for Americans as we’re used to a quick lunch and we’re ready to go again!. The Four Basilica's are open all day: Peter, Paul, Mary …. and John: Saint Peter’s, Saint Paul’s Outside the Walls, Saint Mary Major (Santa Maria Maggiore) and Saint John Lateran. The Vatican Museums (which is the only way to get into the Sistine Chapel) have limited hours. Go early and stand in line. GET UP EARLY. Plan on leaving your hotel no later than 8:30 AM. Otherwise the morning will go by and you’ll have missed everything!

Have a wonderful trip to Rome!

My best moments in Rome have been first thing in the morning and late at night. The streets and sights are empty. Seeing St. Peter's or the Pantheon empty at 7:00 a.m. is amazing and so worth dragging yourselves out of bed.

I almost don't want to share this with anyone, but my husband and I loved this restaurant so much that we ate there three times during our last visit. The food and service were superb.

http://www.ristoranteadhoc.com/inglese/home.htm

Enjoy!

I asked my cellphone carrier (Verizon) about phone service in Italy. They told me to call a few weeks before my trip and they would give me a loaner phone. I would just have to buy the SIM card. They made it sound like the cost would be very reasonable.

The Rome Tourist Board lists all the historic churches (294 Catholic ones) with maps/hours/websites, etc. (click the name in red to get the info screen). You need to check times for mass or opening/closing hours again once you get to Rome as they can and do change.

http://www.060608.it/en/cultura-e-svago/luoghi-di-culto-di-interesse-storico-artistico/chiese-cattoliche

Historic churches for other faiths:
http://www.060608.it/en/cultura-e-svago/luoghi-di-culto-di-interesse-storico-artistico

darlenef17:
Mrs. B here - we are taking your exact trip: Paris, Florence Rome!!! I hope y'all are having a grand time and I can't wait to here all about it and your do's and don'ts!!!