Rome Questions?
Apr 12th, 2009, 07:00 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 630
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Rome Questions?
We will be arriving to Rome by train from Orvieto.
1. We need to get to a station near our apt on Via La Spezia. How should we handle that?
2. Looking to take kids to the crypt of the Capuchin Monks but Frommer's says it is now closed- Does anyone know if that is perhaps outdated information? It doesn't mention anything on their (the monks) website.
3. We would like to visit St. Peters Basillica and then climb the dome. Can reservations be made for this or do we need to just wait in line? Any tips?
4. We will be taking train from Rome to Salerno. Any special station we need to get to for departure?
5. From reading it seems that most places close down from noon till 3pm. So I am guessing it may be smart to try to get out early, come back to apt for lunch and relaxation and out again once everything starts to open back up. Does this sound reasonable? Trying to persuade kids that this may be way to go as they would rather sleep late but then by the time we get out the door, everything is closing for lunch. Do you agree?
6. DD loves to shop (of course she does, she's 15). Are there some cool, inexpensive shops much like H & M or Zara that she can go to. She loves to bring things back that no one else has yet. I have read about Coin, Lush and Onyx. Any suggestions?
7. I keep reading about the heat in the summer. We will be in Italy most of June. How hot does it typically get and what kind of heat is it? We come from very hot (over 100 degrees) but dry weather.
ok, I think that is all for now.......thanks!
1. We need to get to a station near our apt on Via La Spezia. How should we handle that?
2. Looking to take kids to the crypt of the Capuchin Monks but Frommer's says it is now closed- Does anyone know if that is perhaps outdated information? It doesn't mention anything on their (the monks) website.
3. We would like to visit St. Peters Basillica and then climb the dome. Can reservations be made for this or do we need to just wait in line? Any tips?
4. We will be taking train from Rome to Salerno. Any special station we need to get to for departure?
5. From reading it seems that most places close down from noon till 3pm. So I am guessing it may be smart to try to get out early, come back to apt for lunch and relaxation and out again once everything starts to open back up. Does this sound reasonable? Trying to persuade kids that this may be way to go as they would rather sleep late but then by the time we get out the door, everything is closing for lunch. Do you agree?
6. DD loves to shop (of course she does, she's 15). Are there some cool, inexpensive shops much like H & M or Zara that she can go to. She loves to bring things back that no one else has yet. I have read about Coin, Lush and Onyx. Any suggestions?
7. I keep reading about the heat in the summer. We will be in Italy most of June. How hot does it typically get and what kind of heat is it? We come from very hot (over 100 degrees) but dry weather.
ok, I think that is all for now.......thanks!
Apr 12th, 2009, 07:25 AM
#2
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 23,381
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
5., 6. Yes. Better to get out early. But many shops will stay open throughout the day, including the shops along the Via del Corso, where your daughter should find those types of stores you mention. In smaller towns there is more likelihood of mid-day closings than in Rome. There are also some cool shops in the Campo dei Fiori area, and really all over the city!
Apr 12th, 2009, 07:29 AM
#3
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,713
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Apr 12th, 2009, 07:41 AM
#4
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 11,981
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
While you could get to Via La Spezia by subway, the simplest way is taxi. There is a taxi queue right outside the station. If you need a larger taxi for the 4 of you w/ luggage there are plenty of station wagons and mini-van taxis. Just let the person behind you use the next sedan taxi if you need to wait a few min for a larger one.
For shopping your daughter might like the open air market along the west bank of the Tiber, near Isola Tiburina. Lots of vendors with jewelry, dresses, scarves, blouses. It's open in the evenings too & is a nice after dinner stroll, especially if you're dining in the Trastevere area.
We found that stores like H&M were more expensive than in the US.
For shopping your daughter might like the open air market along the west bank of the Tiber, near Isola Tiburina. Lots of vendors with jewelry, dresses, scarves, blouses. It's open in the evenings too & is a nice after dinner stroll, especially if you're dining in the Trastevere area.
We found that stores like H&M were more expensive than in the US.
Apr 12th, 2009, 08:05 AM
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 630
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
ekscrunchy, thanks. I can now tell the kids that I'm not the only one who thinks getting out early is best.
jetsetj, while I KNOW DD would LOVE to have a personal shopper, that is just way beyond my budget; besides she already has a permanent one who even pays for her purchases... Me! lol!
J62, I think we will go with a taxi from the station. Just wasn't sure how far it was from main station to apt. And I will definitely bookmark the info for the market.
Hmm, I didn't think H & M was more expensive than here in the US? I thought it was about the same or maybe even a little cheaper (but that was in Lisbon). Zara in SF is definitely more expensive but their clothes fit me better than any other store I've ever went to.
jetsetj, while I KNOW DD would LOVE to have a personal shopper, that is just way beyond my budget; besides she already has a permanent one who even pays for her purchases... Me! lol!
J62, I think we will go with a taxi from the station. Just wasn't sure how far it was from main station to apt. And I will definitely bookmark the info for the market.
Hmm, I didn't think H & M was more expensive than here in the US? I thought it was about the same or maybe even a little cheaper (but that was in Lisbon). Zara in SF is definitely more expensive but their clothes fit me better than any other store I've ever went to.
Apr 12th, 2009, 08:12 AM
#6
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 375
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I couldn't find where you are looking on Frommers about the Capuchin Crypt. I just did a quick search and only found the main Capuchin monks site with the opening hours listed as 9-12 and 3-6pm, closed Thursdays.
We went 3 years ago and it was one of our favorite places we visited in Rome. The kids loved it. No photos are allowed, but they sell postcards. I would suggest finding out what else is in the area (I don't remember) and go ahead and schedule a visit in along with other sites in the area with the hopes that it is open. Rome really isn't very big so it can't be too much out of the way. Plus there are fountains and statues around every turn so it's nice just to walk around. The crypt is small so it won't take much time even if it is open.
We went 3 years ago and it was one of our favorite places we visited in Rome. The kids loved it. No photos are allowed, but they sell postcards. I would suggest finding out what else is in the area (I don't remember) and go ahead and schedule a visit in along with other sites in the area with the hopes that it is open. Rome really isn't very big so it can't be too much out of the way. Plus there are fountains and statues around every turn so it's nice just to walk around. The crypt is small so it won't take much time even if it is open.
Apr 12th, 2009, 08:19 AM
#7
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 23,381
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes, please tell her that I said she must get up early. I invariably have to be the one to get my travel partners going in the morning. If you eat breakfast at 10am, how can you eat again at the normal lunch time?
This chain has lots of Rome locations for offer inexpensive stuff. While your daughter is looking at clothes, you can check out the beauty product area:
http://www.upim.it/
This chain has lots of Rome locations for offer inexpensive stuff. While your daughter is looking at clothes, you can check out the beauty product area:
http://www.upim.it/
Apr 12th, 2009, 08:28 AM
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 630
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
see the world7, on the Frommer's website under Rome attractions, and then clicked on the site with the detailed info and this is what it said-
"At press time, the cemetery is closed for renovations, with no set date to reopen; call before heading here"
Perhaps it is out of date? Nevertheless, I think we'll try as it is one of DS choices of things to do/see.
ekscrunchy, ahhh, it is nice to have someone who understands. Not only do I need to get both DD and DS up and moving but DH is often in need of motivation as well. I will show them that it is just not "me" suggesting this!
Thank you for the link for upim. We will check it out.
"At press time, the cemetery is closed for renovations, with no set date to reopen; call before heading here"
Perhaps it is out of date? Nevertheless, I think we'll try as it is one of DS choices of things to do/see.
ekscrunchy, ahhh, it is nice to have someone who understands. Not only do I need to get both DD and DS up and moving but DH is often in need of motivation as well. I will show them that it is just not "me" suggesting this!
Thank you for the link for upim. We will check it out.
Apr 12th, 2009, 08:31 AM
#10
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 9,422
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You could get unlucky with heat and humidity, but even if it's just very warm, there's not a lot of air conditioning in Roma, and a lot of walking around, so that's another reason you should get your teens up and going. Tell them if they're sleepy, they can take naps after lunch, and then enjoy evening strolls.
A good place to know about is a 24-hour pizza/sandwich eatery just off the Piazza Navona called Lo Zozzone. It's cheap and tasty, and if you miss the lunch hour, or can't face sitting down to a full meal, it's great.
You kids should see the Pantheon during the day, and if it gets miserably hot, there's usually a cool wet breeze by the Trevi fountain.
A good place to know about is a 24-hour pizza/sandwich eatery just off the Piazza Navona called Lo Zozzone. It's cheap and tasty, and if you miss the lunch hour, or can't face sitting down to a full meal, it's great.
You kids should see the Pantheon during the day, and if it gets miserably hot, there's usually a cool wet breeze by the Trevi fountain.
Apr 12th, 2009, 08:31 AM
#11
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 11,981
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Here's what we did a few years ago with 2 teenagers. We stayed in apartments & so had no need to get somewhere for breakfast, or even get out of pj's.
We basically alternated busy/early days with more relaxed or later days.
On early days we'd get up and out, carrying a picnic lunch. We'd often return to the apt mid to late afternoon and just want to crash. An apartment gave us the luxury of having a light dinner of soup, pasta, or sandwiches (which also saved a lot of $), or a least a light snack to tide us over till normal Italian restaurant dinner hours - 7pm at the earliest, 8pm more the norm.
On days when the kids wanted to sleep in I (a morning person) would get out early, see some sights on my own, stop at the bakery or market on the way home for some goodies, relax a bit then head out as a family.
If you're on the go 24x7 the entire trip will be a blur.
We basically alternated busy/early days with more relaxed or later days.
On early days we'd get up and out, carrying a picnic lunch. We'd often return to the apt mid to late afternoon and just want to crash. An apartment gave us the luxury of having a light dinner of soup, pasta, or sandwiches (which also saved a lot of $), or a least a light snack to tide us over till normal Italian restaurant dinner hours - 7pm at the earliest, 8pm more the norm.
On days when the kids wanted to sleep in I (a morning person) would get out early, see some sights on my own, stop at the bakery or market on the way home for some goodies, relax a bit then head out as a family.
If you're on the go 24x7 the entire trip will be a blur.
Apr 12th, 2009, 08:33 AM
#12
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 49,560
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The rule in my family is we are out the door of the hotel no later than 9 am. If you're not ready, you get left behind, and are on your own to find us in whatever metropolis we're in (with cell phones that's possible, but VERY inconvenient for kids in a foreign city). I am ALWAYS gone by 9, and have left the rest behind on more than one occasion. Their loss, as I always get to regale them with tales of something wonderful I've seen (or eaten) while they were lazing around.
Over the years my kids have gotten into the same pattern. It's not at all unusual for them to be waking me up at crack of dawn in foreign places now and saying "Mom, let's go!" They're very attuned now to the fact that mid-day is when they can relax for a couple of hours and sleeping in means missing out.
Over the years my kids have gotten into the same pattern. It's not at all unusual for them to be waking me up at crack of dawn in foreign places now and saying "Mom, let's go!" They're very attuned now to the fact that mid-day is when they can relax for a couple of hours and sleeping in means missing out.
Apr 12th, 2009, 08:45 AM
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 630
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
J62, we will have an apt and will stock it with breakfast and lunch items.
I am hoping they will all agree with me on getting up and out fairly early (before the heat), and then coming back around mid-day for some downtime.
I also love the idea of letting the kids sleep in and going off on my own for a while. That might work!
StCirq- while I would love to set a time and then leave if no ones ready, I don't think that would be possible for my kids to catch up to me; still think they're a bit young for that (11 and 15). Maybe in a couple of years though!
I was quite the drill sargent according to both the kids and DH on our last trip so I am trying to tone it down a bit. I am making sure that they understand that if they want to travel to these wonderful places, that they have to not want to waste the days away sleeping (like they try to do at home). I have also had each of them do a report of each city and things they would like to see/do and why. This way, we are including them in the decisions and they can take ownership of the things we do/see.
I am hoping they will all agree with me on getting up and out fairly early (before the heat), and then coming back around mid-day for some downtime.
I also love the idea of letting the kids sleep in and going off on my own for a while. That might work!
StCirq- while I would love to set a time and then leave if no ones ready, I don't think that would be possible for my kids to catch up to me; still think they're a bit young for that (11 and 15). Maybe in a couple of years though!
I was quite the drill sargent according to both the kids and DH on our last trip so I am trying to tone it down a bit. I am making sure that they understand that if they want to travel to these wonderful places, that they have to not want to waste the days away sleeping (like they try to do at home). I have also had each of them do a report of each city and things they would like to see/do and why. This way, we are including them in the decisions and they can take ownership of the things we do/see.
Apr 12th, 2009, 09:03 AM
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 630
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
zeppole,
How did I miss seeing your posts!
So it seems that you too are in agreement with getting up early and coming back at mid-day. Can't argue with all of your experts.
I will bookmark the pizza place because we aren't real big foodies. A pizza or a sandwich is just fine with us....oh and of course lots and lots of gelato!
Can anyone answer:
3. On whether we can make reservations to climb St. Peter's Dome?
4. What train station will we need to go to for Rome to Salerno? Name and location?
How did I miss seeing your posts!
So it seems that you too are in agreement with getting up early and coming back at mid-day. Can't argue with all of your experts.
I will bookmark the pizza place because we aren't real big foodies. A pizza or a sandwich is just fine with us....oh and of course lots and lots of gelato!
Can anyone answer:
3. On whether we can make reservations to climb St. Peter's Dome?
4. What train station will we need to go to for Rome to Salerno? Name and location?
Apr 12th, 2009, 09:27 AM
#16
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 630
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
zeppole,
once again thank you.
So as far as climbing St. Peter's, If we cannot reserve a time we must purchase tickets and stand in line; is this then correct?
Thanks to everyone here I now have a better understanding of the trains. I thought that they were all the same but now see that there are trains that "just" travel within Rome and others that travel within Italy; right? With this info, I now see the station on my map, so thank you. Knowing both the station name and location is a lot of help.
once again thank you.
So as far as climbing St. Peter's, If we cannot reserve a time we must purchase tickets and stand in line; is this then correct?
Thanks to everyone here I now have a better understanding of the trains. I thought that they were all the same but now see that there are trains that "just" travel within Rome and others that travel within Italy; right? With this info, I now see the station on my map, so thank you. Knowing both the station name and location is a lot of help.
Apr 12th, 2009, 11:30 AM
#20
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I was in Rome last spring. If you want to tour the Vatican, I would recommend booking a tour, that way you get to skip the lineups. When I was there, the line was over 3 hrs long, and we just walked on in! We went with Angel Tours, I think it was around 50 Euros. I just booked it online, paid when we met up on the day of our visit. Well worth it!
We didn't climb to the dome, so I can't offer any advice there
We didn't climb to the dome, so I can't offer any advice there
