Well, good for you guys; you'll have a ball.

I would suggest staying in a apartment. My favorite area of central Rome is the area around Campo Marzio, but honestly, anywhere central will be fine. If you give your budget, people will probably have apartment suggestions. I didnt take this apartment but it's still on my short list:
http://www.rentalinrome.com/piazzanavona/palombaapartment

Ostia Antica is a good day trip. I would type more but I'm having broken finger troubles. If you ask specific questions, I will be happy to help.

We like Rome a lot. A "new" favorite was Palazzo Valentini, which was too cool, and better than I thought it would be.
http://www.palazzovalentini.it/index.php?lang=eng

Another site we visited for the first time recently was Trajan's Market.

OK I"m in typing trouble now...

hi macswim, or should i say 'ciao" as we'll be in Rome at the same time! [from Feb 16-23 I'm going on a language course with some people from the college where I do italian conversation evening classes].

tuscanfeedlit has got in before me with quite a few ideas; any good guide book will provide a load of other suggestions for filling your time in Rome.

another idea for a day trip is Orvieto - IMO the cathedral's exterior alone is worth the trip but the bonus is that the town itself is a lot of fun.

as for shops, if you want a couple of places to look at besides the via veneto, I can suggest the little boutiques and workshops in Monti, [great gelateria on Via dei serpenti] and the streets around the via coronari, and the via del governo vecchio.

but the wonderful thing about Rome is that there is something wonderful to see on virtually every street corner!

PS - fancy a GTG? I'll be doing italian lessons in the mornings and excursions most afternoons but I'm sure I'll be able to escape one evening.

A wonderful Roma experience is a B&B in Trasteveres called Arco dei Tolomei, lovely housekeeper, hosts are fabulous Giana and Marco, Marco is a born and raised roman, he can suggest tons of things to do. We did a cooking course called "Cooking in Rome", it was about 5 hours, my husband who is NOT into cooking loved it, we've done it a few times now as we've been to Rome about 4 times in the last 5 years. It's a 5 minute walk from the B&B. You will meet people from all over the world, Andreas and Erica are fantastic and will get your daughter involved AND it will be the best meal you will ever eat in Rome!

For that time of year, I highly recommend a trip to Pompei and stopping in Naples on your return for a visit to the Archeological museum, which might sound boring if you've never heard anything about it, but it really holds quite dramatic treasures from both Pompei and the baths of Rome, and it does not take long to visit. Also, if you stop in Naples, you can eat a pizza and compare it to Roman pizza.

Were it me going to Italy in February, I would actually split my time between Naples and Rome. I would do that because not only will the weather be a notch warmer a notch south, but also because from Naples you can not only have a more leisurely visit to Pompei, but you would get to explore Naples itself, visit Paestum if you liked, go up and look at the crater of Vesuvius, and if you got a marvelously clear day and aren't afraid of heights, you could take the a trip down the Amalfi drive with its spectacular vistas. It is lemon harvest time in February along the Amalfi. Beyond pizza, Naples is the home of great pastry, great pasta, great coffee --. It is one of my favorite eating cities in Italy (maybe especially for being cheap as well). People watching is unforgettable in Naples.

For so many people, Naples is the one city in Italy they NEVER want to visit, and perhaps especially if they are traveling with children. I think it is only slightly more hectic than Rome (and there are quiet neighborhoods in Naples too), but just in general many people find Naples too gritty and confusing for their idea of fun.

So I can well understand if you spend all 10 days in Rome, which doesn't lack anything. But in case you hadn't considered it, Naples in February can be a wonderful eye-opening experience.

Ten days is definitely not too long for Rome. You'll love it. I second a visit to Orvieto - beautiful cathedral, colorful pottery and delicious gelato for your daughter. Enjoy your visit.

I didn't read the other replies but wanted to suggest that you look into "Sleep in Italy." They have many accomodations for all size families. We went with our 3 daughters and found a very large apartment by the Trevi Fountain. I also was lucky enough to book a 2 day tour with a great lady I found on the internet. She was a gem. My kids loved her as did we. We used her one day for the Coluseum, Forum and surrounding area. The second day we did the Vatican, St. Peters' etc. I highly recommend her. Her name is Daniella Sarghini. email me at lipumabrown5@hotmail.com if you want her contact info. Rome was wonderful! The jewish ghetto was amazing for food. We walked from the Vatican to the Jewish Ghetto and had one of our best meals. Don't let anyone pull you aside and take you to a less busy spot....stay where it is busy...that is the most fun. Also, just beyond the Jewish Ghetto was a little church offering $3.00 tours of a church discovered beneath it. Excellent tour and very interesting and brief....

You all are great! I have spent the past 2 hours looking up your suggestions and they are all right on track!
tuscanlifeedit, your recommendation of Campo Marzio sounds right. I had been looking at Piazza Narvona, but you have broadened things.
Annhig, Arco dei Tolomei looks like the type of place we like. A cooking school! Fabulous. I have sent in inquires to the bandb as well as their sister one in Venice (is that to far to go???) I am almost 50.embarrassed to say I don't know what GTG is but I am guessing a meet up of coffee or walkabout?
goldenautumn I had originally considered Naples or Amalfi for two of our days but after all of the reading was persuaded maybe we should go another time? But you make a great argument for me to reconsider this...or should we go to Venice?
Andreadee, I looked at Sleep in Italy, like all of the options, but I seem to depend on reviews more then I realized. I have also seen homeaway.com and tripadvisor.com, are they similar places? Thanks for the feedback on the Jewish Ghetto. Definitely on my list now! And the advice about the busy spots, frankly that would be a worry for me in the high season but I think you are right that it is a draw for the winter!

Macswim,
Some of the SleepinItaly apartments have reviews under the Guest Book icon on the left of the apartment listing. But you can often also usually find a SleepinItaly apartment listed on TripAdvisor. For instance, we stayed at their Balestrari apartment. If you google "Balestrari Rome Trip Advisor", the Trip Advisor reviews also come up.
http://www.sleepinitaly.com/rome/campo-dei-fiori/apartment-balestrari
http://www.tripadvisor.com/VacationRentalReview-g187791-d1731963-Balestrari-Rome_Lazio.html
I do recommend the apartment; however, it is in the Campo de'Fiori area and not Pantheon/Navona.

macswim,

It is possible that there are not two cities more different in Italy than Naples and Venice. It is certainly not possible to visit Venice as a day trip from Rome, and since you are flying into and out of Rome, I don't think heading up to Venice for anything less than 3 nights, or even 4, makes sense. It will be colder in Venice than Rome. I think there is plenty to do in Rome for 10 days, and there are a lot of advantages to the extended stay there. If you are getting excited about the feedback you are getting about Rome, I wouldn't complicate your last minute trip by adding Venice.

It is possible to visit Naples and Pompei as a day trip from Rome, however. It's not necessary, but it is possible, and if your husband is quite interested in history, it is a very rewarding place to visit for history and museum lovers. If you get interested in the possibility, this is how I would approach it in February:

I would watch the weather during the time frame you are going, and if I saw a window of absolutely beautiful sunny weather south of Rome, I'd head down to see Pompei and make a stop on the way back to see the museum in Naples. If you get very good deal on your apartment in Rome, you could also consider spending a night in Naples on the spur of the moment, because in February, you will have zero problem booking a place last minute. Use booking.com and go with the best review in your price category -- Naples is cheap. Just pack little backpack-totes to take on the train. If you see weather forecasts that are so rain-free and sunny you think you'd like to add a whirl along the Amalfi coast, book for 2 nights but stay in Sorrento. That way you can see Pompei on the way down, go to the Amalfi coast on a bus the next day, and when you come back (through Salerno and Naples on the train), stop in Naples to see the archeological museum and a pizza before getting back to Rome. (Not as daunting as it looks all typed out.)

If nothing else, if you get rainy days in Rome and you've been inside the main museums and churches there, shoot down to Naples even if it is raining down there and go to the archeological museum. It really is an eyepopper, plus you can have pizza and coffee and do a bit of walking around Naples (visit the Cappella SanSevero) and get a sense of what all the hoo-hah is about.

Wherever trip you plan, take one good guidebook that is for all of Italy, not just Rome, in case you get in the mood to take train trips. It's also best to book an apartment with Wi-Fi so you can check out spontaneous ideas on the internet to figure out logistics.

Annhig, Arco dei Tolomei looks like the type of place we like. A cooking school! Fabulous. I have sent in inquires to the bandb as well as their sister one in Venice (is that to far to go???) I am almost 50.embarrassed to say I don't know what GTG is but I am guessing a meet up of coffee or walkabout?>>

macswim - i can't claim credit for the cookery school recommendation - that was mykonoslady. it does look fun.

you could fit Venice into your schedule, but not as a day trip - you could get the train there as soon as you arrive in Rome, stay 3 nights [gives you 2 full days] then get the train back to Rome to finish your trip there. you would still have a whole week in Rome. [just an idea!]

yes, a GTG is a get together - if it was just us it would be a mini GTG. there are some semi-formal ones organised by fodorites, or just casual arrangements between those of us who are going to be in the same place at the same time. it's as much or as little as people want to make it. sometimes families think that it's a bit weird to meet up with someone you've never met - but after we've argued, grumbled and vented on fodors, some of us feel that we met a long time ago. no pressure - let me know what you think.

it's getting close now - less than a month. Are you getting excited? i know I am!

I am getting incredibly excited!

tuscanlifeedit I don't know what's happened to your fingers? But you have given me some good direction both with the Palazzo Valentini (which does look too cool), and the website rentalinrome, I hadn't seen that one before.

I am looking at apartments now as the way to go rather then hotel or bandb. As much as I love the experience and help from a bb, I think having a kitchen and a little space for three is smartest.
I just don't know enough about the neighborhoods to figure it all out. I thought we should look at Piazza Narvona and Travstevere (is it still considered more bohemian?) and maybe stay in two places, but the rates are better for staying in one place, but I will look at both options
So any recommendations for a quaint apartment near some great markets/cafes and within walking distance (Tuscanlifeedit yours is booked already). I would really not want to go over $150/ night, and preferably spend less so we can do a cooking class and things, and eat more!.

Goldenautum, I think your advise for playing it by ear is great. I used to travel without any plans at all, and just went with what looked promising but it all changed when I had a kid! But she is old enough now that I can get back to a more flexible schedule. Plus in February it shouldn't be so hard to get reservations.
Thank you again!

If staying in an apartment, you'll perhaps not be able to pick up a printed copy of this handy monthly magazine, produced by the hotel concierges' association, but can download the PDF version instead.

To do that, look for the blue "Magazine" section in the upper part of the page, and click on the image of its cover - a new edition usually appears no more than a day or two after each month starts:

http://www.unospitearoma.it/en.html

Over the years its advice has led us to many interesting things and places - especially temporary events, special openings and stuff of that sort, which won't appear in any guidebook - plus its info on opening times and days are kept pretty-much current!

Photos?
http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/lazio

Peter

Mac, your trip sounds fabulous. You will find people on here so helpful and kind, at least i have. We have rented an apartment in travstevere. for our 5 nights later this year. It was much cheaper than a hotel for two couples and a parent. I think there is more nightlife in the area , but from what i have read there are lots of cafes and restaurants as well. We plan to use the buses and walk. Good luck in your search. We have used vrbo.com for several european vacations and have had good luck.

Thank you! That is so helpful!

I just don't know enough about the neighborhoods to figure it all out. I thought we should look at Piazza Narvona and Travstevere (is it still considered more bohemian?) and maybe stay in two places, but the rates are better for staying in one place, but I will look at both options>>

Mac - I would counsel against renting 2 apartments. firstly, you will find it a real pain moving from one to the other [all that packing, not to mention taking any food you have left over at the end of the first rental], Secondly, IMO one of the joys of staying in an apartment is getting to know your neighbourhood - your bakery where you buy the morning cornetti [italian for croissants], the cafe or bar where you stop for a light-night coffee or drink, the gelateria where you can get the best ice-cream - and when you've been going there for a day or two, they will start to greet you, and your DD can practice a bit of italian.

and just when you are beginning to feel at home, you'd have to move.

both the Piazza Navona and Trastevere would be good places to rent an apartment for 10 days or so, and you will have plenty of time to go and suss out the other area for your next trip!

macswim,

If you rent 2 apartments, you have no idea what the weather will be the day you might need to move. If you don't speak Italian, you might find it more difficult to arrange for a taxi pick up than you expected. You'll be trudging around with your belongings and not gaining any real advantage.

In February, for 10 days, it will really pay off in terms of happy campers in your family if you learn to use the buses and metros --- and it is a snap to learn that. So don't get too hung up on the right neighborhood, since you'll be zipping around town with freedom. Look for the best quality apartment you can for your budget. The one with the nicest reviews, friendliest owners. Every neighborhood still has a great local joint, a good place to shop, and its own character.

I agree with the recommendation to visit Pompeii as a day trip. It is fabulous and you can take the train. You can hire a guide there and it is well worth it. Don't miss it!

Oh my, you both may be right! I was thinking that two places would let us get to know to areas pretty well, but settling in and not shlepping things might be smart.

I did find a few places, they are not available for the whole time so maybe I will have to go with what I can find and if it can be for the whole time.

Check this place out! http://italy.worldwide-accom.com/rome/campo-de-fiori/penthouse-marquis-lucifero. Talk about one of a kind! But the pricing is different on the site then in the article I read. And unfortunately I can't find any real reviews of it which makes me nervous.

we had good luck renting a very reasonable apartment through realrome.com. They offer several in Trastevere I know. We rented one in the Jewish ghetto neighborhood for a week.

We've split a couple of our Rome vacations between two bases - the first to try out a "new" area after we'd stayed near the Forum several times, here:

http://www.hotelforumrome.com/

.... the second, after our hotel in the Campo de'Fiori district had no rooms available when we made an impromtu extension to our visit.

Both those occasions involved hotels at at least one end, and even then the process took a while, but with apartments there's lots of extra 'overhead' - meeting the owner's agent, getting and returning keys, handing over and/or retrieving breakages deposits, plus reading appliance instructions, shopping for loo rolls, coffee or whatever - which we prefer not to double up on!

What you might do is have an initial few hotel days (rates for next month are really low, check the hotels' sites rather than looking at 'averaged' figures!), with their Reception staff to call on for help - before moving on to your chosen apartment for a week, once you've found your feet in the city?

Even so, the areas you've been looking at thus far are only separated by a cheap taxi ride - of maybe 10 or 15 minutes.... indeed, all of this covers only 5 square miles:

http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/image/141538449

Peter

macswim - that agency looks a lot like the one we booked our first Rome apartment with when they were called "italyaccom" i think. If it's the same people they weren't bad to deal with, though the original apartment we booked got cancelled by them, [because the owner withdrew it I think] and we had to be quite firm with them about what we required in a replacement, but in the end we had a fabulous place near the Colosseum.

Sleep in Italy is a very well-regarded agency here.

not quite at the other end of the spectrum is the apartment we rented on our 2nd trip to Rome, which is in a fantastic position near the Piazza Navona, but has been disliked by others because the bedrooms are downstairs - http://lacasadiclelia.webs.com/

we stayed there with our son, then 18, and whilst it's not luxurious, it is perfectly adequate, and very good value.

you could see if there are any reviews for that apartment on Slow travel, who carry a lot of reviews, assuming you haven't already looked there.

I like Peter's idea of staying in a hotel for a few days first, while you find your feet, which you can afford to do with a trip of this length.

Personally, speaking bluntly, not against other posters' ideas but just the way I see things, I think it is a terrible idea to split up your stay, especially by staying in a hotel your first few days. You don't know if or when jet lag will hit you with a backwash, you will just be getting into your sightseeing stride when you are packing up to move again, but most of all, you'll spend more money on lodgings and get no advantage by moving around the centro storico. Also, just when you could really use some space -- at the beginning, to help get over jet lag -- you will all be cramped into some triple or quad room in a Roman hotel, where hotel rooms are not roomy.

I honestly don't think you need a hotel desk to help you find your feet in the city. You'll have guidebooks, you'll have internet. (Do get an apartment with Wi-fi.) If you really feel you need a hotel desk, look for a family run b&b with a shared bath where your daughter can have her own room.

But I highly recommend you rent an apartment with an uninterrupted stay. In February, there are hundreds of empty ones in Rome.

I had a terrific experience in winter of last year with Rome Loft rental agency. They are English speakers, they take credit cards, they are always available by phone or e-mail and they have lovely, well-appointed apartments at great rates. You should negotiate a price for your extended stay that is lower than the per-night rate.

http://www.romeloft.com/tag/internet/

I understand the advice and I can see the merits. But with my personallity I would be spending my time looking at all the apartments in Rome before making my mind up instead of just enjoying Rome!

I had not seen romeloft.com before and think I have found a spot in Trastevre! A little more then I want to spend but considering the area and the space, I think it is a great fit, so thank you for sending me that link! It is availalbe and I am just searching to see if there are other reviews other then on romeloft.com before I book. Thanks again.