Some practical questions about Rome
Aug 21st, 2012, 07:45 AM
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Some practical questions about Rome
I'm in the midst of preparing a three day stay in Rome. Various Fodorites have helped me with my previous questions regarding accommodation and classical concerts.
Here's another for Rome veterans among you.
1. Is OMNIA the best (or possibly only?) general sightseeing pass? http://www.romeandvaticanpass.com/
2. Would it still be advisable to make separate reservations for all the museums whereby a reservation is required such as the Galleria Borghese?
The famous Borromini optical illusion corridor is located in the Galleria Spada. Does anyone know if this corridor is part of the public collection? I was told you could only visit it as part of a group.
Here's another for Rome veterans among you.
1. Is OMNIA the best (or possibly only?) general sightseeing pass? http://www.romeandvaticanpass.com/
2. Would it still be advisable to make separate reservations for all the museums whereby a reservation is required such as the Galleria Borghese?
The famous Borromini optical illusion corridor is located in the Galleria Spada. Does anyone know if this corridor is part of the public collection? I was told you could only visit it as part of a group.
Aug 21st, 2012, 08:01 AM
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Never used a sightseeing pass. Am against them in general since I have never found one that paid for itself. Also I want more freedom to change plans and they tend to tie you to certain sights.
I believe you do need a specific timed reservation for the Borchese - and it might help fr Vatican - depending on when yuo are going.
I believe you do need a specific timed reservation for the Borchese - and it might help fr Vatican - depending on when yuo are going.
Aug 21st, 2012, 09:15 AM
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For #2, it depends on how much you value flexibility vs. standing in line. When is your trip? Lines at the Vatican Museums might be much longer in, say, July than in January.
I haven't used a pass either, but the Roma Pass is most frequently discussed here. It's only €30, while the pass you list appears to be €85, though the Roma Pass doesn't promise fast-track entry to the Vatican. With either pass, you just need to see how many of the attractions on the list both interest you and are realistic to visit within your timeframe. It sounds like you have some pretty specific interests, so a typical first-timer's three-day itinerary may not be exactly what you want to do.
I haven't used a pass either, but the Roma Pass is most frequently discussed here. It's only €30, while the pass you list appears to be €85, though the Roma Pass doesn't promise fast-track entry to the Vatican. With either pass, you just need to see how many of the attractions on the list both interest you and are realistic to visit within your timeframe. It sounds like you have some pretty specific interests, so a typical first-timer's three-day itinerary may not be exactly what you want to do.
Aug 21st, 2012, 09:37 AM
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Hi Elisabeth54, With only 3 days, I'd definitely get an appointment for Borghese. Hub and I strolled by there on a March trip and were able to get a place the next morning. Online is the safest. BTW, remember you will have to stow your belongings there so travel light for that visit. I've heard of nice sunglasses getting lifted.
We never bought a pass but found getting to Vatican Museum early usually beat the crowds, but still the tour groups passed us first. Again, for your timeframe, a guided tour might be good.
Good luck and please report back!
We never bought a pass but found getting to Vatican Museum early usually beat the crowds, but still the tour groups passed us first. Again, for your timeframe, a guided tour might be good.
Good luck and please report back!
Aug 21st, 2012, 11:51 AM
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Thanks for your reactions. Our visit is planned for mid September 2012. I also never used one of those sightseeing passes before. This Omnia pass is indeed quite expensive but it allows three full days on the hop/on-hop/off bus which in our particular case (I have serious knee problems plus a bad back so I cannot walk miles like I used to and cannot stand in long lines) might prove to be worth our while.
Of course -visiting Rome for the first time- we would like to see some of the important sights but we also like to just roam around and are in for surprises. I'm always in awe when I read trip reports by people who seem to have everything planned to the smallest detail. We are not like that but at the same time like to be prepared and know where we are going. Rome has so much to offer that it's hard to choose.
I'm also looking for restaurants away from the real tourist traps. Suggestions anyone?
Of course -visiting Rome for the first time- we would like to see some of the important sights but we also like to just roam around and are in for surprises. I'm always in awe when I read trip reports by people who seem to have everything planned to the smallest detail. We are not like that but at the same time like to be prepared and know where we are going. Rome has so much to offer that it's hard to choose.
I'm also looking for restaurants away from the real tourist traps. Suggestions anyone?
Aug 21st, 2012, 12:07 PM
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With knee and back issues, it would probably be a good idea to do some reservations and guided tours, as much as your budget allows. For example, we stood in line at the Vatican Museums for about 40 minutes in May of last year, which was fine with us as it let us not be stressed about getting there by a certain time after our Scavi tour. But there's nowhere to sit, and you're in the sun, so for you it could be pretty rough!
If you're interested in going to St. Peter's, you might see if there happen to be any spots left for a Scavi tour during your visit (though it is a little late - we booked six months in advance, I think!). The tour itself is fascinating, plus it lets you into St. Peter's without having to stand in the security lines, as you go through security at the Scavi office before your start your tour. There may not be any spots left, but it wouldn't hurt to contact them.
If you're interested in going to St. Peter's, you might see if there happen to be any spots left for a Scavi tour during your visit (though it is a little late - we booked six months in advance, I think!). The tour itself is fascinating, plus it lets you into St. Peter's without having to stand in the security lines, as you go through security at the Scavi office before your start your tour. There may not be any spots left, but it wouldn't hurt to contact them.
Aug 21st, 2012, 01:46 PM
#8
Borghese requires a reservation for your 2 hour slot, arrival at least 30 minutes early to go though the check in line and the possesion check line. Reserve in advance.
The Vatican museums require significant walking and some stairs to see the extensive galleries. Adding the line wait might overstress your legs. As you only have three days, spending extra time in line would be a waste. Schedule a guided tour.
The Omnia pass and the Roma pass will waste your money. Spend it instead on cabs or a good (not a tourist throwaway) bus and transit map. Any guided tours you book will include the entrance fees and thus waste the pass entries anyway.
There is a transit pass available, covering subway and buses. It was only sold in a subway station, we found, although individual tickets were sold all over at tobacco shops. The subway does not get you close to most of the ancient sites (the Colosseum is an exception) and the subway also has a lot of stairs. The buses went everywhere, but without a good map you could get confused easily. The Borghese was a 15 minute walk from where the bus let us off -- the map said the bus went to the door but it didn't.
You didn't mention if you are planning the Colosseum underground and upper level tour. It requires a tour guide and involves considerable stair climbing, but I remember there was an elevator that could be made available (that is, it could be unlocked) for those with mobility problems.
Hope this helps.
AJ
The Vatican museums require significant walking and some stairs to see the extensive galleries. Adding the line wait might overstress your legs. As you only have three days, spending extra time in line would be a waste. Schedule a guided tour.
The Omnia pass and the Roma pass will waste your money. Spend it instead on cabs or a good (not a tourist throwaway) bus and transit map. Any guided tours you book will include the entrance fees and thus waste the pass entries anyway.
There is a transit pass available, covering subway and buses. It was only sold in a subway station, we found, although individual tickets were sold all over at tobacco shops. The subway does not get you close to most of the ancient sites (the Colosseum is an exception) and the subway also has a lot of stairs. The buses went everywhere, but without a good map you could get confused easily. The Borghese was a 15 minute walk from where the bus let us off -- the map said the bus went to the door but it didn't.
You didn't mention if you are planning the Colosseum underground and upper level tour. It requires a tour guide and involves considerable stair climbing, but I remember there was an elevator that could be made available (that is, it could be unlocked) for those with mobility problems.
Hope this helps.
AJ
Aug 21st, 2012, 03:44 PM
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"it allows three full days on the hop/on-hop/off bus which in our particular case (I have serious knee problems plus a bad back so I cannot walk miles like I used to and cannot stand in long lines) might prove to be worth our while."
I think you would be alot better off using taxis because;
Walking to and from hotel to their (HOHO) bus stop and waiting. Plus waiting for the bus between sites.
Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica can be a day in itself, if so than that 1 day of 3 would just be used for 1 R/T X 2 persons(?). Compared to a taxi pick-up & drop-off right to your hotel.
The Colosseum and Roman Forum could take-up a morning and then say you want to visit the Pantheon and Piazza Navona area (lunch) in the afternoon.
And lets just say from there back to your hotel.
So 3 bus trips that day, compare the cost for 1 day HOHO X 2 vs 3 short taxi trips.
On the topic below kybourbon has the website to prebook Vatican Museum tickets and my post has a clickable map and directions to get Colosseum/Roman Forum/Palatine Hill tickets where the line will be *alot* shorter compared to the Colosseum & Forum entrances.
If you decide to do that I would take it a step further with no back tracking for the sake of your knees and back;
Taxi to the Palatine ticket office, have 1 person go in and get the tickets (if practical, no line) and then taxi to the main entrance to the Roman Forum which is to the right of site #41 on that map.
This way you enter by going down a ramp and then later exit by #1 (Arch of Titus) on the map, it's a sloping incline to the Arch and then a downhill exit to the Colosseum.
After the Colosseum go across the street to the Metro station with a taxi stand and onward
, on the map it's [M]COLOSSEO.
I know they are doing construction in that area but it's very likely to still be an often used taxi drop-off location for those heading to the Colosseum.
Also the Colosseum has a large elevator that can take you to the 2nd level.
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ry-10-days.cfm Regards, Walter
I think you would be alot better off using taxis because;
Walking to and from hotel to their (HOHO) bus stop and waiting. Plus waiting for the bus between sites.
Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica can be a day in itself, if so than that 1 day of 3 would just be used for 1 R/T X 2 persons(?). Compared to a taxi pick-up & drop-off right to your hotel.
The Colosseum and Roman Forum could take-up a morning and then say you want to visit the Pantheon and Piazza Navona area (lunch) in the afternoon.
And lets just say from there back to your hotel.
So 3 bus trips that day, compare the cost for 1 day HOHO X 2 vs 3 short taxi trips.
On the topic below kybourbon has the website to prebook Vatican Museum tickets and my post has a clickable map and directions to get Colosseum/Roman Forum/Palatine Hill tickets where the line will be *alot* shorter compared to the Colosseum & Forum entrances.
If you decide to do that I would take it a step further with no back tracking for the sake of your knees and back;
Taxi to the Palatine ticket office, have 1 person go in and get the tickets (if practical, no line) and then taxi to the main entrance to the Roman Forum which is to the right of site #41 on that map.
This way you enter by going down a ramp and then later exit by #1 (Arch of Titus) on the map, it's a sloping incline to the Arch and then a downhill exit to the Colosseum.
After the Colosseum go across the street to the Metro station with a taxi stand and onward
, on the map it's [M]COLOSSEO.I know they are doing construction in that area but it's very likely to still be an often used taxi drop-off location for those heading to the Colosseum.
Also the Colosseum has a large elevator that can take you to the 2nd level.
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ry-10-days.cfm Regards, Walter
Aug 22nd, 2012, 12:11 PM
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Give yourself time to just wander, explore, sit and enjoy a cafe'. Rome is a wonderful, exciting city and the museums and sites are fabulous but you'll be amazed at what you'll find just setting off on your own.
There are no 'fees' for many of the sites in Rome - Trevi fountain, Pantheon (my favorite building anywhere!), Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, Campo de Fiori.
There is a wonderful hop-on hop-off electric bus in the center of Rome's historic district. Get a day pass.
Make sure you stay in a hotel as central as possible. You'll save money on buses and trains, not to mention your knee.
I like to go back to the hotel in the late afternoon, relax, put my feet up before heading out to find a place for dinner.
Make reservations for Borghese Gallery and perhaps a tour of the Vatican/Sistine Chapel. Arriving early at any of the other sites will help you avoid long lines.
There are no 'fees' for many of the sites in Rome - Trevi fountain, Pantheon (my favorite building anywhere!), Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, Campo de Fiori.
There is a wonderful hop-on hop-off electric bus in the center of Rome's historic district. Get a day pass.
Make sure you stay in a hotel as central as possible. You'll save money on buses and trains, not to mention your knee.
I like to go back to the hotel in the late afternoon, relax, put my feet up before heading out to find a place for dinner.
Make reservations for Borghese Gallery and perhaps a tour of the Vatican/Sistine Chapel. Arriving early at any of the other sites will help you avoid long lines.
Aug 26th, 2012, 09:41 PM
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Thank you all again for all your good advice. We have found a small B&B near the Trevi fountain, have booked two guided tours (Vatican and Colosseum with two days in between) and two concerts (one open air in the Teatro Marcello) all with the comments and advice of my Fodors friends in mind. I do totally agree that too much planning takes away from the actual casual enjoyment of the place one visits so I will leave it at that. We have a week near Perugia to look forward after this Rome visit so plenty of opportunity to sample more of what beautiful Italy, in this case Umbria has to offer too. Thank you all again!
P.S. Strangely Fodors.com has been off air for days, due to construction. I finally had enough of it and tried to click the community page directly which worked fine. A mystery.
P.S. Strangely Fodors.com has been off air for days, due to construction. I finally had enough of it and tried to click the community page directly which worked fine. A mystery.
Aug 27th, 2012, 06:08 AM
#12
I've never really seen how people can get the value of the Omnia Pass over the Roma Pass. The Omni Pass is 55€ more than the Roma Pass and while it adds on Vatican sites, it doesn't add days. You can book a museum ticket (15€) or museum tour (36€) directly with the Vatican so I don't see the point of paying 55€ if your time is limited and you are trying to cram in other sites in Rome.
I don't think the hop on/off bus will be very useful for you. Make use of the little electric bus (buy some tickets in advance to have handy for when you get tired - 1.50€)that runs through the historic center. It appears all of the lines have a stop near the Trevi.
http://www.atac.roma.it/files/doc.asp?r=9
I don't think the hop on/off bus will be very useful for you. Make use of the little electric bus (buy some tickets in advance to have handy for when you get tired - 1.50€)that runs through the historic center. It appears all of the lines have a stop near the Trevi.
http://www.atac.roma.it/files/doc.asp?r=9
Aug 27th, 2012, 02:45 PM
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This is what the theatre once looked like
www.maquettes-historiques.net/P16.html
I just figured it might be a nice image to have while you are listening to the concert.
The only visible remains are roughly half of the arches and arcades on the eastern side (left) of the semicircular seating area.
The concert will be in that area and in front of the 2 temples (Bellona, Apollo) shown in the drawings.
The residence built on top of the theatre was up for sale earlier this year for ~ $40M plus you get to see the concerts for free. Regards, Walter
www.maquettes-historiques.net/P16.html
I just figured it might be a nice image to have while you are listening to the concert
.The only visible remains are roughly half of the arches and arcades on the eastern side (left) of the semicircular seating area.
The concert will be in that area and in front of the 2 temples (Bellona, Apollo) shown in the drawings.
The residence built on top of the theatre was up for sale earlier this year for ~ $40M plus you get to see the concerts for free
. Regards, Walter
Aug 27th, 2012, 04:06 PM
#15
>>>We have been convinced by you and other Fodorites not to get the Roma or the Omnia pass.<<<
I always get a Roma Pass if I'm going to be in Rome at least three days. I use it to visit the more expensive museums and hop public transport all over the city. I go a lot of places I wouldn't normally because of the transport pass. Hop on the 116 or 117 and ride the entire route and back. You can do something similar with the trams.
I always get a Roma Pass if I'm going to be in Rome at least three days. I use it to visit the more expensive museums and hop public transport all over the city. I go a lot of places I wouldn't normally because of the transport pass. Hop on the 116 or 117 and ride the entire route and back. You can do something similar with the trams.
Aug 27th, 2012, 04:09 PM
#16
Aug 27th, 2012, 04:24 PM
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Just came back from Rome. We used the Roma Pass to hop into the Coliseum and for Villa Borghese. It covers subway and busses. You really don't need the Roma Pass, if you pre-book ahead. They sell it at the visitors centers (PIT) if you want to wait until you get there to decide. Beware the subway is currently closed at Termini, so I would take taxis.
I'm afraid you can't avoid walking on those black, jagged pavers. They cover all of the historical area of Rome and you really need to walk to get to dinner spots, shopping, gelato, etc
I'm afraid you can't avoid walking on those black, jagged pavers. They cover all of the historical area of Rome and you really need to walk to get to dinner spots, shopping, gelato, etc
Aug 27th, 2012, 04:35 PM
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I'm not sure the HoHo buses will work for you - since they don;t come very often. You may be done with a sight - and then have to stand for 25 minutes for a HoHo bus. If it were me I would save the money and just hop a cab to get from place to place (not very expensive in central rome - esp for more than one person).
Aug 29th, 2012, 01:04 PM
#20
elizabeth, one of the problems of the vatican museums is the amount of walking they entail - they are just huge, and might wipeyou out for the rest of your trip.
as an alternative, you might like the galleria doria pamphilj - http://www.dopart.it/roma/
it has fantastic pictures, far fewer people, and loads of places to sit down as you are going round.
so far as St. Peter's is concerned, in order to avoid the queues you need to get there early - preferably before 9am. then go straight to the ticket office for the Dome[ no, you're not going all the way up] and get the lift up to roof level, where you can wander round, [it's really interesting looking at the different levels and the backs of the statues] have a cup of coffee, even go to the loo. then go inside the dome and inspect the mosaics at the base of the Dome - the ones you can just about see from ground level.
then get the left back down again and wander round the inside of the Basilica at your leisure.
that way you get to see as much as possible with the fewest queues.
other places that you might enjoy - Trastevere - two lovely churches in Santa Maria and santa Cecilia, loads of cafes, shops, and bars, and the Ghetto - a very interesting area and very good food. there should be no problems in these areas being able to find a cafe or bar to sit in if you need a rest, and there is plenty to see in a relatively small area.
as an alternative, you might like the galleria doria pamphilj - http://www.dopart.it/roma/
it has fantastic pictures, far fewer people, and loads of places to sit down as you are going round.
so far as St. Peter's is concerned, in order to avoid the queues you need to get there early - preferably before 9am. then go straight to the ticket office for the Dome[ no, you're not going all the way up] and get the lift up to roof level, where you can wander round, [it's really interesting looking at the different levels and the backs of the statues] have a cup of coffee, even go to the loo. then go inside the dome and inspect the mosaics at the base of the Dome - the ones you can just about see from ground level.
then get the left back down again and wander round the inside of the Basilica at your leisure.
that way you get to see as much as possible with the fewest queues.
other places that you might enjoy - Trastevere - two lovely churches in Santa Maria and santa Cecilia, loads of cafes, shops, and bars, and the Ghetto - a very interesting area and very good food. there should be no problems in these areas being able to find a cafe or bar to sit in if you need a rest, and there is plenty to see in a relatively small area.
