isinginmyjeep

We will be arriving in Rome on Sunday morning and leaving Wed morning. We most definitely want to see the Colosseum, Vatican City, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish steps. My friend wants to visit a vineyard sometime during the stay. Any advice on what days would be best to do these things and how long it would take to visit a vineyard (or how far away they might be?) Could we do a vineyard in half a day?

kybourbon

You only have two days in Rome. If you are arriving from the states, you will be jet lagged the first day. Forget about a vineyard and concentrate on your Rome list. You will be rushing it just to fit most of that in.

poetess

Agree with kybourbon. The Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps are within walking distance of one another, so they can easily be seen in 1/2 a day (making allowances for actually enjoying the walk). After a break, you could take a cab to the Colosseum. I would save The Vatican for the day you feel most rested.

The key to not turning this into a miserable marathon is very careful planning of your itinerary and doing plenty of research on this site and Tripadvisor. A hotel near The Pantheon will situate you in one of the most lovely neighborhoods in Rome, a pleasure to wake up in and return to every day.

A_Brit_In_Ischia

Probably little chance of jetlag after arriving by overnight train from Munich?

This may be of interest, but do note the final comment in the left-hand column about places that are closed on Mondays!
http://www.romapass.it/p.aspx?l=en&tid=2

(It doesn't cover the Vatican!)

Haven't ever tried one, but there are halfday wine tours available - Google produced this...

http://www.viator.com/tours/Rome/Fra.../d511-3731GODS

Peter

kybourbon

>>>little chance of jetlag after arriving by overnight train from Munich?<<<

Many people get very little sleep on overnight trains so I would think there is a good chance they will be quite tired (and likely unshowered). Not a very relaxing way to start a day of sightseeing. They also need to check into their hotel so it's not like their day will start the minute the train arrives. Their rooms may or may not be ready and they may have to wait (depends on where they are staying). At the most, they only have 2 1/2 days, really not time for day trips outside the city if they expect to see much of Rome.

isinginmyjeep

I will have been in Europe for 4 days before arriving in Rome. We are paying for a sleeper car on the night train so hopefully we will be showered When we arrive, we are staying with a family friend, so we just have to drop off our luggage that morning and then start sight seeing. Thanks!

madamtrashheap

Depending on the Sunday you arrive - ie if it's not the last Sunday of the month - then the Vatican Museums will be closed. Check the Vatican website for the calendar of dates the Museums (incl. Sistine Chapel access) are open during your stay. Don't forget to look for public holidays on the calendar to help your planning. St Peters should be open, depending on mass as if Pope is in town and conducting then church won't reopen until around 1pm-ish.

The rest of the sights on your list (excl. vineyard), will be open on the days you're there, pending holidays, etc, but they usually don't affect them. Walking from Trevi or Pantheon or even Piazza Navona to the Colosseum is a great way to view the Roman Forum and Trajan's Forum on the way. Agree with others there's not enough time for a vineyard v vist...but there are great wine bars to sample local wines this time around. Try Palatium just off the Spanish Steps for regional wines and food.