We are spending one day/night in Rome prior to our cruise. We'd like to plan some type of leisurely tour for our first day, but aren't sure what time we'd be able to book it. I know there are variables as to how long it takes for luggage, passport, customs etc - but assuming our flight arrived at 8:50 am on a Saturday morning in June, and we used private transportation to the Albergo del Senato, what time would you feel safe booking a tour? We assume our rooms won't be ready, so we'd likely check in at the front desk and just drop our bags with the concierge. We are thinking of doing a walking food tour with Elizabeth Minchilli. She wants to meet at 11:00 at Piazza Campo de' Fiori. She said we could push the meeting time to 11:30 if need be. For those who have experience, would you be comfortable with this time frame?
Before sending her our payment, which she requires in advance to confirm the tour...I'm wondering if this is really the most logical option. We'll be in Rome for 3 days after our cruise as well and could probably switch things around to do the food tour after the cruise.
We could also do an evening food tour with Bruno of Food tours of Rome, or a late afternoon tour with Context Tours.....both are much less expensive than Elizabeth...but she gets such fabulous reviews.
Thanks!
Tour on day of arrival in Rome, how early is too early?
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Your flight lands at approx 9am and you want to be on a tour at 11am?
Not going to happen.
Where are you flying in from?
If you're coming in from the US, you have to go thru immigration and customs. The wait for luggage can take up to an hour, and then make your way thru the airport to your transportation.
Are you meeting a driver or taking a cab? You may have to wait in a long line for the next available cab. You could take the train in and then get a cab from the station but that will probably take longer.
It's a 1/2 hour to drive into Rome. Albergo del Senato is in the historic center where cars are extremely restricted.
Check-in, drop off your luggage...not even taking into account jetlag, which typically throws off your schedule for the entire first day.
You might feel up to a tour by late afternoon or evening after a rest, change of clothes and lunch.
Hitting the ground running often 'hits back'.
How far are you travelling?
If intercontinental, and you have jet lag, then I wouldn't bother with a tour on the day of arrival. My brain would be unable to take much in so it seems a waste to me.
Even if you don't check luggage, you're very unlikely to be able to make this work.
That's what I figured. I had been looking for a later afternoon tour - but someone recommended the morning tour, telling us that we'd have "no problem" meeting her by 11:30....it sounded pretty ambitious to me!
As far as doing a tour the first day, we don't plan to just go back to the hotel and do nothing - but felt that something along the lines of a food tour, would be something we'd all be up for. Eating and strolling. Nothing to intense or overwhelming. We don't want to tour the Vatican or other historic sites with a guide where we would feel sort of glazed over at that point.
I think we'll look into a later tour.
Oh, we plan on a direct flight from PHL, so yes, we'd have immigration and customs as well as checked luggage.
Thanks!
There are free walking tours that meet each day/evening at the Spanish Steps and are approx 2 hours long.
Most of them stroll from the Steps, past Trevi fountain, to the Pantheon (right by your hotel).
There are others that go to the Colosseum or Forum.
A search for Free Walking tour Rome will pull up several sights, or check Tripadvisor.
I have to agree with the posts above recommending not doing the tour on your day of arrival. I know from my experience the day I arrive in Rome I'm "zonked" from the trans-Atlantic flight. Even a food tour would be tough for me to handle and I'm really into exploring places through their food & wine!
Last March I spent a week in Rome and stayed at the del Senato. We were fortunate that at that time of year at 9am, the del Senato had a room ready for us to check into. This may not be the case in June when you are there (occupancy the night before may be full). I will mention there is plenty to keep you occupied in the area of the Pantheon before your room is ready. You can stop at any number of cafes for a coffe and pastry, it may be a little pricey to sit down at the cafe for this, but you will most likely get some great people watching opportunities. After the coffee stop, you can walk around Piazza Navona, Campo dei Fiori or research (pre-trip)any churches in the area you might be interested in visiting, there are some terrific ones within short walking distance of the del Senato.
Most of all have a great time! And if you want to read my Rome trip report from March, click on my screen name and you will get alist of my reports.
We walked Rome for four days and loved every minute of it. I'm with the others, I would wait until I got there before I decided what to do that first day. Just to walk and spend some time at Trevi fountain and the Pantheon, a drink on a sidewalk cafe sounds great!