We are going to Rome and thought we would spend all 12 days there. We would like to just get into the flow of things there instead of racing around Italy. What do you think? Is this silly? Should we break the trip up and go to a different location for 1/2 of the time?
Thanks for your input.
1jan1

If that's what you want to do, then why not? There is more to see in Rome than any place I have ever been. But maybe you could make your plans a little flexible so if you felt like you wanted to travel a little you could do so. Or you could take day trips if you feel moved to, well, move.

I was there for 4 nights and the better part of 5 days, and had plenty to do. I would think at least a week there would be easy to do.

Since Florence is only a couple of hours away, maybe you'd like to go up and spend a few days to get a little small-town feeling of Italy as well, see the countryside, and the train ride's a no-brainer.

I found the pace of Rome to be very very fast -- and had I known what to expect, I probably would have enjoyed it more, but I can't say I'd spend 12 days there. It's not as easy as Paris or London, and it's "edgier" in some respects, older and dirtier I think. Still, it's a beautiful city, and I'd probably spend maybe 8 or 9 days there, and then go on to see something else.

Happy travels, whatever you decide!

Jules

Have you been to Italy before? If not, I'd do Rome and another major location with maybe a daytrip or two from each one.

That might sound like racing around, but its really not with train travel being so easy to do.

The Romans have a saying that "A lifetime is not enough for Rome."

I tend to agree; I spend seven days at a time there, once or twice a year.

If you do decide to spend 12 days in Rome, then I would suggest that you rent an apartment rather than stay in a hotel. If you rent, you become, in a small way, a member of the community: you discover your favorite cafe, your favorite trattoria, your favorite market.

You can still take day trips to a great many other places if you feel the need for a change.

Just did 23 days in Italy ,six in Rome it was a miserable six days.Sorry but that place was not for us. If you like noise, crowds and alot of people trying to hustle you good luck.

I've been to Rome several times, usually staying between 3-6 days. Last time we stayed 8 days and I could have stayed more! We did a daytrip to Florence and had planned one to Orvieto which we had to cancel due to somebody getting sick.

To me there is value in staying put for a number of days in one location and not have the hassle of packing, unpacking , checking-in and out of hotels.

I feel that spending all twelve days in Rome would be too much.

Base yourself in a town and then do trips from there. Then move to a different base. That way you only have to move 2 or 3 times.

Make resevations at every sight possible. This will keep you from standing in line.

4-6 Days Rome with 1 or 2 day trips.
2-3 days Florence with 1 or 2 day trips. Remainder Venice.

when are you going?

We spent 4 nights in Rome on the Via Veneto, then 2 nights in Florence and than back to Rome for 4 more nights in the Historic center near the Pantheon. The change of location in Rome gave it a whole different feel. If you spend 12 days in Rome try 2 or 3 different neighborhoods, it will make it fresh.

We spent twelve days in Rome for our vacation two years ago, and were very happy with our decision. Even though I had been to Rome before, there is so much to see and experience there that we never got bored. However, we did take two day trips via the train- one to Assissi and one to Pompeii, so you may want to consider something like this. Personally, I love spending a block of time in one place and to actually begin to develop a routine - we had our favorite gelato place, our favorite little grocery store, etc., and really began to feel a part of the city.

I am only offering my opinion, but it would be too much for me. I love Rome, but give me 6 days and I need a rest. I think a 6 and 6 split would be good. Or 7 and 5. I enjoy going back to Rome but staying there too long can wear me out. JMO.

Take a look at the Slowtrav.com site (and the associated Slowtalk.com forum). Many people there have had longer stays in Rome.

I could easily spend 12 days in Rome, I'm sure, although I've only tried 5 so far. I like the idea of changing neighborhoods, although that might not be as easy if you get an apartment, which would also be an advantage.

I was only three days in Rome and even though I'm not especially drawn to it, I wish I had more time because there is so much fabulous history and lots I didn't get to see. I'm sorry for that because given my time and budget, I kind of doubt I'll get back there just because I didn't like it all that much. I could for sure spend 12 days in Paris or London with no problem at all doing just what you want to do in Rome, relaxing and "getting in the flow". As people have suggested, there are some good day trips from there and that could nicely break up some of your time in the city. I think it's great to see an area in depth, it gives you time to fall in love with it, or not, and if not, you have plenty of time to see much of what it offers, and if it doesn't "grab" you, you don't have to go back.

We recently spent three full days in Rome (not counting first day in and last day leaving) and we didn't want to leave!

The history, the Vatican, the numerous piazzas, the beautiful architecture. You could spend a lifetime in Rome and still be blown away by it all.

We actually went back for one last night before flying home (FF flight - couldn't do open jaw) and we were so looking forward to going back!

Personally, I would have no problem with spending 12 days in Rome. You can always daytrip from Rome to Florence (1.5hrs train ride).

Bender

I spent a week in Rome and I was very sad to leave. I felt like I could easily have stayed another week, but preferably more. I'm planning to spend a month there someday when I can get the time off.

I do agree with others about taking day trips, though. I love Rome and there's plenty to see there, but it's also nice to have a change of pace. Pompeii is a great choice for a day trip, or Hadrian's Villa at Tivoli.

<<12 days in Rome...is this too much?>>

Absolutely not. I would also add that an apt. would be a great idea. Ideally somewhere in the historical center (the Pantheon and points east until you hit the river). A day trip isn't a bad idea either.

1jan1 -
Twelve days in Rome is not too much, especially since you've already stated you "want to get into the flow of things instead of racing around". Another poster mentioned Slowtrav.com, they strongly advocate "settling in" and staying in one spot for a bit more than most travelers are used to.
My mom and I spent 10 nights in Rome last November. We took two easy day trips: Orvieto and Pompeii, but the rest of the time was spent in Rome proper. There is something to be said about unpacking once and settling in to your "new city".
If you are interested in small-group guided tours, check out Context Rome (aka Scala Reale). We took the Vatican and Underground Rome and loved every minute.
Enjoy your trip!

12 days in Rome is terrific if you have already visited other parts of Italy. I loved the time I spent in Rome, and plan to return there on a future trip.

But: If this is your first trip to Italy, you would be better off also spending time elsewhere, so you can also see another part of the country. I suggest 6 days in Rome, 5 days in the Naples/Sorreto area, and a last day in Rome, so you can get to the airport easily for your return flight.

We were fortunate enough to live just outside Rome when teaching there two years ago...a year was not enough. But do think seriously about the option of an apartment rather than hotel. Then immerse yourselves...