sarahjo312

My friend and I will be arriving in Rome May 20 at 11:50am so realistically after checking into hostel, etc we will not be able to start site seeing until 2:00pm. With that said, we have that half day, then the entire next day in Rome, then we fly out the next day at Noon.

Our main question is on which days should we do the two big sites - the Colosseum & the Vatican? We are debating whether to hit the Colosseum, Forum, Pantheon on that first day then do the Vatican the next morning, then wander around the rest of the day to the small sites (trevi fountain, spanish steps, etc).
OR
should we do Vatican City the day we get there then the next morning hit Colosseum, Forum, and spend the afternoon doing the small sites. Please let us know what you think, what is the most logical and time saving strategy. We realize we do not have a lot of time but these two sites are our priority. Also what are your tips on ticket buying/tours for these sites?

litefoot

Tough question, it involves a lot of walking. Your probably right, the Vatican the first day since you have more limitations on time. The second day sightsee, albeit using the subway or buses to the sights to save time and feet. I purchased the Colosseum and Forum tour through tickitaly and was pleased with it. The Vatican is free, museum isn't. You can download an app or they have tours there too.

inquest

You are really short on time.A suggestion would be that you get to the Sistine Chapel.Expect a long Q.Anywhere between 45mins and an Hr of waiting.Purchase the tickets to the Chapel on-line and save time.DO NOT listen to the touts who approach you and promise to get you in faster or lie that the Chapel is closed etc...Simply ignore them.If you happen to fall for their schemes.You'll loose time and money.

Soon after,head straight to the St Perer's Basilica.The Spanish Steps for sunset,the Trevi fountain after dark.

The rest can be 'covered' the next day.As litefoot put it,it involves a lot of walking,save time and take a cab.Its still a breeze.have fun.

annhig

Hi Sarah - in actual fact i think that you have plenty of time to see what you want to see [a tiny fraction of what Rome has to offer of course] and more besides.

i suggest that you book on line to see the Colosseum etc. in the afternoon you arrive, say at 2pm. that will give you the whole of the afternoon in that area.

then catch a bus to the corso vittoriao emanuale and explore the centro storico - campo dei fiori, piazza navona, Pantheon, etc. if you feel too tired, all those places can be seen in the evening after you've had a rest - the Trevi fountain is lovely when it's lit up at night. [NB the Pantheon closes at 7pm]

for the next day, reserve online to see the Vatican museums and the Sistine chapel - [can't do one without the other] as early as you feel you can manage, then use the back door [marked `'group exit] at the back of the chapel to gain access into St. Peter's without having to walk all the way back through the museums and round the vatican walls. Then see St. Peter's, and whatever else you fancy - climb to the top of the Dome, see the Castel san angelo, explore Trastervere and/or the Ghetto - Rome is your oyster.

have a great time - Rome is a wonderful place for walking and exploring as there is something interesting on every corner.