4 Nights in Rome - What do you think of this itinerary?
Apr 25th, 2006, 11:29 AM
#21
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Rome is a great city for simply strolling and seeing the spectacular squares, ruins and churches. The Vatican and St. Peter's will take a half day even if you only see the Sistine chapel...we booked a tour and I recommend that as you will see the highlights and get good commentary. You could then spend some time in Trastevere as it is not far from the Vatican. I think it is a good idea that you are skipping the Catacombes on your first visit as that will chew up valuable time. I agree that you should combine your Villa Borghese and the museum in one day as well as see the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain on your way.
Some people mention the Capitoline museum...I did not enjoy this museum after a very long day of walking around and unless you are a museum buff...I would give it a skip. The views from Palentine Hill overlooking the Roman Forum and Colloseum are worth the visit. I did not do an inside visit to the Colloseum until my second trip to Rome and although interesting...I thought just the outside of the Colloseum equally interesting. You will see quite a lot in your 4 days and no it is not enough but promise yourself that you will be back one day and see some more. This will be my third visit to Rome and I am finally going to the Galleria Borghese. You will be surprised how many beautiful churches you will discover as you stroll around the city and happen upon them by accident. Don't stress about what you missed and have a wonderful time soaking in the history...good luck.
Some people mention the Capitoline museum...I did not enjoy this museum after a very long day of walking around and unless you are a museum buff...I would give it a skip. The views from Palentine Hill overlooking the Roman Forum and Colloseum are worth the visit. I did not do an inside visit to the Colloseum until my second trip to Rome and although interesting...I thought just the outside of the Colloseum equally interesting. You will see quite a lot in your 4 days and no it is not enough but promise yourself that you will be back one day and see some more. This will be my third visit to Rome and I am finally going to the Galleria Borghese. You will be surprised how many beautiful churches you will discover as you stroll around the city and happen upon them by accident. Don't stress about what you missed and have a wonderful time soaking in the history...good luck.
Apr 25th, 2006, 04:32 PM
#22
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Thanks SusanP, Jabez and Crazy4travel for your tips.
I have decided to leave Via Appia Antica for another trip. I definitely don't consider this to be my only trip to Rome.
I have also decided to visit Vatican City as well as Trastevere on the same day, since both of them are on the other side of the Tevere.
This is what I have so far for days 2 and 3:
DAY2-MON: Vatican City in the morning. Stroll around Trastevere in the afternoon.
DAY3-TUE: Galleria Borghese in the morning. Stroll around Campo Marzio in the afternoon.
I still haven't made a decision on what to do on day 4.
After reading all of your advice and doing some thinking, I have realized that you're totally right about enjoying the city by strolling around instead of stressing out trying to see landmark after landmark.
I still would like to visit San Clemente and San Pietro in Vincoli (mainly for Michelangelo's statue of Moses). Let's see how I fit them on day 4. The thing is, I am up for strolling around without stressing out if I don't get to see everything, but I also like having a plan.
However, I will pace myself and take things slowly. I am also going to Florence, Venice and Milan, so I really ought to save energy for those other places; otherwise, I'll be all tired out by the time I am there.
I have a draft itinerary of Florence, Venice and Milan. When I am ready planning the Rome itinerary, I'll post them too so that I can have different points of view.
Thanks again for your opinions.
I have decided to leave Via Appia Antica for another trip. I definitely don't consider this to be my only trip to Rome.
I have also decided to visit Vatican City as well as Trastevere on the same day, since both of them are on the other side of the Tevere.
This is what I have so far for days 2 and 3:
DAY2-MON: Vatican City in the morning. Stroll around Trastevere in the afternoon.
DAY3-TUE: Galleria Borghese in the morning. Stroll around Campo Marzio in the afternoon.
I still haven't made a decision on what to do on day 4.
After reading all of your advice and doing some thinking, I have realized that you're totally right about enjoying the city by strolling around instead of stressing out trying to see landmark after landmark.
I still would like to visit San Clemente and San Pietro in Vincoli (mainly for Michelangelo's statue of Moses). Let's see how I fit them on day 4. The thing is, I am up for strolling around without stressing out if I don't get to see everything, but I also like having a plan.
However, I will pace myself and take things slowly. I am also going to Florence, Venice and Milan, so I really ought to save energy for those other places; otherwise, I'll be all tired out by the time I am there.
I have a draft itinerary of Florence, Venice and Milan. When I am ready planning the Rome itinerary, I'll post them too so that I can have different points of view.
Thanks again for your opinions.
Apr 25th, 2006, 06:29 PM
#23
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You need to make a reservation for the Galleria Borghese when you've firmed up your plans. It's very difficult to get in without one.
The tour guides I've spoken to all say Wednesday morning is the best time to do the Vatican because everyone is at the Papal Mass. We went on a Monday afternoon, however, and there were no lines at all.
The tour guides I've spoken to all say Wednesday morning is the best time to do the Vatican because everyone is at the Papal Mass. We went on a Monday afternoon, however, and there were no lines at all.
Apr 25th, 2006, 06:40 PM
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I spent four nights in Rome, arriving on a Saturday and flying out on a Tuesday. We were able to see a lot more than we figured we would, and found ourselves adding quite a bit. We even had to go back to the Vatican because of the beatification ceremony for Mother Theresa...ended up getting into a fabulous Mass that we never would have if we hadn't gone back for a 2nd chance to get into St. Peter's.
In general, I try to do the "MUST see stuff" in the morning, and tack on extras in the afternoon. You'll find Piazza Navona and Campo de Fiori to be squares that can be seen with a wave of the hand or in the course of an hour max, if you want.
I hope you don't miss the Pantheon (you can walk in and out in a matter of 15 minutes or 1/2 hour, but it is a fascinating building.
Also, day 4 looks pretty crowded to me too. The Colisseum & Forum area could take up a good part of a day, with lots of walking to tire you out. Don't miss the Forum, even if you walk very slowly through it with a guide book and linger long enough to imagine what it was like at one time.
To be honest, aside from looking at the Circus Maximus and a few other sights, Palatine Hill was a bit of a snoozer to me. Just a lot of overgrown ruins that didn't have much but the foundations left to look at.
I saw my 4 days in Rome as a preview so I know to go back, and the next time I do, it'll be for at least a week.
I will also give you this warning -- be prepared for a fast-paced, rather dirty old city...it's not bad if you expect it, but it took me a few days to adjust my lenses after coming from sparkly Paris by comparison. By then, it was time to go home.
Happy travels,
Jules
In general, I try to do the "MUST see stuff" in the morning, and tack on extras in the afternoon. You'll find Piazza Navona and Campo de Fiori to be squares that can be seen with a wave of the hand or in the course of an hour max, if you want.
I hope you don't miss the Pantheon (you can walk in and out in a matter of 15 minutes or 1/2 hour, but it is a fascinating building.
Also, day 4 looks pretty crowded to me too. The Colisseum & Forum area could take up a good part of a day, with lots of walking to tire you out. Don't miss the Forum, even if you walk very slowly through it with a guide book and linger long enough to imagine what it was like at one time.
To be honest, aside from looking at the Circus Maximus and a few other sights, Palatine Hill was a bit of a snoozer to me. Just a lot of overgrown ruins that didn't have much but the foundations left to look at.
I saw my 4 days in Rome as a preview so I know to go back, and the next time I do, it'll be for at least a week.
I will also give you this warning -- be prepared for a fast-paced, rather dirty old city...it's not bad if you expect it, but it took me a few days to adjust my lenses after coming from sparkly Paris by comparison. By then, it was time to go home.
Happy travels,
Jules
Apr 25th, 2006, 06:56 PM
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lonelyplanet,
you have to book a visit to Villa Borghese before hand and they only give you two hours inside.They are very strict.
I loved the Appian Way, just to be on that ancient road stirred my blood and I did like the catacombs too.
I hope you will be surprised, and will make room for the unexpected.
Enjoy!
you have to book a visit to Villa Borghese before hand and they only give you two hours inside.They are very strict.
I loved the Appian Way, just to be on that ancient road stirred my blood and I did like the catacombs too.
I hope you will be surprised, and will make room for the unexpected.
Enjoy!
Apr 26th, 2006, 02:13 AM
#26
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Thanks Skylight, Jules and Postal.
I've also decided to visit an important landmark in the morning and do some minor outdoor ones in the afternoon. That's why, I'll try to do Vatican City/Galleria Borghese in the morning and Campo Marzio/Trastevere in the afternoon.
I'll also do my reservation for Galleria Borghese when my itinerary is ready.
The thing about doing Vatican City on Wednesday, is that it's my last day in Rome, and I don't want to leave it for end. You're the second person who has told me about there being fewer people at 1 pm, so I'll take it into account.
It's true what you say about seeing more landmarks than planned. That happened to me in Venice last year. While strolling around the city, I sometimes ran into churches or squares that I wasn't even planning on seeing.
I've also decided to visit an important landmark in the morning and do some minor outdoor ones in the afternoon. That's why, I'll try to do Vatican City/Galleria Borghese in the morning and Campo Marzio/Trastevere in the afternoon.
I'll also do my reservation for Galleria Borghese when my itinerary is ready.
The thing about doing Vatican City on Wednesday, is that it's my last day in Rome, and I don't want to leave it for end. You're the second person who has told me about there being fewer people at 1 pm, so I'll take it into account.
It's true what you say about seeing more landmarks than planned. That happened to me in Venice last year. While strolling around the city, I sometimes ran into churches or squares that I wasn't even planning on seeing.
Apr 26th, 2006, 02:39 AM
#27
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Yes, it is true that it is much better to go to Vatican museums in the PM ( around lunch hour).
Twice we went by in the AM and the lines snaked all the way almost to St. Peters!! Most people believe the myth that the best thing is to get there early.
Twice we went by in the AM and the lines snaked all the way almost to St. Peters!! Most people believe the myth that the best thing is to get there early.
Apr 26th, 2006, 05:25 AM
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Please try and see San Clemente and San Pietro in Vincoli on the day you go to the Colloseum and Forum...I made it on my second visit and was glad I did. You may need to do it after siesta time as San Pietro in Vincoli shuts for the midday break. The Circus Maximus was a disappointment and not worth the walk there. You can get a good view of the Forum and Colloseum also from the Campidoglio...try to go in the evening when everything is lit up...very nice.....The city is magical at night..the same with Venice. I hope you look past the dirt as Rome is an amazning city and you will see lots of wonderful sights by just wandering the back streets in the neighborhoods.
Apr 26th, 2006, 10:15 AM
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So based on that, I'll definitely visit Vatican City in the afternoon and Trastevere in the morning on day 1. I have a two hour self-guided walk of Trastevere so I guess it is a small area.
I will visit San Clemente, San Pietro in Vincoli, Colosseo and Roman Forum (I've decided to give it a chance) on day 4. Those are the main landmarks that I wouldn't like to miss that day. I'll spend the rest of it wandering around that area or visiting any other nearby landmark.
Thanks again Crazy4travel and Cruiseluv!
I will visit San Clemente, San Pietro in Vincoli, Colosseo and Roman Forum (I've decided to give it a chance) on day 4. Those are the main landmarks that I wouldn't like to miss that day. I'll spend the rest of it wandering around that area or visiting any other nearby landmark.
Thanks again Crazy4travel and Cruiseluv!
Apr 26th, 2006, 11:05 AM
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you have lots of good advice here, lonelyplanet.
Last time in Rome (last May and June) was for 3 nights in the middle of the trip with a group of friends and then 2 nights at the end of the trip on my own.
Things that worked for us/me:
Open churches make good places to sit and cool off if it's hot and you need a rest!
Agree with doing the Vatican at lunchtime. Yes, some lines, but not bad.
A little pair of binoculars is nice to have for looking at the Sistine ceiling "up close." Sit on benches on the sides and take it all in!
Seeing San Clemente, the Forum and the Colloseum on the same day worked well for us, too. We also went by the bocca di verite that day( sorry, can't remember the Italian exactly, but it is the Mouth of Truth that Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck stuck their hands into in "Roman Holiday" and we had never seen it and wanted to!)
At the Forum, we used the hand-held audio guides and we REALLY liked them! You can wander at your pace and backtrack or skip what you don't want to hear about. We also used these at Pompeii and I think they are a great compromise between trying to walk/read a guidebook and going on a guided tour.
Piazza Navona and the Bernini fountains are great, but make sure you go from there over to the Pantheon, my favorite building in Rome. Inside, look for the missing "chunk" of the dome that Brunelleschi used as part of his research on how to build the Duomo in Florence.
When you walk out of the Pantheon, look at the building across the square on your left; it has a sweet fresco of the Madonna (as I recall, or is some saint?)on it.
Definitely do a night walk to see everything lit up; don't miss the Trevi Fountain at night, even with the hoardes of people -- it's fun and spectacular. I think you listed it on one of your day walks, but Rome's fountains and ruins are beautiful at night.
San Crispino, not too far from the Trevi Fountain, has delicious gelati in flavors like honey and pear.
We wanted to really enjoy wandering Rome at night, so tried to get back to the hotel for a little rest (or at least a shoe-change) before heading out again. This was a good strategy!
On my two nights on my own I stayed in Trastevere. Really enjoyed the artists' shops, restaurants and churches there, but was glad we stayed on the other side of the river (near the Forum, Nicolas Inn) for the first part of the trip.
Rome, as others have mentioned, is huge and can be overwhelming, so definitely scrap any of your plans and just sit and relax when you need to. In a sight-packed place like Rome, I try to see my absolute musts and then be flexible about other things if I get burned out.
Looking forward to hearing your plans for Venice, Milan and Florence.
Last time in Rome (last May and June) was for 3 nights in the middle of the trip with a group of friends and then 2 nights at the end of the trip on my own.
Things that worked for us/me:
Open churches make good places to sit and cool off if it's hot and you need a rest!
Agree with doing the Vatican at lunchtime. Yes, some lines, but not bad.
A little pair of binoculars is nice to have for looking at the Sistine ceiling "up close." Sit on benches on the sides and take it all in!
Seeing San Clemente, the Forum and the Colloseum on the same day worked well for us, too. We also went by the bocca di verite that day( sorry, can't remember the Italian exactly, but it is the Mouth of Truth that Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck stuck their hands into in "Roman Holiday" and we had never seen it and wanted to!)
At the Forum, we used the hand-held audio guides and we REALLY liked them! You can wander at your pace and backtrack or skip what you don't want to hear about. We also used these at Pompeii and I think they are a great compromise between trying to walk/read a guidebook and going on a guided tour.
Piazza Navona and the Bernini fountains are great, but make sure you go from there over to the Pantheon, my favorite building in Rome. Inside, look for the missing "chunk" of the dome that Brunelleschi used as part of his research on how to build the Duomo in Florence.
When you walk out of the Pantheon, look at the building across the square on your left; it has a sweet fresco of the Madonna (as I recall, or is some saint?)on it.
Definitely do a night walk to see everything lit up; don't miss the Trevi Fountain at night, even with the hoardes of people -- it's fun and spectacular. I think you listed it on one of your day walks, but Rome's fountains and ruins are beautiful at night.
San Crispino, not too far from the Trevi Fountain, has delicious gelati in flavors like honey and pear.
We wanted to really enjoy wandering Rome at night, so tried to get back to the hotel for a little rest (or at least a shoe-change) before heading out again. This was a good strategy!
On my two nights on my own I stayed in Trastevere. Really enjoyed the artists' shops, restaurants and churches there, but was glad we stayed on the other side of the river (near the Forum, Nicolas Inn) for the first part of the trip.
Rome, as others have mentioned, is huge and can be overwhelming, so definitely scrap any of your plans and just sit and relax when you need to. In a sight-packed place like Rome, I try to see my absolute musts and then be flexible about other things if I get burned out.
Looking forward to hearing your plans for Venice, Milan and Florence.
Apr 26th, 2006, 11:18 AM
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Enjoy!!...I have 20 more sleeps until my Tuscany and Umbria adventure. I will spend the last day in Rome and hope to finally see the Galleria Borghese (they are still not taking reservations online for May) and I plan to just stroll the piazza's. Good luck with your traveling planning for Florence, Venice and Milan
Apr 26th, 2006, 02:59 PM
#32
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Thanks Annabelle for the "missing chunk" and "the fresco" recommendation and for sharing your Rome experience! I totally love those off the beaten track things that you don't usually read about. San Crispino is also listed on my bookguide, so I'll definitely stop by.
Thanks Crazy4travel! I hope you enjoy your Tuscany/Umbria/Rome trip!
So my itinerary is:
DAY1-SUN: Arriving at noon. Rest of the afternoon off in Villa Borghese or surrounding area to rest a little from the 8 hour flight.
DAY2-MON: Trastevere in the morning. Vatican City in the afternoon.
DAY3-TUE: Galleria Borghese in the morning. Campo Marzio in the afternoon.
DAY4-WED: Colosseo and Roman Forum in the morning. San Clemente and San Pietro in Vincoli in the afternoon.
After seeing the landmarks I don't want to miss each day, I'll stroll around each area a little.
Thanks again to everybody for your opinions/advice and sharing your experience!
I am ready to finish up my Florence, Venice and Milan itineraries.
Thanks Crazy4travel! I hope you enjoy your Tuscany/Umbria/Rome trip!
So my itinerary is:
DAY1-SUN: Arriving at noon. Rest of the afternoon off in Villa Borghese or surrounding area to rest a little from the 8 hour flight.
DAY2-MON: Trastevere in the morning. Vatican City in the afternoon.
DAY3-TUE: Galleria Borghese in the morning. Campo Marzio in the afternoon.
DAY4-WED: Colosseo and Roman Forum in the morning. San Clemente and San Pietro in Vincoli in the afternoon.
After seeing the landmarks I don't want to miss each day, I'll stroll around each area a little.
Thanks again to everybody for your opinions/advice and sharing your experience!
I am ready to finish up my Florence, Venice and Milan itineraries.
Apr 27th, 2006, 05:29 AM
#33
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I'm only going to make one other suggestion as I found it to be facinating. There is a crypt in a the Church of the Immaculate Conception off of Via Veneto..near Piazza Barbarini. I have never seen anything like this in all my world travels. I have enclosed two website to give you more details.
http://www.zip.com.au/~davidmcg/rome.htm
http://www3.sympatico.ca/tapholov/pages/bones.html
http://www.zip.com.au/~davidmcg/rome.htm
http://www3.sympatico.ca/tapholov/pages/bones.html
Apr 27th, 2006, 10:13 AM
#34
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I saw it once on a documentary about creepy european landmarks and I thought it was truly fascinating. I'll definitely make time to visit it. I guess that after visiting Galleria Borghese on day 3, I'll leave the park taking Via Veneto and stop by.
Thanks for reminding me of it Crazy4travel!
Thanks for reminding me of it Crazy4travel!
Apr 29th, 2006, 08:59 AM
#35
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Glad to see you added the Colosseum after all. You really will enjoy it and it will bring its use and the era alive for you. There's a self-guided audio tour. Rick Steves' guide book was excellent. Be sure to see walk around at night-Trevi, Vittorio Emmanuel, etc. are spectacular at night.
Apr 29th, 2006, 02:06 PM
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Hi!
I know it is very difficult to prioritize the many sites to see in Rome. I was just there two years ago and I took two tours with ContextRome--including their tour of the Borghese Gallery. I was very happy with the guide who was an art history professor of a prominent art program in Rome.
Please consider two factors for your itinerary. You must book the Borghese Gallery before departing for your trip. Also, note that you are limited to two hours time within the Borghese Gallery.
Also, consider booking a tour of the Vatican Museums available on the Vatican Museums Website. It is only a two hour tour, and it covers only some of the museum. I took this tour on my trip and found the guide very knowledgable and the cost is reasonable. This tour must be booked several weeks ahead of your trip. I also recommend going on a Wednesday. I happened to go on that and there was absolutely no line. Other times, I had gone in the morning on a Tuesday or Monday, and I would have to wait for 1 to 2 hours. Also, the back door of the Sistine Chapel is the best way to enter the St. Peter's.
You mentioned that you wished to see San Pietro in Vincoli. That church is real close to the Colisseum and the Roman Forum. It is worth checking out the Forum and Colisseum while you're there.
May I ask why you wish to see the Campo Marzio?
I know it is very difficult to prioritize the many sites to see in Rome. I was just there two years ago and I took two tours with ContextRome--including their tour of the Borghese Gallery. I was very happy with the guide who was an art history professor of a prominent art program in Rome.
Please consider two factors for your itinerary. You must book the Borghese Gallery before departing for your trip. Also, note that you are limited to two hours time within the Borghese Gallery.
Also, consider booking a tour of the Vatican Museums available on the Vatican Museums Website. It is only a two hour tour, and it covers only some of the museum. I took this tour on my trip and found the guide very knowledgable and the cost is reasonable. This tour must be booked several weeks ahead of your trip. I also recommend going on a Wednesday. I happened to go on that and there was absolutely no line. Other times, I had gone in the morning on a Tuesday or Monday, and I would have to wait for 1 to 2 hours. Also, the back door of the Sistine Chapel is the best way to enter the St. Peter's.
You mentioned that you wished to see San Pietro in Vincoli. That church is real close to the Colisseum and the Roman Forum. It is worth checking out the Forum and Colisseum while you're there.
May I ask why you wish to see the Campo Marzio?
Apr 30th, 2006, 03:49 AM
#37
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Trastevere is great esp late arvo ...& having dinner there @ Trastevere is touristy but somewhat quirky...depends where you are.
If you can skip one of yr intineries...Ostia Antica is the "Pompeii" of Rome. Takes about 50 mins to get there - sth of Rome - Rome's old port - same age as Pompeii. Give yourself atleast half a day to see it. I saw the "Bath of Mirthas" - no other tourist in sight as it's not mentioned on the audio.. .(that was peak season for me ...last July 05)
If you can skip one of yr intineries...Ostia Antica is the "Pompeii" of Rome. Takes about 50 mins to get there - sth of Rome - Rome's old port - same age as Pompeii. Give yourself atleast half a day to see it. I saw the "Bath of Mirthas" - no other tourist in sight as it's not mentioned on the audio.. .(that was peak season for me ...last July 05)
