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Unless your kids are really super into art, art history, etc. I would definitely cut the tour of the Vatican galleries - enjoy St. Peter's in the morning, go up in The cupola. A heavy museum like the Vatican after that is too much, even for many adults. Why pay and then cut it short? If they want to do it, make it a different day in the morning while they are fresh.
If you get a day with great weather, you could go to Ostia Antica. |
I also suggest dropping the Vatican Museum tour. If this is not a private, after-hours tour, the constant push of the crowds would destroy even an art lover's enjoyment. Personally, I'll never go back except after-hours. (After six, the Cafe Francis sets up in the Sistine Chapel -- a rocking good time but not for kids.) (I wish!)
The Basilica of San Clemente offers a time machine view of Rome. Start at the medieval church, descend to a Fourth Century church, then below to a Mithraeum. If the kids are interested in gladiators, the ancient mosaics on the floor the Borghese Galleries have some of the most complete depictions of their armor and weaponry. Also there are lots of statues of nekkid ladies, usually a sure thing at that age, though maybe not with Mom). |
We went to Ostia last year during our holiday in Rome. Had a very nice, sunny day. Since its an easy train ride from Rome, you can decide last minute if the day looks lovely. The Westin is a great place - we've stayed there on our previous trips to Rome as well as the one in 2013.
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<i><font color=#555555>"I wasn't sure what Rome would be like in the winter."</font></i>
No one can be sure. I visit Rome a lot in December. It's my favorite city to celebrate Christmas. Sometimes it's 70º and sunny, other times it's 45º and raining, and I'm talking downpour. You get what you get, but you need to be prepared for any type of weather. <i><font color=#555555>"given that it is my first time too…my schedule was 'light' on activities/schedule…given that I am alone with 3 young children"</font></i> Be very careful not to stress yourself out too much. IMO, it would be a big mistake to over plan. You're going to need a good, easy to read map, you're going to need to keep your eyes on your children, and you're going to need to be street smart. Unemployment is high in Italy and street thugs are working those who look obvious and vulnerable. Some of the thugs are women and children. I suspect you're going to stand out a bit. The Vatican Museum is a great history class, and there are so many fabulous rooms. Your kids may not last four hours, but they will definitely feel an impact. Hopefully your guide is good with kids that age. The Borghese is a very different museum experience. One could say it's more sophisticated. I adore Bernini sculpture. If you visit, perhaps the glistening marble will cast a spell of wonder on your children. After all, Bernini started sculpting as a fairly early age. |
The kids might enjoy seeing the "Mouth of Truth"--good for photo opts too. You can take the elevator to the top of the Victor Emmanuel Monument for some great views. The Cappuchin Crypts visit is a good idea.
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Hi starfish,
Sorry if my comment was vague. I wasn't trying to suggest you put them through a forced march. Reading your itinerary for each day, the items could mostly be accomplished in less than half a day -- and I didn't know you were factoring in pool time and such. I was only concerned that you would be facing 3 kids saying "Now what?" and you might want to have some rabbits to pull out of the hat, whether it was raining or if it was sunny. When I travel with your kids your age, I always have a deck of cards with me, so we can always hang out in a cafe or even a hotel lobby and keep ourselves amused. I don't consider it a waste. Kids can only take so much sightseeing (ditto most adults). On the other hand, I also have a long list of sights marked out on a map in case they are keen to keep on seeing more of what they just saw. And I usually know some bus routes so we can get on a bus and gawk and people watch if nobody wants any more walking. Fortunately Rome is full of places to play ball and there are lots of kiosks that sell balls, plus other cheapo toys. I think if your guide is a private one who knows he is being paid to guide 3 children through the Vatican museums on a private tour he ought to be able to make it interesting, but i don't know who your guide and whether you've read reviews. |
If you need to get out of the rain, you might have the Galleria Alberto Sordi marked on your map
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galleria_Alberto_Sordi If you'd be willing to go toy shopping, but would rather not give them cheap toys, you can peruse this list http://www.www.inromenow.com/site%20.../ShopKids.html Sometimes kids love to watch food being made -- like pizza or pasta -- which you can usually find somewhere in Rome. Il Leoncino is mentioned in this article and it is not far from where you are staying http://www.explore-italian-culture.c...d-in-rome.html |
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