starrsville

In planning my trip to Italy, I've decided not to go to Rome this time. Even after reading trip reports, I'm not sure I will really enjoy it as much as other places. I rarely enjoy big cities as much as the countryside.

I just read a non-report that made me think there are others out there like me. I know Rome is wonderful, magical, amazing, etc... but I just think I'd enjoy time spent elsewhere more. Anyone who has visited Rome that would agree?

missypie

Me. It is a stress-inducing place. I've visited a lot of large cities (though none in Asia) and I've never seen traffic like that.

I think that if I ever went back, I'd take two days and hire a driver to take me to all of the churches I didn't get to the first time. On the third day I'd shop for clothes. Then I'd leave.

Pausanias

All right, we'll let you off this time.

You have to tailor the trip to fit you. I find it difficult to go to Italy and NOT visit Rome, but many disagree.

You might consider a day trip to see a highlight or two in Rome, if you're staying somewhere with good train connections like Orvieto.

Catbert

I think Rome is a tough nut to crack. There are things about it I just love and things that make me want to hold it at arms length. It's taken me three visits now to start to have a serious affection for it. I think eventually I will love it.

StCirq

Well, I've been a bunch of times and it still doesn't appeal to me. I'm flying into Rome on July 1 this year and leaving immediately for Umbria, with plans only to spend my last night in Rome before flying out again.

Don't get me wrong, Rome is a treasure trove of history and architecture, which I very much appreciate. I just don't like the "feel" of the city.

Remember that thread called "Did Anyone Else Find Rome a Horror?" That had some great views on Rome.

fun4all4

It is funny, but I was not expecting to love Rome and I did!! We are leaving for Northern Italy tomorrow and there is a piece of me that can't believe I will be so close and not go to Rome. I can't wait to go back.

But, not everyone cares for the same things. And, it is YOUR trip so you should do what you want and enjoy it! There is no one "right" way to travel...you don't have to go anywhere.

Happy travels!

fun4all4

I meant to say....."you don't have to go to any particular place - just choose what feels right to you." I didn't mean it to sound like you shouldn't go somewhere. ;-)

starrsville

Well, I really DO want to go kayaking in the San Juans, fun...but not really to Roma!

Spygirl

After this last trip, where I had a couple of unpleasant experiences at night, I'm not caring to go back anytime soon. I've said I do not think Rome is the same place as it was twenty or thirty years ago. It's a lot tougher and nastier. Much of "la dolce vita" has been lost I think, and I do believe, with one of the most stagnant economies in Europe, that it isn't going to get better there any time soon; the country's economic problems seem to be magnified in "la capitale."

Vera

When we were in Rome recently, we were appalled at the mobs at the Trevi Fountain, and not at all sad that we missed the Spanish Steps. On the other hand, Sunday evening wandering through the Forum and down the Via Imperiale with lots, but not mobs, of people made a wonderful memory.

My husband and I always have this struggle in planning. I love cities. He hates them, even though there are good moments like coming around the corner and seeing the Pantheon. That's the way it goes.

amaclise

Rome has some amazing things to recommend it - like the way the Roman Empire "crashes" up against the Renaissance right before your eyes and of course the food.

But often it is just too darn hot, crowded, confusing and exhausting.

And all those Italian men can really wear on you with their "flirting".

Once may be enough...but you must go at least once.

Seamus

My first visit to Rome was in July - it was hotter than the hinges of hades and crammed with tourists to boot. I left after one day, returned to Tuscany. Second time was in October, more pleasant weather and fewer (though still many) tourists. I was hoping to succumb to the Roman charm I had heard so much about but, while it was great to see such history it just never grabbed me the way that Paris, Prague, Istanbul or Hong Kong did.

Madison

Just out of curiosity when did all of you go to Rome? In the sumnmer with all the heat and crowds? Easter?

I have a trip planned for next April 18th - 23rd. 10 days after Easter. Now I feel so discouraged by your posts. Kind of took the wind out of my sails.

Spygirl

Madison-that's okay, remember, these are individual OPINIONS. There are still few sights as awe-inspiring as watching a sunset in Rome, and the colors of the Forii Imperiali change to that lovely rosy hue in the twilight. (there is that better?)

I was there last August, when the traffic was quite light, and weather absolutely delightful-high 80's. I highly recommend the end of August if you are going to Rome, as it's a lot easier to handle then.

i_am_kane

Oh, Madison,

Don't be dissuaded by a few negative remarks about Rome. Different strokes for different folks.

Sometimes, it's all in your attitude, so plan your trip and enjoy.

Roma, non basta una vita!

amaclise

Madison, not to let the post get hi-jacked but I think your timing sounds perfect. Plan some day trips or a second city to visit.

HowardR

Madison, do not be discouraged by the anti-Rome folks on this thread. The title of the thread would attract more from that side of the fence. I'd say that there are a heck of lot more pro-Rome than anti-Rome folks who contribute to the forum.....and I'm one of them. Sure, it's crowded; sure, the drivers are insane....but Rome is so very much more than that!
(Hey, starrsville, I guess this is the second subject we don't agree on!)

starrsville

Hey, I don't want to bash Rome at all. That is not my intent.

I didn't say anything until I read another post and wondered if there were others who felt the same way. Paris and NYC are the only cities I've "fallen in love" with. Otherwise, I'd prefer the countryside. I am so excited about a week in Tuscany and am trying to decide what cities to "add-on" if any. I've pretty much decided that it's not going to be Rome on this trip.

SeaUrchin

starrsville, don't feel like to have to go somewhere that doesn't appeal to you. Maybe some day it will lure you through its historical sites, this is what happened to me. To be able to walk where Julius Caesar walked is thrilling.

I have never been attracted to Greece, yet I saw a movie the other day and something just clicked and now I really want to book a trip.

I never wanted to visit Florence and when I went the first time I hated it, I went back again a few years later and loved it.

You never know, never say never and in the meantime go where you want, it is a vacation after all.

starrsville

Howard. (I have remained silent on Sweeney Todd. The little I saw on the Tonys did NOT make me think I would enjoy it as much as you do!)