Robin620

We are visiting Rome from December 25-31 with our two sons 23 and 26 yo. We want to take 1-2 day trips, Pompeii, Reggia Caserta, Ostia Ancient? Tivoli with local site seeing & shopping. Would like advice in the following loose itinerary;

December 25th
visit Jewish District (I heard it is only place open on Christmas Day) in the evening walk around see Nativity scenes near hotel (La Spagna area)

26th Legal Holiday - is Vatican Open? Planning a private tour - suggestions?

27- Shopping site seeing in Rome
Colosseum, Pantheon, Villa Borghesi
We like to explore ourselves. For which if any do
we need a guide?


28 day trip to Pompeii - planning to rent a car, do we need a tour guide once in Pompeii? What are the top spots if we'll be there approximately 4-5 hours

29 site seeing in Rome

30 1/2 day trip - Ostia Ancient (too much like Pompeii?) Or Tivoli, is it worth it inDecemver?Any other suggestions? Should we keep the car overnight and take the day trips back to back

We would also like a winery/gourmet experience. Have done Vineyards in Tuscany, do they have wine and it food tasting in Rome? but it's nice to relax with good food and wine but also learn something.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Blueeyedcod

You don't need a car to see Pompeii - take the train to Naples and then the local train which stops right at the door. I would advise skipping it in December as daylight is short.

It sounds like you have done very little research. You need a guide book.

Blueeyedcod

Vatican Museums are closed on December 25 and 26 this year.

http://mv.vatican.va/3_EN/pages/z-In...dario2016.html

The Colosseum is closed on December 25.

Robin620

Yes I will go more research but wanted a little direction.

We enjoy driving and it saves us an hour of travel therefore extending our time to explore. However if consensus is that Ancient Ostia is a better choice than Pompeii for December we can go there.

Other sites/posts show that the coliseum & Forum are open so I will plan those for 26th and plan our private tour of the Vatican to 28.

Any suggestions for a food & wine experience to break up the historic tours?

Also which sights require guides booked in advance?

Is it too cold for Tivoli/Villa D'Este? If so what other Castle(s) to see at that time of year?

Helpful suggestions appreciated.

johnnyomalley

For wine tasting/education in Rome - you can't miss with vino roma - the wine and cheese dinner/tasting is a very good


http://www.vinoroma.com/