Hi there! Mr. runlong and I are counting down the days to our trip to Florence. Because it's a semi-work related trip, we are based in Florence for the whole week. However, we would like to take a day trip to Florence. My mother would think me a terrible Catholic to not visit the Vatican. Anyway, a friend has suggested that we hire a guide to tote us around to the sights since we're only there for a day. Is this a good idea? We've never used a guide before, and frankly prefer exploring on our own, but given the crowds in late May and the short period of time in Rome, should we do it? The Vatican and St. Peters are a must. Also on the list are the Colosseum and the Pantheon. We don't plan on doing extensive tours of each because we just don't have time.

Also, are there any suggestions on where to eat/drink when we're just there for the day? Are the crowds to large to have just one or two restaurants in our sights?

Thanks all!

I normally don't do tours, either, but with only a day I would suggest it this time. I recently went to Rome with my mother who does not have the stamina to walk and go all day like I do. Rome was larger than I had anticipated, so I hired a wonderful private driver to take us to the sights and I can highly recommend him for seeing the city in a short time.

http://www.utenti.lycos.it/romecabs/

Check out Context Rome (www.contextrome.com) - they offer a variety of private tour options and will customize to suit your needs.

A second vote for Context Rome.Highly professional and highly educated!

Try Sandra at http://www.romaround.it/.
Her and her nice husband had a Fodor/Slow Travel GTG last October at their apartment. Very nice people and everyone recommends her private tours. She can customize it to your desires.
With a short visit ,this may work best.
I'm sure she can suggest a lunch spot that fits in. My first thought is that you eat near Piazza Navona which is near the Pantheon. The Piazza in May will be filled with excitement-not to be missed.