Thanks for the feedback Ellen - Is a lot closed in Rome during that week?

I have no desire nor the $$ to do that high end shopping... so no, Spanish Steps held little allure.

I was in Rome over Christmas in 2006. The weather may not be as cold as you think. I had beautiful weather. Not a drop of rain, high 60's during the day (possibly even low 70's in the sun on a couple days). I realize this is warmer than normal, but it probably won't be freezing. Of course, it cooled down a lot at night, so you of course need jackets and gloves.

Stay the whole time in Rome in the Piazza Navona/Campo de' Fiori/Pantheon area and I think you'll have a very different feeling about Rome!

Thanks Susan! Did you have an "issues" with a lot being closed?

I think you are right on about us having a different feeling if we stay in a different area.. I am searching apartments right now.

I have also been to Rome by end of December and I can say, it CAN get chilly there (I had temperatures around 7 to 10C). If you dress properly, it will be okay (museums are heated). (Sicily will be nicer)

Everything will be open in Rome. However, I found that the line in front of the Vatican Museums was as long as ever.

The location within Rome is not that important (it should be the inner city). Rome is quite widespread, and the attractions are far away from each other. So, if you are close to one attraction, you still have ways to other attractions. It might be a good idea to select a location which is close to an underground station.

The only holiday closing I was worried about were on Dec 26 and Jan 1. In Rome, much will be open and smaller shops and groceries might be closed. I suspect a place like Orvieto might have more closings, so pick your day carefully.

Spent Christmas '04 in Venice then went on to Florence and Rome. Venice and Florence was cold and rainy, Rome was much warmer.

In January '07 we spent a week in Rome and the temps were very mild, in the 50's-60's F with lots of sun.

I stayed in the Spanish Steps area and did not really care for it that is why I would like to stay in a different area. We never even got to Traveste <sp> and we were there for 4 nights.

Ellen thanks for the feedback -that makes sense.

Thanks as always to all the feedback - it is appreciated. Now to find an apartment!

well..while I have been toying around with everything the airfare on Airfrance did a MASSIVE jump tonight before my very eyes - going up over 300-400 a ticket..weird... in a matter of seconds.

I will wait and book tomorrow as pretty soon I am not going to be able to go! We did decide to go around Christmas and stay in Southern Italy - not sure where but I need to get these tickets booked and figure I will fly in and out of Rome and figure out the time after I get the airfare nailed down.

If it is too high in and out of Rome I will try in and out of London or Paris...

Since you are considering going back to Rome, you should check out this thread for apartment choices mostly in the Trastevere area near Isola Tiberina but also for other ideas
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34792021

I have found that I enjoyed Rome more the longer I stayed there. First trip 3 nights in summer--interesting, definitely worthwhile: second trip 4 nights in April over Holy Week--very interesting, glad we did it but the city was crowded and there was not enough time for exploring/wandering; third trip 8 nights in late Feb/early March--really fell in love with the city

Hi dawn,

how about naples. I have a recollection of a trip report by someone who went there in the winter - lovely weather, great museums, and pompeii was deserted.

and perhaps by then they'll have moved those heaps of rubbish.

REgards, ann

update - we are going to London/Paris - I am booking today. Rome airfare jumped too high on Airfrance yeterday. It is weird..