going to rome .. don't know where to start
 

i will be going to rome in april for about 2 weeks and i have no clue as to where to start. specifically planning and such. i was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on where to go. i've already been told that i have to see vatican city and florence. any suggestions for rome, florence or vatican city?

While this is obvious to me (and others here), I'll cut you some slack that it isn't obvious to you. You need to start with BOOKS. More than one, or at least one with lots to read, and maybe one that is way more pictures. You need one good-sized one that you read cover to cover like a novel ASAP. You need to be able to state in 25 (or 250?) words or less why you decided to do this - - or at least what you THINK were the reasons you want to go to Rome. Of course, the books will hopefully ratchet up your "can't wait til I can..." list. The reasons you start(ed) with might not be in your top ten list once you start reading, nor once you get there. Maybe it has to do renewing your (Catholic? Christian?) side? Shopping? Art? History? Wine? Architecture? Food? Men? Women?

Are you the planner? for yourself and someone else? Traveling with a significant other? Family? Solo?

Do you have a set amount of money saved for this that you cannot exceed? Or a general budget range?

Do you have roots in Italy that you've never really gotten in touch with? I'm guessing that you never studied Italian - - any other language? Ever been in a country where English is not the principal language?

Since you haven't specifically asked about lodging (and April isn't very far away), it sounds like you ARE going with other people who will be looking after a number of the basic details for you.

So, what is it that you really want to know?

If you're near a town of over 50,000 people, your public library is the place to start, but alternatively, Borders, Barnes & Noble - - or amazon.com would be your next possible resources.

Best wishes,

Rex

I would go to the library or a bookstore and find a few guidebooks about Rome and Italy. See what sights interest you and which cities sound intriguing. Check this website's destination guide as well as information about hotels as you may wish to make your reservations soon. Once you have done your research, you will probably have more specific questions that Fodorites here will be able to help you with. Happy planning!

Ah, Rex beat me to the punch.

Hi ac,

Click "destinations" and look at the miniguide to Rome.

We are going in June and I randomly picked up a bunch of books in the travel section at the library. From there I'll decide on 1 or 2 to buy.

One of the books I picked up was "City of the Soul : A Walk in Rome" by William Murray. It is a quick, easy read (not really a tour book). Not earth shattering - but I got a good feeling for Rome from this simple, entertaining book. Sometimes just reading the tour books can make you a little crazy.

your question borders on trollish (i.e. unbelievable)

if you exist then acophil you definately need a travel agent.

as him to hook you up with a tour heading for rome or one that is organised there.

i cant understand how ppl arrive at a a decison to spend $000s on a trip to europe when they dont know anything about it? is it because it is fashionable? mysterious? just somewhere far away?

Goodmorning, Acophil
Would suggest, as this being your first trip into Rome that you take one or two city tours within Rome in order
to get the lay of the land. With a
decent map follow your route, get an idea of the busy areas. Search into
public transportation the metro or bus
system, however, you can locate within
a hotel that makes most of Rome in walking distance, if not in both directions select a hotel that you can take a taxi out in the morning and then
walk back during the day. The areas around the Spanish Steps and the Pza Navona would fit into these locations.
check i nto www.romebuddy.com for maps and other information, search for Rome
websites and build up a daily checklist of what you want to visit and do. PS one escorted tour goes outside the city to the catacombs and
a few churches that can be very interesting should you desire.
Richard of LaGrange Park, Il..

Go to www.ricksteves.com and/or get his latest book. There are a ton of great tips. Check out what he calls "back doors". You can also see him on PBS. His show is Travels thru Europe.
Go to the Vatican at 4:30 and take the elevator (small fee) to the coppola. There is a mass at 5:00 with a choir. If you don't believe in God now, you will after hearing the voices from here. It still gives me chills thinking about it.