Hello All
Please help. Going to Rome next week. Arriving in Ciampino airport. Need advise as to book cab over the internet or just get a taxi at taxi rank? Also this sounds silly but will it be really cold or mild? One more thing, is there anything that we really should not miss? Oh and has anyone had a papal audience and what goes on at it? Thanks

I don't know about this year, but we were in Rome the first week of December last year and the temps were actually quite pleasant; much warmer than my hometown (St. Louis). I believe temps were in the high 60's during the day and the sun was shining for most of our trip, although we did experience one day of rain.

I can't answer the taxi question as we used the Leonardo Express to get into town.

Tracy

Thanks a million tcreath.

Only flown into Rome @ FCO airport, however it appears you have several options with regards to going from Ciampino Airport into the city (bus, which is least expensive or book a shuttle or a taxi) ....

http://rome.shuttle-airport.com/

http://www.airportconnection.it/

http://www.enjoyrome.com/tourist/cit...om.the.ci.html

Hi F,

If you wish to take a cab, get one at the cab rank.

Don't let anyone not at the cab rank try to talk you into riding with them.

Here are several threads that may be useful in deciding what to do and what to see in Roma .....

Absolute Must Sees in Rome
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34625251

best use of four days in Rome now
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34702443

100 Best Things To Do In Rome
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34443219

Rome: Favorite Churches
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34500653

If you could choose any one tour in Rome what would it be?
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34662944

Restaurants in Rome
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34705111

See also http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34713605

Best wishes,

Rex

As to the weather you can expect.....

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world/c...ml?tt=TT004000

If you just take your time Rome will wrap around you and fit like a comfy glove. It's wonderful for wandering and enjoying.

I hope your trip is fabulous!

Oh a couple other things......wear black. If you wear colours you stand out as a tourist.......the Romans wear black and black.

Ride the subway.....it's a simple two line system and all points join at the termini but it puts you shoulder to shoulder with the locals and it's a hoot. (If you find a supermarket be careful and look for the plastic gloves near the weigh scale because you have to wear the gloves before touching produce.....or you'll be in doo doo!)

Review the Church of Santa Susanna website (the American Catholic Church in Rome) for information on papal audience -- http://www.santasusanna.org/popeVatican/tickets.html

ttt

Hi Failte,
The Papal audience is every Wednesday (as long as the Pope isn't traveling). I attended the one on 11/3. He has been doing a series of audiences on Psalms/Vespers. He presents the teaching in German, English, Polish, Spanish and French. Prior to speaking in each language, any groups traveling from those countries are introduced (usually they cheer and he acknowledges them, sometimes if there is a choir, they will sing, etc.). The audience was just over an hour. I obtained my ticket through St. Susanna, e-mailing in advance, then going to pick it up the evening before. If you want to take photos, it is best to sit near the edges where he drives around upon entering or exiting.

You do not have to wear black. Wear whatever you want. (Unless you are a priest or a nun.)

There is a shuttle bus available at Ciampino. www.terravision.it