I'd welcome critique on my Rome itinerary!
Feb 6th, 2009, 11:21 AM
#21
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Hi, Kevin,
I would say Monday is a little too full. The Vatican Museums are one of the largest collections in the world. And you have a tour of St. Peter's too. Not sure you'll make it to the Capuchin.
We took our kids to Rome when the oldest was 10. A little younger, granted, but I would still say that you may overwhelm your son if you do add all of the other suggestions of museums. And I did especially love the Borghese, so don't get me wrong. But time to eat gelato and watch the pigeons is important.
Also, to keep the churches interesting you might get a book that tells the stories/legends. One that I liked was: A Catholic's Guide to Rome: Discovering the Soul of the Eternal City (Paperback)by Frank Korn.
Is your son interested in the Greek/Roman gods? That could also make the trip more interesting. A very fun novel to pick up for him is "The Lightning Thief" which has the Greek gods acting in modern times with kids.
My kids did love Ostia Antica, and since nearly no one goes there it was not cordoned off and allowed a lot of wandering wherever you wanted. I have not been to Pompeii, so cannot compare.
The other thing we did was ask what the kids would like to see. Hands down, the request was for a castle. While Castel Sant'Angelo is a converted one, I wanted a truer built-from-scratch one. We went to Bracciano for a day trip. This is not considered a top-ten destination in most Rome guide books, but our family loved it. Seeing the armor and weapons (the armory was closed at Sant' Angelo) is something my youngest still talks about.
The criminology museum mentioned by another poster also sounds like it would be a great option, although I have not been.
I would say Monday is a little too full. The Vatican Museums are one of the largest collections in the world. And you have a tour of St. Peter's too. Not sure you'll make it to the Capuchin.
We took our kids to Rome when the oldest was 10. A little younger, granted, but I would still say that you may overwhelm your son if you do add all of the other suggestions of museums. And I did especially love the Borghese, so don't get me wrong. But time to eat gelato and watch the pigeons is important.
Also, to keep the churches interesting you might get a book that tells the stories/legends. One that I liked was: A Catholic's Guide to Rome: Discovering the Soul of the Eternal City (Paperback)by Frank Korn.
Is your son interested in the Greek/Roman gods? That could also make the trip more interesting. A very fun novel to pick up for him is "The Lightning Thief" which has the Greek gods acting in modern times with kids.
My kids did love Ostia Antica, and since nearly no one goes there it was not cordoned off and allowed a lot of wandering wherever you wanted. I have not been to Pompeii, so cannot compare.
The other thing we did was ask what the kids would like to see. Hands down, the request was for a castle. While Castel Sant'Angelo is a converted one, I wanted a truer built-from-scratch one. We went to Bracciano for a day trip. This is not considered a top-ten destination in most Rome guide books, but our family loved it. Seeing the armor and weapons (the armory was closed at Sant' Angelo) is something my youngest still talks about.
The criminology museum mentioned by another poster also sounds like it would be a great option, although I have not been.
Feb 6th, 2009, 12:31 PM
#22
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Hi Kevin,
you've got a great itinerary there and good input, just don't be upset if you get too worn out and don't get it all done. Maybe if you skip Ostia Antica and leave yourselves a free day to catch up on all that you weren't able to squeeze in, you'll have more fun and enjoy your touring. Please don't clock yourselves, Rome is not a city for tight schedules! Have fun with the gelato, the people watching, the wandering.
Enjoy!
you've got a great itinerary there and good input, just don't be upset if you get too worn out and don't get it all done. Maybe if you skip Ostia Antica and leave yourselves a free day to catch up on all that you weren't able to squeeze in, you'll have more fun and enjoy your touring. Please don't clock yourselves, Rome is not a city for tight schedules! Have fun with the gelato, the people watching, the wandering.
Enjoy!
Feb 6th, 2009, 01:30 PM
#23
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Hi all,
I suppose as with most folks, we have an itinerary for Rome, but not much of it is carved in stone. We live a harried life in Canada, so it may be nice to do jack s__t for 8 days. Much of what we have "planned" may turn into gelato days, the sipping of red wine and eating some great cheese and bread. We don't want to go in blind, so we've made a plan. However, to reiterate, we're pretty easy.
My wife and I have travelled extensively (myself as a skier...Kitzbuhel, Zermatt, Cervinia, Chamonix, Western Canada, Colorado, Utah, blah, blah, blah...these were in the days of singlehood before I ruined my life and got married, lol. And my wife was raised a brat of a Canadian diplomat who lived in France, Hungary, Egypt and several locales in the USA.
This has had a profound effect on us for the good, so we decided that for each of our...gulp...5 kids, we'd let them choose an educational trip for becoming a teenager. Our son is the first to reach this milestone, so he chose Rome. This is our way of trying to steer them/bribe them into higher education, as opposed to rotting their little brains on MSN Messenger or becoming gangbangers.
So, I guess what I'm trying to say is that this is his trip. He's our guide. The itinerary is HIS from parent mandated internet research and book research. Nothing in life is free my son!
Alas, we'll go with the flow. If it turns into aimless wandering whilst admiring all things along the way, so be it. I'm rather hoping to spend a fair bit of time shopping for fresh fruit, bread, wine and cheese!
Cheers!
Kevin.
I suppose as with most folks, we have an itinerary for Rome, but not much of it is carved in stone. We live a harried life in Canada, so it may be nice to do jack s__t for 8 days. Much of what we have "planned" may turn into gelato days, the sipping of red wine and eating some great cheese and bread. We don't want to go in blind, so we've made a plan. However, to reiterate, we're pretty easy.
My wife and I have travelled extensively (myself as a skier...Kitzbuhel, Zermatt, Cervinia, Chamonix, Western Canada, Colorado, Utah, blah, blah, blah...these were in the days of singlehood before I ruined my life and got married, lol. And my wife was raised a brat of a Canadian diplomat who lived in France, Hungary, Egypt and several locales in the USA.
This has had a profound effect on us for the good, so we decided that for each of our...gulp...5 kids, we'd let them choose an educational trip for becoming a teenager. Our son is the first to reach this milestone, so he chose Rome. This is our way of trying to steer them/bribe them into higher education, as opposed to rotting their little brains on MSN Messenger or becoming gangbangers.
So, I guess what I'm trying to say is that this is his trip. He's our guide. The itinerary is HIS from parent mandated internet research and book research. Nothing in life is free my son!
Alas, we'll go with the flow. If it turns into aimless wandering whilst admiring all things along the way, so be it. I'm rather hoping to spend a fair bit of time shopping for fresh fruit, bread, wine and cheese!
Cheers!
Kevin.
Feb 6th, 2009, 02:01 PM
#24
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Bravo! It all sounds great, whether you get everywhere you've mentioned or not.
Try to fit in a market. The best known and most central (and most touristy) is the one in Campo de' Fiori; there's also one in Piazza San Calisto in Trastevere. Possibly the most "genuine" one is in Piazza Testaccio. They're open in the morning, until about 1:00 pm, except on Sunday.
If you love red wine, you'll find it in Italy, but be aware that the local red wine - the one that you will likely be served in a carafe in a trattoria - is less than stellar. You'll generally do better with a white wine, but if you want to have red, I'd suggest you order a bottled wine.
I see many mentions of cheese, but if you're not a vegetarian, do indulge in some of the "salumi", hams and sausages. If you're in Testaccio while they're open (Monday to Saturday, 8 am to 2 pm and 5 pm to 8:15 pm, go to Volpetti at Via Marmorata 47 for Rome's best selection of cheeses and salumi. They give free tastes - within limits, of course.
Try to fit in a market. The best known and most central (and most touristy) is the one in Campo de' Fiori; there's also one in Piazza San Calisto in Trastevere. Possibly the most "genuine" one is in Piazza Testaccio. They're open in the morning, until about 1:00 pm, except on Sunday.
If you love red wine, you'll find it in Italy, but be aware that the local red wine - the one that you will likely be served in a carafe in a trattoria - is less than stellar. You'll generally do better with a white wine, but if you want to have red, I'd suggest you order a bottled wine.
I see many mentions of cheese, but if you're not a vegetarian, do indulge in some of the "salumi", hams and sausages. If you're in Testaccio while they're open (Monday to Saturday, 8 am to 2 pm and 5 pm to 8:15 pm, go to Volpetti at Via Marmorata 47 for Rome's best selection of cheeses and salumi. They give free tastes - within limits, of course.
Feb 7th, 2009, 04:27 AM
#26
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Another vote for picking either Ostia Antica or Pompeii but not trying to do both with only six days in Rome. I would recommend Ostia Antica because of the long travel time to Pompeii.
We visited Rome with our 16 year old son two years ago in late Feb/early March. This was our son's pick and we all thoroughly enjoyed the trip. My husband and I had both been to Rome before but this was a longer stay and we really fell in love with the city for the first time
Since you (and/or your son?) seem to be very interested in ancient Roman sites, I would suggest visiting the Palatine as well as the Forum and Colosseum. At the very least, go up to the area near the Forum (entrance is included with your ticket there) for the view of the Forum from the Farnese gardens and to see the Huts of Romulus.
The Via Appia Antica with the catacombs is also interesting. There is an archeo bus run by the tourist office that goes out to that area than on to the aqueducts. I also thought that the Baths of Caracalla were fascinating but have to admit that our son was less interested in them than in the other ancient Roman sites I have mentioned. Overall, he preferred the outdoor areas and architecture to art museums and churches.
When you visit Trastevere, Isola Tiberina, the Ghetto, etc. you might want to consider starting by taking a taxi from your hotel to the top of the Janiculum then walking downhill to Trastevere (you come out behind Santa Maria in T and see the Tempietto en route). The view from the top of the hill is spectacular.
On the day you visit the Pantheon and P. Navona or the day you do Trastevere and the Ghetto, I would recommend stopping at the cat sanctuary at the Area Sacra dell'Argentina
When you go to the Spanish Steps, etc I would start at Piazza del Popolo. Above it in the Pincio Gardens is another great panaoramic view of the city.
When we visited Rome we had wonderful spring-like weather and almost no rain so we were able to walk and walk and walk. We were very lucky and our itinerary would have been different in bad weather.
We visited Rome with our 16 year old son two years ago in late Feb/early March. This was our son's pick and we all thoroughly enjoyed the trip. My husband and I had both been to Rome before but this was a longer stay and we really fell in love with the city for the first time
Since you (and/or your son?) seem to be very interested in ancient Roman sites, I would suggest visiting the Palatine as well as the Forum and Colosseum. At the very least, go up to the area near the Forum (entrance is included with your ticket there) for the view of the Forum from the Farnese gardens and to see the Huts of Romulus.
The Via Appia Antica with the catacombs is also interesting. There is an archeo bus run by the tourist office that goes out to that area than on to the aqueducts. I also thought that the Baths of Caracalla were fascinating but have to admit that our son was less interested in them than in the other ancient Roman sites I have mentioned. Overall, he preferred the outdoor areas and architecture to art museums and churches.
When you visit Trastevere, Isola Tiberina, the Ghetto, etc. you might want to consider starting by taking a taxi from your hotel to the top of the Janiculum then walking downhill to Trastevere (you come out behind Santa Maria in T and see the Tempietto en route). The view from the top of the hill is spectacular.
On the day you visit the Pantheon and P. Navona or the day you do Trastevere and the Ghetto, I would recommend stopping at the cat sanctuary at the Area Sacra dell'Argentina
When you go to the Spanish Steps, etc I would start at Piazza del Popolo. Above it in the Pincio Gardens is another great panaoramic view of the city.
When we visited Rome we had wonderful spring-like weather and almost no rain so we were able to walk and walk and walk. We were very lucky and our itinerary would have been different in bad weather.
Feb 7th, 2009, 06:20 AM
#28
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A big thank you to all who participated in this thread. I think we've got things as well "planned" as possible.
A special thanks goes out to those who gave really specific advice on things such as Castel Sant'Angelo being closed Mondays, the most genuine market being at Piazza Testaccio, Volpetti deli location, the cat sanctuary (we all love cats), where to begin our days and that the red wine sucks out of the caraffe!
I hope to begin our blog on Sat Feb 21 and write daily until the 27th. I'll post under Europe/Rome/Italy and give it a creative name like Kevin's Rome blog!
I would now love to start a new thread and ask for specific advice on the best places to eat in Rome and where to buy the best wines, cheeses, breads, meats, etc. We're going to be eating all of our meals out, so we look forward to hearing about some yummy spots to chow down!
We want to do one kick butt, fancy, delicious meal at a top notch restaurant as a treat...100 euros??,
but the rest of the time, we'd love to eat authentic, delicious, reasonably priced fare. If you can get us off the beaten path to some hidden gems, that would be wonderful!
I'll start my new thread now and look forward to hearing from all of you. Thanks again for the advice!
Cheers!
Kevin.
A special thanks goes out to those who gave really specific advice on things such as Castel Sant'Angelo being closed Mondays, the most genuine market being at Piazza Testaccio, Volpetti deli location, the cat sanctuary (we all love cats), where to begin our days and that the red wine sucks out of the caraffe!
I hope to begin our blog on Sat Feb 21 and write daily until the 27th. I'll post under Europe/Rome/Italy and give it a creative name like Kevin's Rome blog!
I would now love to start a new thread and ask for specific advice on the best places to eat in Rome and where to buy the best wines, cheeses, breads, meats, etc. We're going to be eating all of our meals out, so we look forward to hearing about some yummy spots to chow down!
We want to do one kick butt, fancy, delicious meal at a top notch restaurant as a treat...100 euros??,
but the rest of the time, we'd love to eat authentic, delicious, reasonably priced fare. If you can get us off the beaten path to some hidden gems, that would be wonderful!
I'll start my new thread now and look forward to hearing from all of you. Thanks again for the advice!
Cheers!
Kevin.
Feb 7th, 2009, 07:58 AM
#29
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Kevin, it might be best if you just keep adding to this thread. The reason being, that it will pop up as a fresh post for all the people who have already written on it, and they can answer your additional quesitons.
So glad you had your son plan the itinerary. That is the way to go.
So glad you had your son plan the itinerary. That is the way to go.
Feb 7th, 2009, 12:46 PM
#31
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5alive...oops, too late...already started a new thread under Europe forum/Italy titled "Kevin1967 looking for advice on Rome restaurants".
michele_d...steal away. We've done lots of research and have had great advice from fellow Fodorites!
Cheers!
Kevin.
michele_d...steal away. We've done lots of research and have had great advice from fellow Fodorites!
Cheers!
Kevin.
Feb 9th, 2009, 09:31 AM
#32
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I'd do the Capuchin church on Via Veneto the day you go to Spanish Steps. same area...It is a great place... I lived in Rome 18 years.
re Trip to Pompei - better to take bus tour - Appian Line (Grey Line) you will not be wasting time getting from Station to Pompei etc. You need a guide. Enjoy. Buon viaggio.
re Trip to Pompei - better to take bus tour - Appian Line (Grey Line) you will not be wasting time getting from Station to Pompei etc. You need a guide. Enjoy. Buon viaggio.
Feb 9th, 2009, 03:19 PM
#33
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I think San Clemente is one of the more interesting churches in Rome; you start at the ground level in a lovely small church with beautiful mosaics, and then descend below the church where a pre-Christian altar to the god Mithra (as I recall!) still remains. Drippy water sounds and cool spooky atmosphere.
Not far from San Clemente is the church of Sta Maria in Cosmedin, where, if you or your wife ever saw "Roman Holiday" you can stick your hands into the Mouth of Truth. Goofy but fun if you are a fan of that great movie.
For good salads and pastas that won't break the bank, try one of the Insalata Ricca restaurants; I think one is near Piazza Navona and/or Campo di Fiori.
Pizza by the slice is a decent quick lunch, too.
Great gelato (gelati, I guess) all over, but a famous and GOOD place is San Crispino near the Trevi fountain. I can still taste the fresh pear and honey...a convenient stop after you throw the required coins into the Trevi fountain.
Yes on the cat sanctuary. Good photos ops, and the cats are fed at least, so seem as content as cats living in a ruin can be!
Not far from San Clemente is the church of Sta Maria in Cosmedin, where, if you or your wife ever saw "Roman Holiday" you can stick your hands into the Mouth of Truth. Goofy but fun if you are a fan of that great movie.
For good salads and pastas that won't break the bank, try one of the Insalata Ricca restaurants; I think one is near Piazza Navona and/or Campo di Fiori.
Pizza by the slice is a decent quick lunch, too.
Great gelato (gelati, I guess) all over, but a famous and GOOD place is San Crispino near the Trevi fountain. I can still taste the fresh pear and honey...a convenient stop after you throw the required coins into the Trevi fountain.
Yes on the cat sanctuary. Good photos ops, and the cats are fed at least, so seem as content as cats living in a ruin can be!
