I just wanted to get some opinions on my Rome itinerary. My wife and I will arrive on a Sat. a.m. We are staying at the Casa di Santa Brigida on Piazza Farnese. My basic plan is to dump the bags upon arrival, freshen up a bit, and head out on foot. I am planning on setting up a guided tour of the Ancient City on the first day, so we can enjoy the sights without having to think too much while fighting jet lag. Then, perhaps a one hour nap once our room is available, and then heading out for a stroll, perhaps in/from Trastevere to the Pantheon area and then finding a restaurant (or just strolling in Trastevere...doesn't really matter).

Sunday would be another strolling day, with visits to the Borghese and National Museum. Insert assorted cappuccinos, cafes, and gelato stops.

Monday would be Vatican Day. I may have an inside track here as my cousin is a priest who finished his seminary time at the Vatican, and is attempting to find some old connections to give us a little extra look. If that happens, we will truly be blessed!

We are early 30s, fit, and don't mind walking and are foodies as well. Any opinions on this or tips on restaurants (nothing too expensive...anything over 60E for the two of us and we will waffle!) or other things to do will be much appreciated. This forum has already given me many good tips (probably too many) on our other sections of our trip in Switzerland, and reading other threads is invaluable as well. Thanks in advance!

top...there's got to be some opinions!!!

topping this for all the worktime Fodorites.....

Sounds just fine..but you might want to make sure that you have reserved your time slot at Villa Borghese as only about 350 people are allowed in at one time and then just for 2 hours. You can do this online and pick up your tickets on the day , about 30 minutes in advance

Second Jody's advice-
booking for the Borghese essential, esp. for the sunday!

There is a site
www.battellidiroma.it
they do boat "tours" on the Tevere.
that could be alot of fun.
Plus I think there is a boat that goes up and down ,similar to Venice's vapporetto .

Rome is such a fUN city, a
You will have a great time

Thanks for the input. Will look into the boats. Also will definitely book the Borghese in advance (i.e. this week!).

The itinerary sounds great. You're also in a great location - central yet quiet at the same time. Dar Pallaro, where you eat what you're given. In our case, 3 full courses, including proscuitto, lentils, chopped tomatoes and olive oil, bread, mozzarella cheese, pasta in a light tomato and cheese sauce, roasted pork, homemade potato chips, sauteed zucchini, fresh peaches, lemon tart, mineral water and wine - all for 20 E a person. Dar Pallaro is about a 5 minute walk from your hotel - just west of Campo di Fiori. Another good choice is Tratattoria Di Luigi's on Vittorio Emmanuel a few blocks east of Campo di Fiori. The best gelato in your neighborhood is on the north side of Vittorio Emmanuel just before you hit the bridge (forgot the name) - again about 5 minutes. Just wander your neighborhood as well as the area to the west of Piazza Navona and take note of the menus - if you like it make a reservastion on the spot. There are hundreds of choices within a 15 minute walk. For a souvenier, consider the small wine/oil/artisan dried pasta shop on Via Giulia a few blocks before you hit the Tiber: the selection is the extremely well chosen and the english speaking shop keeper will ensure you get just what's right for you. Again, less than 5 min. walk. Have fun!

Thanks for the suggestions. I have a question: how long is sufficient to expect walking tour providers to respond to an e-mail? I have mailed to Scala Reale, Enjoy Rome, Rome Odyssey, and Rome Walks two days ago, and haven't heard from any of them? Is this normal, or am I just being impatient?!?

Normal. 4-7 days is typical.