Itinerary for 3 days in Italy and is Rome safe ???
 

Hello Friends,

I wish to visit Italy (June 2016) ( 4 people).

I wish to see the following :
Rome : Colosseum, Trevy Fountain, Piaza Venezia, Pantheron
Venice : Gondola Ride, St Mark square
Pisa :Leaning Tower

I am somehow desperate to visit Pisa if i visit Italy. I have been reading that Rome is a very un-safe place with scams by taxis and unfair business with people who are tourists in Rome which is bringing me into doubt in my mind whether i should actually visit Rome and take the risk , especially considering that my parents are senior citizens and any un-wanted incident will be creating a difficult situation for them as well as me. Ofcourse all big cities have some problems of scam with tourists but, maybe a lot has been written on Rome . Also, since I am visiting with parents and i feel Venice (although comparatively safe) is too romantic a place? I am a first time traveller and planning short trip to London, Paris, Zurich and then (Rome/Venice) if its safe...

My questions are :
1- How to travel from Rome Airport to Hotel and how to manage the travel to 3-4 spots i have mentioned in a safe way ?
2- Where to stay in Rome ?
3- How to avoid a tourist scam Italy ?

Stick to three days in Rome rather than rushing aboutto three different cities in as many days, if your heading is correct. There is no reason to worry about tourist scams unless you are looking for deals outside the normal venues. Pickpockets may be the biggest worries.

only 3 days in Italy?

In that case you really have only time to visit one place - Venice OR Rome, OR Pisa [or possible Florence from where it is possible to visit Pisa by train on a day trip]

Rome is not particularly dangerous, so long as you are sensible - use official taxis, don't walk around waving loads of cash about, or leave handbags dangling over the back of chairs - but 3 days is a very short time to see it. you can get a cab or book a car service to get from the airport to your hotel, and all of the places you list except the Colosseum will not take very long to see. but there is loads more to do and see there - St Peter's Basilica, Castel San Angelo, the Borghese Gallery - to name but a few.

Where will you be coming from and going to?

Do you really only have three days in Italy (as your message title suggests?) If so, you do not have time for Rome and Venice and Pisa. I would pick either Venice or Rome and leave Pisa for another time. However, if Pisa is a priority you could travel instead to Florence and take a day trip from there. There is plenty to keep you occupied in Florence for 2-3 days.

Many families travel to Venice. I am not sure why you think it would be "too romantic" to visit with your parents.

Yes, you do have to be somewhat careful with travel in Rome (but also in Venice and Florence.) However, with paying attention to your belongings and perhaps using a money belt, most people have no difficulties in Rome. If you are concerned, you can always sign up for a tour with a travel agent and most of the details will be taken care of for you.

Where does it say he only has 3 days in Italy?

Rome is full of scammers and other thieves.
Paris is full of pickpocters and 'petition' girls.
Both cities are dirty and full of dogpoo (no, wait this is for Paris).
Venice is full of scams too, lots of Africans selling fake purses and such.
London of course is ok, they speak english there.
Zurich is ok for tourists, crimes are happening behind the doors of the banks.

US on the other hand is full of crazy snipers, shooters who roam all schools. Oh, and all US are druggies starving to get some pornographic material.

Belgium (my country) is of course full of paedophiles.

Bottom line : you are going to step out of your confort zone if you go to Europe, but guess what, we are several hundreds of millions living here and we don't have to fight everyday to keep our belongings. And neither do you have to shoot people everyday to stay alive.

Look at trip report called 'Rome, really ???

If you consider that you are only safe in 'clean US' just stay home. If you want to see something else, go.

To avoid scams, just don't be follish, take official taxis, be wary of people coming to sell you this or that and make you the best bargain of the year.
Don't walk with wads of money sticking out of every pocket and use credit cards instead.

What's all the fuss about Rome? Chaotic, dirty, dangerous, crowded.
Two years ago I spend nine days in the city, and I can't remember any of those things. Yes, crowded at some places, but that's all. A little bit streetwise and you'll be fine.

NewbE, three days is mentioned in the thread title.

pariswat, I'm not sure the OP is from the U.S. or will understand the tone/intent of your comments.

sourabh1986, assuming you have only 3 days, I agree with others that you should visit Rome or Venice or Florence/Pisa and not try to get to all 3 (or even 2) of these destinations. I don't think Rome is unsafe, but wherever you travel in the world you need to use good judgment and stay alert.

You simply cannot see Rome, Venice, and Pisa in 3 days. And it's hard to imagine why you are "desperate" to see Pisa. It's a nice enough town, but the tower, if that's what is drawing you there, is these days nothing more than a tourist gimmick.

Rome isn't unsafe. It's easy enough to avoid scams in any city, Rome included. Just don't be foolish and keep your valuables secured, as you would anywhere.

At any rate, with only 3 days in Italy, you need to stay put in one place. You don't have the time it would take to travel to the other places, get oriented, unpack, eat, etc.

'What's all the fuss about Rome?'

Trendy... but I don't think it is about Rome, it is about people visiting it.
Like when you see a splendid young woman, smart, fun and everybody tells you she is too this or that for you..
So what do you do ? stay seated or go and ask her for a dance ?
Well, as far as I'm concerned, I went and I ended up marrying her. Up to you to stay riveted to your seat.

We do the same when traveling... either in Rome, La Habana or Chicago.

>>Where does it say he only has 3 days in Italy?<<

>>Itinerary for <B>3 days in Italy</B> and is Rome safe ???<<

sourabh1986: What you want to see/do can't be done in 3 days. I fear the rest of your trip (including London, Paris and Zurich) may also be unrealistic. How many days are you in Europe all together? To see London, Paris, Zurich, Pisa, Rome and Venice would require about 3 full weeks on the ground.

I know pariswat was trying to be clever in making a point about European cities. But this not the time and place with a very apprehensive poster. I just hope that sourbh1986 hung around long enough to read the whole posting and recognize the satire.

Over the past several years we have spent close to a month in Rome and never had any problems except for too much wine and food. We have never seen a pickpocket and don't think that we have been close to one either. We use the usual precautions - money belts faithfully, min extra bags, dress appropriately, and try to act like we know where we are going even when lost. Were approached once by the "leather jacket guy" but just keep walking. I know we passed up a great deal but I had bought one earlier. We are in our 70s but hopefully do not look it.

I often have more concerns on the subway in New York and Time Sq than I do in Rome.

Got carried away on the safety issue. To specifically answer your questions --

.....1. How to travel from Rome Airport to Hotel and how to manage the travel to 3-4 spots i have mentioned in a safe way?

For three people use a taxi from the airport. It is a fixed rate of 48E to the city center. No opportunity for a scam. Within the city, walking is best, and distances are relatively short. Again, for longer distances, use a taxi. Use the train to travel within Italy. You can purchase deep discount tickets online if you know you schedule and can stick to it. Discounted tickets are basically no change, no refund. Second class on Italian trans is fine.

.....2- Where to stay in Rome ?.....

We generally stay in the Termini area - Hotel Sonya, Aberdeen and sometimes Contilla for a quick overnight. I would push Sonya across from the Opera House with a great breakfast in the morning. Aberdeen is equally good. We like the Termini area for the convenience to transit - bus, trains, trams. And some decent, non-touristy restaurants. Some don't like the Termini area because it is busier around the train station and not centrally located. We can walk to everything within an hour including the Vatican but we like to walk. But if you have some mobility issue then a more central location might be better.

Rome is safer than any large city in the US. There are a number of pickpockets around main tourist areas (but you can avoid them by being aware of your surroundings and NEVER letting go of your belongings) but overall the city is fine.

We always just take a regular taxi from the airport to our hotel. Train is possible but I am beyond the age of hauling luggage to public transit off an overnight flight.

As for taxis - use only official taxis from the airport or train station taxi line. Do not take any rogue taxis or go with people who offer to "help" you. I have been to Rome quite a few times and have taken taxis dozens of times and have never been cheated. In my experience some people don;t understand the taxi rates and think things like cost for extra luggage or premium for late night or weekend hours means the driver is cheating them. They all have official rate lists you can consult.

As for getting from city to city - unless you want to spend time in the countryside then trains are easy and inexpensive (if fast train tickets are bought in advance - often available 3 months out).

Where to stay in Rome - the historic center - which gives you walking access to most sights. For specific hotel recos you need to provide a nightly budget in $ or euros and if this is for 3 adults or what other room configuration you are looking far.

Sorry - no you can;t see al l of those places in 3 days in Italy. IMHO you need at least 3 full days (4 nights) for Rome, 2 (3 nights) for Venice. You could do Pisa on the way from R to V - leaving your luggage at the train station.

Hello to all my new friends here and all those who read and replied. :)



To janisj : (Abt My Europe Itinerary )

London : 3 days (Tower of London, River Thames, Greenwich Meridian, Big Ben, Westminster Palace, London Eye, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace , Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, Tower Bridge).
I am planning to do all these in 2 days with the Hop On Hop off buses, and keep the 3rd day just for shopping.
Question : Do-able ???

Paris : 2Days
Day 1: Louvre (4 hours max), Eiffel + Seine River cruise
Day 2 : Disneyland
I know 2 parks on Disney may be difficult in a day, but i wudnt like to spend more money on tickets for a 2nd consecutive day at Disney. Idea in Paris is just to have a flavour of the city. Thats it.
Question : Do-able ???

Switzerland : 5 Days
Day 1 : Reach Interlaken from Zurich, roam around, shopping
Day 2 : Jungfrau
Day 3 : Mount Titlis
Day 4 : Come back to Zurich , Roam around see city
Day 5 : Shopping.
Question : Do-able ???

Italy : 3 Days
Day 1 : Rome ( Colosseum, Trevy Fountain, Piaza Venezia, Pantheron) All these spots are within 7-8Km radius.
Day 2 : Train to Pisa & Back to Rome
Day 3 : Roam around + Shopping
I know there is more to see in Rome, but if i have only 3 days left in the Itinerary and i want to cover another country (Italy), i have picked these spots as i feel they attracted me. The only concern was safety in Rome. But reading all the reviews above, i feel i should try it and take necessary precautions, such as taking taxi from the airport for 48E and try to walk within the city and carry less valuables.
Question : Do-able ???


I am comming from India.

London: Not do-able. And the Hop on Hop off Bus will just eat up your time, it is not a good mode of transport. For fast, efficient transport, you want to take the Tube. Some of the things you list, I consider to be places you just see from afar: The River Thames (unless you plan do do a boat ride), The Greenwich Meridian, Big Ben, Tower Bridge are all (for me) drive-bys). I guess you could see those form the Hop on buses. The Tower of London takes some time - and is well worth it. Westminster Palace and Buckingham Palace both take some time.

Paris: You have one day in the city and a day at a theme park. (Are you traveling with children? Both Disney and Mme Tussauds in London strike me as attractions for children). You really don't have enough time to get a flavor of Paris.

You are trying to cram a lot into very little time on this trip. It will be exhausting and you won't have a sense of any of these places.

great advice above.

I wouldn't stay near Termini, hotels there are cheap for a reason, as others say nothing especially bad about Rome, head down keep going. :-)

The train ride between Rome and Pisa is 2+ hours each way, plus time to/from the train stations at both ends. If you want to climb the Leaning Tower, you should make reservations.

http://www.opapisa.it/en/plan-your-visit.html

Your sightseeing choices would not be my sightseeing choices, and I don't think you'll see as much as you hope to, but it's your trip. You may have to choose between shopping and sightseeing.

As to shopping in Zurich, bring bags of money.

one problem is that it's not clear how many nights you have where. For example - the France-Switzerland segment:

Day 1: Louvre (4 hours max), Eiffel + Seine River cruise - overnight Paris
Day 2 : Disneyland - overnight Paris
Day 3 - travel to Switzerland : - where are you staying this night - Zurich?
Day 4 : Reach Interlaken from Zurich, roam around, overnight Interlaken
Day 5 : Jungfrau - overnight Interlaken
Day 6 : Mount Titlis overnight Interlaken
Day 7 : Come back to Zurich , Roam around see city, overnight Zurich
Day 8 : Shopping, overnight Zurich

see - so far, you've got 8 nights - 2 in Paris, 3 in Interlaken, 3 in Zurich,[split into 1 and 2, very wasteful of time] and you've lost two days day travelling from Paris to Zurich and Zurich to Interlaken.

then Switzerland to Rome, you haven't allowed for time to get between the two - I would cut at least one day off Zurich, and think about taking the train from interlaken to Venice via Milan. you could then go to Pisa, spending just one night there before you travel onto Rome.

Too many places. Too little time.

For Italy between Rome and Venice you would take a train. Pisa is nearest Florence, not Rome or Venice. Venice is a fantastic city, nothing "too romantic" about it.

The key here is that the OP's parents are senior citizens. Depending on their agility, too much travel can be overtiring and even cause aches and pains where none were at the beginning of the trip.

Less is more and you want this trip to be a happy one, not a hectic one.

ok, if your query is Paris onwards and related to place of Night stay, here is my plan :
Day 1: overnight Paris
Day 2 : overnight Paris
Day 3 - travel to Switzerland ; overnight Interlaken
Day 4 : Jungfrau - overnight Interlaken
Day 5 : Mount Titlis - overnight Interlaken
Day 6 : Come back to Zurich , Roam around see city, overnight Zurich
Day 7 : Shopping, overnight Zurich

Paris to Zurich by Flight : 1 Hour
Zurich to Interlaken : By Train 2.5 hours
I have to return back to Zurich since all major international departures are from Zurich. Also i am planning Zurich to Rome by flight...
So overall train travel time loss wouldnt be too much i guess.

Comming from India, any trip to Europe is very expensive, its almost like.. "ok going now, dont know when i will go next".. Hence i understand the concern on cramming up but also i feel coverage is important.

Right now, i have reduced to 6-7 cities in 12 days. My initial plan was 7-8 countries (let alone cities).

Initial Plan (2 months back) : (12 day Itinerary)
Places desired to cover :
Spain - Barcelona, Madrid, Sevilla
Netherlands - Amsterdam
Italy - Rome, Venice, Milan, Pisa
France - Paris
Switzerland - Zurich, Interlaken, Swiss Alps, Zungfrau
London (3 days at the end)


Plan Now : (13 day Itinerary)
Places desired to cover :
London : 3 days (Tower of London, River Thames, Greenwich Meridian, Big Ben, Westminster Palace, London Eye, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace , Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, Tower Bridge).
Paris : 2Days
Day 1: Louvre (4 hours max), Eiffel + Seine River cruise
Day 2 : Disneyland
Switzerland : 5 Days
Day 1 : Reach Interlaken from Zurich, roam around
Day 2 : Jungfrau
Day 3 : Mount Titlis
Day 4 : Come back to Zurich , Roam around see city
Day 5 : Shopping.
Italy : 3 Days
Day 1 : Rome ( Colosseum, Trevy Fountain, Piaza Venezia, Pantheron) All these spots are within 7-8Km radius.
Day 2 : Train to Pisa & Back to Rome
Day 3 : Roam around + Shopping


Nevertheless, i believe i am improving my plan and also knowing more by every input from all friends here :)
Pls suggest me, how i can further improve my itinerary. :)

Well you "initial plan" was not really possible (14 places in only 12 days!), so I would move on and not necessarily refer back to that idea.

I'm sorry you're dropping Venice, only because it's one of my favorite places. I think there's a lot more of interest there than taking a day to see the tower of Pisa from Rome.

I think you "Plan Now" can probably be done, but you are still moving yourself (and your parents) around at a very fast pace, covering a lot of ground in a short period of time.

you still haven't included your travel - you need to put realistic travel times into your itinerary like this:

London :
Day 1- 3 days (Tower of London, River Thames, Greenwich Meridian, Big Ben, Westminster Palace, London Eye, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace , Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, Tower Bridge).
Day 4 - travel to Paris : 2Days [= 3 nights]
Day 5 : Louvre (4 hours max), Eiffel + Seine River cruise
Day 6 : Disneyland
Day 7 : travel to Switzerland : 5 Days [= 6 nights]
Day 8 : Reach Interlaken from Zurich, roam around
Day 9 : Jungfrau
Day 10 : Mount Titlis
Day 11 : Come back to Zurich , Roam around see city
Day 12 : Shopping.
Day 13 : travel to Italy : 3 Days [= 4 nights]
Day 14 : Rome ( Colosseum, Trevy Fountain, Piaza Venezia, Pantheron) All these spots are within 7-8Km radius.
Day 15 : Train to Pisa & Back to Rome
Day 16 : Roam around + Shopping
Day 17 : go home

Is that what you intend? - because you only have 13 days.

Yes - travel from India is expensive. We understand that and that is one of the reasons we are trying so hard to help you.

IMO it would be a HUGE waste of your precious time and money to dash around like that.

A couple of comments -- the Switzerland part of your trip is fine. It wouldn't be my choice personally but there is nothing wrong with it.

But the rest is not good. In London -- please don't waste your time at Mme. Tussaud's when there are so many wonderful sites you are missing. And you really have not enough tome in London since the first day+ at least some of you will be jet lagged.

Paris -- not good at all 2 nights = 1.5 days. Barely worth the time/trouble to move hotels and unpack/.

>><i>Paris to Zurich by Flight : 1 Hour
Zurich to Interlaken : By Train 2.5 hours</i><<

That is the time ON the plane or train . . . It does not take into consideration the time it takes to get to/from the airports/train stations. Nor the packing/unpacking and getting acclimated. Whether you fly or take the train it will eat up a good portion of the day

And Rome -- similar to Paris - less than 2.5 days for Rome + Pisa and getting back to Zurich.

Just a LOT of dashing about IMO . . .

ok guys. i am taking notes from your comments. The best that i can do now is just "KILL ROME". and eat those 3 days in London and Paris.

If thats what would make it a good itinerary, i have to start thinking on those lines also... :) :( :)

No i have to close all this inside 2 weeks max. So yes, there is a time limitation also.

With your 2 weeks London, Paris and a few days in Switzerland would be great . . .

You are assuming as well that the weather will co=operate and you can do Jungfraujoch, on the day you plan. I would not go to Titlis from Interlaken, if you have managed to go to Jungfraujoch then forget Titlis if not and the weather is good then take the train via the Brunig Pass to Lucerne and if possible spend a night there and go to Titlis about 45 minutes to Engleberg and then cable car from Lucerne and return to Zurich from there. Interlaken to Lucerne via Meiringen, the Brinig Pass, takes 2 hours and theweather can change rapidly in that time so you need to be closer to Lucerne.

As a londoner your London programme is far too crowded some of the sights are walk past sites. If by the Westminster Palace you mean the Houses of Parliament unless you have booked a tour you .will have to queue for the public gallery which will take time. otherwise you can walk past it and Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower) the same goes for Buckingham Palace apart from the Picture Gallery and the Royal Mews unless you are in London In July and August.