Just back from Rome!
 

Just returned from a lovely visit to Rome with my husband, I appreciate all of the information I gathered from here before we left. Any questions for me?

Hi Irena--we go next week; what's the best thing you did? what would you have done differently? <BR> <BR>Any specific tips on the Vatican--it sounds crowded these days. . . <BR> <BR>Thanks! <BR> <BR>Mary <BR> <BR>P. S. Got a restaurant to recommend?

Hope you had a great time. just a couple of questions...... Was it crowded? Did you take a tour of the Vatican? if so which one? What is the easiest and safest way to get around to see everything? also any good restraunts? Were you suprised by anything? thanks for any information.

Irena--were any of the fountains being repaired and not working? <BR>thanks

Hi Irena--sending this back to the top--we're looking for you! <BR> <BR>Thanks, <BR> <BR>Mary

hi Irena, lots of questions from 5 women who will be travelling to italy in sept! can you tell us of great restaurants and perhaps hotel info.also if there were any special jubilee festivities you attended. thanks much.. please email.

For anyone who loves gardens, take a bus ride out to Tivoli from Roma. It's a short side trip and has the most beautiful gardens, don't forget to bring your camera!

Hi Irena. Cruising Mediterranean in May with a land tour in Rome first.Will have 2-3 days there & want a conveniently located upscale hotel. Any suggestions? Also need advise on restaurants,shopping,shopping and shopping. Would love to go to the flea market but understand it is only on Sunday & wont be there that day. Do you know of any other similar market? What sites are absolutely must sees? Are taxis the best transportation? Hubby & I need the least wear & tear on bodies and still see as much as possible. Again, hotel is my main concern. Thanks for any help.

There is soooo much information on the 'net it is difficult to separate all. Do you have any "killer" or "don't miss" suggestions? <BR>We will be in Rome Easter week. I expect huge crowds. <BR>Thank you, <BR>Richard

one last attempt to catch Irena's attention. . .

And here's yet another attempt to get Irena's attention by sending this to the top. Or maybe someone else can answer some of these questions.

Hi All, sorry for my late response but I've been upstate for a funeral :-( <BR> <BR>Rome was VERY crowded, no matter where we went. The best place to find some quiet was to go to the Villa Borgese with a picnic lunch. Beautiful and relaxing! <BR> <BR>As far as getting around, we bought a metro pass the first day, good for one week. It enabled us to use the bus or subway as much as we wanted, without the hassle of always buying a ticket. It was about $12/ person and well worth it. <BR> <BR>The best part of the trip was having dinner with our friends who live in Rome, at a family place in Trastevere. Take a cab to Trastevere and walk until you find a place you can't resist, there were many tempting traditional restaurants here. <BR> <BR>As far as the Vatican, go early. I cannot stress this enough. Have your hotel concierge check hours for the Vatican Museum for the day you want to go, just to be sure. <BR> <BR>I was surprised by the liberal use of cell phones everywhere! I was prepared for the cigarette smoke everywhere but I think that cell phones may be replacing cigarettes in popularity! I am not complaining here, just an observation. <BR> <BR>I regret that we did not take our video camera. I always travel light and resisted taking it just out of fear of bulk and possible theft. I missed some great memories, next time it goes! <BR> <BR>There are Jubilee volunteers surrounding each church, they are great for information. The city seems well organized for this special year. They are handing out free newspapers with current Jubilee activities. <BR> <BR>We attended mass at Santa Maria Maggiore, simply beautiful. We opted for the Italian but they also offer an English mass. This church was a great surprise to us, really quite impressive and underrated. <BR> <BR>All fountains were working! <BR> <BR>Upscale hotel- look for something on Via Veneto. I'll get more specific after I get organized here, I haven't even unpacked yet ;-) <BR> <BR>Killer or don't miss suggestions would be the view from the dome of St. Peter's (prepare yourself for a claustophobic climb--well worth it,) lunch on piazza Navona (okay it may be touristy but still quite entertaining, excellent people watching!) <BR> <BR>I'll write more when I better collect my thoughts, just wanted you all to know that I am back, sorry again for the delay.... <BR> <BR>Irena

Irena--didn't mean to bug you--sorry to hear you had to go to a funeral; thanks for the tips--they are much appreciated. <BR> <BR>Mary