Just Going To Rome-Are We Making A Mistake?
 

My husband and I are going to Italy in September for 9 days and are planning in staying in Rome the entire time. We will be taking a day trip to Naples and Pompeii, but I'm wondering if we will regret not seeing more of Italy on our trip. This will be our first trip to Europe-hopefully first of many (we're both only 23 and hope to do a lot of traveling in our lives), but realistically who knows. This could be our only one. I've planned out what we will be doing on our trip and I don't see how we would have time to see all of the things that we want to in Rome in less days. We want to be able to have pretty relaxed days-seeing a few things each day and spend a lot of time just wandering/relaxing. Please tell me what you think. Have many of you done the same thing?

I think you would regret it. Although you could probably find enough in Rome to keep you busy why not visit at least one other spot? I suggest splitting your time between Rome and Amalfi Coast or between Rome and Tuscany.

There is plenty to do in Rome - with 2 or 3 day trips, 9 days is not excessive. However, if it were my first trip to Europe, I would split my time - perhaps 5 days in Rome and 4 days in Venice or 5 days in Rome and 4 in Florence with day trips to the Tuscan countryside. September is the perfect time to go and if you visit a couple of places, you will get a better idea of where you want to return.

For me, personally, four days would be the max I'd spend in Rome. It IS an amazing city with lots to do and see, but once I'm in Italy, I want to see more than just one city! I'd consider taking a few days to visit Florence/Siena, or maybe going down the Amalfi Coast. These places just take a few hours to reach by train.

Keep in mind that Rome is a big, bustling, sometimes dirty place, and that can get wearying after awhile... I remember how blessedly serene and peaceful Assisi felt to me after three days in Rome. (Assisi is also well, well worth visiting! The views, the medieval archiecture...)

That's my two cents!

I think this is a question that nobody can answer for you. There's really not a right or wrong answer here.

Everybody has a different "style" as far as how much moving around they like to do from place to place on a trip, so you'll get lots of different opinions on this.

My own feeling is that the more I travel, the more I like the idea of staying in one place and getting to know it better instead of moving around all the time and just getting an overview of each place.

It helps to know that you're going to come back, and that you'll see someplace different the next time.

So, personally, I don't think that you're making a mistake. There's plenty to see in Rome for nine days, especially with a side trip to Naples and Pompeii. Having nine days will allow you to relax and enjoy yourselves and not feel like you're rushing through it.

I'm sure that lots of people will disagree with me, though!

I agree with the above poster; it's really up to you. I personally love Rome and could spend weeks there. That said, I've always paired it with at least an overnight in Assisi.

Did I mention that I love Assisi?

Personally - (This is just me) I did not like rome as much as Florence and the Tuscany area (The only 2 places I have been in italy)

Rome is cool, but italy has SO much to offer. 9 days is way to long in rome IMO. 4 nights should be enough time to see some things and enjoy a little culture as well. Since you were planning a day trip to naples, why not spend 4-5 days on the amalfi coast as well. (Capri,positano,sorrento,amalfi,etc) Alough I have never been, many people rave about it

My sister and I went to Rome over Easter for 10 days. It was the first trip to Italy for her, her son, and my daughter's friend. They enjoyed this approach and got a really good feeling for the city, the people, the food, the Metro and bus schedules, etc. There are still a number of attractions that I haven't see yet and it was my fourth time there. One can always go back to Rome and see more!!

While there, we did two day trips: one to Naples/Pompeii and one to Orvieto. They really enjoyed seeing Orvieto, a hill town with a most amazing Duomo. That will give you a strong desire to return (as you predict you will and I agree!) and tour Tuscany/Umbria.

On the flip side, if I were going to recommend two cities to visit on a first trip to Italy, I'd recommend Rome and Venice (even though Positano is one of my favorite places!)

Ciao . . .

Hi JL,

Nothing wrong with 9 days in Rome, with a few side trips.

My personal preference would be 5 days in Florence, with side trips, and 4 in Venice.

My fiance and I (also in our early twenties) recently went to Italy for 3 weeks. We found 4 days in Rome to be enough. I wouldn't miss out on Florence, Venice, or the Amalfi coast (pick one only) if given the chance to see one of them as well as Rome. If it were me, I would do 5 days in Rome and 4 days in Florence.

People tend to feel quite strongly for or against Rome. Personally, I think that you can easily fill nine days in Rome and still not see all that you might like to see. (And I say that after some 25 trips to Rome, on the last of which I still discovered interesting things I had never seen before.)

I would be a little concerned, though, if you are planning the trip as a "vacation." The pace in Rome can be frenetic, and you might very well need a few days away from the city and in a more relaxing environment like Tuscany.

But I do not quite understand how someone who this morning stated "I have been to Italy a number of times and have not yet seen Rome" can express a *preference* for Florence and Venice.

Why not play it by ear? If after a few days in Rome you feel you've been there long enough, pack up and go somewhere else. Drop into a travel agency and ask for help if you don't know where you'd like to go. They can help you choose and make train/hotel reservations for you. Just give your Rome hotel a day's notice.

Have a great time and don't start second-guessing yourself...there's no way to know until you get there.

I think that you can find plenty to do with 9 days in Rome, especially if you do a few sides trips. Naples and Pompeii are great! How about Orvieto or Pisa?

I agree with Marcy--it's really a matter of your personal tastes & preferences. You can easily get to Tivoli and Villa d'Este for side trips, as well as Florence. And you don't need a car--lots of places like American Express can get you on a tour of the first two, and you can take the Eurostar train to Florence and be there in an hour and a half. Since it's just the two of you, I don't think it'll be that difficult to play it by ear.

Buon Viaggio,
BC

For our first trip to Italy we were in Rome for 6 nights and didn't go anywhere else...partly because it was January otherwise I would have headed for the Amalfi Coast. We both loved Rome, and it took a few days to get past their very serious graffiti problem. Do I
wish we had gone elsewhere...yes, because we fell in love and wanted to experience more of Italy. We have a trip to Germany planned for next Fall and after that it's back to Italy.
I agree with Shellio if you can do it.
Wing it while there...if you've had enough of Rome then head elsewhere. Have a plan B before you go. Have a wonderful, wonderful time. It doesn't get any better then sipping a glass of
wine while gazing at the Pantheon! Let us know how your trip goes.

Marcy could not have said it better.

i think you are very different from most first time euro travelers here. most want to see far too much in too little time. in general i think you are taking the right approach. i agree that you will have plenty to do in rome + some day trips.

Rome is like a country in itself. italy is very diverse and no one place will give you the "real" italy. italy has such a strong identity (actually many different identities), especially for americans that it's hard to capture all the expectations in one trip.

For me, i think that tuscany was the closest thing to it. i'm not saying that it was the best but what i mean is that when i was in tuscan countryside, i said, "ahhhh, this is italy". i got no such feeling in rome, venice, CT, forence, pisa, siena, etc.

Rome is fascinating in itself. the contributions to civilisation are staggering and it is not to be missed. don't be bothered by those who don't like rome...and there are many. your day trips (or second visited area, if you so choose) should be slower paced in my opinion as hitting rome + other major cities would be too hectic.

If art and history (not to mention religion) is your thing, a lifetime in Rome wouldn't be long enough. At 23, who needs relaxation? My first trip (similar age) was limited to five days and I found myself wishing I had added two more. And that's because I love to shop in Rome. Let's face it, one trip can't encompass it all.

It's true, people either love Rome or can leave it. I love it and could easily live there. Enjoy your decision.

Hi - my first trip to Rome was 8 days - but then I went to Paris and London after. I took a lot of day trips. For your 9 days, it might be good to do an overview of Rome for 4-5 days and some other city the remaining days. One of the things about Rome is overload - it's just so much and if you don't have a history background, much of what you see you won't really appreciate. A few days and you'll come home wanting to research all you saw. That will get you more knowledge and the next trip would be more in-depth and more appreciated. I think Venice would be incredibly romantic for a young couple, but personally I'd do Venice by itself. It is mysterious, unusual, exotic, even a little scary (read Thomas Mann - Death in Venice). Florence is not my favorite city but for art - well, what can be said? Florence is art. Maybe Sorrento or some place to relax and ponder all you've seen in Rome. All that being said, the idea of not rushing through Rome - just deciding what you will see and taking time to meander side streets, stop, shop, eat, watch the world walk by -oh - that will be utterly wonderful. Just make sure you throw coins in Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to Rome. Whatever you decide, have a wonderful time. There is nothing like the first trip to Europe - take time to write down your impressions.

jlmurdo,
I think you have already answered your own questions! You took a look at what you wanted to do in Rome, and decided it could fill your trip! And it absolutely CAN-- as others have said, you could spend a lifetime going to Rome and still make wonderful new discoveries. I would be the first to tell you you MUST see Florence. Or Venice. But if you only have 9 days, I think this would be a wonderful plan. Really see Rome, and take some exploratory day trips-- since you are not moving around and changing hotels you could do 2 long day trips (and perhaps 1 shorter day trip) , and still have time to relax alot. And experience la dolce vita...instead of frenetic first-time tourist jump around pace! Sounds like you have already reached a place that many of us only reach after our first trip!

I think your plan for a day trip to Naples and Pompeii is great. It would be easy to add a cheap (by train) and comfortable daytrip to Orvieto, to see a lovely smaller Italian town with lots of history and one of Italy's best cathedrals. (Train is only 1 hr each way).

If you are feeling really hardy, you could even take an early fast train to Florence and catch a bit of that incredible city. (About 2 hours each way...but remember, you can nap on the train!) That way you will be well-prepared to plan your next trip to Florence!

Since you will be in your hotel room for 9 days, I'd try to make sure it is one you like, and one that will help you arrange your day trips. I'm not saying luxurious--just a place that feels more personal and family like (you can tell I have a favorite).

Anyway, don't let ANYONE convince you that travel is better "their way". Of course it is better their way...for them! Arrange the trip YOUR heart desires...and buon viaggio!

On one of my first trips to Europe I did just that and loved it! In order to get the real "flavor" of an area you need to have time to relax, walk and enjoy it. You settle into a hotel and get to know the local neighborhood. I prefer that to running around to more than one location.

Certainly this is a personal question and since you've not done a lot of traveling you may not even realize your own preferences yet.

Nine days is actually seven, your first day, no matter how early you arrive, and your last day, no matter how late you leave, will be a wash. Now you have five days. You've got a day trip planned, and you're left with four days. I don't think Rome can "be done" in less than that. If you travel to other cities you'll lose a great part of each day to the travel. You won't be relaxed.

On my first trip to Europe, three years ago (and after having to wait 20 more years than you!) I desperately wanted to see EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE. My daughter was finishing a year of school in London and I had two weeks. In that time we did London, Paris, Bormes in hotels, stayed with friends outside Nimes and back to London to retrieve her luggage. We were exhausted. There is so much to see and I felt cheated after getting just a taste of each place.

That said, we have neighbors who went on their first trip to Europe on one of those three week continent tours. Their schedule looked exhausting, 1-2 days in each place. They loved it!

Since that initial trip my husband and I have been to Rome twice, the first time for five days and second time for a week. I want to go back! I love Rome, I live in a rural area and the city for a week is wonderful. We enjoy architecture and ruins and history and Rome is wonderful for us. Next time we go to Italy though I'll force myself away from Rome to see more of the country.

So, my vote is just for Rome.

sorriso!
I got you on my license plate :)

jlmurdo1-
as you can see, you have gotten as many different answers as you have replies. Everyone has their own travel style.
on our first trip to italy, we spent 10 days in Rome and 9 days at beach location.My children were still a bit young and i knew they would not tolerate moving around alot.
and we have returned to rome three more times.
Obviously I am in the camp of those who feel there is never enough days in rome. :)

As others have mentioned, you can do day trips by train . and as you both are young, you will not poop out .
so, Orvieto , Florence, and as you already mentiomned ,Naples and Herculeaneum /Pompeii are choices.

Not sure if the train goes to the Abbey in Montecassino, but that was a fabulous place to visit!

whatever your decision is, I wish you buon viaggio for your first trip and I hope this is the beginning of a love affair with traveling !!

HI.. There's lots to see and do in Rome and there's enough day trips that I don't think you'll be bored or regret your trip. You can also easily get to Assisi on the train and make that a day trip along with Pompeii, Serrento and whole Amalfi coast area. It's a great city and I can't wait to get back. You could stretch it and take a very early train to Florence and spend the day there also. But, whatever, you'll love it and definitely want to see more of Italy once you're there. Have a great time. I wish I was going!!!

Ditto on the sentiments of Roma lovers. A great place and with 9 days you can pace yourselves and see the myriad of sites. I would suggest you consider an overnight or two in Sorrento, rather than doing the very long daytrip from Rome to Pompeii. Sorrento is a good base from which to see Pompeii and Naples and experience the Amalfi coast.

Thank you so much for all of your responses. It helped me to even just post the question, because I realized that I was hoping that all of you would say that we weren't making a mistake-so that should be my answer. We're so excited for our trip!!

Hi .. Have a great time. I know that you will!

Me and my girlfriend are going on a city stay trip to Rome (9 days with flights) with Go Ahead Vacations. One of the optional side trips is to Frascati with a wine-tasting.

My girlfriend isn't really in to wine, is the trip to Frascati worth the trip or should her and I use that day to go on a day trip of our own?

We'll have plenty of time to do as we please in Rome as most of the planned trips are half-day.

>But I do not quite understand how someone who this morning stated "I have been to Italy a number of times and have not yet seen Rome" can express a *preference* for Florence and Venice.<

Well, there are things called books as well as other forms of information sharing.

If one had to visit everywhere in order to determine if one wanted to go there, one could waste one's life in the wrong places.

Couldn't one? :)

As my now many trips to Italy (mostly to Rome) have taught me, there are two types of Italian visitors -- those that really prefer Florence to Rome (smaller, artier, etc.) and those for whom Rome is "IT." Florence is nice, but Rome is, well, Rome and nothing compares. After my first week in Rome (with a professional group), I returned with my husband for a second one week stay in Rome (and have been back for parts of a week since). We not only had PLENTY to do, but never came close to doing so much -- and part of what there is to do is to savor the many coiners and the wonderful ambience unlike any other city in the world, to me. We stayed near the forum, but in every corner was a new discovery. So many, endless, endless. There was a taxi strike but we didn't notice because Rome is totally walkable (in contrast with Paris) and really eternal. Rome, Rome, Rome -- venture out to Ostia or Pompeii, but a week will just scratch the service if you are like me or so many I know.

jlmurdo1,

Is there any way you could stretch the nine days to more? My feeling is that the flight over and back is a big investment, in time, money, and even discomfort, so I want as much time visiting as possible. Of course, I realize that not everyone can get the time off, especially now that both halves of a couple are employed outside the home, but I would rather, for example, take an 18 day visit every other year that a 9 day visit every year.

Another thought is that since this is your first trip, you will have a lot of learning and adjusting to do after your arrival, and I think this argues for spending all your time in Rome (with, perhaps some day-trips). This will give you time to become comfortable with things like meters and kilograms and euro, and new languages.

My final thought is that only you know what your interests are, and if you have done your research and feel that there is enough in Rome to fill, say, 7 days, then 9 days in Rome is probably right for you, because almost everyone finds some new, unplanned, things wherever they go, and you should thus leave gaps in your schedule for such events.

Enjoy your trip.

I go to Rome about once a year. Three days in Rome is all I can comfortably handle. Although I always enjoy Rome it is a very intense city, very noisy and for me it not a relaxing venue.

I would spend the 9 days by combining Rome with Tuscany or with the Amalfi Coast, or with the Italian Riviera (Positano, Santa Margherita Ligure, Rapallo etc) or with Florence / Venice.

Larry J

I am with LarryJ and a few others on this one. Since you already want to see Naples and Pompeii I would split your trip with the Amalfi. You could also split Rome with Florence/Tuscany. Would probably not split with Venice unless you did a open jaw with venice.

After having just been there and browsing the responses, I'd go with Amanda's. I missed Florence and deeply regret it.

Consider staying in Naples and visiting Pompeii one day and Ercolano (Herculaneum) the next. I preferred Ercolano to Pompeii, as it was easier to get around and architecturally amazing. Pompeii is huge and requires a full day of exploration. We stayed in a hostel in Mergellina, very clean and comfy on top of the hill just above the train station. It was an easy trip to both places via train from there and you can get a private (twin) room for real reasonable.

Probably beating a dead horse, but...

"As my now many trips to Italy (mostly to Rome) have taught me, there are two types of Italian visitors -- those that really prefer Florence to Rome (smaller, artier, etc.) and those for whom Rome is "IT." Florence is nice, but Rome is, well, Rome and nothing compares"

I couldn't agree more with the above post. The first time I went to Italy, I didn't make it to Rome and I really, really liked Florence. Second time I went to Rome and rented an apartment back where the furniture restorers are, stayed a week and rome, for me is IT. I still like Florence, love the Uffizi, the Accademia, etc., but Rome just gets my heart thumping.

I actually think a lot of that has to do with choosing a relatively quiet little side street on which to base myself. I can do without busy shopping streets and the Spanish Steps, but when I have a "typically Roman" little place to relax and lots of time to explore, there's no where I'd rather be. Come on, it's the Eternal City!

Since you have a good chunk of time, I'd recommend finding a peaceful (for Rome) street/quarter for your hotel or apartment. Rome is intense, but I don't think you'll be bored.

My husband and I spent 12 days in Italy: 5 in Rome, 3 in San Gimignano (Tuscany), 3 in Assisi, then back to Rome for the last day. We loved Rome the most. We are going back and plan to spend at least another 5 days in Rome. You will not get tired of Rome and you will never feel bored, nor will you ever see all there is to see. BUT, on your first trip to Italy, you really should split your time to see what else you like. Rome/Tuscany is a good combo. On our return trip, we're doing Rome/Amalfi Coast. Driving from region to region is an adventure in Italy - almost a trip in itself!

My husband and I have been to Rome twice - once was for 4 days as part of a 2 1/2 week trip through Italy in 2002. We LOVED it. So we spent an entire week (8 nights!) there over Thanksgiving last year. We were hestiant - would there be enough to do? Would we be bored in the same place? We had all these day trip options planned. We didn't do ANY of them. Just spending time in Rome easily filled our entire week. And we want to go back for ANOTHER week!! (To take some of those day trips and to do the things on our "city" list we didn't get to.)

Rome is definitely a "big city" and it doesn't appeal to everyone. But you're 23 and have a lifetime of travel ahead of you -- you will definitely learn a TON and enjoy your week in Rome. You won't regret it.

I agree with walkinaround -
"i think you are very different from most first time euro travelers here. most want to see far too much in too little time. in general i think you are taking the right approach. i agree that you will have plenty to do in rome + some day trips."
*except* I don't think you'll need day trips. I've now spent 4 holidays 'just' in Rome and would go again - there's still lots I haven't done. Especially if you do want time to relax too. I guess you already have your accommodation booked but I really like a hotel with a roof terrace on which to chill out on in the evening with a bottle of wine and (when single) a book or (now) my DH !

P.S. Sorry that should have been 5 holidays 'just' in Rome.

We went to Italy for the first time, started in Venice, then Modena for a night, Florence for 3, the Tuscany countryside scheduled for 5 and Rome scheduled for 3. We weren't real pleased with our Tuscany accomodations--had to drive everywhere--so we went to Rome a day early. Did not expect to like Rome much as I thought it would be another big city. Boy, was I wrong. We loved Rome and were so glad we had the extra night. I just booked airline tickets for next year and will spend more time in Rome, along with probably two other places. The history of the city just overwhelms you. By the way, I liked Florence also. I think you've gotten great advice on this thread from folks who have been to Rome and Italy often, just wanted to let you know the reaction of this first time traveler.

Leely, how did you find your apartment? I'm thinking about that for Rome, but want to deal with a reputable company that will deliver what's advertised and be there if need be.

I'll jump in here, RuthMc. Check out www.palazzo-olivia.it
A number of us here have stayed there -- a smallish apartment building in a fantastic location between Navonna and Fiori, two apartments per floor totally redone a couple years ago. There is a manager on site daily and the owner lives in a penthouse in the top in case of emergencies (and he's a really nice guy). We "discovered" it this summer and probably won't ever stay anywhere else in Rome. This was our fourth trip there.

to jlmurdo1: All the posters make valid points but there is an easy answer to your question. How could going to Rome possibly be a mistake???