Lay Over in Rome with Kids - Help me plan!
 

Hi,
We are going to have about 10 hours in Rome this August. We are traveling with 4 kids ages 9 - 11 years old. We arrive in the morning, and leave again at 11 pm that same night.

How far is the airport from some major sites?

And, what would you suggest for a single day of sight seeing with the kids?

Thanks,
Laurie

Rome's Fiumicino/Leonardo da Vinci airport (FCO) is about 30miles west of Rome. Train will take about 30min.

A couple of important thing to keep in mind that may greatly reduce your time/flexibility.

1. From where are you arriving? It can take 1 - 1.5hr+ to get through immigration & wait for baggage claim if you are arriving from the US.

2. What do you plan to do with your bags? There is a luggage check at Rome termini train station.

3. When do you need to be back at FCO? It's not the most efficient airport, either at checkin or security, so if they say 2hrs ahead, they mean it for a reason.

What should you see? A lot depends on your interests. For a 1 day trip I'd avoid anything that has a line, which would include Vatican museums/Sistine chapel.

You could try this itin, but it would be, in my opinion, impossible to do all of this in one day, find time to eat, take pictures, enjoy the sights and sounds, and actually have time to remember anything. Pick 2 of the items below and you'd have a very full & tiring day.

1. From Termini train station, go to Forum/Colosseum (bus or taxi). Spend a couple of hrs there

2. Taxi to St. Peters. Enter the basilica (there is a line for security, but it moves quickly). Go up to the dome & roof if you wish, and visit the Popes' crypt.

3. Find your way back to the historic center and visit Piazza Navonna and Trevi Fountain before returning to the airport by train.

ostia antica.

We just got back from a great trip to Rome. Had success with the popular #110 "Hop on Hop Off" bus. I think you'd find it perfect for a family sightseeing adventure. Sorry I don't have specific info on airport to Central Rome, but its not far and I'm sure there are good options. Here's the bus link:

http://www.romeguide.it/trambus/110openeng.htm

i believe there is a hop on tour bus right at termini station to the right when you exit.

at least there was some type of rome tour bus there i recommended a friend with same situation look into.

I had the same reaction as Sea Urchin--you might want to try Ostia Antica, the ancient port city with extensive ruins rather than heading into Rome.

I think Ostia Antica is a great destination for those that have already been to Rome and want to experience ancient ruins in more depth. It is closer to Rome than Pompeii, and has a lot to offer history buffs.

If you have 10hrs and have never been to Rome, I would not advise making Ostia Antica your single destination. Kids 9 & 11 will have had enough of Ostia Antica in much less than 10hrs (like in about 30-60min). It would be a shame to be <20miles from the center of one of the most exciting cities in the world and not actually visit Rome.

I absolutely agree Rome is one of the most exciting cities in the world. I am just having trouble imagining enjoying a brief trip into the city from the airport with 4 kids ages 9 to 11.
I am undoubtedly influenced by a less than pleasant family stop over in Paris some years ago. (We were catching an afternoon train from Paris to Avignon and had some time before it left, but the kids were tired and cranky.)

If you go into Rome I think trying to see the ancient Roman sites plus the Vatican plus the Piazza Navonna/Piazza della Rotunda area is too much. I'd cut out the Vatican.

Remember it is going to be very, very hot. You may be lucky and have cooler weather in the 80s but you are more likely to have weather nearing 100. I am wondering if you are arriving from a long transatlantic flight as that would certainly color my recommendation. I would take a taxi or train into the historical center; Piazza Navona or the Pantheon. Everything there is a lot to see within 10 or 15 minute walking distance. For a hot and tired family there are any number of places to intersperse sights,resting and eating; fountains, ancient sites, churches with amazing are and most important for kids, great pizza and gelatto.

I'd just take a taxi to the Colosseum and then another taxi around lunchtime to the Pantheon area. Rest, have lunch and stroll around the area... walk to the Trevi fountain and throw in a coin. Take a taxi to St. Peters and go to the top of the Basilica for the view.
Plenty of time left for a gelato!

Don't try to do too much as it'll be hot and allow plenty of time to get back to the airport.

If you arrive on a Sunday I'd skip the Vatican.

I take it that you arrive sometime around noon, or perhaps the 10 hrs is in addition to the time you have calculated for flights.

Anyway, assuming noon. Here is how you can see a bunch in a short period of time.

Have Rome Shuttle Limousine meet you at the airport, 50 euros for 6 (I think). Have them take you to Termini Station, where you can drop off your bags. Now it is about 1pm.

At termini, buy the 1 day metro card for each of you.

From Termini, take the metro to the Colosseo stop. Walk around the outside of the Colosseum, Arch of Constantine and walk up the Via Sacra to the Arch of Titus.. Don't bother going inside the Colosseum.

Don't go into the Roman Forum, but go back to Via Imperiali and walk up to Piazza Venezia. The Roman Forum is on your left, the Imperial Forums are on your right. Now that they charge an entrance fee to go into the forums, just view them from the street level.

At the top of the Capitoline, climb the cordonata to Michelangelo's Piazza Campidoglio. This is an amazing architectural design.

From behind the Palazzo Senatorio you'll be able to see almost all of the Roman Forum.

It is now about 3pm.

Leave Campidoglio and go down to the bus stops at Venezia. Look for the 87 bus going towards Cavour or the 40 bus going towards Piazza Pia.

With the 87, after you cross the Tiber (maybe a 5-10 minute ride total) get off at Piazza Cavour, I believe it is the second stop after the Tiber. In front of you is Castel San Angelo. Walk to the Castle, to the Tiber river. You'll now see St. Peter's.

If you take the 40, you get off at Piazza Pia, right between the castle and the Vatican.

Once again, don't bother going inside the castel. You should go to St. Peter's, at least the square. The kids will love to see the optical illusion of Bernini's columns.

From the Vatican, walk back past the castle, keeping the Tiber on your right. You'll next see a really gaudy building. This the Palazzo di Guistizia (palace of justice). Walk behind it and you'll find the Cavour bus stop. Catch the 87 bus here.

Now it is about 5-6pm.

Take the 87 bus 4 stops. When you get off on Renascimento, Piazza Navonna will be on the other side of the building you are standing next to. The kids may or may not care about Navonna. I'd advise to cross the street, take any of the streets heading away from the bus stop. You will probably also see a sign for the Pantheon. That is where we are heading.

Walk to the Pantheon. It may or may not be open. If it is, be sure to go inside.

Now it depends on the time. If it is around 6 pm, walk over to Trevi fountain. To get there, walk away from the Pantheon, towards the right. Take the street at the Hotel, turn right. This is Via Pastini. It becomes Via Pietra. Be sure to look for the fantastic wood shop about 4 blocks from the Pantheon. Keep on this street, it changes names a couple of more times. About 4 more blocks and you are at Trevi Fountain.

If at the Pantheon it is close to 7 pm, then you need to get back to Termini. Standing right in front of the Pantheon, look left, you'll see a small alley. This is Via Seminario. Follow this about 4 blocks to Via del Corso. Cross the street and look for the bus stop. You'll want to take the 175 bus to Termini.

If you made it to Trevi, then walk back to Via del Corso on the small street the runs in front of the fountain, the same one you took to get to the fountain. Once again, look for the 175 bus stop heading towards Termini. The stop will be on the same side of the street as Trevi.

From Termini, you can then take the Leonardo Express back out to the airport. Or you can pre-arrange with Rome Shuttle Limo to pick you up at Termini. You need to be out of Termini no later than 7:30pm.

If you do this itinerary, check your time and don't push it.

Have fun

dave

Sounds great daveesl but do they get to eat or drink?

Wow, these responses are super - I will go over everything more carefully and think through the recommendations.

Our main luggage will be checked through to our connecting flight that evening, but we will have some carry on. Is there a luggage check at the airport?

We arrive at about 10 am, depart at 11 pm the same night. I know it will be a long day, but we'll just have to break it up with pizza and gelato!

More questions as I process the ideas,
Thanks
Laurie

I don't think you'll have as much time in the city as you think. After clearing immigration and getting your luggage, then getting into Rome, and leaving enough time to be back at the airport by 8:30, you don't really have 10 hours in Rome.

I can't imagine being able to dave's marathon with four young children after an overnight flight. Just too much. I would just pick a couple of things, maybe the Colosseum and then go towards the Trevi Fountain, which isn't that far from the Pantheon, then not much farther to the Piazza Navona. Have lunch along the way. Then either get a shuttle to pick you up just outside Piazza Navnona or take either the 40 or 64 bus from Corso Vittorio Emanuale (out the south end of Piazza Navona) to Termini and then the train back to the airport. There is a tobacco shop right near the bus stop on Vittorio Emanuale where you can get bus tickets.

Susan is correct. I kind of meant that in a "perfect" world you could possibly do that. But, you can use it to get an idea of how to get around.

Kids 9-11 have a lot of energy, I know , on our last trip the grandkids were 9 and 6 and they had no problem keeping up with us.

dave

I agree with those who said just check out the Colosseum and Piazza Navona and maybe Trevi Fountain. You could duck into the Capitoline Museums if you need a bathroom or are fainting from the heat. Be aware that some things in Rome are closed between noon and 3:00 (more or less) so don't traipse to a famous church or something just to be disappointed.

Keep a very close eye on your kids near traffic or in the narrow streets or they may be run down in a flash.

Hello gidlaurie, if your children, or even you adults are tired and need some relaxing time think about going to the Borghese Gardens to get away from the hectic street life of Rome. Here is one website with some information you might want to review:
http://www.travelforkids.com/Funtodo...esegardens.htm

Thanks all, just re-read all of your wonderful postings. Also, truly enjoyed SusanP's trip report - a separate posting - learned a lot! Dave, your tour plan is thorough and I understood that it was "in an ideal world". I appreciate the advice on how to view the colosseum and forum from outside/above.

What do others think about the colosseum - is it worth entering with the kids??? Or enough to see it from outside???

My current thinking is airport to Termini, colloseum/forum, Piazza Navona/Trevi fountain/Pantheon, gelatto and pizza. Back to airport.

We did one of these quick visits last year in Madrid so the kids are used to it - the ice cream helps!

Thanks,
Laurie

I think your plan sounds pretty good for your short stay.
If you won't have luggage with you in the city and are taking a shuttle from the airport, no need to stop at the Termini--you can go straight to the Forum/Colosseum area. There are tourist info sites at both the Termini and the Forum Via dei Fori Imperiali but if you can get a map before you arrive it will obviously help you with planning.

As for going in the Colosseum, it is impressive inside and gives you an idea of how the shows were staged but takes more time to visit that way. The kids will see people dressed up as gladiators outside, wanting you to take pictures w/ them. You have to buy a combined ticket for the Forum, Palatine hill and Colosseum. I am not sure where the best place to buy these tickets (w/o waiting in line) is now but maybe others will be able to give insight on this. If you go up to the Palatine at the entrance from the Forum near the Arch of Titus you get good views of the Forum from the gardens.

The Forum itself is harder to understand/visualize than the Colosseum -- kids will probably like the triumphal arches, though, especially if you have information about the pictures with you to point out different features

A few things you might want to see in the general area of Piazza Navonna and Piazza della Rotunda (Pantheon):
there is a cat sanctuary at Area Sacro Argentina--you can see cats lounging around the temples in the excavated area there

Bernini's sculpture of an elephant supports an obelisk in front of Santa Maria sopra Minerva right around the corner from the Pantheon

There is a large marble foot (from a colossal statue) "the Pie de Marmor" just down the street from the street from the obelisk

The church of San Luigi dei Francesci (between Pantheon and P.Navonna) has three spectacular Caravaggio paintings of St. Matthew, an easy way to see some great art work for free. You need coins to turn on the lights to illuminate the paintings

The Piazza Navonna itself will have portrait artists, people dressed as statues, sometimes street performers

You've already figured out that gelato will be a big attraction

If you throw your coins in the Trevi fountain, you'll be able to return some time for a longer stay

Good plan and great extras from vttraveler.
Yes, I think it's worth it to go into the Colosseum. It's impressive inside and you get a much better idea of the size of the place plus great views as you look out.
We went in November and there was just a short line which we jumped as there was a separate entry for those with Roma passes ( it's not worth purchasing one for a day trip).

The reason for the Termini stop isn't really necessary. I forgot that there is an economical left-luggage at Fiumicino...

http://www.adr.it/content.asp?L=3&Id...sito%20bagagli

So, drop off your luggage there and pick it up on the return. That negates the need to get to Termini. Have a shuttle driver take you directly to the Colosseum. I strongly support the Rome Shuttle service, as it is cheaper than the Leonardo Express for 6 people, they'll be waiting for you outside of customs and will take you right to where you want to go.

As to going inside the Colosseum. You can easily spend over an hour in there. Now, if you decide to do this, which is really cool, have the shuttle driver stop by the Via San Gregorio entrance to the Palatine Hill and buy your tickets for the Colosseum/Forum/Palatine there. No line.

This ticket gives you access to all three. Then, you can walk through the Forum after you do the Colosseum, ending at Campidoglio.

Not having to go to Termini increases your time, and would allow you to do this.

dave

Thanks so much - this is shaping up really great! One more question if I may. I "googled" Rome Shuttle and found a few different options. Can someone tell me how to contact the Rome Shuttle to arrange a pick up at the airport?
Thanks!
Looks like all that's left now is to plan what flavor gelatto!
Laurie

Rome Shuttle Limousine's website is...

http://www.romeshuttlelimousine.com/

There are a couple of knock off companies that have similar sites, so look for the one with the Mercedes.

We had time to kill one day and we took the train from the airport to central station and then hopped on the red double decker bus. From previous trips I enjoy the red bus better than the green one. Got off at the Vatican just to look around the outside, Trevi foundion to throw a coin in and have gelatto and then back to train station. It was quick but fun. The train was easy from the airport.

I ran around Rome last Aug. with my 7yr old...it was REALLY, REALLY, REALLY HOT. By 11am we were beat. That said...I'd still do it :-) but take it nice and slow! Go over to the Colosseum first...I'd take the bus from Termini...I would n't bother gooing inside if you only have a day - I think it is SO impressive from outside that it works well alone...I, persoannly, would not do the Forum in August...but depends on the weather that week ;-) then, I'd head over to the Pantheon and get gelato and wander the area...maybe to Piazza Navona...my son (and husband) LOVED the Cappucin crypt with all the bones...and I'm totally blanking on the name...it's errie and gross...but you didnt' say if you were travelling with boys or girls ;-) and it was a huge mega-hit. oh...actually...you can take the subway there too (Piazza Barbarini) if you're near a stop...it closes mid-day (12:30is?) and reopens in the afternoon...so don't wasate a trip there if it's mid-day...I'd take the bus (again, it will be really hot, so remember to take busses for lots of walkinig or the kids will be beat! I make this mistake EVERY time I'm in Rome and drag my kid all over walkinig until he's so tired and grumpy that I finally wise-up)to St. Peter's - the piazza is impressive, so it's not a wasted trip even if the line is long and you don't wait to go in....oh the Trevi Fountain...also a BIG kid-hit and not to miss. Have fun!

p.s. the Train to/from the airport leaves about every half hour and takes about an hour.

Thanks everyone,

Two follow up questions - is the red bus referred to by the same as the #110 tour bus?

Also, does anyone know the name of the Capucin crypt near the Piazza Navona - and does it close during midday? Traveling with 2 boys/2 girls, and I think that all but 1 of them might want to see the bones!

THANKS!
Laurie

Hi gidlaurie! In response to one of your follow-up questions...the #110 bus is a red double-decker. I don't think there is a look-alike competitor, but I'm not 100% sure. A nice thing about the #110 is its very clearly marked and you never have to wait very long for the next one. And you can just pay when you get on wherever you get on. See my earlier post for a link that has full details including cheap tickets for kids. Have a great time. You'll love Rome! Al

sorry....I was rambling and wasn't clear...the Capuchin Crypt is right near Piazza Barberini. You could take the subway or bus there easily (I've done both - they put take you right there)I KNOW it closes mid-afternoon though (because we missed it the first time).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capuchin_Crypt

(i'm sure there are more (better) links about it...but this popped up and I'm rushed ;-) )

Here's some info to keep you hydrated for the day. There are drinking fountains all over Rome that you can drink from (or fill-up your water bottles). They are all over Rome and water constantly flows from them.

Frommer's info about the Capuchin crypt. Note it might be closed
http://www.frommers.com/destinations/rome/A20677.html

You know your kids best, but this might be something they think they would like that would bother them. (I know my son recently confessed to having nightmares after reading a book on North American monsters--bigfoot, etc-- he insisted on buying at about that age)

Also it would not be very convenient to the other areas you are planning to see.

Hi
And thanks, again!
Yeah, I'm also thinking that the crypt might freak them out a bit - seeing the pictures was pretty freaky for me!!!! We'll see. At the moment I am back to this plan:
Leave luggage at airport.
Leonardo Express to Termini (pay for 2 adults, 4 kids free)
Red Bus 101 from Termini
Get off just to see Colosseum and wander around outide it.
Get off again at Piazza Navona/Pantheon/Trevi Fountain.
Time Elevator if hot/tired/need this kind of break.
Maybe the cat sanctuary.
Eat pizza and gelatto.
Enjoy sights from the bus.
Back to Termini, back to airport, fly home!
It is still a few months off, so all options still open, of course.
Thanks for all the help,
You are all amazing and share your love of Rome in such a contagious wonderful way...
Laurie

A month after returning, and I am finally able to sit and write. First of all, a huge thank you to this forum for helping me plan what was a super one day trip through Rome. I aplogize up front that I don't have a lot of details like addresses and prices - but at least you can see how our day flowed!

We arrived in Rome at 10am, tired from an overnight flight from NY. But fortunately we "had a plan". We checked our hand luggage at the "left luggage" at the airport, kept two small packs with us for food and water. We bought tickets at the airport tourist desk for the "red bus" #110. Then we shared a cab with another family from the airport into Rome Termini. We had thought that the kids' tickets on the Leonardo Express would be free but they were not, so the price of the cab was cheaper.

We immediately boarded the #110 red bus at Termini station, and found places up top, but it was too hot so we moved downstairs. No real A/C on the bus, but at least out of the sun. It was very very hot. The English narration was adequate, though pretty minimal. Nevertheless, worth listening to. We got off at the Colosseum, and really needed foot and drink. We paid top tourist dollar for pizza squares and cold drinks at the kiosk outside the Colosseum. Not recommended, but in our case it did the trick. The kids enjoyed seeing the people dressed as gladiators taking pictures with the tourists. They also enjoyed chasing the pigeons. The bathrooms were quite satisfactory (under the stairs). We did not go inside the Colesseum, but photographed a lot from outside. Instead of heading to the Forum we decided to get back on the bus. It was noon, and very hot. Our next stop was the area around Piazza Navona. First we just wandered and found our first gelato! WOW! We are six in the family, and found that three regular sized cones fed all of us - at least for a first round! I absolutely loved the lemon gelato. The kids went for the sweeter stuff. We wandered in and out of some of the small toy shops and then arrived at the Piazza. Unfortunately the Bernini statue is under renovation but we were able to see it through the fencing. There were mimes on stilts and artists and tourists. Here in the Piazza Navona we found one of the kids highlights. They enjoyed the big fountains, but what they really loved was the drinking fountain!! We spent about 3/4 hour around this little never-ending drinking fountain. They were impressed that water was so bountiful (in Israel it is rationed). It was cold and delicious. We drank, filled bottles, drank more. The kids dumped their bottles over their heads and sprayed water on each other. Water fight Roman style! It was just what we needed to rehydrate and cool off! We left the Piazza Navonna in happy moods! On the way out via more back alleys - another gelato stop. There are so many small shops and restaurants on the small streets surrounding the large Piazza - worth the wandering! Next stop, the Torre Argentina cat sanctuary. It was about a 10 minute walk from Piazza Navona. We found the Italians very friendly and happy to help direct us, even when they only understood a word or two of our question. The entrance to the sanctuary is on the corner near the tram stop. Walking down the beautiful stone stairs we had to step over a cat who couldn't be bothered to interupt his afternoon nap! The kids were overjoyed by this place. The women volunteering there greeted us warmly, gave us a short tour of the inside facility, and then we went into the "cat nursery". About 40 cats live inside the sanctuary, and about 200 more outside. The kids played with the inside cats who are free to wander inside the nursery (some are in cages, most are out). The cats adored the kids who adored the cats. We did not join the tour of the archeologic ruins though it looked worthwhile. We played with the kitties in the air conditioned nursery instead. A monetary donation was the least we could do - what we really wanted was to take a kitty with us! There are no bathroom facilities at the sanctuary but the neighboring restuarants are friendly and open their restrooms to the sanctuary guests. Next stop was a supermarket to buy supplies (less expensive by far than a restaurant) and back to the bus. We had planned to do one more stop at the Trevi fountain, but we were too tired. So we rode the bus. Took lots of pictures! We saw the Vatican and St. Peters square from the outside. We criss-crossed over the Tiber. There was so much renovation/excavation going on in the city. And we were impressed by its cleanliness. And friendliness. Returned to the Termini around 6pm, cab back to the airport (kids were alseep in the cab within minutes), ready for our night flight home. We were in ROME! We can't wait for the next trip!

Thanks again,
Laurie

Thanks for the trip report. You hit on two of our favorite activities.

1. Wandering around the historic center getting gelato.

2. Torre Argentina cat sanctuary. We "adopted" a cat that looked a lot like our cat at home and sent monthly donations for about a year. They sent us regular updates about her, and sadly told us when the cat was gone after a long illness.

We also enjoyed the cat sanctuary. The apartment we rented was a few blocks away so we went past it several times a day. We would always stop to see how many cats we could count roaming around the temples.

Laurie, I'm so glad you enjoyed your day in Rome. Sounds as though you did it right, not trying to see everything but just enjoying what you could get to. And yes, gelato is mandatory! :-d