More Rome Questions
 

1) Has anyone stayed at the Gioberti hotel in Rome? <BR>2) What is the cost of a round trip train ticket from Rome to Florence. Ist class, 2 nd class and is it easy to buy the tickets at the train station on the day of departure <BR> <BR>3) What are the 5 must see sights/museums/etc. when visiting Rome? <BR>

There are websites re the train. One is raileurope.com. We did the train from Paris to Rome and bought the tickets in the states prior to leaving. I think you can probably do as well or better at the time of the departure. Just know you need a reservation to assure a seat. <BR> <BR>The five things not to miss IMHO are the Colessum, The Forum, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and Parthenon. Check out the website enjoyrome.com for a great walking tour. The evening tour covers all the best places and then you can come back to those you want to explore more. <BR> <BR>The restaurants are great. The gelato is wonderful. Hope you have a great time.

I forgot the best and most important site. The Vatican. Don't miss it and St. Peters. Everyone warns to get to the Vatican early to be in line when it opens. We weren't able to get there early but even getting there right when it opened we got right in without waiting long. It opens at 8:45 AM. <BR> <BR>Again enjoy.

How about a top 6? <BR> <BR>-St. Peter's (but not the Vatican Museums*) <BR>-Pantheon <BR>-Colosseum/Roman Forum <BR>-a walk aound the Spanish Steps/Via Condotti area in the evening <BR>-a walk from the Capitoline Hill through the Ghetto up to Campo dei Fiori and then to Piazza Navona <BR>-a walk around Trastevere <BR> <BR>* IMHO Rome is too interesting to spend half a day in a museum, even though that's where the Sistine Chapel is, blah blah blah. <BR> <BR>Have a great trip.

don't remember the dollar conversion for my second class ticket on eurostar but it was about half as much as the first class. by mistake we boarded on first class and then had to move to second class. having seen both i don't think first class was worth the extra cost. <BR> <BR>also, we bought our ticket the day before and everyone advised us to buy in advance because those trains are often full. <BR> <BR>as far as attractions the above posts were very good.

I would use an Eurostar train for a round trip from Rome to Florence. Trains every hour (every half hour around noon). 1st/2nd class seats for the round trip cost Lit 103,000/163,000 if bought in Italy (quite more if bought abroad). The ticket price includes mandatory seat reservation. In summer I would buy tickets/reserve the day before (one doesn't need to go to the train station; any tourist agency like Amex or CIT would do). Outside summer I would just go directly to Termini station and buy the tickets on the spot. <BR> <BR>There are quite a few trains other than the Eurostar. IC trains take up to 50 minutes longer and cost Lit 79,400/132,000 with an extra Lit 11,600 for seat reservations if you care for; D trains take 2 hours longer and cost 52,600/86,600, no reservations possible). <BR> <BR>Regarding Rome's top sites ... it depends on my mood, though Rob's listed walks and seeing any Caravaggio are always appreciated. <BR> <BR>Paulo <BR>

---- <BR> <BR>Bill: <BR> <BR>You can rely on Paulo's advice above - he's proven to be one of our experts on Italy. DEFINITELY take the Eurostar between Rome & Florence; trip is only 1 1/2 hr and the trains are nice. <BR>Been to Italy twice - both occassions outside of the high summer season. Had no problems purchasing tickets at train station on day of departure. However if it's your first time to Italy or you'd feel more comfortable doing so, it's just as easy to purchase a day or two before at any local travel agency. Your hotel should be able to direct you to the nearest AMEX or CIT spot. <BR> <BR>VERY IMP - before boarding your train, don't forget to date stamp at those small yellow or orange boxes (meters? what are those things called?) - <BR>Also, (per Rick Steves) there is an all-Italy phone no. for train information --1478-88088 (daily 7:00 am - 21:00 pm). Says that 'English generally spoken', but haven't called no. so don't have that firsthand experience. <BR>

--- <BR>MUST SEE's in ROMA: <BR> <BR>- St. Peter's (& I would include the Vatican Museum) <BR>- Coloseum <BR>- Trevi Fountain (usually inundated with tourists, but one must take a photo of yourself tossing coins in!) <BR>- Piazza Navona (go during late afternoon, 5 - ish, sit at outdoor cafe 'Tre Scalini' and soak up the atmosphere) <BR>- Pantheon

I see most people leave off one of the best and newest renovated sites in Rome-Villa Borghese-WOW. It is magnifiue. Just reopened after a major renovation. Some of the most magnificent art and sculptures in Italy! It is unreal!!!

Bill: Just did the one-way from Roma to Firenza. As I recall it was about 40 dollars US. As for the sites--The Forum is a must and there is a great walk (not too long) that takes you past most of the Bernini Fountains of Rome. Of course, there are the Vatican Museums and remember they are closed on Sunday. Also transportation is really weird on Sunday. I actually hired a driver (who spoke passable English) for about 6 hours on a Sunday because I couldn't get around effeciently. It was expensive but I only had the one day so I saw more that I would have on my own. The hotel desk person facilitated this for me. Buon Viaggio!