I have gone through several posts for what to see in Rome. However, I wanted to get some specific advice, hence this post.

We will be in Rome in April for 3 days. My husband and I are fascinated by art but dont understand a whole deal of it, so we dont want to spend too much time seeing all the museams and art galleries (experience in the Louvre, Paris was one of awe but complete loss after 2 hours of roaming the halls!)

So if I were to pick 2-3 museums/art galleries what would be the recommended ones? I was thinking of the Borghese gallery as one but would like help with some others.

I definitely want to visit the Sistine Chapel. any thoughts?

If you are not a museum/art person, you most likely will still enjoy the Borghese. It is in a beautiful setting, on beautiful grounds and I can't imagine anyone being disappointed that they went there.The art and sculptures are displayed in a beautiful setting. On a first Rome visit, the Sistine Chapel is absolutely not to be missed. It is something special that you will always remember, and just to look and see the masterpiece on the ceiling with all the details and beauty is one of the memories you will always have.Even if you view the Sistine Chapel, and then move on, it will be worth the visit. Art and beauty is everywhere in Rome, and you should be aware of the architecture, the details on the buildings,the churches, the fountains.

There is so much to see and do in Rome--the city is a living, breathing museum.

My husband and I also are art lovers and wanted to know something about what we were seeing. One of the best things we did in Rome was to take a walking tour with Scala Reale. Their people are very well-educated art or architecture grad students who bring everything alive. We did the Vatican/Sistine Chapel tour with them and loved every minute.

So, I guess my two recommendations for museums in Rome would be the Vatican and the Borghese.

Also, take a look at this Web site on Rome: http://www.twenj.com/romevisit.htm. It is very easy to read and has lots of helpful information on what there is to see and do.

Scala Reale was a quality tour. I am very interested in architecture and sculpture and learned so many interesting facts and details from the guide on an evening walking tour of many of the churches and buildings. They are very small groups (only about 4-6) Perhaps a couple hour walking tour would work well for you VIDS, so that you could have someone point out highlights and details of special sights.

Thanks so much. This is very useful info and I would definitely like to learn a little more about what we will be seeing.

We made a mistake in Paris by visiting the Louvre on our own (without a guide), we were so lost after a little while. So I dont want to make the same mistake this time. A walking tour sounds really good. I looked into one company called 'Enjoy Rome' which offers walking tours.

How do I find more info about Scala Reale? Do I need to make reservations? Thanks again!

The Sistine/Vatican Museum and Borghese Gallery would be two great choices. Certainly there are other wonderful art museums in Rome but I'd try to experience some of the masterpieces to be found in churches. They are easy to see (be sure to have some change to light up dark chapels) and not overwhelming. There are Caravaggios in San Luigi di Francesi, a Raphael in Santa Maria della Pace and a Lippi fresco cycle and Michelangelo sculpture in Santa Maria Sopra Minerva. All are an easy walk from each other.

www.twenj.net Good luck !

I would recommend looking at Rick Steeve's book - Art 101. He gives the best 90-120 minutes in several top museums at he targets it to people with an interest in art, but beginner type knowledge.

Vids: Here is the website for you: http://www.scalareale.com is the website
they offer many different different walks. You have to make your reservations ASAP as they are small personal walking tours and fill up quick. You can do the entire thing on the Internet and see a description of all the tours. It is a quality tour with Art and Architecture English speaking tour guides. They even deliver information to your hotel before you arrive. It is NOT one of those walking tours with a million people following a guide with an umbrella. (thank heavens)

Great advice on this thread. I am heading to Rome in May for a Honeymoon and am now considering a Scala Reale Tour. I checked their website and wanted to get some tips on what tour you guys would recommend. I know it will be based on personal preference but I would love to hear anyone's favorite tour. Thanks!