Only 2 days in Rome ~ which sights are most memorable?
Jan 5th, 2010, 07:36 AM
#42
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If this is your first visit-don't rent an apartment in Rome. Having someone to ask questions,etc. at the front desk is easier for traveling around the area especially if you are there only a few days.I would pick a hotel that either is close to everything for walking or in a general area that has the bus,metro,etc.
I fly to Rome at least 2/3 times a month for work but when I am there for personal time, I really really like the Hotel Aberdeen on Via Torino for a great priced reasonable stay in an area that is safe and right next to Piazza Repubblica for easy transportation to everywhere-look up the reviews on Tripadvisor.
You have a good list but you can do the Spanish Steps,Piazza Navonna and the Pantheon while walking around at night while people watching and eating your gelato.
I like going over to Trastevere but prefer to stay over in the Centro Storio area.Have fun!
I fly to Rome at least 2/3 times a month for work but when I am there for personal time, I really really like the Hotel Aberdeen on Via Torino for a great priced reasonable stay in an area that is safe and right next to Piazza Repubblica for easy transportation to everywhere-look up the reviews on Tripadvisor.
You have a good list but you can do the Spanish Steps,Piazza Navonna and the Pantheon while walking around at night while people watching and eating your gelato.
I like going over to Trastevere but prefer to stay over in the Centro Storio area.Have fun!
Jan 5th, 2010, 12:44 PM
#43
wrenwood,
we stayed in an apartment in Rome for our first stay there and it was fine. ditto Florence. [I'm ignoring the 3 nights 25 years ago!] unless you are staying somewhere swish, the delights of a front desk can be greatly exaggerated.
so far as i know, the fruit and veg market in the campo dei fiori is 6 days a week - on sundays it's a flea market and we bought some very reasonably priced silk scarves there on our last day last time.
we stayed in an apartment in Rome for our first stay there and it was fine. ditto Florence. [I'm ignoring the 3 nights 25 years ago!] unless you are staying somewhere swish, the delights of a front desk can be greatly exaggerated.
so far as i know, the fruit and veg market in the campo dei fiori is 6 days a week - on sundays it's a flea market and we bought some very reasonably priced silk scarves there on our last day last time.
Jan 5th, 2010, 01:25 PM
#44
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Eating and Drinking.
In Rome, have a meal at Le Tamerici, which is near the Trevi Fountain. Vicolo Scavolino 79, uphill from the Trevi, take via del Lavatore, and first left. Think 120 Euro for two, and we ate there twice in three days. They have a web site, www.letamerici.com. Best food we have eaten in all Italy, ever, and was one of the reasons we went to Rome this time. We were served by one Kate, who hails from the Hunter Valley in Aus, a girl of good humour. (“Would you recommend the pork or the duck?” “Don’t ask me, I’m a vegetarian.”)
In Rome, the bar called “The Glass”, Via Carlo Battisti, left side as you go downhill. It looks very cool and expensive – but it’s not. They do a buffet meal in the evenings, and it was good.
In Rome, have a meal at Le Tamerici, which is near the Trevi Fountain. Vicolo Scavolino 79, uphill from the Trevi, take via del Lavatore, and first left. Think 120 Euro for two, and we ate there twice in three days. They have a web site, www.letamerici.com. Best food we have eaten in all Italy, ever, and was one of the reasons we went to Rome this time. We were served by one Kate, who hails from the Hunter Valley in Aus, a girl of good humour. (“Would you recommend the pork or the duck?” “Don’t ask me, I’m a vegetarian.”)
In Rome, the bar called “The Glass”, Via Carlo Battisti, left side as you go downhill. It looks very cool and expensive – but it’s not. They do a buffet meal in the evenings, and it was good.
Jan 5th, 2010, 02:30 PM
#46
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Goosebumps from another thread
"so we walked toward the Capitoline hill and climbed the ramped steps designed by Michelangelo. At the top, we walked to the right past the Senate building and looked out over the panoramic view of the Roman forum, with the colosseum in the distance.
My husband took in the scene and we stood in silence for a while. Maybe there was an occasional "wow". I said, "Tomorrow we will go in there." Astonished, my husband said, "They let people in there?" It felt like hallowed ground."
I love Fodors
"so we walked toward the Capitoline hill and climbed the ramped steps designed by Michelangelo. At the top, we walked to the right past the Senate building and looked out over the panoramic view of the Roman forum, with the colosseum in the distance.
My husband took in the scene and we stood in silence for a while. Maybe there was an occasional "wow". I said, "Tomorrow we will go in there." Astonished, my husband said, "They let people in there?" It felt like hallowed ground."
I love Fodors
Jan 5th, 2010, 05:00 PM
#47
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We stayed at this apartment near Camp dei Fiori and loved it. Great for two. Micorscopic bathroom, but the location could not have been better.
http://www.italyperfect.com/rome-cam...la-giulia.html
http://www.italyperfect.com/rome-cam...la-giulia.html
Jan 5th, 2010, 08:17 PM
#48
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Its really a privilege and wonder to be able to see and be in some of these places.
Id say the Capitoline is my number one stop in Rome, walking up the steps into the Michelangelo "ballroom", saying hello to Marcus Aurelius, climbing the steep stairs on the side to visit ancient and beautiful Santa Maria Aracoeli with its beautiful marbles and festive crystal chandeliers - then go hang over the balcony looking down into the Forum, and proceed on down if you want - fantastic.
on a par with it is the Pantheon - which you could pair with wander around Piazza Navona
Visit some of the ancient churches - not only do they give you the best sense of what classical bldgs looked like, since they preserve the basilical form but many actually have colonnades and ptecious marbles taken from Roman bldgs. Then there are the intimate early christan chuches with their beautiful fresh mosaics that havent yet hardened into the byzantine style. Ftom a historical perspective, San Clemente is great, with its three levels, the creepy mithraic temple at the bottom.
The Forum is a must but it can be hard to interpret - the Palatine even more so. Personally, with such limited time I wouldnt waste it on the expensive Palatine /Colliseum ticket - you can walk around the latter perfectly well.
St Peters, especially the Piazza with the crazy visual effect when you stand in the right place. I find the church cold and impersonal but it IS impressive. From a historical perspective the Scavi tour is the peak experince there, since it shows amazingly how the place is literally established over St.Peter's crucifixion and butial site. We were awestricken. Easy to reserve on line, the tour takes an hour or so.
Walk across the Ponte San Angelo bridge, hopefully when its not too crowded with tourists. You could go to San Pietro that way.
Observe all of the cute and interesting fountains (by Bernini and others) re-erected obelisks, drinking fountains which you can actally use, classical fragnents poppung up here and there that enrich the cityscape.
Id say the Capitoline is my number one stop in Rome, walking up the steps into the Michelangelo "ballroom", saying hello to Marcus Aurelius, climbing the steep stairs on the side to visit ancient and beautiful Santa Maria Aracoeli with its beautiful marbles and festive crystal chandeliers - then go hang over the balcony looking down into the Forum, and proceed on down if you want - fantastic.
on a par with it is the Pantheon - which you could pair with wander around Piazza Navona
Visit some of the ancient churches - not only do they give you the best sense of what classical bldgs looked like, since they preserve the basilical form but many actually have colonnades and ptecious marbles taken from Roman bldgs. Then there are the intimate early christan chuches with their beautiful fresh mosaics that havent yet hardened into the byzantine style. Ftom a historical perspective, San Clemente is great, with its three levels, the creepy mithraic temple at the bottom.
The Forum is a must but it can be hard to interpret - the Palatine even more so. Personally, with such limited time I wouldnt waste it on the expensive Palatine /Colliseum ticket - you can walk around the latter perfectly well.
St Peters, especially the Piazza with the crazy visual effect when you stand in the right place. I find the church cold and impersonal but it IS impressive. From a historical perspective the Scavi tour is the peak experince there, since it shows amazingly how the place is literally established over St.Peter's crucifixion and butial site. We were awestricken. Easy to reserve on line, the tour takes an hour or so.
Walk across the Ponte San Angelo bridge, hopefully when its not too crowded with tourists. You could go to San Pietro that way.
Observe all of the cute and interesting fountains (by Bernini and others) re-erected obelisks, drinking fountains which you can actally use, classical fragnents poppung up here and there that enrich the cityscape.
Jan 6th, 2010, 06:36 AM
#49
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I don't remember what time you'll arrive on your first day, but I'm guessing that regardless of the itinerary you plan, you'll want to walk over to the Pantheon, Piazza Navona or the Trevi Fountain - or all of them - that first day. Also, you don't want to wait until the end of your time in Rome to see these favorite sites!
Your ancient Rome day seems a little too full. I'd say, put your top interests first, and then stop when you're tired or burned out. For us, at the top are the Forum and the Coliseum. The Palatine IS the most difficult to understand and follow. I love history, so the time that we spent the most time on the Palatine, we did take a guided tour (which we rarely do), through ContextRome.
As pointed out, many churches in Rome are wonderful to see. Not to add too much to your list, but if you pass by them, they are more than worth a visit. Here are some of our favorites:
Santa Cecilia - in Trastevere, the sculpture of St. Cecilia is amazing, and to me, looks very modern
San Clemente - Construction was begun on upper church in 1108; lower church was built in the 4th century; built over a Mithraic Temple from the late 2nd or early 3rd century, which is still underneath, along with remains of a Roman house from the 1st century
San Pietro in Vincolo (St. Peter’s in Chains) - Location of Michelangelo's "Moses"
Santa Maria Sopra Minerva - Michelangelo's “Jesus Carrying the Cross”
St. Ignatius - Fun trompe d’oiel dome (it's not really a dome)
San Agostino - Has a beautiful Caravaggio, “Santa Maria of Loreto”
San Luigi - Has several beautiful Caravaggios.
Your ancient Rome day seems a little too full. I'd say, put your top interests first, and then stop when you're tired or burned out. For us, at the top are the Forum and the Coliseum. The Palatine IS the most difficult to understand and follow. I love history, so the time that we spent the most time on the Palatine, we did take a guided tour (which we rarely do), through ContextRome.
As pointed out, many churches in Rome are wonderful to see. Not to add too much to your list, but if you pass by them, they are more than worth a visit. Here are some of our favorites:
Santa Cecilia - in Trastevere, the sculpture of St. Cecilia is amazing, and to me, looks very modern
San Clemente - Construction was begun on upper church in 1108; lower church was built in the 4th century; built over a Mithraic Temple from the late 2nd or early 3rd century, which is still underneath, along with remains of a Roman house from the 1st century
San Pietro in Vincolo (St. Peter’s in Chains) - Location of Michelangelo's "Moses"
Santa Maria Sopra Minerva - Michelangelo's “Jesus Carrying the Cross”
St. Ignatius - Fun trompe d’oiel dome (it's not really a dome)
San Agostino - Has a beautiful Caravaggio, “Santa Maria of Loreto”
San Luigi - Has several beautiful Caravaggios.
Jan 7th, 2010, 01:17 PM
#50
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http://www.navonagardensuites.com/ - apartment about 1 block from Piazza Navona. We've stayed there twice & like it. They have different size units & most have fridge, some full kitchens. A young woman works in the office from 11-7, M-F & I think there is a substitute for her on the weekends. Therefore, you have someone to answer questions & give you area help. Note: there are a couple of newer units that have a noise problem from a local nite spot. Be sure to state you do not want those those units.
http://www.romeshuttlelimousine.com/; email = [email protected]; we've used them every time & have been happy with their service, even when we needed pickup at our apartment at 3:30am.
I think you have too much packed into each day, but maybe you like that pace. I also do not agree with staying in an area that is not convenient to the tourist spots - wastes too much time.
We stayed in an apartment in the Piazza Barberini area once & I liked it because the metro is across the street - so convenient & quick to see everything. But if you do not like cities, you probably would rather give up the convenience for a less-crowded/busy area, such as at the Navona Garden Suites.
Good luck & have a great trip, Julie
http://www.romeshuttlelimousine.com/; email = [email protected]; we've used them every time & have been happy with their service, even when we needed pickup at our apartment at 3:30am.
I think you have too much packed into each day, but maybe you like that pace. I also do not agree with staying in an area that is not convenient to the tourist spots - wastes too much time.
We stayed in an apartment in the Piazza Barberini area once & I liked it because the metro is across the street - so convenient & quick to see everything. But if you do not like cities, you probably would rather give up the convenience for a less-crowded/busy area, such as at the Navona Garden Suites.
Good luck & have a great trip, Julie
Jan 10th, 2010, 08:19 AM
#52
We are now booking for FIVE nights in Rome. Thanks for all the help, will be back soon with more questions!>>
great idea, wrenwood.
can I suggest that you start a new thread saying "what to do in FIVE nights in Rome"?
great idea, wrenwood.
can I suggest that you start a new thread saying "what to do in FIVE nights in Rome"?
Jan 11th, 2010, 03:59 AM
#53
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Pretty funny how you guys talked me into this!
Once I have our tentative Rome Itinerary ready I'll start a new thread. There are a lot of suggestions on this thread I still need to research in addition to watching 2 DVDs from Amazon, and a reading a few books!
Once I have our tentative Rome Itinerary ready I'll start a new thread. There are a lot of suggestions on this thread I still need to research in addition to watching 2 DVDs from Amazon, and a reading a few books!
Jan 11th, 2010, 04:46 AM
#54
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Well I do only have two full days in Rome so this thread has been extremely helpful to me. The best suggestion so far was to read and understand the history of the spots I want to visit so that I can better appreciate what I'm going to see. Also, it will help me to better pick and choose what I want to see based on that research.
I'm now trying to figure out where is the best place to stay.
I am a city girl and like to be right in the mix of things. So places that are centrally located to a majority of the "must see" is ideal. And as I'll be stumbling into my room with exhaustion from all the touring- some thing reasonable but not necessarily posh will do. Grazie!
I'm now trying to figure out where is the best place to stay.
I am a city girl and like to be right in the mix of things. So places that are centrally located to a majority of the "must see" is ideal. And as I'll be stumbling into my room with exhaustion from all the touring- some thing reasonable but not necessarily posh will do. Grazie!
Jan 11th, 2010, 07:59 AM
#55
on our first night in rome, we sat next to a couple from Mexico [him] and France [her]. she was trying to show him europe in a week! lol!
in a day they had done st. peter's, campo fiori, trevi, spanish steps, colosseum, the forum, and probably some other stuff I can't remember. Bet they can't either!
enjoy your whistle-stop tour, 'tumbleweed.
regards, ann
in a day they had done st. peter's, campo fiori, trevi, spanish steps, colosseum, the forum, and probably some other stuff I can't remember. Bet they can't either!
enjoy your whistle-stop tour, 'tumbleweed.
regards, ann
Jan 11th, 2010, 09:45 AM
#56
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Tex ~ I agree ~ one of the valuable suggestions I got through this thread was to think about what was most important to me. Best way for me to do that was to "see" stuff ~ I googled images, spent time at Borders, and ordered 4 DVDs and several books from Amazon. ( Rome, Tuscany and Italy) I feel like it is money well spent as I am learning so much!
I think we will also book a tour or two with Context Travel.
There are loads of hotel suggestions on this site and I assume you've checked out Trip Advisor?
And good luck ~ I sure became convinced that 2 days wasn't enough!
I think we will also book a tour or two with Context Travel.
There are loads of hotel suggestions on this site and I assume you've checked out Trip Advisor?
And good luck ~ I sure became convinced that 2 days wasn't enough!
Jan 11th, 2010, 03:22 PM
#57
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@ wren and ann thanks for the replies.
Yes it will be a whistle stop but better some than none in my opinion. The flight over from Dallas with a short layover in Madrid where I'll race to the city for a few hours and then 4 days in Athens with my cousin who is running in the 2500th anniv of the marathon. Rome is on the way back home. 3 countries with just a few hours or days each is a lot to sort though, especially when you can spend weeks, months or more and never see it all. The journey (research) is just beginning....
I haven't started looking at rooms let, figured I should decide on where I'm going first
Yes it will be a whistle stop but better some than none in my opinion. The flight over from Dallas with a short layover in Madrid where I'll race to the city for a few hours and then 4 days in Athens with my cousin who is running in the 2500th anniv of the marathon. Rome is on the way back home. 3 countries with just a few hours or days each is a lot to sort though, especially when you can spend weeks, months or more and never see it all. The journey (research) is just beginning....
I haven't started looking at rooms let, figured I should decide on where I'm going first
Jan 12th, 2010, 11:48 AM
#58
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We spent 14 nights in Italy last May and absolutely loved it. We spent 3 nights in Rome (2 at the start, 1 at the end), 4 nights in Amalfi, 3 nights in Florence with a 4 hour stop in Pisa on our way to spend 4 nights in Santa Marherita Ligure (one day spent visiting the Cinque Terre towns). When deciding on hotels your mode of travel is very important. We travelled by train and picked hotels which were close to the train station (with the exception of Amalfi where we needed to take a bus from Salerno train station). Both hotels we picked in Rome (Hotel Rex & 58 Le Real de Luxe) were close to the train station and we were delighted with our location. Even encountering a one day transit strike we saw everything we wanted to see in Rome and thoroughly enjoyed it. No matter what you decide you'll have a wonderful time. We're going back in May this year but are doing the northern areas.
Jan 13th, 2010, 04:15 PM
#59
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Regarding Context Travel...We loved our Antica Roma tour. We spent a lot of time on the Palatine Hill, which I never would have done if not for the tour. Learning about the Imperial Palace that was once built into that hill was fascinating and a high point of my trip to Rome. A special plus was that we booked a group tour, and the three other couples never showed up, so we had a private tour for the price of a group tour. I think their tours are time and money very well spent.
Jan 14th, 2010, 03:19 AM
#60
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I've read good things about Context Travel, but they seem more expensive than Rome Walks. May have to do some more investigating. I definitely want to do some tours, I learn much better that way. It's good to hear how much you liked yours, and I hadn't thought of booking with a group, thanks.
