citychicnyc

nytraveler - i am not set on doing absolutely everything on this list... obviously if we don't get to do it on the original day that i plan, we can decide to fit it in on another day if we feel like it (i.e. one of the piazzas from tuesday on the light friday morning). i mapped all of these places and grouped it by day according to proximity to each other... i don't think i've jammed packed it to the point where it's not enjoyable. and when i listed the piazzas... we planned on sitting down on at least one and having either an espresso or vino. i don't think there's anything wrong with listing out all the possible sights we want to see... i just needed to organize it all. i agree, it does look like a lot and overwhelming, but i guess you're assuming we'd rush from one place to the other, when in fact, we're planning on seeing these places at a slow steady pace.

nytraveler

I'm not saying you have too much to cover. It's just the super detailed planning that I don't understand. We do travel with a list of sights - but decide each morning what to do that day - depending on the weather, our mood, how late we were out the night before etc. And although we usually do one splurge meal in each city - we typically just find places to eat as we go (picking out places for dinner and reserving as we wander during the day (and we've yet to find a meal in Rome that wasn't at least very good).

Zerlina

I'd stick with your restaurant choices. They're all among the best in Rome, except Vecchia Locanda, which I've never heard of (not that that necessarily means anything).

sap

Citychicnyc. I like your planning style. I appreciate how organized you are and that you have a list of suggested activites and sites for any given day. Everybody travels differently. Nytraveler's method has its merits; but personally it would stress me out and make me feel lost & aimless. For other people, I guess it feels more free.

My DH used to tease me for being so "German" in my planning, but he's become so used to it (spoiled, really) that any gap or need for a spur-of-the-moment decision prompts him to say, only half-jokingly, "What, you haven't figured this out yet?"

chazzarelli

For you bike ride, I seem to recall a service that allows you to pick up a bike at any rack they have scattered around town. You then drop it off at another location and when you are ready to depart and go somewhere else, you pick another one. I remember that the price seemed to be decent, but truthfully don't recall exactly what that was. I do know that right down from the Trevi Fountain there was one and there was another near the Pantheon.

I'm sure someone here on the boards might recall or know this company. Not sure if that helps you at all.

chazzarelli

I also wanted to comment about the Colosseum. I say definitely go inside - worth the visit. I also read recently that you can now go underneath in the areas that use to be unaccessable. They now have tours that go down there so you can see where the animals and gladiators where actually held.

jabez

I return this fall for my 8th or 9th trip (lost count) and we usually stay for a week at a time.
You at least are giving Rome three nights, so many try to get in and out in a couple days and end up saying "We just didn't like Rome." Rome, like good wine, takes time.
The advice here is sound, but always first go with what draws you. Why is Rome on your agenda and not somewhere else?

Your arrival day looks fine. Make sure to have a good walking map. I tend to like the Spanish Steps and Trev i fountain area a bit more at night than the day time (heavy crowds either way). I'd actually suggest dinner in Trastevere area that night for something different. The Tiber walk is OK, but shouldn't be your main focus.

Day 2 -Get to Colosseum and Roman Forum area early for tours. With the Palatine Hill included, you can make it through the
Capitoline Hill Museum before noon. Yes, it's a bit of a rush, but they are all close toogether and very doable. With your trusty map, walk from capitoline to Jewish Quarter for lunch.
This leaves your afternoon open.

Day 3-If that's what you want (LOTS of Vatican) ,then your plan works. I would skip Castel San Angelo and actually would do the Vatican museum with an audio tour after the Scavi. I'd use the morning for something else, but that's just me.
Overall, you have a good handle on this trip. but, weather can play a part. Heavy rains may the Forum/Colosseum portion less appealing. Try and be flexible.

njsusan

bookmarking

sddegarmo

citychicnyc,
Just wondering how your itinerary worked out? or if you made any changes? My husband and I are planning a trip to Rome this spring/early summer and your itinerary looks impressive to me but I have never travelled anywhere in Europe.

elnap29

bookmarking

ssvw27

I am always amazed that San Pietro in Vincoli is not on more lists of things to see. Michangelo'o Moses is there. I remember seeing it as a 22 yr old many years ago and cannot wait to see it again next visit.

Angelo_Carotenuto

Glad to see that we could help you with your adventure through the old Continent. I certainly hope that your experience with www.livitaly.com as a memorable one and that you will share it with friends and family that are preparing your trip to Rome and Italy in the near future.

lmont

bookmarking - love the great responses !

lowcountrycarol

I did not have time to read all the replies but just be aware that the Campo di Fiori will be closing up in the early afternoon and is better experienced in the morning before all the clean up beginns.

FRN124

Bookmarking

adelheid

bookmarking

TXtraveler2013

bookmarking - great information

mmmooommm

oh, I love when people do my homework for me!!!!!

mmmooommm

too, as to the 'too much planning comments', I always map out sample days, and put them together as the weather and mood suites me. We will be there for 8 days, and a heavy day, followed by a lighter day...rain? do your museum day, assuming they are open.

without a plan, we wander and kill so much time backtracking and in indecision. still, I am amazed sometimes how much one can cover fairly quickly if you do plan. and I always make time for sitting and people watching and relaxing...recall a good nap I had on a bench with my husband outside of Notre Dame! Too much wine for lunch I recall!! (bag lady!!)

go girl! Plan away!!!