planning a solo trip to Rome- I need help!
 

This August I'll be in Italy for two months visiting a friend. He lives down in Sicily. Before I go home I wanted to spend a week somewhere more "iconic" so to speak. Because my flight is from Rome, I think this is the best bet (although I had wanted to see Venice or Florence but I think I'm asking to much to squeeze them into a week as well as Rome)

I'm a female and will be alone during this trip (apart from the home stay with my friend) on top of this, i am a relatively unseasoned traveller and a bit wary of navigating my way around.

I'm sure it is possible for me to spend a week in Rome and find myself something new to do every day, my question is what. I don't know where to start planning this mini detour in terms of sights to see (in city and day trips outside), how to get there, and where to stay. Any advice?? Because I'm alone, I'd prefer avoiding the need to use public transport as much as I can (apart from day trips of course) and do not mind spending a day walking about.

Do you want to train, fly or overnight ferry from Sicily? Which area are you departing from in Sicily?

If you have a week after Sicily, you could easily fly to Venice, stay a few nights, train to Rome and stay the rest of the week.

You need to state a hotel budget before anyone can make suggestions.

I'm flying to and from Sicily. I'll be departing from Catania.
My budget isn't great. I'm a 20 year old student haha
I'm happy staying in good backpacker lodging but if there is nothing "safe" I'm perfectly happy to splash out and pay more for accommodation.

Consider staying in a convent in Rome.

Check locations on a map. IMO, Rome is very walkable, and we rarely use public transportation. But you need to be central to the things you want to see/do. For me, that's in the general area around the Pantheon.

http://www.santasusanna.org/comingTo...html#R-vatican

Thanks very much Jean, I'll check it out!

>>>My budget isn't great.<<<

You still need to state a budget. There's no point in us suggesting a place that is 80€ if you want to spend 40€. Are you willing to share a dorm situation (usually 6 people in a room) or do you need a private room? Private bath or share?

It appears you will be in Rome sometime in Oct. so you won't need AC. Santa Susanna lists a few convents in Rome (there are 200+), but far from all. They also don't update the prices very often so expect to pay more than what is listed. It's cheaper to book directly with the convent instead of a booking site such as monasterystays (they mark up the rate 10-15€ per night). The cheaper convents do not have websites/e-mails and have to be phoned.

If you can get into Fraterna Domus, it's in the historic center. If you stay where everything in the historic center is walkable, then the train station isn't.

I would not rule out public transport. One convent that is convenient to the train station and the Forum/Colosseum is Santa Sofia. It's the 2nd metro stop from the station and a five minute walk to the forum. About 50€ for a single with private bath and continental breakfast. The electric bus 117 route passes by this convent.

http://www.casasantasofia.it/index.php/en/

http://www.atac.roma.it/files/doc.asp?r=9

Most of the hostels in Rome are not as central as many of the convents. A lot of people seem to stay at the Beehive hostel, but it's close to the train station which isn't the best area.
http://www.the-beehive.com/

For other budget lodging, take a look at Eurocheapo.com, Lonely Planet, Let's Go and Reidsguides. The Thorntree forums on Lonely Planet website are mostly budget travelers (backpackers/college students).

Don't worry about being in Rome alone. I've made several trips there by myself and never felt uncomfortable, even walking around at night.
The historic center is very easy to get around on foot. I've walked it many times with stops for espresso, gelato and wine ;)
There are free walking tours of Rome www.newromefreetour.com They meet each evening at 5:30pm at the Keats-Shelley House at the bottom of the Spanish Steps. Fun and informative. Free, just tip the guide.
You can also download podcasts. Rick Steves site has some good ones. I'm sure you can google others for interesting walking tours around the city.
A convent is a good idea, inexpensive and safe for a single woman.