Planning our Time in Rome
 

Yes, I want to take it slow and enjoy living like a "native". We have rented an apartment near Campo di Fiori so should be close to lots. So far here is what I have planned:

Friday: Arrive, check into apartment, walk around, buy some groceries
Saturday:
Sunday:
Monday:
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday: Depart

OK, the first thing I need to know is what is the best day to go to the Vatican because I shortly must make a reservation. RS says Saturday, closed Sunday, Monday crowded, so that leaves Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, however, if I purchase the Roma Pass it kinda interferes with the 3 days for the pass. I also would like to take a day trip to that seaport town (sorry, don't have the book up here). Thursday I would really just like to take it easy and enjoy our last day.

We have a "Friday arrival, Friday departure" itinerary for Rome (arriving on September 2-leaving September 9), it is as follows:
Fri-Arrive-drop luggage (staying at an apartment in Trastevere)-pick up some groceries-mill around area-have dinner in that neighborhood. Hopefully a good night’s sleep!
Sat-Morning market at Piazza di Campo de Fiori-possible take metro to Spanish step area and slowly stroll back to our area taking in the sights along the way.
Sun-Morning market at Porta Portese, afternoon Appian Way & Catacombs of Sebastian or San Callisto.
Mon-Morning Vatican tour (have private guide), afternoon Scavi tour (already have reservations). Maybe dinner at Dino & Tony's.
Tue-Probably Coliseum & Forum tour-Tiber Island-want to get to the Abbey Theater Irish Pub.
Wed-Cooking class at LeFate! {Can't wait for this!} Stroll around in the evening-possible Jewish Ghetto.
Thur-Ostia Antica in morning-Enjoy Gnocchi for dinner somewhere. {Still researching places for great home made gnocchi}
Fri-:( Leave Rome-but head for Sardinia :)!
Since we are in the first "wave" at the Vatican we weren't real worried about the Monday date. It just worked out to be the best with the guide we wanted. Some of this is etched in stone but anything that isn't is always "negotiable". We are afterall, On Vacation ;)

Thanks LTR! That looks great. We won't be there until October and I read the Coliseum underground portion will be closed for renovation.

I am considering doing Appoian Way on Sunday as well because the street is closed to traffic but if you want to do the Catacombs of Sebastion, they will be closed on Sunday.

Cooking Class!! That sounds S-L-O-W! Do they have a website? Thanks for sharing.

Oh what do you know, same cooking school listed in this thread:

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-near-rome.cfm

Check out her photos! They are beautiful!

What guide are you using for the Vatican?

Well, Dan has nixed the cooking school idea. They only had two spots on Thursday which is our last day in Rome and he wants to spend time enjoying the atmosphere rather than cooking. OK.

I have been researching the Vatican and after reading roninrome, have decided that Tuesday afternoon would be the best day and time. Our apartment owner told me the Vatican is only 1 mile from the apartment and we can walk. I'll see after I get there. Still trying to decide between a guided tour or general admission.

Want to do at least one day trip and Ostia Antica might be it. If you find that great place for homemade gnocchi, let me know!

I think our first three days will be identical to yours!

If you are planning on booking the Vatican's own guided tour, don't wait too long as they book up.

Ostia Antica is part of the Roma Pass. I would combine my day trip as one of the three days covered by the pass. It will cover your transport there and discount admission if you've already used the free admissions. Use the free admissions for some of the higher priced sites such as Capitoline, Colosseum/Forum/Palantine (counts as one entrance) or Borghese.

Thanks KY!