Questions about Rome/Vatican City
 

We are considering going to Rome/Vatican City in the summer of 2000. This would be our first trip, so we need some advice. Any insights on tours, whether we should rent a car, dining, hotels, etc., would be appreciated.

If you are just going to Rome, don't rent a car. The Italians drive like maniacs, aprking is scarce and there are no rules on the road. As far as hotels and restaurants I reccommend the Hotel Due torri in the old part of Rome. Staying in the area around the Piazza Navona is the most central and gives you access to a lot of restaurants, sights and evening strolls. For more info see my Fodors postings "ALL ABOUT ROME" AND "MY FAVORITE RESTAURANTS IN ROME" (use the search function, but I will bring them to the top for you). I also reccommend the books, CHEAP SLEEPS IN ROME and CHEAP EATS IN ROME as well as FIELDINGS ROME AGENDA. Have a good time and if you want anymore advise, email me!. By the way Rome is suppose to be a very popular destination in 2000. Book now for hotels, even if you cancel later.

Thanks for the help!

Just a little FYI, Rome and Vatican City will probably be a great deal more crowded next summer (maybe even the whole year) than normal since 2000 is a Jubalie(sp) year. <BR> <BR>MJ

We just returned from Rome. Heard there were going to be 21 million visitors visting Rome next year. I found it a terrific city but VERY crowded. Just be prepared to see the sights with lots of people. And, no, you don't need a car. We took a 4 hour walking tour with Scalea Reale which made our trip to Rome. You can sign up ahead of time -- they are on the internet. Dress cool and enjoy

Mary, <BR>My advice is don't go next summer. Rome will be much more crowded and hectic than usual, not to mention probably more expensive. I love Rome--recently returned from there (my husband's and son's first visit)--and we purposely sped up our saving to make our trip this summer rather than next. I didn't want their first experience to be in the heat of the city's busiest tourist season in history. If you are dead set on going next year, book your hotels well in advance and be prepared for huge crowds.