kybourbon - thx for the info.

bookmarking

http://stumblebumstravels.blogspot.c...ome-milan.html

We took three days to see most of that lot. All except Palantine Hill.
You can easily queue for an hour and a half just to get into the Colosseum.

If you stream lined it, making sure you linked the attractions together by the shortest route, you could just do it. You probably woudn't enjoy it though which defeats the object!

I don't think anyone has mentioned this on this thread yet, but one tip for avoiding the line at the Colosseum is to buy the combined ticket for the forum and Colosseum at the Palatine entrance where there are far fewer people. there is an entrance from the Forum right near the Arch of Titus on the Via Sacra. Once you have the ticket you won't have to stand in line at the Colosseum
Even if you don't do a complete tour of the Palatine it is definitely worth going up the steps from the Forum to the Farnese Gardens where you can look out over the Forum.

bookmarking - March 2008

First time in Rome to catch a Cruise.Looking for a hotel for three days near the area of the Visconte Hotel.(too expensive) and any other good advice.We would greatly appreciated. Please Help, Thanks.
izzy

I agree that Palatine Hill is awesome. I would see it before spending time in the Forum. Plus the ticket for the Colosseum is also for P.H., if go on the same day. Go to Palatine Hill/Forum ticket booth (no lines or at least shorter), buy ticket & cheap audioguide for P.H. (or Rick Steves Rome book for tour); spend up to 2 hours or more if possible (don't miss the upper level garden & the great city view - photo op; the small museum is great too) & then cross the street to the Colosseum (don't miss going upstairs; great view; photo-op; nice Troy artifacts). If you go to Forum, be sure to buy audioguide or have Rick Steves Rome book or you won't know what you are looking at.

OSTIA ANTICA - if you like ancient ruins, these are absolutely wonderful - like O.A. better than Pompeii. However, it will take you some time to get to the train station (depends on hotel location & if take bus or taxi), if train is there, about 20-25 minute train ride, 10 minute walk to ruins & get ticket, about 2 hours there, & then return trip. So at least 4 hours. There is a very nice cafeteria onsite; food was good & cheap & convenient. You might want to check the cafeteria hours before going.

How much you can see in 2 days depends on your stamina & the length of your day. Don't blame you for trying to squeeze in as much as possible. If 2 days is all you have - that's all you have.

Have fun & enjoy, Julie

izzy, if you don't get any hits, try venere.com, tripadvisor.com, slowtalk.com, & hotels on this site, & put Rome Hotels in the search box.

Bringing up venere.com will give a price estimate, plus there are some reviews.

However, tripadvisor reviews are better, in my opinion. So once you find a price range & location that you want on venere.com, go to tripadvisor for a review.

I always book direct with the hotel though. If you can't find the hotel's website, ask on here.

You could also start your own post & you might get better results. I think this thread is about done.

Good luck, Julie

Rome is my fave city and noway can you give it justice in 2 days. The Forum alone is at least a 2 hour wander. Do your best, but you will want more. The place is addictive!