Rome Itinerary Critique
Dec 14th, 2012, 02:07 PM
#42
Try to get to the Vittorio Emanuele monument (Piazza Venezia) to take the elevator to the roof for spectacular views of the city in several directions (including the Roman Forum). On the front side of the monument (facing the piazza) is the tomb of Italy's Unknown Soldier.
Although I'm amazed by those who can follow the sort of schedule you propose (do you ever eat lunch?), I don't think you're going to see nearly as many of the things on your list as you hope, and there are so many amazing things you'll miss as you're running from sight to sight. Besides the view from the Vittorio Emanuele monument, off the top of my head I think of the Castello, Palazzo Massimo Terme, the mentioned GDP, Ara Pacis, the Appian Way.... Personally, I would leave Pompeii for another trip when you visit Naples, the Amalfi Coast and Capri.
Although I'm amazed by those who can follow the sort of schedule you propose (do you ever eat lunch?), I don't think you're going to see nearly as many of the things on your list as you hope, and there are so many amazing things you'll miss as you're running from sight to sight. Besides the view from the Vittorio Emanuele monument, off the top of my head I think of the Castello, Palazzo Massimo Terme, the mentioned GDP, Ara Pacis, the Appian Way.... Personally, I would leave Pompeii for another trip when you visit Naples, the Amalfi Coast and Capri.
Dec 14th, 2012, 03:09 PM
#43
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@Jean- I was thinking about leaving Pompeii for another trip as well, still deciding. I don't expect to see everything on my list but I can try, by no means am I going to rush around to get from one place to the next- That's not my style at all, I like to enjoy my self take pictures, explore and experience things with my husband. My itinerary reminds me of my errands to do list- I always try to get more done than I have time. It never bothers me if something is not finished, so I'll make sure I get to the "major" things and then if there's time get to the rest. Does that make sense? I leave it on the list in case we want to keep going if there's time. I will take note of your sight suggestions, thank you for taking the time to look at my itinerary, I value all suggestions and opinions!
Dec 14th, 2012, 03:17 PM
#44
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I am with Jean...I think I would do Pompeii another time.
You won't see everything no matter what. I like a day trip here and there, just to mix it up, Ostia Antica (very short train ride out of Rome), Orvieto and Tivoli are options that are closer.
I literally sat on the plane home and made a list of what we didn't get to! It just gives you a reason to go back. We were amazed by everything we did see!
You won't see everything no matter what. I like a day trip here and there, just to mix it up, Ostia Antica (very short train ride out of Rome), Orvieto and Tivoli are options that are closer.
I literally sat on the plane home and made a list of what we didn't get to! It just gives you a reason to go back. We were amazed by everything we did see!
Dec 14th, 2012, 06:12 PM
#45
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Ok-some updates:
I booked the Relais6 for our hotel AND I talked to the husband and we decided to leave pompeii for another trip....now I am wondering if I should leave that day to Rome or add it to another destination (Normandy Coast, London, Paris) thoughts????
I booked the Relais6 for our hotel AND I talked to the husband and we decided to leave pompeii for another trip....now I am wondering if I should leave that day to Rome or add it to another destination (Normandy Coast, London, Paris) thoughts????
Dec 14th, 2012, 08:39 PM
#48
Listed another way:
5 full days Rome
2 full days Venice [Rome-Venice = 4 hours]
2 full days Florence [Venice-Florence = 2+ hours]
1 full day Cinque Terre [Florence-CT = 3+ hours]
5 full days Paris [How are you getting to Paris?]
2 full days Normandy [Paris-'Normandy' = probably 3+ hours]
6 full days London [How are you getting to London?]
Considered this way, your to-do list everywhere will be longer than the time you'll have, except perhaps in the CT.
The Venice lovers will say to add the day to Venice. Ditto the Florence lovers and Florence (for the option of a day trip into the Tuscan countryside), and you can never have too much time in Rome. Normandy, being a region and not a city, needs time to explore especially since you spend precious time renting and returning a car somewhere.
Your call.
One thing you should do is list your days everywhere in calendar format and make sure museums and the like are open on the days you're in the city. For example, if your two days in Florence are Sunday and Monday, you may have trouble. The Uffizi and the Accademia are closed are Mondays. The Bargello is open 7 days a week but only in the morning. The Medici Chapels are closed the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month and the 1st, 3rd and 5th Mondays of the month.
5 full days Rome
2 full days Venice [Rome-Venice = 4 hours]
2 full days Florence [Venice-Florence = 2+ hours]
1 full day Cinque Terre [Florence-CT = 3+ hours]
5 full days Paris [How are you getting to Paris?]
2 full days Normandy [Paris-'Normandy' = probably 3+ hours]
6 full days London [How are you getting to London?]
Considered this way, your to-do list everywhere will be longer than the time you'll have, except perhaps in the CT.
The Venice lovers will say to add the day to Venice. Ditto the Florence lovers and Florence (for the option of a day trip into the Tuscan countryside), and you can never have too much time in Rome. Normandy, being a region and not a city, needs time to explore especially since you spend precious time renting and returning a car somewhere.
Your call.
One thing you should do is list your days everywhere in calendar format and make sure museums and the like are open on the days you're in the city. For example, if your two days in Florence are Sunday and Monday, you may have trouble. The Uffizi and the Accademia are closed are Mondays. The Bargello is open 7 days a week but only in the morning. The Medici Chapels are closed the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month and the 1st, 3rd and 5th Mondays of the month.
Dec 14th, 2012, 08:59 PM
#49
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I was planning on flying to Paris from Pisa on an easyjet flight, there is a train that runs from La Spezia to Pisa in the AM and the flight leaves in the afternoon.
Getting to London via Eurostar, after dropping rental car off in Paris.
Do you have a different/better suggestion? I am thinking I should add a day to Normandy just based on the time it will take to get to and from there, what do you think?
Getting to London via Eurostar, after dropping rental car off in Paris.
Do you have a different/better suggestion? I am thinking I should add a day to Normandy just based on the time it will take to get to and from there, what do you think?
Dec 14th, 2012, 10:09 PM
#50
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I decided to leave the day in Rome, I figure because the 1st day we'll be getting used to being in a foreign city and I think that will we a major settling in day for us, plus it makes my life easier since I have several things booked already 
Dec 15th, 2012, 07:15 AM
#52
"I am thinking I should add a day to Normandy just based on the time it will take to get to and from there, what do you think?"
There are two ways to plan a trip. Decide how many days you'll spend in a place and then figure out what you can see in the time available -or- decide what you want to see and then figure out how much time that will require. If you can add time to Normandy, add time. But I would say the same thing about every destination on your list.
Others may comment on alternatives to the Eurostar for the Normandy to London leg. But, since you're flying to Paris, consider renting the car on arrival and seeing Normandy first. Then, return the car, see Paris and take the Eurostar to London.
There are two ways to plan a trip. Decide how many days you'll spend in a place and then figure out what you can see in the time available -or- decide what you want to see and then figure out how much time that will require. If you can add time to Normandy, add time. But I would say the same thing about every destination on your list.
Others may comment on alternatives to the Eurostar for the Normandy to London leg. But, since you're flying to Paris, consider renting the car on arrival and seeing Normandy first. Then, return the car, see Paris and take the Eurostar to London.
Dec 15th, 2012, 09:13 AM
#53
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The Relais6 on Via Tolmino?
If so, it's 1.36mi (2.2km) NNE of Termini, kind-off well off the tourist beaten track.
My bus map doesn't extend that far but it looks like there are 3 bus routes (60, 62, 84) that are very close or a short walk from that hotel that will run you anywhere between the Colosseum and St. Peter's.
"My husband's one request was Pompeii, and it has interested me since my 6th grade social studies class, is it not worth the trip?"
Do you really want to pass on Pompeii?
Is the total trip really 2:12 I'm assuming on the new faster train and then just catching the next Circumvesuviana (~40min)?
The train ride to Naples is relaxing and scenic plus you can can eat b'fast on the train (snack bar).
We never know what the future holds and there is always the possibility of not getting the chance to return and missing out on something that is a 'must see' for both of you?
My regret is Egypt which I always put off for later, now finances, a family medical situation, political unrest, etc makes it look like I will never get the chance again.
Just a thought.
Also I'm curious based on your religious interest in churches, is the Palatine Museum visit mainly to see the Alexamenos Graffito?
If not, don't miss it (Room 8 2nd floor).
And definitely book the Scavi tour.
If you book early it's likely you can get the 9:15 English tour timeslot.
That way an early St. Peter's Basilica visit and the possibility(?) to visit the dome beforehand (get in the ticket line early before the 8am opening)?
Or if not, at least you'll have the tickets to the dome for after the Scavi Tour.
Have A Great Trip!
If so, it's 1.36mi (2.2km) NNE of Termini, kind-off well off the tourist beaten track.
My bus map doesn't extend that far but it looks like there are 3 bus routes (60, 62, 84) that are very close or a short walk from that hotel that will run you anywhere between the Colosseum and St. Peter's.
"My husband's one request was Pompeii, and it has interested me since my 6th grade social studies class, is it not worth the trip?"
Do you really want to pass on Pompeii?
Is the total trip really 2:12 I'm assuming on the new faster train and then just catching the next Circumvesuviana (~40min)?
The train ride to Naples is relaxing and scenic plus you can can eat b'fast on the train (snack bar).
We never know what the future holds and there is always the possibility of not getting the chance to return and missing out on something that is a 'must see' for both of you?
My regret is Egypt which I always put off for later, now finances, a family medical situation, political unrest, etc makes it look like I will never get the chance again.
Just a thought.
Also I'm curious based on your religious interest in churches, is the Palatine Museum visit mainly to see the Alexamenos Graffito?
If not, don't miss it (Room 8 2nd floor).
And definitely book the Scavi tour.
If you book early it's likely you can get the 9:15 English tour timeslot.
That way an early St. Peter's Basilica visit and the possibility(?) to visit the dome beforehand (get in the ticket line early before the 8am opening)?
Or if not, at least you'll have the tickets to the dome for after the Scavi Tour.
Have A Great Trip!
Dec 15th, 2012, 09:43 AM
#54
vivi - on your Venice thread you have 3 full days worth of activities, ditto florence i think. but here you have only 3 nights [which = 2 days] in each.
3 into 2 don't go!
and Rostra makes some good points about Pompeii.
3 into 2 don't go!
and Rostra makes some good points about Pompeii.
Dec 15th, 2012, 11:12 AM
#55
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@Rostra- Thank you for pointing out the location of the hotel, for some reason I was under the impression that it was closer, that is my stupidity for not checking it on a map myself.
@annhig- 3 into 2 don't go? Sorry I am confused. I think I have half a day activities for each day 1 on those other itineraries.
I will leave the day open for pompeii, dependent on the weather. I think that is a better idea no?
Thanks for the help/suggestions!
@annhig- 3 into 2 don't go? Sorry I am confused. I think I have half a day activities for each day 1 on those other itineraries.
I will leave the day open for pompeii, dependent on the weather. I think that is a better idea no?
Thanks for the help/suggestions!
Dec 15th, 2012, 12:32 PM
#57
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Considering how much you want to do/see, you might want to look at another hotel that is more central.
The historic center Rome is very walkable. Yes, you can take a bus or train in everyday but being able to walk out your hotel door and just go in the morning, or stop back in the afternoon for a rest can be very convenient.
Do you have a good map of Rome? Pick one up. I love the ones by 'MapEasy's Guide To...' (Barnes and Nobles carry them) They are water/tear proof and indicate restaurants, hotels, cafes, specialty stores... great resource.
The historic center Rome is very walkable. Yes, you can take a bus or train in everyday but being able to walk out your hotel door and just go in the morning, or stop back in the afternoon for a rest can be very convenient.
Do you have a good map of Rome? Pick one up. I love the ones by 'MapEasy's Guide To...' (Barnes and Nobles carry them) They are water/tear proof and indicate restaurants, hotels, cafes, specialty stores... great resource.
Dec 15th, 2012, 03:21 PM
#60
@annhig- 3 into 2 don't go? Sorry I am confused. I think I have half a day activities for each day 1 on those other itineraries. >>
sorry, vivi, i didn't mean to confuse you, it was just that on those other threads, you had been talking about days 1,2,&3 without [I think] mentioning there that at least the first half of the first day would be spent travelling. now I understand.
as for a hotel, i agree that central is best. have you thought about staying in a convent? [no, I'm not joking, many of them provide reasonably priced and central lodgings in Rome and elsewhere in Italy].
Here's the link:http://www.santasusanna.org/comingToRome/convents.html
i see that you are catholic, so this may have an extra appeal for you.
sorry, vivi, i didn't mean to confuse you, it was just that on those other threads, you had been talking about days 1,2,&3 without [I think] mentioning there that at least the first half of the first day would be spent travelling. now I understand.
as for a hotel, i agree that central is best. have you thought about staying in a convent? [no, I'm not joking, many of them provide reasonably priced and central lodgings in Rome and elsewhere in Italy].
Here's the link:http://www.santasusanna.org/comingToRome/convents.html
i see that you are catholic, so this may have an extra appeal for you.
