msteacher

Just a quick tip on your day 4 plan--- the Campo de Fiori and Spanish Steps are not very near each other, then you are backtracking to Trastevere.. I'd suggest combining the Campo and Trastevere in the morning, then saving the Spanish Steps for the afternoon. You certainly can walk from the Campo to the Sp Steps, it's just a longer hike than to Trastevere, so better to do after fueling up at lunch.

kybourbon

>>>Here's a link that let's you purchase tickets:

http://selectitaly.com/browse/things-to-do/museum/id:42/borghese-gallery-tickets-rome<<<

No need to pay a reseller for marked up tickets when you can book directly with the Borghese.

http://www.galleriaborghese.it/prenota-en.htm

darlenef17

Thanks to all for the information on the Borghese. I tried several days ago to pre-purchase the tickets; however, the official site only went 30 days out. I did not check reseller websites bc I saw no need to pay a mark up. I assume that I will be able to secure them through the official site when the date is closer.

msteacher - I appreciate the geographical tip. I certainly don't want to needlessly criss-cross the city if there is a better plan. I believe I put Trastevere in the afternoon planning to eat dinner there and not wanting to traipse back. Will look at alternatives.

burnstock - You can ONLY book the Scavi tour through the excavation office at the Vatican. I booked it first, and then chose a tour that worked with the time slot I was given. You provide them dates and they tell you when your time is. Here is the link with all of the information:
http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/in...090216_en.html

You will have to submit a written request by sending an email to: [email protected] The link above elaborates.

For the tour, we are taking a small group tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's. Based on outstanding reviews and my price point, I narrowed it down to Through Eternity or Walks of Italy. We are using Through Eternity as their tour time best fit with the Scavi tour time.
http://www.througheternity.com/group...ptoursrome.htm

OR

http://www.walksofitaly.com/tour_boo...ur_listing/6/6

darlenef17

Here is a more detailed description of Day 4. Critiques appreciated!

DAY 4 - SATURDAY, MAY 25
MORNING - Campo di Fiori
10:30 - Shopping and window shopping! Spanish Steps area, etc.
1:00ish - LUNCH
MID/LATE AFTERNOON: Bocca Della Verita (Mouth of Truth) in the portico of Santa Maria in Cosmedin ; Explore Trastevere, Jewish ghetto
SUNSET - Walk along Tiber River - Ponte Umberto I – Beautiful views and sunset!
DINNER TRASTEVERE - Where?

burnstock

Darlenef17 -
This is Mrs. Burnstock, and I did a little research and the trip you are taking with your daugther in may is the SAME trip my husband and I are taking in Sept/October. Please keep in touch afterwards and let us know how it all worked out. What you are glad you did, what you wished you did and didn't do?!? I was looking at your itineray and it is very similar to what we had in mind so I will be curious to get your feedback if you don't mind. Thank you so much and I hope you and your daughter have an AMAZING time!!!! We are so looking forward to our adventure as well.

artebella

Tips from a Frequent Rome Visitor:

Wonderful restaurant near the Pantheon: DaFortunato
Best Cup of Coffee near the Pantheon - Tazza De Oro

After visiting Villa Borghese walk through park to viewpoint near Piazza di Spagna, to Casina Valadier Garden Cafe, a lovely outdoor cafe for a coffee or cocktail. I watched ths sunset from this location on my last night in Rome during one trip. Memorable.

Spanish Steps area: Rest your feet and enjoy a coffee or cocktail in Cafe Greco and enjoy the historic Cafe.
Lunch or dinner at OTELLO della Concordia on Via Della Croce- Greate food, charming and very affordable.
Your daughter will love shopping in along the Corso from Piazza di Populo to Piazza Venezia.

darlenef17

Mrs. B - I certainly will! We will be doing Paris, Florence, and Rome in 16 days. Are you doing the others as well, or do you just want the Rome info?

artebella - Thank you SO much for the recommendations. There are so many highly rated restaurants in Rome that it's overwhelming. I love getting tips from those who have actually been there. Please post anything else you feel will be helpful. I'm grateful for the shopping tip also, as will be my daughter!

sdcasch

Your trip sounds grand. Please post a summary when you get back, with your recommendations. I'm taking my daughter on her first visit to Italy this fall, and will appreciate your input.

sarge56

darlene- we are booked on the 3pm Scavi tour same day you're booked for 9am. We may pass each other in the streets!

annhig

hi darlene,

I only just came across this thread [after "meeting" you on the Florence one] and I haven't followed every twist and turn. But after spending a week in Rome only 2 weeks ago, I may have a few ideas that might be useful to you.

1. Buses. Don't be frightened of them. you can pick up a map of Rome that shows all the bus routes for €3 from any tabac or book shop. several parts of your trip would be enhanced by using the bus -eg the Pantheon to the colosseum [bus from the corso vitttorio emmanuele to the colosseum], spanish steps to the Bocca della verità etc. tickets are €1.50 each from any tabac, [valid for the metro too] and don't forget to validate them in the machine when you get in.

2. Shopping. as well as the "posh" shops round the Via Condotti, there are other more affordable areas. One street which specialises in antiques is the Via Coronari - it runs west of the piazza Navona, from its northern end. at the southern end of the Piazza Navona is the Via del Governo Vecchio, which leads into the Via dei Banchi Nuovi -the far end of this street meets up with the other end of the coronari, forming a triangle. there are lots of lovely and interesting shops along these streets.

if you venture into the Monti area, there are some interesting shops and workshops [and some very nice restaurants] along the Via Dei Serpenti and the streets around it. well worth a wander.

3. The Galleria Doria Pamphilj - a little known gem. http://www.doriapamphilj.it/ukvisita.asp
packed with great works of art but very few people, the entrance is on the via del corso. [the main shopping street in Rome]. the first part comprises a guided tour [by free audio guide] of the family's rooms displayed as in the C17 onwards. After that you enter a gallery into which a huge no of wonderful works of art [Breugel, Caravaggio, Velasquez] have been crammed.

and both times i've been there were virtually no other people there.

darlenef17

sdcasch - It is my intention to do a trip report; however, if it's slow in coming, feel free to bump this thread and ask any questions. I'll be happy to share whatever I've learned!

sarge56 - The older I get, the smaller the world seems to get! You will probably be exiting the Scavi tour into the Basilica about the same time that our Through Eternity tour is ending in the Basilica!

Annhig - I've made a note of the recommendations - thank you!

darlenef17

A couple of logistical questions:

Our fist two days are going to be well-filled with Vatican City and the Colosseum/Forum/Capitoline Museusm.

Saturday and Sunday are relatively open and very flexible as nothing has been reserved yet. Tenatively, this is what I have, BUT I would like to incorporate these sights as well:

Capuchin Crypt (appears to be very close to our Pantheon apt.) Via Veneto 27

San Pietro in Vincoli (St. Peter in chains)
Hours 8:00 am–12:30 pm and 3:30 pm–6:30 pm

Any suggestions on where they would fit or how I might improve DAYS 4 & 5?

DAY 4 - SATURDAY, MAY 25
MORNING - Campo di Fiori and wandering the shopping areas of Rome – Spanish Steps area, etc.
AFTERNOON: Bocca Della Verita (Mouth of Truth) in the portico of Santa Maria in Cosmedin; Explore Trastevere, Jewish ghetto
SUNSET - Walk along Tiber River - Ponte Umberto I – Beautiful views and sunset!
EVENING: Open

DAY 5 – SUNDAY, MAY 26
MORNING: Go to Mass at an unfamous church between apartment and Borghese Gallery - ANY SUGGESTIONS?
11:00 am - Reserve Borghese Gallery & Gardens
Lunch
3:00Piazza del Poppolo, Basilica di San Clemente
EVENING: Open – Last night in Europe 

darlenef17

On Sunday, we also have the option to book a 9:00 tour and go to the 6:00pm Mass at Santa Maria Minerva, which is very close to out apt. This would give us more time in the day.

What is acceptable clothing for Mass in Italy? I know for visiting, no shorts, no knees, and no shoulders, but for Mass, is it acceptable for the women to wear capris or nice jeans/pants or do they require "Sunday" clothes?

msteacher

No, just be sured you're covered up. As long as you don't look like a total slob, how dressed up you are is not really an issue.

sarge56

Darlene- I believe you mean Santa Maria sopra Minerva? One of the most beautiful churches in Rome! It's right next to the Pantheon. Can't miss the Bernini elephant obelisk in front of it. Google it- the ceiling is stunning!

Just make sure arms and knees are covered. (My DD always takes a large scarf [they are sold all over Italy] and wraps it around her shorts to create a "skirt". Also handy to wrap around shoulders if you are sleeveless.)

PS Men should also have their knees and shoulders covered (no tank tops, no shorts).

willowjane

Darlene, what a great plan you have and what great advice you have been given! We intend to see many of the same sites as ou are planning on visiting. I am adjusting some of my plans thanks to some of the answers to your post. We will be arriving as you are leaving. Thanks so much for the trip layout.

darlenef17

msteacher and sarge56 - I thought it would be okay, but wanted confirmation, so thank you! It seems that modesty is more of an issue than "dressiness." sarge - yes - that is the church I am referring too and have googled it.

Willowjane - happy to have been of some assistance. Hope you have a wonderful trip!

Still lacking advice on fitting Capuchin Crypt and San Pietro in Vincoli (St. Peter in chains)into Days 3/4 and critique on those days.

FOUR POSTS UP - Anyone?

AJPeabody

The Galleria Doria Pamphilj is a true gem. See if they are doing a concert tour on your Saturday. We went to one that had a walking lecture art tour with chamber music at various points along the way and a short sit down concert at the end. We booked in advance on line.

darlenef17

AJ- Just googled The Galleria Doria Pamphilj. It looks wonderful and best of all, not crowded!! Thank you so much for the tip! We may see this and forego something else. Sounds as though the artwork is magnificent! I don't know how this place is not on more "must see" lists of Rome - it looks amazing and is right in our neighborhood! Thank you!

adrienne

<< San Pietro in Vincoli >>

Yes - go see the statue of Moses, although you can't get as close to it as you used to be able to.

Day 4/5 - I would walk to the Spanish Steps after the Borghese Gallery. Nice walk through the grounds and down the steps.

I'm a bit confused with your schedule. Perhaps you could post the entire schedule again.

Do you have the Pantheon & area anyplace? See Santa Maria Sopra Minerva (beautiful) with the Pantheon as it's only a few yards away.