Rome - What will be open on Public Holidays/Sundays
 

I am looking at travelling to Rome at the end of October, I plan on arriving in Rome on October 31 and I will have two free days in the city before I take a tour on November 3.

The problem is that my two free days are November 1, which is All Saints Day and November 2 which is a Sunday.

Will the major tourist sites be opened/closed. Is it worth visiting Rome for these two days.
Or, should I rethink my travel dates?

If I have a hectic sightseeing schedule are two days in Rome enough?

I have been to Rome many years ago and I do not remember Rome too well, so I will treat this like my first trip to the city.

PS The tour that I am looking at does not end in Rome, so please do not suggest I take a few extra days in the city after the tour.

The Vatican Museums will be closed both days. Most museums and archeological sites will be open both days. Stores (except tourist-oriented shops) will be closed both days. Most restaurants and cafes will be open on Saturday; many restaurants are closed on Sundays. Public transportation will operate on a (reduced) Sunday schedule on both days.

You can see and do a fair amount in two days, but you would probably enjoy it more with more time.

Zerlina, thank you for your reply.

I have another question - if I do not chance my travel plans, should I book tours in advance?

Any help/suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

ttt.

Since the Vatican Museums will be closed, the only museum you would have to reserve a timed entry for is the Galleria Borghese:
http://www.galleriaborghese.it/info-en.htm

The combo ticket Colosseum/Roman Forum/Palatine for 9 Euro (11 Euro if there is an exhibition on in the Colosseum, which there almost always is) can be bought at the entrance to the Forum (off Via dei Fori Imperiali) or to the Palatine (Via San Gregorio) where the lines are shorter; it lets you bypass the ticket line at the Colosseum and is valid for two days.

You might consider the Roma Pass. It's valid for three days and you'll only be there for two, but it gives you two free admissions (Borghese and Colosseum combo are the most expensive), half-price admission to others and free public transport and lets you bypass the Colosseum ticket line.
http://www.romapass.it/english/index.html

Tours? I've never done one. Where it would probably be most valuable is for the Roman Forum/Palatine. There are dozens out there. If you want an in-depth tour, Context Rome has an excellent reputation, but it's pricey:
http://www.contexttravel.com/rome/

Zerlina - Thank you for your help.