I am travelling to Italy in May and have 15th to 25th unplanned. As this is my first visit I am uncertain whether to spend this time in Rome or whether any of you very well-informed travellers have any suggestions? After the 25th May I am in a
tour group based in Umbria.

Certainly you could use all of the time for Rome, but you might like to hit at least one other city - like Florence or Venice. You could do all three, and many would suggest that, but that would feel rushed to me. Is your Umbria tour just for Umbria? Can you add any days at the end?

Hi Claude, how fun for you! And May is a wonderful time to visit Italy.

Are you flying into Rome? Are where will you fly home from?

Also, where do you meet your group for the Umbria part of the trip

Where will you visit with your group?

Questions asked, as well as WillTravel did so perhaps we can help you plan the days that you have free.

Sorry, I might try using the edit button! I meant to ask "and where will you be flying home from". I assume Rome.

Also, what are your interest. This would help with suggestions.

And is this your first trip to Italy and if not where have you been in Italy before? Again, helpful info so maybe some of us could throw out some ideas for your ten days.

And BTW, ten days in Rome could be fantastic!

Thanks for your replies. I fly in to Rome (from Australia) so will be seriously jet-lagged. I meet up with the tour group in Rome on the 25th and drive to Umbria.

After Umbria, I fly from Rome to Paris and as I am connecting with my daughtr will be unable to spend any more time in Rome.

I know from previous travel in France I have loved staying in one location and getting the 'feel' of the place.
However, this is my first experience of travelling alone.

I love art, architecture, food and wine and people-watching. Should keep me busy in Rome I expect!

Florence has great appeal too.

Have been checking hotel websites. Do any of you know Hotel Santa Maria? (Rome)

I don't know it, but I'm sure it's fine, based on the reviews. However, it seems to me it's a little remote for a first visit to Rome. I'd choose something more central.

Thanks Will. The last thing I need is 'remote'. Do you have a suggestion?

Hi C,

My suggestion is to train from Rome to Florence immediatley upon arrival - even if you are jet-lagged the excitement will keep you going for a few more hours.

3 days in Florence.

Train to Venice - 3 days.

Return to Rome by train.

Train schedules are at www.trenitalia.com

The Leonardo da Vinci express leaves FCO at :07 and :37 and takes 0:30 hr.

You can buy your tickets to/from Florence and Venice at the FCO station or online.

Have a lovely visit.

Thanks ira. Do you think locating the railway station, managing suitcase, etc difficult for non-italian speaking,
55+ woman?

I would love to see all of these cities! I am just a little nervous about being on my own.

Hi,
I have no advice to offer in terms of where to do before Umbria, but personally I do love Rome and Florence a lot, and they can be done (if nothing else, certainly Rome can be sampled) in the time you have.

As far as safety goes, a woman traveling alone is something all Italians in big cities have seen before. You will not be an anomaly. If you use the same kind of common sense you would use in any large city (like NYC), you will be fine. (For example, keep your hand on your purse at all times, stand up straight, don't keep money or tickets or credit cards in a pocket that could be accessed by a potential pickpocket.)

You will be fine!

Buon Viaggio,
BC

Hi C,

>Do you think locating the railway station, managing suitcase, etc difficult for non-italian speaking,
55+ woman? <

There is no difficulty finding the LdV Express at FCO. As you leave Customs, follow the signs and the crowds.

Upon arrival at Roma TE, exit the train and walk in the direction that the train was going as you entered the station - abt 1/2km

Here's a map
http://www.romatermini.it/indexf.cfm

You will see a large board at the head of the tracks. About 15 min before it is time to board, your train number will come up and tell you which track to go to.

Your ticket will have the car and seat number on it (take the ES*).

Your major problem will be your luggage. Pack light.

Don't let men in blue work outfits take your luggage from you. They are not porters. They will ask for a large tip.

Someone will help you get your luggage up and down.

Enjoy your visit.

claude- Maybe you could base yourself in Rome and spend most of your time there, but take the train to Florence just for a couple days (after you get over your jet lag, which I truly appreciate that situation). If you are returning to the same hotel, you could have them keep your suitcase and only travel with a smaller overnight bag. That would make things easier for catching the train.

Since I sense you are hesitant about this, why not wait until you arrive Rome? See how you feel after a couple days getting settled in. Plan B stay in Rome for 10 days... fabulous! Plan A have the people at your hotel front desk assist you and figure out how and where to take a train to Florence and back... equally fabulous!!!

If you are not going to hire a car, then I suggest basing yourself in Rome with day trips to Florence and Orvieto and perhaps 2-3 days in Naples to see the city, Pompeii, maybe Capri. Leave your baggage at the hotel and only take a "roll-on" with you.

regards Ger

Sounds like fun! If I were you I would base in Rome and perhaps take an overnight trip to Florence. Venice is wonderful, of course, but it's less of a solo traveler kind of place.

Consider an apartment for that length of time. I rented one through www.sleepinitaly.com You'll have space to just relax in, if you feel like you need to get away from all the hustle and bustle. Try to stay in a central area. I had the red apt. on Via Governo Vecchio. It was perfectly located for walking everywhere.

I brought the Eyewitness Rome with me and took it everywhere I went. It was so detailed with information about streets and buildings and piazzas and churches, etc. Very helpful!

If you have more luggage than you're comfortable with, splurge and take a taxi or arrange a car. It will give you a much more relaxed and less stressful arrival to Rome, after your flight and with jetlag. Don't ever take a ride from a taxi driver who isn't licensed and in a proper queue.

By the time your tour group gets there, you'll be a native!

...while I already spoke my opinion above I want to add...

If I were in your shoes, I would most likely stay in Rome the entire time. For me, the greatest way to see a place is have a good amount of leisure time in the same place. Either a hotel or an apartment is nice. Then I daily venture out in ever-expanding circles and get to know the place.

I know this slow style of travel isn't for everyone, but it suits me (also solo female) the best. My Swiss girlfriend teases "no one gets to know the 2 blocks you stay in better than you do!" from my European travels.

Hello Claude, well I seem to be with the majority here.

After flying from Australia to Rome yes you will be exhausted! That is a given.

I thought after reading your details regarding this wonderful trip that you should stay in Rome. And then read the other post and most others feel the same way also.

Regarding hotel versus apartment. An apartment would be nice however I wonder if a hotel with 24 desk service wouldn't be better for you as you will be able to get their assistance and thoughts regarding your activities in Rome.

Ten day in Rome in not too much. I think Rome is a place that the more you get to enjoy it the more you realize how much more time you need.

I agree with settling into your hotel, pampering yourself, get over the jetlag and take a few days to aclimate to Rome.

Then if you want to take a day train trip to Orvietto, or train to Florence for a few days (leaving your major luggage at your hotel in Rome) you can do that and will be in the spirit to enjoy this side trip.

And you also are going to Paris after touring Umbria. You must be counting the days!

I understand how you feel travelling on your own but if you do things the easiest way possible, such as taken a licensed taxi from the airport in Rome to your hotel, give yourself time to readjust after your long flight etc. I know you will be fine and will enjoy this visit completely.

I hope you will file a trip report after you return home and again get rested and settled in. I am sure many of us would love to hear about your vacation.

My 2 cents: I wanted to stay at the Santa Maria last time I was in Rome but they were booked. I don't think of it as out of the way at all--to me that location is pretty central.

We ended up renting an apartment last time, but I think if you are going on your first solo trip it might be nicer to stay in a hotel.

whatever you decide, have a wonderful time. I wouldn't mind a week in Rome by myself one bit!

As LoveItaly touched upon, make things as easy as possible. Use a taxi from the airport, etc. Know that the hotel front desk staff can truly be a best friend to a single traveler. Don't be afraid to ask for their help.

One trick I picked up the hard way (got lost in Paris)... take a business card from your hotel with you. That way should you get lost, you can show that card to get directions or in a taxi to take you back.

I haven't read all of the other responses so excuse me if this has already been said...I would take a taxi to your hotel when you get into Rome. It will be about 40 euros and there is a Bancomat right at baggage claim. Just make sure you go to the marked taxi stand. I can almost assure you it will be worth the money.

I would certainly go to at least one other city during the 15th to 25th time span. We spent a week in Rome a few summers ago and we really wished we had gone to Florence also. Florence is about a 3 hour train ride and Venice is about 8 (from Rome.) I guess it really depends on how fast paced of a vacation you would like.

Sounds like you are going to have a wonderful time!