Walter

Thanks for the detailed instructions-just what I needed! I can see the routes you describe on my map. I'd like to take the route through the Forum and to the exit behind the Basilica Julia. If we arrive at the Forum by 6PM we'll try this route. Plan B is the route past Forum of Julius Caesar.

I am intrigued by your mention the Greek Slave Market in the area beneath our apartment. I plan to do some research on this. Thanks for pointing this out.

You're very kind to take the time to provide such help!

Walter is our Forum expert. Click on his screen name and you will find his detailed postings on the forum.

Sidewalks in rome are often narrow, uneven and frequently crowded. I can;t imagine doing 1.5 miles towing luggage. Why not a cab - isn;t it it worth a few $ not to have all that agita.

Walter's suggestion on doing the Metro from Termini to Circus Maximus is the best, if you are determined to walk.

It really isn't that bad of a walk for most of the way, as the street by Circus is flat. It is about 800 meters from the metro station to the other end of Circus.

However, you can also catch the 170 bus from Termini and it will drop you by Teatro Marcello, just a few blocks from where you want to go.

If you have the Roma Pass, gives you 3 days of metro/bus/train travel and 2 site entrances. You'll bypass the lines at the colosseum.

dave

I don't get it. You are spending $X,XXX on your trip, yet you won't spend 20E for a taxi?

Where is the sense in that?

Gail

Have you considered what the weather might be like upon your arrival? I decided to walk the 5 or 6 blocks from Termini to my hotel last Fall and it started to rain. By the time I got to the hotel (I had trouble finding it despite having a map and asking locals for directions), I was thoroughly soaked.

Make mine another vote for a taxi.

I keep thinking that while marymarathons is very enthusiastic about this walk, she is traveling with seven other people. I would not want to be the one any of the others could blame for 1.5 miles of dragging luggage through busy Rome.

I am amazed by the negative response to the concept of walking a mere 1 1/2 miles with luggage! On a recent visit to London and also Paris my family and I did just what I am proposing here. We WALKED with our luggage for 1 1/2 miles to our hotel. In Paris we walked this distance in a heavy downpour-wearing our RAINCOATS. NOT A PROBLEM!! The walk was not at all difficult. We are very fit. We often hike 10 miles wearing heavy backpacks. We like to walk. This walk will be VERY EASY for us!

Yes, you can definitely walk. But then why do you even ask the original question and waste everybody's time?

Since you're done so much research already, why not just say you can walk a lot with luggage, you don't like metro, and you won't spend money on taxi?

Then others can just tell you the best route to walk there. So much easier for everybody!

Hi mary, I am confused. If you know that this walk will be very easy for all of you why did you even start this thread? A lot of good Fodorites have spent a lot of their time trying to give you their thoughts which I assume you wanted or you wouldn't have started this thread.

Have a good walk and enjoy your time in Rome.

Hey I really do appreciate all the info provided here. I'm fairly sure that some members of my group will walk and also that some will prefer either metro or taxi.

Thanks again to all of you for providing useful details!
Mary

By the way I really did not know the walk would be so easy until several of you confirmed this on this thread.

Thanks again!

Do yourselves a favor and take the taxi. There are several sets of stairs in the Termini station (escalators also but often not working). How nice to just step out of your taxi at your hotel. Much less stressful..Also, as someone else mentioned, walking could be fun but if it is raining..forget it..Enjoy Rome!

Everyone has a different idea of "easy." If I were on my own, I'd have no problem with making the walk you suggest. It's the idea of 8 people with 8 opinions that concerns me. Also the timing . . . depending on our arrival time you may get to your apartment close to 8 pm. I'd like to get in and settle as soon as possible, finish that business quickly.

But since you mentioned that some may opt for the cab, you seem to have the situation covered.

easy-your in t he same building but in rush hour, something we experienced in the morning, it would be far easier to walk outside the terminal and take a cab.