I'm going to Italy in March (first trip to Europe) with a tour company. We start in Rome and after the morning tours (Vatican, Colosseum, Forum) we have the afternoon free. I was thinking a walk back from the Forum to my hotel (Via Federico Cesi 37) to see a few sites. I'm traveling alone so I'm a little concerned about walking by myself around the city and wanted some feedback on that part and also on the places to see. I definitely want to see the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain and I found this walk on a guide book:
From Forum-Piazza del Campidoglio-Piazza Campo de' Fiori-Piazza Navona-Pantheon-Piazza de Pietra-Trevi Fountain-Piazza de Spagna-Piazza del Popolo.

I do have the option to go on a side tour with the company but I thought walking was a better way to see the city. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

You need not worry about safety anywhere in central Rome. The walk takes you to some of the most interesting piazzas in Rome, but you might want to skip Campo de' Fiori: the market closes around 1 pm. The only danger is of pickpockets in crowded areas such as around the Trevi Fountain; take big-city precautions.

From Forum-Piazza del Campidoglio-Piazza Campo de' Fiori-Piazza Navona-Pantheon-Piazza de Pietra-Trevi Fountain-Piazza de Spagna-Piazza del Popolo.>

I have traipsed around this rather compact area - once you reach Pza Navona area and it is basically car-free except for obnoxious taxis - anyway nothing to worry about save getting lost in this tangle of little lanes swirling around say the Trevi Fountain. Even at night many folks walking around here.

Agree with above-you'll fine.

Even in the afternoon, there are folks at Fiori and you can pass through it on the way to Navona. Take the normal precautions with your purse.

If you are pooped, consider taking a taxi to Trevi and working your way back? Google maps has a walking option that will be helpful and fun!

I loved the area around the Pantheon as well. If you like churches, St. Ignazio is exquisite. Its faux dome interesting. DH and I returned to it twice and we aren't "churchy".

Grab a gelato along the way! Giolitti's is in the Pantheon area as well. Pay for your cone first then choose your flavors!

Well I feel a lot better about my plans, thank you all. Was warned about pickpockets so was planning on using a cross-body bag, easier to keep track of. I am using the walking option on google maps for my route, but still researching sights in the area. I'll look for St. Ignazio. Thanks for the info on the gelato, that's always good, even if weather is cold.

Near Piazza Navona is San Luigi dei Francesi with three Caravaggios. On Piazza del Popolo is Santa Maria del Popolo with two Caravaggios, few Berninis and a ceiling designed by Raphael. Practically next to the Pantheon is Santa Maria sopra Minerva, the only Gothic church in Rome, with a Michelangelo and a chapel by Filippino Lippi.

wstgo,

I really, really like the Streetwise maps. Take a look at one for Rome. It's very detailed, easy to use, laminated and folds up the size of an airline ticket, and has all the sites, churches, parks, and piazzi indexed. Super!

Buon viaggio!

At St Ignazio, you need coins to turn on the lights that illuminate the impressive ceiling and faux dome. It's a good idea to have some coins in hand all every time you enter a church since this is often the case.

In November I was in Rome with a tour and took off by myself for a bit (despite hubby's advising me not to!). I got a bit lost, fell down and busted my face, got help from a candy store owner who didn't speak English and still made it to my tour group meeting destination! If you want to read about my mis-adventure, it's here in my TR
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...te-of-rome.cfm

I never felt afraid, just rushed and a bit confused (my fault, not Rome's); I carried my passport, cc's and most money in an under-clothes pouch; every where was pretty well lighted and had many people around. What I SHOULD have done was get a much better map and follow it instead of my instincts/nose. And I should have had a plan, which it sounds like you do. So go for it; be aware of your surroundings, protect your valuables, know addresses and such in case you do get in need of a taxi, and enjoy!

Dayle, thanks for the tip, looking for them.

Ellenem, thank you also, very good to know. Any other information is welcomed.

wstgo, I second texasbookworm's suggestion about having addresses written down especially the details of your hotel. If you have a chance collect a business card from reception before you head out in the morning with the tour group. If you get lost then a taxi can get you back to your hotel. Good for you for striking out on your own, I don't think you will be sorry.

We found crossing the street the most daunting aspect of our first days in Rome. Traffic often does not stop, even for red lights. Even if buses and cars stop, mopeds don't, they just zoom on through.

We just stood, stunned, on a street corner until a local stopped to help us. They said (and it was true) walk confidently, don't hesitate, and cars will go around you. If you get really stuck, wait until a nun is crossing and stick to her like glue. A Roman will not run down a nun.

Kay

I'm really glad I posted my question, I feel a a lot more confident about this, even if Kay scared me a little..just kidding . I do have the under-clothes pouch and have started making copies of documents and stuff so I'll add the hotel information that came in my tour booklet. Thanks to all for your help.

Hey wstgo, they don't run down the elderly either. Stick with little old ladies if you can't find a nun!

texasbookworm, you made me remember when DH and I just threw our luggage in our room and started walking around Paris one time.

When jet lag hit us hard, we flagged and cab and neither of us could remember the name of our hotel! Fortunately, it was near Grand Magasin and we did remember that. So, wstgo, write down your hotel name/address on a little card to give to cabbie!

Please write a trip report and have a super time.

wtsgo,

Walking around Rome is a joy. Nothing hard about it. Do take the time on the long flight over to study your Rome map. Even though I have an excellent sense of direction, I find it helps alot to have an idea of the major sites in your head.

I think you may end up wondering why you even bothered with a tour.

I found using my GPS in pedestrian mode to be very helpful.

Some of the sidwalks are very narrow and I remmber being pushed/nudged into the street by ? I would suggest you study the map and try to remember some streets so as not to have to refer to a map constantly!

When we were in Rome a few years ago, the tourist office had a book called The Streets of Rome which describes some of the roads in the historic section pretty much building by building. It is not well translated but has lots of information about these historic streets.

A lot of people like to use the Streetwise maps for walking tours. They are laminated and so are very sturdy

Another interesting part of the city to explore, east of Campo dei Fiori, south of the Pantheon, across the river from Trastevere, is the Jewish ghetto.
One way to get there:
from from the church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva next to the Pantheon, head down Via Dei Cestari and cross Vittorio Emanuelle to the Area Sacra dell'Argentina, a large open area with temples and a cat sanctuary. continue on the Via Paganica to the Piazza Mattei with a charming tortoise fountain and historic palaces. From there take Via della Reginella to Via del Portico d'Ottavia. There are many traditional Roman restaurants on this street.

Though I like Streetwise maps, I discovered Rough Guide maps a few years back and they are the absolute best. In Venice, it was the only map I ever found that seemed to have every little cale possible.

Since them I use Rough Guides maps if available for the city I'm going to. It is a fold out map, but you can fold it to the area you are in and then it's smaller than Streetwise and more pliable so it fits better in a purse. They can also take quite a beating and still not fall apart.

I'm returning to Rome this upcoming September and I've already bought my map and plotting my days. I've been to Rome 8 years ago, my first time in Europe and it was with a tour, I was there for only 1 1/2 days and tough it gave me a little taste of Rome, I also have an idea as to where I want to go visit again but nothing can beat a good map and a plan, at least a plan to start with

Hope you'll come back and tell us about your trip and post some pictures.