(I thought I already posted this, but lost it....)
After our 3 week trip around the country we'll be getting into Rome late Saturday afternoon, there on Sun and then catching a 5 am plane on Mon am --early Nov. Any advice about how to spend out time? What wouldn't you have missed for anything?

Half day for ancient Rome at the Forum, colosseum, Palatine.

Half day for St Peter's, maybe also Castel Sant' Angelo

Evening wandering around Navona Trevi area

This will give you a brief glimpse into the highlights of Rome.

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Walk and gawk at the marvelous architecture and fountains as you head to the Vatican and then to Palatine Hill/Colliseum (or vice versa), stopping for gelato when the urge strikes. I'd encourage a tour with either Context Rome (small groups limited to 6 people, excellent but expensive) (http://www.contexttravel.com/rome/) or with Icon Tours (Icon http://www.icontours.com/) to maximize your time.

Well, if the weather is good, I would head straight for the Piazza della Rotunda and visit the Pantheon.

I'd walk over to Lo Zozzone on via Teatro Pace, behind the Piazza Navona, and get a slice of pizza bianca to eat in the piazza.

Then I'd walk over to St. Peter's, look at the piazza, then walk to Trastevere and look at the mosaics in the chiesa Santa Maria, and then sit down and have a drink in the piazza.

For dinner, I'd walk across the river to the Jewish Ghetto and have fried artichokes and a pasta at Da Gigetto near the Portico d'Ottavia.

Then I'd stroll down by the Colosseum to see it lit up at night.

Next morning, I'd probably go to the forum in the morning and the Villa Borghese in the afternoon, with lunch at Margutta in between.

Sunday night I would repeat what I liked best of what I'd already done until it was time to go to bed or time to go.

Nice....! Sounds fabu. I notice you didn't mention the Vatican. Any reason?

Sorry, I mean Vatican museaums. I'm not all that hot to see the Sistene Chapel, but there are other things, I's sure? Or would this be less priority than what you have described? The described itineraries sound like experiencing Rome, as opposed to all sight-seeing?

zeppole, great itinerary!

I'm always recommending Lo Zozzone here so glad to see another fan. The first thing I eat in Rome is their pizza bianca with arucola, mozzarella, and sun-dried tomatoes. So inexpensive and so very good.

Jano3, I would never miss the Pantheon, ever. I also always visit the moggies at Torre Argentina but I'm an animal lover so that may not appeal to you. Have fun!

http://www.romancats.com/

Jano3,

I don't really like the Vatican! Ideology aside, the piazza is a stunner to be sure, but the interior of the basilica is gargantuan to the point of feeling grotesque. It's got grandeaur (kinda) but not grace. It might be easier if one could see it empty and in peace, but the place is always mobbed, as is the Sistine Chapel (obnoxiously so) and the Vatican Museum. It's just a zoo.

However, those mosaics in Santa Maria are a sensational, and one can really see them, inside and out. Full of charm, mystic light -- and only some people go.

The Pantheon, rain or shine, is not to be missed, but you must go in the daylight to appreciate it.

Have a great time!

No one mentioned the Vatican museum because it won't be open while you are there unless it's the last Sunday of the month.
http://mv.vatican.va/3_EN/pages/z-In...fo_Orario.html

Well, I didn't mention it because I wasn't recommending it as a highlight of a 1-day tour, open or not.

Zeppole, did you mean Santa Maria Maggiore? or some other Santa Maria? There seems to be any number of them.....

Santa Maria in Trastevere

To be clear, the name of the church of Santa Maria that is located in the Trastevere neighborhood on the main square is "Santa Maria in Trastevere." Yes, lovely mosaics.

Yes, ellen has got it right. That's the one I meant.

Just got back from Italy and although I have been to Rome a few times - there is always so much more to see.
I would get on one of those hop on and hop off tour buses and it will take you to all of the major sights and you can spend whatever time you want at each one. Even if you don't get off the bus - it will give you an excellent overview.
The Vatican Museum is beautiful and I think if there was only one place you must go - it would be there. Strongly recommend that you go there about 2 hours before it closes because there are absolutely no lineups then compared to waiting for a few hours if you go in the morning. Although you could spend days there, a few hours will give you a sense of the place and in particular the Sisteine Chapel - so if you get there early enough on Satursday - go then.
At night - go to Piazza Navone and the Trevi Fountain - yes there are lots of tourists, but the foudntains are a sight to see. Sit at an outdoor cafe and order a Prosecco and watch the world go by and don't leave until you have had gelato.

First, Rome shouldn't be as swamped with tourists in November as it would in the summer months. Must-see's for me include: The Colosseum, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, and St. Peter's.

Since they are close to each other, you could see the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps in the same outing. I would save this for evening when they are beautiful and other sites are closed. You can also see the Pantheon and Piazza Navona together. You could have a "Tartuffo" (yummy gelato dessert) at Tre Scalini on Piazza Navona.

If you visited St. Peter's, you could also visit the nearby Castel Sant' Angelo, which has beautiful views from the top.

While Santa Maria Trastevere is a lovely church, it is in Trastevere (literally, across the Tiber)and not as centrally located as other beautiful churches. San Giovanni Laterano is the Cathedral of Rome and is quite beautiful. If you like art, visit Santa Maria del Popolo in Piazza Popolo. It has 3 very important Caravaggio paintings, and at least one Bernini sculpture.

Again, if you like art visit the Galleria Borghese, which is open Sunday. For a relatively small museum, it is packed with marvelous pieces. You do need an advance reservation which you can make over the internet.

There are many many wonderful churches including these two very centrally located ones:

Santa Maria sopra Minerva, behind the Pantheon (Bernini obelisk in front,Michelangelo sculpture inside)

San Luigi Francesi right near P.Navona with 3 Caravaggio paintings of the life of St. Matthew

When you go to the Forum be sure to visit the Piazza Campidoglio,too

Santa Maria in Trastevere is not across the Tiber from St. Peter's. It's on the same side. You've got to cross the Tiber to get to St. Peter's, remember?

If you are beginnint at St. Peter's, then Santa Maria is just as "centrally located" as other churches. It's a pleasant walk along the Tiber, and then through one the atmospheric streets of one of the oldest parts of Roma.

Look at a map:

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/maps/europe/italy/rome/

I'm not carrying a torch for Santa Maria in Trastevere, and there are things to see all over Roma. But it's more fun to be there if you wander around with the Romans, and enjoy their piazzas, I think, and not just be a sightseer. Maybe someday I'll get around to seeing the Spanish Steps.

Anyway, who knows what the weather will be like in November. If it rains, go to the Vatican Museum and tour the inside of St. Peter's. It's dry.

Jano,

I would have dinner on Saturday evening near the Parthenon and see that at night.

Sunday I would take a tour of the Forum/Palatine Hill/Colosseum area. I love Context Rome (they are worth every penny) but it does not appear this walk (Roma Antica) happens on Sundays. You might be able to get a private tour if you email. But that would most likely be cost-prohibitive. So, do it on your own. This should take about 4 hours.

Then have lunch and a small siesta before heading out to Trevi fountain and then dinner somewhere nearby. (You can definitely find restaurant recommendations on this website for that area.)

I'm envious; this is my favorite city in the world and I can't believe you didn't opt to stay longer.

doh! Of course, I meant PANTHEON.