We will be in Rome in May 2010. We arrive 5pm on Sunday May 2. We booked Roninrome
for Tuesday May 4. I checked and most things I'd like to see without him are closed. We
were also going to take a day trip to Ostia Antica and that is closed on Monday as well.
Any thoughts ?
Thanks, BXL

The Vatican Museum is open Mondays as well as Scavi tours. Make it a Vatican day - we did.

Ian

The Colosseum/Roman Forum/Palatine is open, as are all the churches that house some of the best art in Rome.

Ian - If you went to the Vatican Museums on a Monday, no wonder you found it crowded. It's the most crowded day of the week.

I thought we would save The Colosseum/Forum/Palatine for our tour with Ron. We have been
to Italy once. Unfortunately we used a tour co. to see the sights so it was limited. Visiting the churches is a great idea. I quess I should ask if you were hiring Roninrome what would you have him show you?
Thanks
BXL

It certainly was, Zerlina.

Ian

Wander the old center . . . Campo di Fiori, Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain . . . visiting churches along the way. Sit at a cafe. Eat a great lunch. Enjoy a gelato . . . or two.

We were there a week ago Monday and visited the Vatican. We went at 1:00pm in the afternoon and there was virtually no line to get in. There was an enormous line for St. Peters but taking the long walk to the entrance to the Vatican Museums we discovered very few people. We walked right in, bought tickets and were inside in less than 5 minutes. At the end of the Vatican Museums, there is an exit that takes you into St, Peter's and you avoid the line standing outside waiting to get in. The last time we visited was on a Saturday morning and the lines were far worse since I guess everyone tries to go first thing in the morning.

The walking/wandering tour ellenem suggests would be my choice for your first day. you could also explore the ghetto neighborhood and walk across the Isola Tiberina into Trastevere. You do have to plan around closing times mid-day for most churches.

We have never hired a private tour guide so it is a little hard for me to suggest how best to use roninrome. He sounds very flexible from the description on the web site. I think many people would use a guide for the Forum/Colosseum/Palatine. The ancient Roman sites can be confusing especially the Forum so you either need a guide or a good guide book. You might also consider going with him to San Clemente which is near the Colosseum and has three layers of history (ancient Roman, 4th century and 12th century)

Thanks to all for the suggestions. roninrome will be available on Monday so we are all set!
Thanks BXL