Rome!!

[LindsaySD]

My husband & I are going to Rome September 5-14, and I'm looking for suggestions on what we should see, etc. My parents returned from Italy in October after a 3 week stay, but I thought I'd ask people more my age what they would recommend. We are really into history and aren't so artsy at all. I also wanted to do something special for DH because our anniversary is at the end of the month...any help???

[laura]

LOVE Rome! We were only there for a couple of days, but we were sure to see: Trevi fountain, Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna - one of our hotels was near here), Colosseum, Vatican City (incl. St. Mark's, Sistine Chapel, Vatican museums)... I know there were more things, but I'm running out the door and I can't think of them at the moment. Even if you aren't "artsy", I recommend the Vatican museums anyway, even though I guess they're technically more "art" than "history" - though I guess they're both. I'm more history than art, too, but I loved the musuems and I must have taken at least a hundred pictures. It was so fascinating and beautiful.

We went w/ my ILs, and they said the next time they go (they go to Italy every year), they want to see the Catacombs, but they always run out of time. Since we didn't make it, I can't attest, but someone else may have been.

[Apologies for any spelling errors - no time to look up & verify!]

[tenofcups]

And don't forget the Forum! I've easily spent a full day there and then went back for more -- I just love it! There's a museum overlooking it (I can't remember the name now, but I'll try) -- it's a little out of the way and hard to find, but so interesting -- *huge* antique statues there. If I remember right, there's one that's just a thumb for example and it's taller than I am...

If you have the time, you also might want to take a daytrip out to Pompeii. I did it as a bus trip and it was a full-day trip but fascinating.

Laura got most of the highlights, but I'm sure there's more... I'll keep thinking!

[laura]

I *definitely* recommend Pompeii. We did a day trip from the Amalfi Coast (where we went after Rome), which is why I didn't list it w/ my Rome info, but it was so fascinating. We also did a day trip to Herculeum, which is similar to Pompeii but equally (or maybe a tad more?) interesting, as the devastation wasn't AS bad so you could see more structures/artifacts. Those trips were definitely some of the most interesting things we saw on our trip, though. But FYI, Pompeii must be 2-4 hours (?) from Rome.

[Megande]

Rome is AWESOME!! A hint that I have is get an early start. We got up every morning at 6:30 and left our hotel by around 8. We stayed by the main train/metro station and walked almost everywhere. Because we set out early, we got to tour the Colosseum with only 4 other people!! And we never waited in line. Touring the Colosseum, the Forum, and the Palentine hills will take a lot of one day, and it is really awesome. And you can visit San Pietro in Vincoli (St. Peter in Chains) when you visit the ancient city, it is really close by and has Michelangelo's Moses in it.

When you go to the St. Peters, it is definitely worth the 4 euros and the wait to climb to the top of the dome. It was one of our favorite things we did while we were there, and we were both surprised how much we enjoyed it. Touring the Vatican museum and St. Peters took up a whole day for us.

We took a walking tour that was in our "Lets go Rome" guidebook. We saw the Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, and the Trevi fountain one afternoon, since they are all fairly close to one another.

We also enjoyed seeing Vittoriano.

Have a great time! I wish I could go back!

[Layla]

Take an afternoon to wander through Trastevere (a neighborhood across the bridge). Also, I highly recommend Sienna and Florence, if you have time! And be sure to take time for gelato. Yum!

[Lilla]

Take an afternoon to wander through Trastevere (a neighborhood across the bridge).

I highly second this recommendation. DH and I were just there in October and we loved the Trastevere neighborhood.

[Monty]

I lived in Naples (just south of Rome) for the last 3 years, just moved back to the states! I have traveled all over Italy and I can offer a few pointers!!

First, don't drive in Italy unless you HAVE too!! It's very hectic and easy to get lost. They also have a whole different style of driving that can cause MAJOR problems to americans!!! Try and walk every place you go, as you really get a feel for the country! Also, you are going at the BEST time!! August is Italian Holiday so everything is closed, but once they come back from vacation, everyone is so happy! And the weather is WONDERFUL that time of year!

If you can go to Naples, enjoy a traditional Neapolitan pizza (only found in Naples) and take a Hydrofoil to Capri. Ischia is nice, but Capri is worth the money!!! Plan on spending an entire day there, it's a huge island!

Pompeii is a must, and if you have time try and make it up to Mt. Vesuvious (near pompeii).

In Rome, do all the tourist things...but...make sure you take the tour of the colosseum! The Vatican is great, the Pope is always out on Sundays so it may be really hectic and you can't get into alot of the Chapels.

EAT!!!! The best places are tucked off the main strip and are more local hangouts...find these!!!

A tour of the Amalfi coast is a must, it is an unbelievable sight! Just a warning, take some motion sickness pills prior going on a bus tour of Amalfi.....the roads are so narrow you are bound to get nice and green! My husband got sick in our car :mad: !!!

Oh and don't forget to drink Capacchino's, they are the best! The best advice thought, is don't be in a hurry. Americans get over there and have such an agenda, and Italians just don't care!!! You meals will be served very slowly and it may take 3 hours for lunch....just enjoy the experience! Also, you have to ask for your check. Oh, and dinner doesn't usually start in local restaurant until 7 pm or later....just FYI!!!

Enjoy the country, it will change you forever!!!! Please feel free to email me with any questions you have!!

[Reebs]

Rome, don't get me started. It is my favorite place. We loved it. We were only there for 6 days which wasn't nearly enough time in my book to enjoy it. But I second all the rec's the ladies have made. But one more suggestion. At night go to the Pantheon and just sit outside at one of the outdoor restaurants and have a drink and watch the people go by. That was wonderful. Trevi fountain was hectic and there were a lot of guys selling cheap toys and stuff. Kind of annoying. We come across a little festival while we were there in Piazza Navona which was so much fun.

All in all you can't go wrong with anything you do there. Do you know where you're staying yet? We stayed at thge St. Regis and loved it. It was an okay location. But it is so easy to get around there.

Keep us updated!

[ag-girl]

I absolutely love Rome....it's so incredible!

Although on the artsy side I recommend the Galleria Borghese. We aren't really into art either but they have a lot of neat pieces, both sculptures and paintings. If you don't go into the actual Villa where the museum is you must at least walk through the huge park surrounding the area and even the gardens right around the Villa Borghese. The park is beautiful and relaxing...maybe a romantic spot for a picnic!

Spend plenty of time strolling and enjoy just being in Rome...the people, the architecture, the food. The piazzas are wonderful to hang out in and watch people go by.

Eat plenty of gelato for us!

[mom_to_zoe]

Rome is magical. I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time. A couple of thoughts:

Don't miss a church called San Clemente. It's near the Colesium. It's a 12th century church, built on top of a 8th sentury chapel, built on top of a ancient Roman temple. And you can visit all the layers. It was seriously one of the coolest things we saw there.

My DH and I took a walking tour with a guide and it was excellent. We did the tour of Jewish Rome and the Trastevere neighborhood, which is very cool. It gave us a lot more context for all the sites we were seeing.

There's a great restaurant in Trastevere called Enoteca. Amazing wine list. Highly recommend. Also, the church in that neighborhood, blanking on the name, has amazing mosiacs.

When you go the Vatican Museum, go early, like as soon as it opens and expect a line to get in. As soon as you get in, walk all the way back to the Sistine Chapel FIRST before all the crowds have arrived, so you can see it in peace. Then go back and see the rest of the museum. But whatever you do, don't skip. The Sistine Chapel is a must-see.

[tashaw6]

I am subbing just to get ideas too! I am planning a surprise trip to Rome at the end of this month (Jan 2006) for DH! I can give my rec's when I get back! ;)

[tashaw6]

Rome, don't get me started. It is my favorite place. We loved it. We were only there for 6 days which wasn't nearly enough time in my book to enjoy it.

Thanks for saying this! I booked us for 4 days and thought maybe I was booking for too long!

We stayed at thge St. Regis and loved it. It was an okay location

I haven't booked our hotel yet? Did the Regis serve bacon and eggs or croissants? I am tired of Continental breakfasts...thats why I ask...lol!

Was it close to all the touristy things?

[wander_woman]

Everyone's given you great recommendations. With 9 days, you'll have plenty of time to take it all in. I did a great walking tour of Rome when I was there. It's just called Rome Walking Tours and is run out of a hostel, but you might be able to get info about it from your hotel (I remember seeing brochures all over town). It was a half-day walk through the forum and was great. My favorite thing in Rome was just walking around and getting lost in all the little streets. It was so fun to come around a corner and just run into some gorgeous fountain or church. I'd suggest spending the first few days doing the requisite touristy stuff but then leaving yourself a few days to just wander the streets, enjoy the street vendors, go over to Trastaverde, sit out by the fountains, stroll in Borghese park, etc. If you want to do something special for your anniversary, maybe you should consider a trip outside Rome to relax and see something different. Perhaps go to Pompeii or Capri or Florence or Venice. Another idea is to spluge on a real history guide. My friends did this on their honeymoon in Rome, except they got an art guide. They hired an art professor who spent 2 days with them showing them around the Vatican and some of the churches in Rome. They got very in-depth information, much more sophisticated than you get with most tours. They loved it. I bet you could find the same thing for a personal in-depth history tour of Rome. Have fun!

[laura]

I wasn't under the impression Italians "do" bacon and eggs for breakfast? This is my husband's most detested thing about traveling in Italy, so I've heard about it endlessly. ;) I know you can GET it if you seek it out, but my impression was that this would be a place cater basically solely to Americans? It seemed like the nicer the hotel we stayed at, just the more selection of continental-type stuff was available. The only eggs we saw for breakfast were available to be hard boiled.

[Reebs]

tashaw6, no, I'd say 4 days is good. The problem with us is that DH doesn't get up early in the morning so we would lose a couple of hours to his sleeping!

As for the St. Regis and breakfast look to the answer above! We never even had breakfast so I'm not sure what they served. But I do know that the bar in the hotel gives you tons of food if you order a drink. Every night we would come back around 5:30 to the hotel and have a drink before getting ready for dinner (they eat really late there) and the first night we were kind of hungry and were going to order an appetizer and the bartender says "wait till I give you what we normally give and then tell me if you want one" So he brings out 3 types of olives, all these different nuts, bruschetta, and mini sandwiches and puff pastry and its all included! Now do keep in mind one drink was 7/8 euros so you are paying for it!! But I really loved the St. Regis, all the staff was attentive and friendly. I'd be interested to see what hotel you chose! But any one you pick, you'll have a great time!

[tlew12778]

I wasn't under the impression Italians "do" bacon and eggs for breakfast? This is my husband's most detested thing about traveling in Italy, so I've heard about it endlessly. ;) I know you can GET it if you seek it out, but my impression was that this would be a place cater basically solely to Americans? It seemed like the nicer the hotel we stayed at, just the more selection of continental-type stuff was available. The only eggs we saw for breakfast were available to be hard boiled.
Italians do NOT eat bacon and eggs for breakfast. In fact, I don't think I have ever seen those two things paired together other than at American places. For breakfast Italians eat a brioche (kinda like a croissant only way drier) and they dip it into their capuccino. BTW, no Italian drink capuccinos after 3PM either.

This article lists a bunch of city secrets (http://www.thingstodo-rome.com/brochure/content.jsp?FIELD=City_Secrets). When I have more time I will find some more of the stuff I have done while I have been there. The keyhole thing comes to mind, but I think you need a car to get there (I was with one of my best friends who lives in Rome so I have no clue where it is either). Basically it's this keyhole that you can look through at night and you see dome of the Vatican all lit up. It's pretty cool even though you are looking across some guy's private property :p.

ETA: Info (http://www.theculturedtraveler.com/Archives/Mar2003/Rome_Openings.htm)about the keyhole and the boca della verita.

[Reebs]

tlew, that is so funny you mentioned the keyhole. I totally forgot all about it. We decided to take a private car back to the airport on the day we were leaving and the driver said we had a little time and did we want him to show us some other sights. He showed us the keyhole and it was amazing. So beautiful. And the only "pyramid" other than in Egypt. Does anyone know what I'm talking about? I do have a picture of it. (I have been looking at them because of this thread!)

[tlew12778]

Pyramid of Cestius (http://www.livius.org/a/italy/rome/pyramid/cestius.html)

[Rosebud]

I'm posting a review I wrote of my trip to Rome in 2003. Thought it might have some suggestions that would help you out... :)


I arrived in Rome during the blackout in 2003. It was mildly chaotic (no trains to the city, no computers working to process check-in at hotels, many restaurants not able to cook) but I was able to share a cab into Rome and my hotel checked me in without their computer. I had an amazing time and saw most of the sights, as well as checking out a few other places that people on the message boards at Fodors.com had recommended. Here's my report from Rome:

HOTELS

HOTEL ROMANO- I stayed two nights here in a single with private bath. (80e /night). The room was very small, but also clean and secure. The best part of the Romano was the location (right next to the Forum at the end of Via Cavour) and the staff of the hotel (all the people at the front desk spoke English, were very polite, gave restaurant recommendations, lent umbrullas when it rained and hailed cabs for me). This place isn't fancy, and there are no elevators so you have to carry your bags up the stairs. I wouldn't recommend it for a honeymoon, but if you're traveling on a budget, this is a good place.

MECENATE PALACE HOTEL- I stayed here three nights in a triple room (after my friends arrived in Rome). This was a bit of a splurge for us (279e/ night) but I just loved this hotel! It's in a wonderful location (right next to Santa Maria Maggiore, a 10 minute walk from the train station). The hotel is very elegant, our rooms were large and furnished with beautiful cherrywood furniture (the bathroom was enormous and really luxurious). The service was outstanding. There is a rooftop restaurant/bar/patio here with great views that we really enjoyed. The hotel is also close to the Metro. I'd definitely recommend this as a honeymoon hotel.

RESTAURANTS

SABATINI- This is a great people-watching restaurant in Trastevere (Piazza Santa Maria). You definitely want a patio seat at night. However, we thought it was really overpriced for the quality of the food. My pasta dish was great, but my friends had other meals that were just average). If you don't mind spending the money, it's a scenic place to sit outside. But we had better food in Rome.

RISTORANTE CLETO- We stumbled into this place entirely on accident and it ended up being the best meal we ate in Rome. It's tucked into an alley off of Via Cavour about a block and a half from the end of the street (near the Forum). It's got a tiny outdoor patio. The chef came out and greeted us personally and made dinner recommendations. The bruschetta here was the best we had on our whole trip, and the pasta Arrabiata was wonderful.

ANTICO CAFFE DELLA PACE- This was another wonderful restaurant (Near Piazza Navona) where we had an outstanding lunch. Tucked into a quiet and scenic little alley near Piazza Navona, this café has outdoor seating and some really great paninis and salads. If you're in the area, I highly recommend it.

TUDINI- This was the one restaurant that seemed to be open during the blackout in Rome. It also turned out to be the best pizza I had on my trip. Tudini is on Via Cavour, only a few blocks from the train station. It's rather elegant inside, but the prices are very reasonable. The pizzas have a wonderful, light, flaky crust and delicious cheese.

CAFFÉ SANT'EUSTACHIO- This was a tip from the people at Fodors.com and one of my favorite places in all of Rome. I ended up going here for capuccino every day! It is in Piazza Sant'Eustachio, right near the Pantheon and the cappuccino here is just exceptional. It's always crowded with Romans and a few smart tourists. The cappuccino recipe here is so guarded that the staff actually turns their back to you when they make them, which is funny. Be sure to buy a bag of the coffee beans and bring them home! Also, the chocolate covered espresso beans make great gifts.

BLUE ICE- I got lost looking for San Crispino (which is supposed to be one of the best gelato places in Rome) near Trevi Fountain and ended up just buying a gelato here instead. It was very, very tasty--- and they have a great selection of flavors. I recommend it! The gelato is Italy is to die for. I was having 3 cones a day (and still somehow lost weight with all the walking!).

SIGHTS:

We did a lot of wandering and exploring. Saw all of the major sights and lots of other places as well. I'm only going to mention the sights I have specific feedback on, but we saw a lot of other great places as well.

THE COLOSSEUM- You really get a better sense of this place with a tour, or at least a very detailed guide book. I recommend a tour! English speaking tours start near the front entrance all the time. It should cost you 10 euro or less.

ROMAN FORUM- I also recommend a tour here. Fortunately, many of the English-speaking tours here are free. Just look around for tour guides when you enter.

THE VATICAN- It is so, so crowded here. Even on a weekday, even in the offseason. And this is another place where you will want to have a good guidebook or take the audiotour. It helps to know what you are looking at.

ST. PETERS- They are very serious about covering your shoulders and knees, ladies! We saw several people who were made to stay outside because they were in tank tops. Bring a sweater!

GALLERIA BORGHESE- A great little musuem at the edge of Rome that I recommend seeing. You need to make a reservation online before you leave for your trip (or have your hotel call once you get there). I got hideously lost taking the Metro to the Borghese and wandered around in the park for 30 minutes. You might want to take a cab, or at least take along a good map and be prepared to ask for directions in the park. Also, you HAVE to check your bags here. They wouldn't even let me carry in my small purse. Still, I thought that "Apollo and Daphne" was worth the inconvenience! This museum is filled with little treasures. The park is lovely too!

BASILICAS- I was really impressed with Santa Maria Maggiore and San Giovanni in Laterano. These are both gorgeous churches with lots of detail and interesting artwork/sculpture. They were saying masses in both churches when I went in, and the sound of the mass echoing through the church was beautiful. Neither one is too crowded-- which is nice---and I'd really recommend seeing them.

TORRE ARGENTINA CAT SANCTUARY- I stumbled across this place and fell in love. If you're an animal person, you will definitely want to stop and check this place out. It's a quick 10 minutes out of your day, but I thought it was cute. I saw a sign here that said they offered tours, but it was never open when I was there.

THE PANTHEON- I just loved The Pantheon! The domed interior of the Pantheon is very impressive. It was raining when I was there, and the rain falls right into the building and then drains through holes in the floor. The art throughout the Pantheon is lovely, and you'll also find the tomb of the artist Raphael here. Outside the Pantheon is the Piazza Della Rotunda, at the center of which is a obelisk atop a fountain. This is such a pretty area and a wonderful place to have a leisurely lunch.

PIAZZA NAVONA- This is possibly the prettiest piazza in Rome. Filled with vendors selling posters, scarves and all sorts of things, the piazza is ringed by restaurants. There are three fountains in Piazza Navona. In the center is the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, there's also Fontana del Moro and the Fountain of Neptune-- all gorgeous. Also in Piazza Navona, you'll see the lovely church of Sant' Agnese in Agone.

SPANISH STEPS- Crowded and heavily policed. Still, a great place to sit and people-watch after a long day of walking around Rome. Do not eat on the stairs, though. The police get very agitated about that.

VICTOR EMANUELE MONUMENT- Climb up to the top for great photo spots! We took some great pictures of the Colosseum and Forum from here. There is no tour or anything here, so bring along a guidebook for the history of the monument.

SCALA SANCTA (HOLY STAIRS)- The Scala Sancta is a staircase that is supposed to have been walked upon by Jesus Christ and is considered holy and sacred. This is a popular destination for those who come to Rome looking for Christian sites. I stumbled upon it by accident and was fascinated. You are not supposed to touch the stairs with your feet. You can only ascend them on your knees. When you walk into the building, you'll see the staircase right in front of you. Groups of people will be going up the stairs on their knees, praying with their rosaries. Quite a sight!

In all, Rome was wonderful! There were some things that took a little getting used to (the difficulty crossing the street because Romans drive like crazy people!) and some things we never got used to (the constant, non-stop smoking everywhere--even in restaurants!!). But we met so many wonderful people there, saw the most amazing sights and sampled some extraordinary cuisine. Rome was just incredible and I'd love to go back someday soon.

[Reebs]

That's it!!

Here's my horrible pic:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5df32b3127cce9e09cc06df9300000035118AaM3DNq0aNV

[Rosebud]

.... and here are a few of my photos from Rome:

http://www.erinlacey.us/images/600_Rome_Pantheon_obliesk.jpg
Piazza della Rotunda, in front of The Pantheon

http://www.erinlacey.us/images/482_Rome_Colosseum_side.jpg
The Colosseum

http://www.erinlacey.us/images/482_TreviFountain_fountain.jpg
Trevi Fountain

http://www.erinlacey.us/images/600_Rome_Forum_front.jpg
The Fourum

http://www.erinlacey.us/images/600_StPeters_dome.jpg
The dome at St. Peter's

http://images.snapfish.com/3459%3B5232%7Ffp335%3Enu%3D323%3A%3E65%3A%3E567%3E WSNRCG%3D323345%3A5%3B%3A646nu0mrj
The Pantheon

[tashaw6]

Thanks Erin! This has made me so excited now! I saw the MECENATE PALACE HOTEL...but it was a bit over budget! But it looked soooo nice! Wish I had the bucks!

I am surprising DH with this trip! So far so good...he has absolutely no idea! I got us tickets with Ryan air for $45 each, return! Hows that for a deal.

Reebs I have booked my DH and I into the Gladiatori (http://gladiatori.hotel-roma.net)...check out the photo gallery! Looks great! I made a few requests and a few minutes later I received an email from the hotel manager asking for specifics! I thought that was impressive! They will pick us up and drop us at the airport (at a fee of course...but still...)

Now, onto tour booking (or finding out more about those!)

Can't wait! :)

[SweetRed]

Oh Rome! One of my favorite, favorite vacations!

I just wanted to add that when I went in 1998 (was it really that long ago?!?!?) I did everything by foot except for two bus tours. I wanted to see the Catacombs, which are outside the city walls, and I wanted to see Rome at night. As a very young female traveling by myself, I didn't want to attempt either on my own. So I used Gray Line Tours:

http://www.grayline.com/franchise.cfm/action/details/id/46

I'm not much of a tour person usually, but I liked them both, and the Rome by Night tour helped me orient myself in the city before I tackled it all on foot.

Also, some of my favorite memories are of just walking into a small restaurant and asking the waiter, "What's good?" I got some very memorable meals at usually a decent price.

And one last thing - definitely check to see what days of the week things are open. I missed a few things because I waited until my last day to visit and it turns out they were closed on a Monday.

~ Kay

[LindsaySD]

Wow..thank you so much for all of your replies! I am so excited to get started planning. We're reserving our flights this Thursday, and my parent's travel agent will be booking our hotel.

DH & I decided to have a private guide for 3 days and be on our own for the last four. The agent will draw up a schedule we can stick to or we can go off on our own. I am so excited!

[tlew12778]

Oh yeah, almost everything in Italy is closed Monday morning. Definitely check the museums to see what day of the week they are closed.

[tashaw6]

As you guys all know (or may not know...lol) it was our first trip to Rome. We stayed at the Gladiatori Hotel in Rome! And I have to say that this hotel was more than we expected and really made our trip! From the minute we left the airport we were made to feel like King and Queen! The hotel had arranged for a Chauffeur to pick us up at the airport. He had one of those boards that said 'Mr and Mrs X'. He was prompt and even gave us a bit of a sightseeing tour on the way to the Hotel! It was so cool!

When we got to the hotel, the lady at the front desk was so friendly and helpful making us feel really special! She sat us down at the reception desk (not like the usual reception with counter) and told us abit about Rome, gave us maps, books to read up on tours available, books to read on Rome etc. It was great.

Our royalty trip continued when we got to our room, which was just a normal standard double...and it was fantastic! On the website they rave about the view of the coliseum being right outside your window...but I thought that the view would only be seen from Superior and up rooms, but we had a great view from our window. There was champagne chilling in an ice bucket on our table in our room with snacks! What a lovely welcome! The room was spacious with high ceilings and done out in marble and lovely tuscan finishings!

The bathroom
http://file004.bebo.com/large/2006/02/01/11/19730467a248785551b981902657l.jpg

The bedroom
http://file004.bebo.com/large/2006/02/01/11/19730467a248785555b362374385l.jpg

The view from our room
http://file004.bebo.com/large/2006/02/01/11/19730467a248793707b689786906l.jpg

After we settled in the lady at reception had booked us into a quaint little Tratorria just around the corner. It was so yum! Fresh pizza and wine. You can't get better. The waiters were also locals and thought Neil looked like a doctor so kept calling him Doctor. It was so funny...by this time we were a little tipsy too so it even made it more funny! :D

The lady at the reception had also presented us with a voucher to go have a drink on the terrace on the first night. So when we got back from dinner we went and had our drink. He opened a whole bottle of champagne but by then we were already on our way so only had a glass each. But the view from the top of the hotel was to die for and was a great way to spend our first night in Rome, looking onto the Colliseum all lit up! (we tried to take pics but they didn't come out too well :()

...posting

[tashaw6]

Before the trip I had booked two tickets for Neil and to go on those hop on hop off buses. Well the next morning at around 8:30 we get a call in our room saying that the tour had come to pick us up! :eek: We were both a little hung over so were still sleeping when we got the call! We were really confused because I had booked a hop on hop off tour..Anyway, we decided to get up anyway. Breakfast at the Gladiatori was fabulous! They had the whole European spread, but also had bacon and eggs! The coffee was to die for! They called coffee with normal milk American coffee...I had to laugh!

We then went and looked for our hop on hop off bus (cause we were so close to the Coliseum we were so close to one of the stops they made). Well after around half an hour of looking for the dam bus stop board and walking up and down from the Coliseum to the Circo Massimo I was mad (especially since we had booked these tickets over the net at €20 and found out when we got to Rome that hop on hop off buses only cost €13!) so I called the girl at the tour office and she said there was no board for the stop you just had to wait close to the Coliseum! I was like, the Coliseum is one big piece of architecture lady! Anyway, after many a mad phone call we EVENTUALLY ended up in the vicinity of where the bus would stop! We were also pretty pissed cause this particular hop on hop off bus only came around every 60 mins where the red buses come every 15 mins! Anyway, when our bus eventually came it was a closed bus! We were so angry! Note: don't book your hop on hop off tours online! There are many options to choose from and they are cheaper to purchase IN Rome and you can purchase them on the day! It is busy but you still get on and get a good price!

Anyway, we just sat on that bus and couldn't take pics cause it was closed but we learnt a lot. Good thing that I had booked with the tour was lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe! That was the highlight of our day! It was really cool there. All memorabilia of rock stars. We sat in the corner near the Doors and Beatle stuff! Really cool restaurant!

The Doors
http://file004.bebo.com/large/2006/02/01/11/19730467a248785604b892188030l.jpg

The Beatles
http://file004.bebo.com/large/2006/02/01/11/19730467a248793685b542442021l.jpg

The roof of the Hard Rock Cafe
http://file004.bebo.com/large/2006/02/01/11/19730467a248793698b999740763l.jpg

The hard rock cafe was close to a few touristy sites so we walked around there for a while (as we had to wait an hour for the next bus anyway!)

Here is a pretty fountain! There are tons on Rome! (Don't ask me names though! haha!)

http://file004.bebo.com/large/2006/02/01/11/19730467a248793702b621629629l.jpg

[tashaw6]

Eventually our bus came and we took the rest of the tour back to the Coliseum. We went back and vegged in our hotel room and then went back out and walked around the Coliseum (such a bonus being so close!).

We then ventured out on search of a different restaurant and found a cool one right next door to the Tratoria we had had dinner at the night before! We had freshly made pasta! oh my gosh is all I can say!

The next day Neil and I just caught one of those red buses and that was great! We took one full cycle and then we decided from there were we would stop off at. Here are some pics from the first tour.

Some ruins
http://file004.bebo.com/large/2006/02/01/11/19730467a248793727b963358527l.jpg

Another fountain
http://file004.bebo.com/large/2006/02/01/11/19730467a248805019b456368936l.jpg

A building that was built in the same style as the Coliseum
http://file004.bebo.com/large/2006/02/01/11/19730467a248805025b49814197l.jpg

Columns outside the Vatican (that place is so massive!)
http://file004.bebo.com/large/2006/02/01/11/19730467a248805029b401058447l.jpg

This is a fountain at the Vatican (we stopped off there)
http://file004.bebo.com/large/2006/02/01/11/19730467a248805039b743934100l.jpg

[tashaw6]

On our second round on the Red buses we stopped off at the Trevi fountain! This was definitely my favourite spot!

http://file004.bebo.com/large/2006/02/01/11/19730467a248818446b845849797l.jpg

Me, having just chucked a coin into the fountain
http://file004.bebo.com/large/2006/02/01/11/19730467a248818465b542059217l.jpg

Even though it was pretty cold, Neil and I had to have an ice cream there! There were tons of ice cream shops around. But it was so delicious! Note: you have to have the ice cream!

By that time it was pretty late, so we caught the bus back to the Coliseum and then just walked around there. The Gladiatori is situated in an excellent position! The Colliseum, The Forum, Palatine hill, The tomb of the unnamed soldier and a lot of other popular sites are totally within walking distance. So we just did all that on foot!

Arch of Constantine
http://file004.bebo.com/large/2006/02/01/11/19730467a248818483b33113546l.jpg

[tashaw6]

After our wonder around the ruins we went on a search for the restaurant of the evening. This time we went to a hotel called..wait for it...Al Gladiatori (like our hotel..except the Al..haha). Everything near the Coliseum has gladiator in it! So funny! We did the whole Italian meal thing! They have a started (antipasta), then a first course, then a second course, and then dessert! The food was so good! We couldn't stop eating! By the time the dinner was done, so were we!

Sunday came too quickly! But we were up and at em (mainly to get the delicious coffee at breakfast!..lol!) Took the picture of the Coliseum from the top of the terrace.

http://file004.bebo.com/large/2006/02/07/09/19730467a270373285b97984735l.jpg

We then went off to catch the next bus to get to the Sistine Chapel (as we hadn't made it in time on the Saturday...) Note, make sure you get to the Sistine Chapel early as it closes everyday at 12:45...and there is a queue of note! Sundays entrance is free! Well, we wait for the red bus..normally 15 mins apart. We waited 30mins and still nothing! We don't know what happened, but I think they were on strike or something cause we didn't see them the rest of the day! Maybe don't operate on a Sunday in low season or something (even though still tons of tourists!) So this was all we saw of the beautiful Sistine Chapel

http://file004.bebo.com/large/2006/02/07/09/19730467a270367591b212194340l.jpg

So we just decided to walk down the road to the Pyramids. This is my version:

http://file004.bebo.com/large/2006/02/07/09/19730467a270373274b463897382l.jpg

[tashaw6]

As we hadn't seen much of the stuff like the Tomb of the unknown soldier etc we spent the day walking around those things. We also went into the Palatine Ruins. Note: a good tip...go get a ticket to go see the Palatine ruins...€8, but you can use the same ticket to go into the Coliseum. There is NO queue for the palatine ruins and a mother of a queue for the Coliseum. When you have the ticket from the palatine ruins you pass go and collect fast pass into Coliseum! haha!

More of Coliseum
http://file004.bebo.com/large/2006/02/07/09/19730467a270367586b799253865l.jpg

Inside the coliseum
http://file004.bebo.com/large/2006/02/07/09/19730467a270374376b157828439l.jpg

From top of palatine Hill
http://file004.bebo.com/large/2006/02/07/09/19730467a270373282b96785864l.jpg

We then took a walk through the ruins and got to the tomb of the unknown soldier...but on our way there we saw this..Romulus and Remus founders of Rome

http://file004.bebo.com/large/2006/02/07/09/19730467a270370442b803748110l.jpg

And you have to do this
http://file004.bebo.com/large/2006/02/07/09/19730467a270370436b762501137l.jpg

[tashaw6]

Here we are sitting on Micealangelo's steps
http://file004.bebo.com/large/2006/02/07/09/19730467a270370452b81196740l.jpg

Tomb of the unknown soldier
http://file004.bebo.com/large/2006/02/07/09/19730467a270370457b931060763l.jpg

Its so funny, you can't sit down on the stairs of this building!

Looking with our backs to the tomb
http://file004.bebo.com/large/2006/02/07/09/19730467a270373266b512924721l.jpg

That evening, from all our walking we were so tired! So we just went to the supermarket and got some cheese, biscuits and wine and ate at our hotel! (We did get our last Italian meal by having pizza for lunch! :D)

Then Monday rolled around and we had to go home. Neil and I took a last walk around the Coliseum and the other ruins...that place is awesome! And then the Chaffeur took us back to the airport and we had to fly back...It was an excellent holiday...highly recommended and definitely worth going back to!

[tlew12778]

Great recap! Have you read Angels & Demons? He goes into some explainations of the various fountains and works of art in Rome.

Oh and just for reference, in Italy, all people who have graduated from uni are called Dr. I have no idea why. The abbreviation is different though. "Dott." for a regular grad, "Dr." for an MD.

[Rosebud]

An article from the NY Times about renting bikes in Rome.

Making Your Two Wheels a Bike in Rome (http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/09/23/travel/23explorer.html?ex=1348200000&en=808b387612f9223c&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss)

And the basics, from that article:

There are several excellent places for renting bikes around Rome, many offering a selection, from mountain bikes to tandems. You’ll need to leave behind a passport or some other form of documentation.

While the current exchange rate means that Italy is expensive for American visitors, bike rentals are still a bargain. Standard prices start at 4 euros ($5.60 at $1.40 to the euro) an hour and 12 euros ($16.80) a day. Some choices:

** Bici & Baci (Via del Viminale 5; 39-06-482-8443; www.bicibaci.com), two blocks west of the Stazione Termini.
** Danilo Collalti (Via del Pellegrino 80/82; 39-06-6880-1084).
** Bici Pincio (Viale della Pineta; 39-06-678-4374) in the Borghese Gardens.

You can also arrange to have rental bikes delivered to your hotel. The Hotel Hassler (Piazza TrinitÃ* dei Moni 6; 39-06-699-340; www.hotelhasslerroma.com) offers guests free use of its bike fleet.

And in case you're too terrified to bike in Rome, there's also info in the article about biking the Appian Way.

[Rosebud]

Also from the NY Times, an article about the Summer Music Festival in Rome:

Summer Arts in Rome (http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/07/08/travel/08heads.html?fta=y)

But briefly each summer, Rome makes up for the 10 months of drought with Estate Romana, the Rome Summer Festival, a breathtaking six-week flood of mostly outdoor shows at more than a dozen sites around the city. Although the emphasis is on music — from rock to opera to reggae to jazz — there is a decent selection of outdoor films and plays as well.

Many of the shows use Rome's ancient ruins as their stage and backdrop, like plays in the Roman Forum or opera on the grounds of the Caracalla Baths. If you prefer a Renaissance setting for evening culture, there is orchestral music in Michelangelo's breathtaking Campidoglio Square. Many of the musical performances take place in the city's parks, which are formed from the grounds of Renaissance villas.

There is a centralized Web site in Italian (www.estateromana.comune.roma.it), but it is chaotic, an undiscriminating list of events big and small — near, and miles outside, the city. Still, even without speaking Italian, you can glean an idea of what is going on, and it contains a decent summary of the day's events on its homepage. The site has an English page (click on the British flag), but it is also mostly in Italian and doesn't contain some of the offerings. For big-name performances, the best place to start looking is the wonderful Auditorium Music Park, designed by Renzo Piano. An outdoor stage is erected in the space between the three soaring clam-shape concert halls. Some concerts are inside, and some are outside.

[PalmBch2002]

Question for anyone who's done the Rome trip. DH and I have our trip booked for March 3-10. Just like nature would have it, we just found out we are pg this past weekend! Sooo how crazy am I to still think that I can do Rome at roughly 6 months pg? I figure it's a lot of walking but I can rest and take breaks right? It's mainly the flight that I'm really worried about. Am I crazy?

[tlew12778]

I think a fair amount of people travel at 6 months pregnant. Personally, I would go pre-baby as opposed to post. It seems like one of those things that if you postpone it, you risk never going, IYKWIM. That said, I suppose it depends on how easy of a PG you have. The good thing with Rome is that everything is within walking distance and the walking distance isn't that far if you plan it out properly. Plus there are a lot of monuments really close together so you aren't really walking for 15-20 minutes before stopping.

[tlew12778]

I just got back from a weekend in Rome and have to recommend a few restaurants:

L'Isola della Pizza, Via dei Scipioni 41-49, 06 39 73 34 83, www.isoladellapizza.com
I don't think you need a reservation for this place. We walked in at 11PM and it was HOPPING. It was also full of Italians. I didn't see any tourists there (but that also could have been bc of the late hour). They specialise in pizza but also have pasta and a grill. They actually butcher your meat in front of you and throw it on the grill. Four of us split 2 mixed fried antipasti, 3 had pizza and I had a steak, then 3 of us had dessert, plus 4 beers, a coke, and a bottle of spring water... the bill came to 17 euro per person. The pizza is really good (DH had zucchini flour pizza... 6 euro... yum!

Ristorante Enoteca Corsi, Via del Gesu 87, 06 679 0821
You need to reserve this place and you cannot be late for your reservation. We were 2 minutes late and they were about to give away our table! The food was good but not out of this world. It's just good, home grown Italian food. Four of us had 3 artichoke antipasti, 3 pastas and one flank steak (avoid this dish... it's called straccetti but as far as straccetti goes, it sucked), 4 espressos, a coke and a bottle of wine, plus a bottle of water and one dessert for 15 euro per person. I actually wouldn't necessarily go out of my way to go back there but it's a good choice given the location (behind the Pantheon) and it is probably better than a lot of food you will get in that area. The price is great too.

Spirito di Vino, Via dei Genovesi 31 a/b, 06 589 6689.
You also MUST reserve to get in here. This place was fantastic. It's the 2nd best restaurant I have ever eaten at and we are foodies. The first is Caruso in Sorrento. The attention to detail at Spirito is outstanding. The owner actually explained each and every dish to us. The dishes are traditional with a modern flare. For instance, DH had fresh pasta with a sea bass & crustacean consomme ragu topped with almonds... my brother had a 4 fish tomato ragu pasta dish... my chicken pate antipasta that was amazing! The cellar is 80 years OLDER than the colloseum and you can wander around it btwn courses. I will DEFINITELY go back here next time I am in Rome. Our total bill, including a 25 euro bottle of wine, was 140 euro and that included 4 antipasti, 3 pastas and one soup, and 4 desserts.

Il matriciano, Via dei Gracchi 55, 06 321 2327
We had lunch here on Sunday morning. There aren't too many places in Rome that are open on Sunday. The great thing about this place is that there were no tourists at all. Only Italians. I thought my dish was normal, but my brother's GF's dish was amazing. She had fresh tagliolini with funghi porcini. The flavor was soooo rich. I thought the bill here was actually high. We had 2 mixed fried antipasti (excellent actually), 4 pastas, 4 espressos, and one bottle of water and the bill came to 20 euro per person.

After that we went to Gelateria dei Gracchi which is about 7 blocks up the street (272 or something). The gelato flavors are really great (I had apple cinnamon) and their pistacchio is amazing. 2 euro per cone.

That evening, my brother and his GF went to Le Mani in Pasta which they said it to die for. I had reserved for them, but a Romani friend of mine says you don't need to. The kitchen closes at 10 though. My brother said he had Sea Bass Carpaccio, then Shrimp and Clam Linguine, followed by grilled squid...

I also really wanted to try Da Tonnino but they do not take reservations and I wasn't in the mood to stand in line. I also tried to get into Osteria dell'Angelo but they were fully booked. Good thing Rome is relatively close as I've got a whole list of places to try!