Author Topic: Travelers-question about Rome  (Read 19191 times)

Riff

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 116
  • Location: West Michigan
Re: Travelers-question about Rome
« Reply #50 on: August 23, 2015, 05:25:40 PM »
Your time in Rome is precious, so do whatever you can to avoid the lines.  It's been mentioned, but the lines at the Vatican and the Colosseum are very long.  Purchase your Vatican Museum ticket with entry time before you go.  Also for the Borghese Gallery.  The Underground tour at the Colosseum lets you skip the line.  That ticket also includes the Forum and the Palatine Hill.  There's actually two lines at the Colosseum, the first one is just to buy the ticket.  So if you don't do the tour, get your ticket at the Forum or Palatine Hill because it includes the Colosseum, and there's hardly ever a line. 

Last year, they weren't selling the Underground Tour tickets online (maybe that's changed), so we had to get those over the phone.  It was kind of a pain in the ass, and the operator was rather rude to my wife.  But skipping those lines?  Worth it!

When exiting the Sistine Chapel, go through the door in the back to the RIGHT.  It says tours only, but I've never been stopped.  By going out that door, you can get to St. Peter's directly, and without going through security again.  If you go out the left door, then you have to walk all the way back to the start of the museum, and then around back to St. Peter's, and then through security to get in. 

Make sure you're early for your entry time at the Borghese.  Depending on the season, they'll resell your ticket if you're late.  Also, there's an annoying bag check that you may have to use.  The Bernini's are amazeballs, and totally worth the visit!

When I was in Rome last fall, the Trevi was covered in scaffolding.  The time before that, half of the Pantheon was covered.  It seems like St. Mark's in Venice is perpetually half covered in scaffolding.  In Florence, the Duomo museum was closed for renovations.  It's Italy; it's old.  You just have to go with it. :)

Definitely walk around Rome as much as you can.  So many amazing things to see and do.  Relax in the piazzas and people watch.  Take your time, and don't try to do everything on this trip.

Positano and Capri are lovely, but I'm not sure that I would take the time to go there (I've never been to the town of Amalfi).  When I've gone to Capri, it was from Sorrento that we took the ferry from both times.  If you do go to Capri, take the boat tour around the island for some spectacular views (it's inexpensive too).  I would skip the Blue Grotto.  Villa San Michele in Anacapri is worth the visit though.

EconDiva

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1313
Re: Travelers-question about Rome
« Reply #51 on: August 24, 2015, 06:55:50 AM »
Your time in Rome is precious, so do whatever you can to avoid the lines.  It's been mentioned, but the lines at the Vatican and the Colosseum are very long.  Purchase your Vatican Museum ticket with entry time before you go.  Also for the Borghese Gallery.  The Underground tour at the Colosseum lets you skip the line.  That ticket also includes the Forum and the Palatine Hill.  There's actually two lines at the Colosseum, the first one is just to buy the ticket.  So if you don't do the tour, get your ticket at the Forum or Palatine Hill because it includes the Colosseum, and there's hardly ever a line. 

Last year, they weren't selling the Underground Tour tickets online (maybe that's changed), so we had to get those over the phone.  It was kind of a pain in the ass, and the operator was rather rude to my wife.  But skipping those lines?  Worth it!

When exiting the Sistine Chapel, go through the door in the back to the RIGHT.  It says tours only, but I've never been stopped.  By going out that door, you can get to St. Peter's directly, and without going through security again.  If you go out the left door, then you have to walk all the way back to the start of the museum, and then around back to St. Peter's, and then through security to get in. 

Make sure you're early for your entry time at the Borghese.  Depending on the season, they'll resell your ticket if you're late.  Also, there's an annoying bag check that you may have to use.  The Bernini's are amazeballs, and totally worth the visit!

When I was in Rome last fall, the Trevi was covered in scaffolding.  The time before that, half of the Pantheon was covered.  It seems like St. Mark's in Venice is perpetually half covered in scaffolding.  In Florence, the Duomo museum was closed for renovations.  It's Italy; it's old.  You just have to go with it. :)

Definitely walk around Rome as much as you can.  So many amazing things to see and do.  Relax in the piazzas and people watch.  Take your time, and don't try to do everything on this trip.

Positano and Capri are lovely, but I'm not sure that I would take the time to go there (I've never been to the town of Amalfi).  When I've gone to Capri, it was from Sorrento that we took the ferry from both times.  If you do go to Capri, take the boat tour around the island for some spectacular views (it's inexpensive too).  I would skip the Blue Grotto.  Villa San Michele in Anacapri is worth the visit though.

So if you were me you would not visit Capri or Amalfi on this trip?

clarkm04

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 180
Re: Travelers-question about Rome
« Reply #52 on: August 24, 2015, 07:06:14 AM »
3 days is doable.  We did Rome in 5 and could have done more, but for what you want to do 3 solid days will do it.

- Get a Roma pass to cut the lines at most of the exhibits.
- Purchase Rick Steves's Italy book if you haven't already.  He's the MMM of European travel and we saved thousands of dollars following his advice and ate at amazing restaurants the whole time there.

Have an amazing trip!


Riff

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 116
  • Location: West Michigan
Re: Travelers-question about Rome
« Reply #53 on: August 24, 2015, 07:38:49 AM »
So if you were me you would not visit Capri or Amalfi on this trip?
With the limited amount of time, I wouldn't.  I would do this on the next trip when you can give the area proper attention without feeling rushed.  You don't want to be the guy who rushes around checking sights off his list before rushing off to the next one.  Be the person who sits down with a glass of wine and soaks it all in.  Give yourself time to wander and explore.

When you go to the Amalfi coast on your next trip, you'll have time to relax a little.  Then you can go to Pompeii and the Archaeological Museum in Naples (where all of the treasures from Pompeii are).  Go to Paestum to see the Greek temples.  Have some lemoncello in Sorrento.  Visit Vesuvius.  Spend the night in Positano.

Instead, with only a few days on this trip, I would stay and experience in Rome.  If you feel like getting out a little, perhaps a day trip to Ostia Antica or the Tivoli Gardens.  Rent a bike and travel the Appian Way.

--------

Because we did the Underground Tour at the Colosseum (which gets you access to areas the regular ticket doesn't), we decided against getting the Roma Card.  Plus, it doesn't work at the Vatican, of course. 

Lis

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 774
Re: Travelers-question about Rome
« Reply #54 on: August 24, 2015, 10:23:18 AM »
Definitely walk around and get lost if you can. Rome is very walkable. Guaranteed you'll find sites that don't necessarily show up on your average tourist map. We found the CREEPIEST yet coolest church (which, ironically, ended up being a decent tourist attraction but nobody was there when we went and we had never heard of it).

Was it the Capuchin church that's decorated with bones and skulls?  I loved that church!  But my traveling companions were horrified by it.  :)

I had to find my travel blog (we had to keep one as part of the class) to verify but YES! It was awesome! It's very weird to look at art made from (actual, centuries old) bones and think it's beautiful. ("I really hope these don't start moving" definitely ran through my mind more than once!) Those chapels are located under the church itself (I think it cost 5 or so euros to see... totally worth it), but the church upstairs was also very creepy and interesting too look at (and free!).

Edit: Posting the link, but you will see bones. They're beautiful and artsy, but if it freaks you out don't click. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capuchin_Crypt

I still remember the plaque that hangs in the crypt:

"What you are now, we once were.
What we are now, you will be."

[Shudder.]  :)

Oh man, you just revived this - it was buried deep in my memory! I recall this being something that really struck me as well.

I love that quote and I completely forgot about it until I brought up my travel blog again. Amazing and just so incredibly cool. And creepy.

I don't recommend seeing the Vatican Museums/Sistine Chapel and the Borghese Gallery on the same day. The Vatican Museums are incredibly crowded most days, so much so that it's sometimes hard to see the art past the crowds. Unless you're part of a tour group you can't go directly to the Sistine Chapel. You'll have to go through a lot of the museum first, including the Hall of Maps and the Raphael Rooms. All of this is incredible and very much worth seeing, but it's a long walk and you usually have to wait in line to get into the chapel itself, so it's pretty time-consuming and exhausting. I can't imagine visiting another museum after seeing the Sistine Chapel--I'd rather take a nap, or have a drink, or both.

I second all of this.  Also, if you have binoculars consider bringing them for the Sistine Chapel, so that you can see the details.



I third this... sorta. Maybe it was because my experience wasn't so great, but I don't know if I'd go back to the Vatican Museum. Honestly, the Sistine Chapel was so jam packed that you couldn't see anything, and honestly, what you want to see is difficult to view anyway. I'm all for seeing things in person, but I think it's much easier to appreciate the beauty of the works in the Sistine Chapel by viewing pictures of it. If it's a choice between that or an elbow in the face, I pick the pictures.

The Borghese was amazing though, and you can get quite close to the works to really see the detail (unlike the Vatican Museum).

wberkgal

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 15
Re: Travelers-question about Rome
« Reply #55 on: August 24, 2015, 11:50:17 AM »
If you're going to the Vatican, you might look into a tour of the necropolis under St. Peters. You have to enter as part of a tour (there are narrow corridors and they don't want people knocking into things) but the tours aren't super-expensive and some include a ticket to the Vatican museums. We were there just after the necropolis was open to visitors, so things may have changed, but at that time the tour ended at the crypt under St. Peters (where there are tombs of some popes) and from there we exited into St. Peters.

http://www.museivaticani.va/3_EN/pages/z-Info/Eventi/2013/MV_Info_Evento16.html


EconDiva

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1313
Re: Travelers-question about Rome
« Reply #56 on: August 24, 2015, 07:22:04 PM »
So if you were me you would not visit Capri or Amalfi on this trip?
With the limited amount of time, I wouldn't.  I would do this on the next trip when you can give the area proper attention without feeling rushed.  You don't want to be the guy who rushes around checking sights off his list before rushing off to the next one.  Be the person who sits down with a glass of wine and soaks it all in.  Give yourself time to wander and explore.

When you go to the Amalfi coast on your next trip, you'll have time to relax a little.  Then you can go to Pompeii and the Archaeological Museum in Naples (where all of the treasures from Pompeii are).  Go to Paestum to see the Greek temples.  Have some lemoncello in Sorrento.  Visit Vesuvius.  Spend the night in Positano.

Instead, with only a few days on this trip, I would stay and experience in Rome.  If you feel like getting out a little, perhaps a day trip to Ostia Antica or the Tivoli Gardens.  Rent a bike and travel the Appian Way.

--------

Because we did the Underground Tour at the Colosseum (which gets you access to areas the regular ticket doesn't), we decided against getting the Roma Card.  Plus, it doesn't work at the Vatican, of course.

I understand.  You've almost got me reconsidering and only doing Rome.  Only thing is I highly doubt I'll be back in Italy any time soon.  Too many other places I want to see and too little time.  Well, too little time off from work. 

EconDiva

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1313
Re: Travelers-question about Rome
« Reply #57 on: September 15, 2015, 09:35:49 AM »
UPDATE September 15th:

I've put together a draft itinerary for this trip...thoughts??:

Day 1:
From approx. 11 am – 4 pm:
Colosseum
Palatine Hill
Roman Forum
From 4 pm on:
Shopping, people watching, eating @____________

Day 2:
Trevi Fountain
Sant'Ignazio Church
Piazza Novana
Pantheon

Day 3:
Borghese Gallery (11 am – 1 pm)
Tivoli (maybe 3 pm – 6 pm?)
Shopping, people watching, eating @____________

Day 4:
Sistine Chapel
Centro Storico

On Day 5, I leave for Capri.  I decided to do it although it's just for 2 days.  I'll leave Rome Friday morning (Day 5) for Capri.  Then I'll leave Capri on Sunday evening around 4 pm.  Any 'must do' things in Capri?  Only things I had on my list were to (1) take the lift that goes up Ana Capri, and (2) take a boat tour on the water.  Other than that just planned on doing a little shopping and a lot of eating and just lounging around/photography.

EconDiva

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1313
Re: Travelers-question about Rome
« Reply #58 on: September 15, 2015, 10:30:22 AM »

 Any 'must do' things in Capri?  Only things I had on my list were to (1) take the lift that goes up Ana Capri, and (2) take a boat tour on the water.  Other than that just planned on doing a little shopping and a lot of eating and just lounging around/photography.

If you are into walking/hiking at all, I would recommend walking the "Scala Fenicia" aka the Phoenician Steps from the port to Anacapri (up) or the other way down. There is also a bus, so you can just walk one way if you want. Really beautiful views. It's 900+ steps, and quite steep, but I felt it was worth it. YMMV.

We also chose to hike the path up Monte Solaro (where the Anacapri lift goes). Either way, there is a gorgeous view from the top.

We mainly just enjoyed wandering around the villages - much less hectic feeling than Rome, which frankly, a breath of fresh air. Bring a bathing suit, too, b/c there are nice beaches. And your hotel may have a pool.

Thank you very much for the suggestions!  And I definitely will be packing a swimsuit in my bag...I can't wait!

Staying at "Hotel Capri".

Is there any bargain shopping here?  To be more specific, could I purchase a scarf for under $20?  Or do I need to stick to Rome for that type of thing?  I've been doing some online searching and it looks like Capri is kinda high end.

Capsu78

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 765
  • Location: Chicagoland
Re: Travelers-question about Rome
« Reply #59 on: September 15, 2015, 10:57:07 AM »

 Any 'must do' things in Capri?  Only things I had on my list were to (1) take the lift that goes up Ana Capri, and (2) take a boat tour on the water.  Other than that just planned on doing a little shopping and a lot of eating and just lounging around/photography.

If you are into walking/hiking at all, I would recommend walking the "Scala Fenicia" aka the Phoenician Steps from the port to Anacapri (up) or the other way down. There is also a bus, so you can just walk one way if you want. Really beautiful views. It's 900+ steps, and quite steep, but I felt it was worth it. YMMV.

We also chose to hike the path up Monte Solaro (where the Anacapri lift goes). Either way, there is a gorgeous view from the top.

We mainly just enjoyed wandering around the villages - much less hectic feeling than Rome, which frankly, a breath of fresh air. Bring a bathing suit, too, b/c there are nice beaches. And your hotel may have a pool.

Thank you very much for the suggestions!  And I definitely will be packing a swimsuit in my bag...I can't wait!

Staying at "Hotel Capri".

Is there any bargain shopping here?  To be more specific, could I purchase a scarf for under $20?  Or do I need to stick to Rome for that type of thing?  I've been doing some online searching and it looks like Capri is kinda high end.

I think you can find just about anything in any price range in the shops down by the ferry docks.  I am a stickler for trying to buy things only made in country, which is a challenge in the EU.  a $20 scarf bought in Italy but made in Asia might not cut it for me.  As a bit of a cook, I like to wander around grocery and kitchenware stores to see if I can find some gadjit  only available in Italy.  I have bought olive picks, a small pasta pot, my pizza cutter on various trips over the years. 
You won't regret going to Capri!  A cocktail at the top of Mt Solerno is something I am glad to say I have done.
« Last Edit: September 15, 2015, 11:00:21 AM by Capsu78 »

Dezrah

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 457
Re: Travelers-question about Rome
« Reply #60 on: September 15, 2015, 05:45:49 PM »
OP,

I haven't read everyone responses, but this was absolutely my favorite experience when we went to Italy:

Pay the few bucks to take the stairs up to the roof of St. Peter's Basilica.  It goes along the inside of the dome and is amazing.  It literally (and I mean I literally gasped from amazement) took my breath away.

Have fun whatever you do.

jeromedawg

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 5174
  • Age: 2019
  • Location: Orange County, CA
Re: Travelers-question about Rome
« Reply #61 on: September 15, 2015, 07:59:42 PM »
If you want a view of the river and St Peter's Basilica from a distance, the top of Castel Sant'Angelo isn't bad to check out. I think this might be part of the Roma Pass as well.

As a side note, the Amalfi Coast reminds me of Cinque Terre a bit... though CT has a bit more of a cozier feel. Both areas are touristy but have their own unique charm.


Jouer

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 501
Re: Travelers-question about Rome
« Reply #62 on: September 16, 2015, 08:08:24 AM »
EconDiva, that is a great itinerary.

I just returned from Italy. Spent only 3 days in Rome and could have stayed longer. I loved, loved, loved Rome.

A few hints:

Coliseum et al: get a guided tour when you arrive there. Look for someone outside the site with a union jack on their badge - they are an English speaking guide. You'll learn a lot from the guides. If you are not getting a guide, get your tickets at Palatine Hill or the Forum - the line will be shorter.

Vatican: pre-buy your tickets online even if you are not doing a guided tour. Saves a ton of time and for a 4 euro charge totally worth it. After Sistine Chapel, take the door to the right instead of the left. It's for groups but there is no one there checking. Saves hours of time.

Piazza Novana: continue to wander beyond Novana in the direction away from Pantheon. Cool little streets, shops and restaurants. Cheaper food than right in the piazza. Just get lost among the streets. I stopped for beers in a locals bar and had a great time. Got free limonchello out of it and everything.

I loved Capri even though I only spent a few hours there. Walk around, people watch, check out the beach, etc. The shops in the main part of the city are all high end. And I mean really high end. I didn't go in any, obviously.

I found it pretty easy to ask for the basics in Italian....beer, coffee, etc. They seemed to appreciate my effort - they would mostly speak back to me in English since it was obvious I didn't really speak Italian....but by the end of the trip, I was getting spoken back to in Italian, which made things interesting.

EconDiva

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1313
Re: Travelers-question about Rome
« Reply #63 on: September 16, 2015, 08:22:05 AM »
EconDiva, that is a great itinerary.

I just returned from Italy. Spent only 3 days in Rome and could have stayed longer. I loved, loved, loved Rome.

A few hints:

Coliseum et al: get a guided tour when you arrive there. Look for someone outside the site with a union jack on their badge - they are an English speaking guide. You'll learn a lot from the guides. If you are not getting a guide, get your tickets at Palatine Hill or the Forum - the line will be shorter.

Vatican: pre-buy your tickets online even if you are not doing a guided tour. Saves a ton of time and for a 4 euro charge totally worth it. After Sistine Chapel, take the door to the right instead of the left. It's for groups but there is no one there checking. Saves hours of time.

Piazza Novana: continue to wander beyond Novana in the direction away from Pantheon. Cool little streets, shops and restaurants. Cheaper food than right in the piazza. Just get lost among the streets. I stopped for beers in a locals bar and had a great time. Got free limonchello out of it and everything.

I loved Capri even though I only spent a few hours there. Walk around, people watch, check out the beach, etc. The shops in the main part of the city are all high end. And I mean really high end. I didn't go in any, obviously.

I found it pretty easy to ask for the basics in Italian....beer, coffee, etc. They seemed to appreciate my effort - they would mostly speak back to me in English since it was obvious I didn't really speak Italian....but by the end of the trip, I was getting spoken back to in Italian, which made things interesting.

Thank you very much for taking a look at my itinerary and for the very helpful tips!  Of course I can think of way more to do but I want to move at a moderate pace while in Rome and have some time for 'wandering around' as you mentioned.  I think this agenda is full but allows some time to do that as well.  I am leaving in less than 2 weeks so I will be watching this thread closely for the next week. 


EconDiva

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1313
Re: Travelers-question about Rome
« Reply #64 on: September 16, 2015, 08:23:48 AM »
Any suggestions for areas for shopping?  While there I need to pick up a few souvenirs for family (maybe some oil, definitely a few scarves, maybe some inexpensive jewelry, etc.).  I don't want to spend too much time going to separate places to look around for things to bring back home. 

EconDiva

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1313
Re: Travelers-question about Rome
« Reply #65 on: September 16, 2015, 08:24:27 AM »
If you want a view of the river and St Peter's Basilica from a distance, the top of Castel Sant'Angelo isn't bad to check out. I think this might be part of the Roma Pass as well.

As a side note, the Amalfi Coast reminds me of Cinque Terre a bit... though CT has a bit more of a cozier feel. Both areas are touristy but have their own unique charm.

Thank you for the suggestion!

Riff

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 116
  • Location: West Michigan
Re: Travelers-question about Rome
« Reply #66 on: September 16, 2015, 11:08:03 AM »
Day 2:
Trevi Fountain
Sant'Ignazio Church
Piazza Novana
Pantheon

Day 3:
Borghese Gallery (11 am – 1 pm)
Tivoli (maybe 3 pm – 6 pm?)
Shopping, people watching, eating @____________

I would consider doing the Borghese in the morning of day 2, and then taking a walk through the center of Rome.  The Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Sant'Ignazio, Pantheon, and Piazza Navona are all on the path of a great walk.  You could even go to the Tiber and get a great view of Castel Sant'Angelo, or cut south and go to Campo di Fiore.  Plus, all of these sites are amazing in the evening. 

This would also free day 3 up to allow for a more relaxed trip to Tivoli.

When you go to the Pantheon, check out the church behind there, Chiesa Santa Maria sopra Minerva.  Works by Michelangelo, Bernini (of course), and the tombs include the Medici Popes. 

EconDiva

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1313
Re: Travelers-question about Rome
« Reply #67 on: September 16, 2015, 11:20:49 AM »
Day 2:
Trevi Fountain
Sant'Ignazio Church
Piazza Novana
Pantheon

Day 3:
Borghese Gallery (11 am – 1 pm)
Tivoli (maybe 3 pm – 6 pm?)
Shopping, people watching, eating @____________

I would consider doing the Borghese in the morning of day 2, and then taking a walk through the center of Rome.  The Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Sant'Ignazio, Pantheon, and Piazza Navona are all on the path of a great walk.  You could even go to the Tiber and get a great view of Castel Sant'Angelo, or cut south and go to Campo di Fiore.  Plus, all of these sites are amazing in the evening. 

This would also free day 3 up to allow for a more relaxed trip to Tivoli.

When you go to the Pantheon, check out the church behind there, Chiesa Santa Maria sopra Minerva.  Works by Michelangelo, Bernini (of course), and the tombs include the Medici Popes.

Thank you for looking at my itinerary!

So...I purchased the ticket already for Borghese gallery, and the time was for 11:00-1:00.  I could consider moving Tivoli to Day 2 from basically early morning to early afternoon, and moving some of the stuff on Day 2 to afternoon/evening of Day 3 maybe.

I actually am staying within a 10 minute walk of the Spanish Steps to give everyone an idea of where I'll be located.  So I'm pretty confident I'll be able to get the locations you mentioned along that walking path in pretty easily on any given day...