Rome Without the Vatican

[Stelladoro]

We've been to Rome on a prior cruise and have taken a private tour, which included a tour of the Vatican.

This time, we will take the train (ship is in port from 8AM to 7PM), and see the sights on our own. Also, we won't go to the Vatican.

We're retired, and are quite mobile and don't mind lots of walking.

 

We plan to revisit sights such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, Pantheon, Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona and maybe spend some time strolling around in Trastevere. Are there other points of interest (we're more for sightseeing, not into museums), that we should consider seeing?

 

We were thinking of taking the train to Ostiense Station and then the Metro to the Colosseum. Are the other sights within reasonable walking distance? Is it worthwhile spending some time in Trastevere area and then catching the return train from there? We prefer taking the train from the smaller stations, rather than Termini.

 

While our private tour was great, when you're driven from one site to another, you don't really get "the lay of the land".

This time, we prefer to see some of Rome at our pace.

 

Appreciate your advice.

[euro cruiser]

It makes a lot of sense to use the Ostiense station if you're headed to the Colosseum. With the BIRG ticket all of the metro, buses and trams in Rome are included, so you can use them as much as you like.

 

Most of what you've listed is quite close together and easy to walk, the biggest outlyer is the Spanish Steps. You can use the metro to get there from the Colosseum, although this will take a bit of time as you'll need to change lines at Termini. From a time management standpoint, however, I'd do that and then walk back from the Spanish Steps to Trevi, then on to the Pantheon and Piazza Navona.

 

If you're ending your day in Trastevere it does make sense to get on the train there, especially as you'll be ahead of the masses that will board at the next stop (San Pietro). The train station in Trastevere is about a mile further south on Viale Trastevere from the area that would be of interest to tourists, but there's the #8 tram you can jump on.

[Stelladoro]

Thanks so much, Euro Cruiser.

Is the distance from Piazza Navona to Trestvere walkable? It looks close enough on the map, but could be further than it appears.

[euro cruiser]

From Piazza Navona to the Trastevere side of Ponte Sisto is only a half mile, all flat, so easily walkable.

 

From Ponte Sisto to Santa Maria di Trastevere is 2/10ths of a mile, quite close.

 

You can check the distances by making a google map and selecting the "walking" route (at the top, above your "from" and "to" locations, select the walking icon on the right).

[Stelladoro]

That's great to know.

Thanks again for your help.

[cruisemom42]

 

 

We were thinking of taking the train to Ostiense Station and then the Metro to the Colosseum. Are the other sights within reasonable walking distance?

 

Appreciate your advice.

 

I always like to recommend a visit to the Basilica of San Clemente, a church that's not far from the Colosseum. It is a wonderful "time travel" experience in 3 layers, all built on top of each other. The top layer is the 12th century basilica, then below are the remains of a 4th century church, and below that are Roman-era (1st century) buildings, including an altar to the Roman god Mithras.

 

Just be aware that the church closes for a long chunk of time mid-day, so I'd plan to do it early if you are interested. Here's a link to their website:

 

http://www.basilicasanclemente.com/

[texancruzer]

OOOO there are others not on your list tho......

 

Castel St. Angelo and the Bernini bridge in front of it.

Baths of Caracalla - near Circus Maximus

Trevi Fountain - gotta put your coin in !!!!!!!

 

are just a few.

 

If you plan out your route carefully and don't spend a lot of time in each place you can see a lot by walking. Of course, some say thats not a good way to experience Rome but it all depends on your point of view.

[Stelladoro]

Thanks for everyone's suggestions. We obviously can't see Rome in one day, but I'll work on an itinerary that will incorporate some of the sights. Good excuse to return to Rome on a land trip.

[griffy116]

We spent 3 days doing all the spots on our last trip to Rome at break neck speed. This time we plan to see Trajan's, another Trevi coin toss, favorite restaurants, gelato shops and a great little shop that we bought beautiful glass ornaments from. We NEVER thought we would get the opportunity to return, so this is just the icing on the cake!