Help with Rome itinerary

[Twolittleboys]

I will (hopefully) be on the Med cruise on Harmony of the Seas in a bit over a week. Finally booked flights and I will now have one full day (Wednesday) and one almost full day (Thursday; getting off ship in the morning but staying overnight before flying out on Friday) in Rome. I have been in Rome before, but have not seen everything by far. We have seen the Colosseum (twice, so will skip this time), forum, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, St. Peters from outside, Vatican museums kind of, Villa Farnesina, Borghesi gardens. We also went to Ostia Antica.

 

At the moment I am looking at a combination of the following:

St.Peters (inside/properly)

Vatican Museums - Last trip was with kids and it was very crowded. I am thinking it might be less crowded at the moment and I am thinking of taking one of the offical tours (maybe with breakfast/Antipasti) - has anyone done this? Also interested in the Vatican gardens.

Pantheon

Appia Antica

Tivoli

 

Obviously, I won't be able to cover everything but trying to see what makes sense. Prior trips were with kids but this time I will be solo. Though I am generally interested in history/ruins etc. I am less so at the moment and am looking more for pretty sights/nature/fresh air (hence Appia Antica/Tivoli). But I am wondering if this is the best time ever to see sights that are usually crowded (i.e. Vatican Museums).

 

Any input would be appreciated.

 

 

[zdcatc12]

47 minutes ago, Twolittleboys said:

At the moment I am looking at a combination of the following:

St.Peters (inside/properly)

Vatican Museums - Last trip was with kids and it was very crowded. I am thinking it might be less crowded at the moment and I am thinking of taking one of the offical tours (maybe with breakfast/Antipasti) - has anyone done this? Also interested in the Vatican gardens.

Pantheon

Appia Antica

Tivoli

 

But I am wondering if this is the best time ever to see sights that are usually crowded (i.e. Vatican Museums).

 

Any input would be appreciated.

 

 

We were there a few weeks ago before and after our cruise. There were literally no lines for either the Vatican Museums or St. Peters. This was my first time, so I only know how crowded it gets based on what other people were saying. Someone said usually there are thousands in line and we literally walked right in except for the metal detector check.

 

 Pantheon wait was about 15 minutes and Tivoli seemed crowded, but you could get up as close as you wanted.

 

 I was wondering why no one was selling front-of-the-line tickets for Vatican stuff and found out why when I got there. We didn't climb the basilica tower, but that line very short also.

 

 I believe that was the one positive that came out of visiting during the pandemic.

[Twolittleboys]

1 hour ago, zdcatc12 said:

We were there a few weeks ago before and after our cruise. There were literally no lines for either the Vatican Museums or St. Peters. This was my first time, so I only know how crowded it gets based on what other people were saying. Someone said usually there are thousands in line and we literally walked right in except for the metal detector check.

 

 Pantheon wait was about 15 minutes and Tivoli seemed crowded, but you could get up as close as you wanted.

 

 I was wondering why no one was selling front-of-the-line tickets for Vatican stuff and found out why when I got there. We didn't climb the basilica tower, but that line very short also.

 

 I believe that was the one positive that came out of visiting during the pandemic.

 

Yes, that is what I was thinking. Honestly, the only thing I remember about the Vatican museum was how crowded it was (and the security guards constantly shouting). This might be the best chance I'll ever get to see it without all the stress (I figure Tivoli is more doable at other times as well).

[cruisemom42]

Even though you'll have (as you say) one full day and one partial/most of a day, they are not contiguous, so the timing doesn't really lend itself to doing something outside Rome (like Tivoli) which eats up a half day and would be a bit difficult to arrange at the end as the tours tend to leave in the mornings.

 

I would focus on things that are easy to do around and in Rome. Even having been before. St. Peters and the Vatican museum would be a good use of one day. Even without crowds I would still err on the side of caution and pre-purchase tickets online to avoid standing in line and wasting precious moments. Info on all of the tours (including the gardens) and ticket purchasing direct from the Vatican can be done at this site:  MuseiVA (museivaticani.va)

 

The Appia Antica is really best done on a Sunday when the vehicular traffic is limited. Otherwise there are places where you feel somewhat unsafe walking, with vehicle whizzing by you and limited sidewalks.

 

Have you visited the Baths of Caracalla?  Trajan's market and column (entrance via the Museum of the Imperial Fori)?  The wonderful three levels of San Clemente church?  The Ara Pacis (altar of Augustan peace)?  Or either of the two wonderful museums that are chockablock full of finds from ancient Rome: the Capitoline museum (near the Republican forum), and the Musei Nazionale alle Terme (near Termini station)....

[Twolittleboys]

1 minute ago, cruisemom42 said:

Even though you'll have (as you say) one full day and one partial/most of a day, they are not contiguous, so the timing doesn't really lend itself to doing something outside Rome (like Tivoli) which eats up a half day and would be a bit difficult to arrange at the end as the tours tend to leave in the mornings.

 

I would focus on things that are easy to do around and in Rome. Even having been before. St. Peters and the Vatican museum would be a good use of one day. Even without crowds I would still err on the side of caution and pre-purchase tickets online to avoid standing in line and wasting precious moments. Info on all of the tours (including the gardens) and ticket purchasing direct from the Vatican can be done at this site:  MuseiVA (museivaticani.va)

 

The Appia Antica is really best done on a Sunday when the vehicular traffic is limited. Otherwise there are places where you feel somewhat unsafe walking, with vehicle whizzing by you and limited sidewalks.

 

Have you visited the Baths of Caracalla?  Trajan's market and column (entrance via the Museum of the Imperial Fori)?  The wonderful three levels of San Clemente church?  The Ara Pacis (altar of Augustan peace)?  Or either of the two wonderful museums that are chockablock full of finds from ancient Rome: the Capitoline museum (near the Republican forum), and the Musei Nazionale alle Terme (near Termini station)....

 

Thanks for all the great ideas (and no I haven't done any of them). I did want to mention though that for me Tivoli isn't so much a "there is nothing left to see in Rome where can I go" but a "wow, I saw these pictures and it looks mega-cool and I am really into gardens at the moment and maybe I should go there". And I was thinking of taking a whole day for Tivoli (and go without a tour) if I did go so would have only one day do do stuff in Rome.

 

I do live in Europe so getting to Italy isn't that big a deal and I figured I could see more of Rome on another trip. However, this is probably the best time ever to see some of the more crowded sights (didn't really enjoy the Vatican museums much last time due to the crowds). So I am tending to going there for one day. I have looked at the various tickets offered - do you (or anyone else) have experience with any of the tours that include breakfast/antipasti or the gardens?

 

As far as Appia Antica is concerned, I also really love the pictures of that. Too bad about the traffic but I think I read somewhere that is mostly along a certain portion of it? I tried to look on Google Maps and the southern part looked like it is more a path through fields. Would there also be traffic there?

[cruisemom42]

1 minute ago, Twolittleboys said:

As far as Appia Antica is concerned, I also really love the pictures of that. Too bad about the traffic but I think I read somewhere that is mostly along a certain portion of it? I tried to look on Google Maps and the southern part looked like it is more a path through fields. Would there also be traffic there?

 

Once you get beyond the first couple of miles, you are right -- the road turns into the real "old" Roman road with big basalt blocks and no vehicles allowed (although the bikers at times threaten to run you over). This is the more scenic are with scattered, modest Roman funerary monuments. And a couple of villas that you can visit (although I'm not sure if they can both be access via the Appian side).  

 

However keep in mind that the section with the catacombs and the very large tomb of Cecilia Metella is located on the more heavily trafficked area, which is also where you can catch a bus back into town.

[Twolittleboys]

12 minutes ago, cruisemom42 said:

 

Once you get beyond the first couple of miles, you are right -- the road turns into the real "old" Roman road with big basalt blocks and no vehicles allowed (although the bikers at times threaten to run you over). This is the more scenic are with scattered, modest Roman funerary monuments. And a couple of villas that you can visit (although I'm not sure if they can both be access via the Appian side).  

 

However keep in mind that the section with the catacombs and the very large tomb of Cecilia Metella is located on the more heavily trafficked area, which is also where you can catch a bus back into town.

 

I actually don't care that much about necessarily going by the catacombs etc. but just want to enjoy the atmosphere of the road (at least it looks very neat on pictures). But getting a bus or some sort of transport is obviously necessary. I will have to look into that a bit more.

 

I am trying to make a bit of a plan as I still need to book my hotel and am unsure about which area would be best. However, as my plane arrives late and leaves early somewhere close to the main train station is probably best.

[Twolittleboys]

Okay, I have now spent some time trying to figure out the different tours offered for the Vatican and it seems my only options are:

 

Either on Wednesday the early morning tour with breakfast at 7:30 am or a regular tour at 3:30 pm (there are some other times but that seems the best).

 

Or on Friday the week after I could do the garden tour (on a cart) at 12 followed by the regular guided tour at 2:30 pm

 

So my questions are

- is it worth paying extra and getting up quite early for the morning tour? The breakfast sounds nice but I am not really a breakfast person. Early access does sound great but not sure if it will make a huge difference.

- Any reason I shouldn't be able to make a 12 pm tour of the gardens if I get off the ship that day in Civitavechia?

- Any other considerations I am forgetting?

[cruisemom42]

1 hour ago, Twolittleboys said:

I am trying to make a bit of a plan as I still need to book my hotel and am unsure about which area would be best. However, as my plane arrives late and leaves early somewhere close to the main train station is probably best.

 

If you are taking the train to the port and back from the port after your cruise, then the station is convenient given your short stay (it's safe, if not the most beautiful area of the city).

[cruisemom42]

35 minutes ago, Twolittleboys said:

So my questions are

- is it worth paying extra and getting up quite early for the morning tour? The breakfast sounds nice but I am not really a breakfast person. Early access does sound great but not sure if it will make a huge difference.

- Any reason I shouldn't be able to make a 12 pm tour of the gardens if I get off the ship that day in Civitavechia?

- Any other considerations I am forgetting?

 

Given the levels of tourism in general right now, I think it's not really necessary to do the early morning tour. Although I'm sure it's a great experience. 

 

Of course, even at off times, the Vatican museum is probably more heavily trafficked than most others, so you still won't have it to yourselves -- but at least it shouldn't be shoulder-to-shoulder.

 

Also remember to take evidence of your COVID vaccination status, either the Green Pass, a vaccination card/certificate, or the like. Museums (and most other sites) will require it for entry -- including restaurants if you want to dine inside....

 

[zdcatc12]

5 hours ago, Twolittleboys said:

So my questions are

- is it worth paying extra and getting up quite early for the morning tour? The breakfast sounds nice but I am not really a breakfast person. Early access does sound great but not sure if it will make a huge difference.

- Any reason I shouldn't be able to make a 12 pm tour of the gardens if I get off the ship that day in Civitavechia?

 We did a guided tour, but in hindsight it probably wasn't necessary. As it was, we couldn't hardly hear anyway.

 

 We had, I believe, a 1330 tour and had no issues making that walking from our hotel about 20 minutes. And we stopped for lunch, etc. on the way. I just timed the walk to get there on time. That was with a 0930 pickup from the ship. I think you would have no problem making a 1200 tour. However, we did not go to the gardens only the museums, so I'm not sure how much that would matter.

Edited September 29, 2021 by zdcatc12

[Twolittleboys]

So I have now booked a hotel for the two nights pre-cruise. I went with the IQ Hotel as it has good reviews and I think the location close to the main train station will work well for getting there late on Tuesday night and getting a train to the port early on Thursday morning (I hope).

 

I am having a difficult time deciding on the hotel for the one night after the cruise though. I will get off the ship in the early morning and have all day but my plane leaves early (8am) on Friday morning. I am looking for either a decent but fairly inexpensive hotel or possibly a bit of a splurge (the Parco dei Principi looks nice). Or maybe I should get something closer to the airport?

[cruisemom42]

1 hour ago, Twolittleboys said:

I am having a difficult time deciding on the hotel for the one night after the cruise though. I will get off the ship in the early morning and have all day but my plane leaves early (8am) on Friday morning. I am looking for either a decent but fairly inexpensive hotel or possibly a bit of a splurge (the Parco dei Principi looks nice). Or maybe I should get something closer to the airport?

 

Just as an FYI, the express train from Termini to the airport (FCO) has its first departure at 5:20 am and takes just a bit over 30 minutes to reach the airport. 

 

I think you mentioned that you live in Europe, so you don't need to allow quite as much time at FCO as those on flights bound for the US, but I'd still probably want to be there a full 2 hours in advance (if not slightly more) in case there is extra process around showing documentation of COVID testing and/or vaccination. 

 

Taxis to the airport are a flat rate of 48 euros from central Rome if you want to stay IN Rome that night. Your hotel can arrange for an early morning pickup. Or there are several hotels at Termini, including a Hilton and a Hilton Garden Inn. The Hilton is connected to the airport so only a bit of a walk. The HGI has a frequent shuttle that drops off at each area and is also very convenient.

[Twolittleboys]

28 minutes ago, cruisemom42 said:

 

Just as an FYI, the express train from Termini to the airport (FCO) has its first departure at 5:20 am and takes just a bit over 30 minutes to reach the airport. 

 

I think you mentioned that you live in Europe, so you don't need to allow quite as much time at FCO as those on flights bound for the US, but I'd still probably want to be there a full 2 hours in advance (if not slightly more) in case there is extra process around showing documentation of COVID testing and/or vaccination. 

 

Taxis to the airport are a flat rate of 48 euros from central Rome if you want to stay IN Rome that night. Your hotel can arrange for an early morning pickup. Or there are several hotels at Termini, including a Hilton and a Hilton Garden Inn. The Hilton is connected to the airport so only a bit of a walk. The HGI has a frequent shuttle that drops off at each area and is also very convenient.

 

Thanks so much for all your help - I really appreciate it!

 

I did see that the first departure is at 5 something but think it might still be okay given that the flight isn't until after eight and I only have a carry-on suitcase. I guess I will see how the flight there goes to decide if I feel okay doing this or if a taxi is needed.

 

Maybe the Hilton is an alternative - I thought I saw that it is quite expensive but now checked again and it isn't that bad. Maybe my best option would be to go directly from the port to the Hilton on the Thursday after leaving the ship. Once checked in I could take the fast train to Rome to do stuff and then not have to worry the next day.

[bennybear]

The Hilton also has an complimentary hourly shuttle bus into central Rome that is convenient.  

[Twolittleboys]

1 hour ago, bennybear said:

The Hilton also has an complimentary hourly shuttle bus into central Rome that is convenient.  

 

Unfortunately suspended for the moment (a great tip for the future though!)

[Twolittleboys]

Seriously considering the Hilton now as it would make getting to my 8am flight so much easier. It seems somewhat cumbersome/silly though to go from the port to Rome to get a train to the airport to check into the hotel and then turn right around to get back to Rome (and direct transfers port to airport are apparently quite a bit more than I had expected). 

 

So now I am thinking the best option might be to take a train to Rome, deposit my suitcase somewhere, spend the day in Rome (or Tivoli etc.), pick up the suitcase late afternoon, take the Express train to the airport and then check into the hotel. Does that sound like a good plan or am I overlooking something? Not crazy about being "homeless" during the day but I guess I could always go to the hotel earlier if necessary...

[cruisemom42]

Have you looked on your roll call to see if anyone is offering to share a private transfer to the airport? Sometimes you can get several parties together and the individual cost becomes much more manageable.

 

If it were me, I'd probably do what you have outlined though -- drop my suitcase at the luggage storage in Termini and then return at the end of the day to pick it up and go to hotel.  (Well, I have to admit that if it were me, I'd probably still stay IN Rome overnight and just bite the bullet and take a taxi to FCO in the early early hours....but then I am a bit crazy about being in Rome 🤣.)  But what you propose makes sense.

[bennybear]

Or book a shared shuttle,  I don’t like Termini with luggage.  
Also you might want to check Rome cabs as they do transfer tours and can do Tivoli and then drop you at your hotel.  Cruise mom makes a great suggestion about seeing if anyone on your roll call is interested to manage costs.   We used them last time between back to back cruises.  

[Twolittleboys]

The roll call is unfortunately very slow, probably partly because there are two embarcation points for this cruise and most people seem to get on in Barcelona (people getting on in Rome can't even use the app to book shows etc. because IT can't handle it). But as it is at the end of the cruise I would always have the option to share the transfer with someone if I happened to meet someone on board who is interested.

 

Staying at the Hilton does sound like a pretty sound plan though like cruisemom I am a bit tempted to stay IN Rome.