Rome Journals

Rome - Over Too Quickly

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An April 2006 trip to Rome by Ghost Train Rider

Quote: Give Rome a chance. Some find it overwhelming and crazy, but I found it intoxicating!

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Rome - Over Too Quickly

Overview

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Before traveling I read that Rome is best done quickly, so I planned for one full day—plus the next morning. After a missed flight we arrived late, which cut our time down to one afternoon and one morning—much too little. Plan a full day for the ancient sites: Colosseum, Forum, Palatine Hill, Pantheon; then do Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps at nighttime, when they are at their best and everything else is closed anyway. A few notes on the ancient sites: Buy your Colosseum tickets at Palatine Hill (no lines, and tickets sold at both locations automatically include entrance to both sites). If you spend too much time at Paltine Hill, your Colosseum ticket is good until 1:30pm t...Read More

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Hotel Italia

Hotel | "Hotel Pensione Italia"

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Small but tidy rooms, with TV and a teeny little bathroom. The best thing about this hotel is location, right in the middle of it all. It's about halfway between the Roma Termini train station and the ancient sites. Easy walking distance to all major sites, except the Vatican (take Metro line A). Staff is very friendly and speaks English. You can buy bus or Metro tickets right at the hotel (just ask front desk). A small Italian breakfast (sweet roll, yogurt and coffee) is included and served in the lobby. www.hotelitaliaroma.com

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on May 12, 2006

Hotel Italia
Via Venezia 18
Rome, Italy 00184
+39 (06) 4 828 355

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Hotel Sileo

Hotel | "Albergo Sileo"

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Decent place to stay, very affordable. Our double room was only €60. This hotel has a contract to house train workers during the day so you can only get into your room between the hours of 7pm and 9am. They will happily store your luggage however, any time of the day. One major selling point of this hotel is the proximity to the train station. Literally, one block away! Our room comprised two twin beds and a sink. The full bathroom/shower was down the hall (and was a little grimy). We took the train down to Rome on our last night in Italy before catching an 11am flight out of Rome. As we didn't arrive until 10pm and left before 8am, Albergo Sileo was a perfect place for us to stay. I wouldn't recommen...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on May 21, 2006

Hotel Sileo
Via Magenta 39
Rome, Italy 0185
+39 (06) 4450246

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Vatican Museums

Attraction | "Vatican Museum"

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A don't miss! Even on a rush through Rome, make a stop at the Vatican Museum (the only way to see the Sistine Chapel). The museum is a bit of a sensory overload, as rooms and hallways are filled from wall to wall to ceiling to floor with artwork—paintings, tapestries, mosaics, and sculptures. Just try to ignore all the tourists bumping into you and pushing to get through. Step off to the side and take in the surroundings. Among the many well-know works of art you will find Raphael's School of Athens and of course, Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel. Admission is €12. I highly recommend a tour, even for the simple reason that with a tour group you get to skip the line and go in the exit. If you re...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on May 21, 2006

Vatican Museums
Viale Vaticano
Rome, Italy 00165
0039 06 69884676

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St. Peter's Basilica

Attraction

Michaelangelo's Pieta Photo - Rome, Italy

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St. Peter's Basilica was easily my favorite cathedral that we visited on our Italy tour. Walking down the center nave underneath the incredible dome is unbelievable. Then as you explore the art and niches along the side of the basilica you forget about the crowds and the heat, and are transported into the early days of the church. The highlight is definitely Michelangelo's Pieta, a stunning piece of sculpture.

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on May 21, 2006

St. Peter's Basilica
Piazza San Pietro
Vatican City, Rome 00193
+39 0669883462

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Roman Forum

Attraction | "Roman Forum, Palatine Hill"

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Our afternoon visit to the Roman Forum area was great. Keep in mind that if you buy tickets for the Colosseum, Palatine Hill is included in the price and certainly worth a look. I suggest buying your tickets at Palatine Hill instead of the Colosseum (rarely is there a line). Wandering through the Forum and Palatine Hill is an amazing look at ancient Roman times, just imagine what an incredible area this was when it was a its prime. The Forum is free, Palatine Hill ticket costs €10 (and includes Colosseum) you can rent audio guides for both sites are €4 each.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on May 22, 2006

Roman Forum
Largo Romolo e Remo
Rome, Italy 00186
+39 066990110