Please Review Itinerary & Provide Suggestions

[taylortime05]

We will be in Rome for 4 1/2 days prior to our NCL Epic cruise leaving 6/28.  I booked this cruise about 6 weeks ago for me and hubby.  We were originally staying at Cosmopolita Hotel Rome but I was notified yesterday that they will not be ready to open until July 1st.  It was disappointing because I had booked with Hilton points.  I was lucky that Albergo del Senato had availability (Thank you cruisemom42 for the recommendation!).  Do you have any restaurant recommendations near the hotel? 

 

Could you please review my itinerary below and provide your feedback?   I’d like to fit in an evening golf cart tour on Friday June 24th to get an overview of Rome.  I wanted to book with LivItaly but they are fully booked.   I want to make sure I’m not over doing it with tours because I want time to relax, explore & eat some great food.  But I’m also trying to maximize our time to see as much as we can.  

 

I appreciate your feedback and any suggestions.    

 

 

 

 

 

 

[euro cruiser]

I'm not sure what feedback to offer but I think that's because I'm not a tour person, I prefer to do a lot of research on my own and see things at my own pace, filling in with guides where I feel I need a greater depth of knowledge.

 

As a result, to my eyes it's very tour-heavy, but I'm not you.  

 

I am curious about all the eating tours, it doesn't leave you a lot of time to actually sit and have a meal if you've got one almost every afternoon/evening.

[taylortime05]

17 minutes ago, euro cruiser said:

I'm not sure what feedback to offer but I think that's because I'm not a tour person, I prefer to do a lot of research on my own and see things at my own pace, filling in with guides where I feel I need a greater depth of knowledge.

 

As a result, to my eyes it's very tour-heavy, but I'm not you.  

 

I am curious about all the eating tours, it doesn't leave you a lot of time to actually sit and have a meal if you've got one almost every afternoon/evening.

I thought it would be helpful to have guides for the Colosseum, the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica.  I usually find that the guides make it more interesting.   We did a food tour in Barcelona with 4 of us and the guide.  It was so much fun and we sampled food at restaurants I would have never found on my own.  But I agree that I might have too many food tours booked and not have enough time to explore on our own.  Thank you for your feedback.  

[marazul]

Maybe keep the Trastevere food tour and cancel the other food tours in Rome. Go to the "food and wine" sticky at the top of this board and look for restaurant recommendations.  The concierge at the Albergo can get you reservations. 

Spend the free afternoons walking around different areas of Rome - Campo di Fiore, Castel Sant Angelo, etc.

[cruisemom42]

OMG, I just spent half an hour on a detailed reply and then CC burped on me and I can't get it back. In short I agree with the others about a bit too much focus on food tours -- you'll be in Rome for four days, you'll have plenty of opportunities to eat...

 

I'll respond in more detail with some day to day suggestions tomorrow. Too frustrated right now. 🤬

[taylortime05]

3 hours ago, marazul said:

Maybe keep the Trastevere food tour and cancel the other food tours in Rome. Go to the "food and wine" sticky at the top of this board and look for restaurant recommendations.  The concierge at the Albergo can get you reservations. 

Spend the free afternoons walking around different areas of Rome - Campo di Fiore, Castel Sant Angelo, etc.

Thank you for the suggestions.   I’ll check out the different areas you’ve listed.  

[taylortime05]

2 hours ago, cruisemom42 said:

OMG, I just spent half an hour on a detailed reply and then CC burped on me and I can't get it back. In short I agree with the others about a bit too much focus on food tours -- you'll be in Rome for four days, you'll have plenty of opportunities to eat...

 

I'll respond in more detail with some day to day suggestions tomorrow. Too frustrated right now. 🤬

Thank you so much!   I hate when I’m working on something and lose it.  It’s very frustrating.  

[cruisemom42]

This time I'm going to take it one day per post to avoid typing too much and losing it!!  My philosophy is always to try to group things in the same area together to avoid losing time. If the suggestions I make don't appeal, there are other alternatives in the area to consider....

 

Day One:  I would suggest keeping your Colosseum tour but canceling the other one.  After your Colosseum tour ends, get some lunch nearby. I can recommend La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali, a real "slice" of typical Italian food and well recommended. Check them out online and on Facebook -- if you like the idea, I'd suggest a reservation. Or if you want to go more low-key, the nearby wine bar Cavour 313 is a well-known local place that tries to use local ingredients to serve a limited menu with a number of daily specials -- which are always delicious. They also serve great local wines by the glass.

 

For the afternoon:  Check with your morning tour to see if the tickets for the Colosseum tour also include the Forum and Palatine Hill (some do, some don't) entry on the same day. If they do, I would suggest going back and just wandering one or both of these sites, as they give you a great idea of the splendor of Rome. There isn't a lot of signage at either place but I think Rick Steves has a self-guided tour in his book and also probably an mp3 tour if you prefer that.

 

If your tickets don't include the re-entry, I suggest planning to visit one or more of the following (I included hyperlinks for more info) all of which are in the area:  the Basilica of San Clemente, the Baths of Caracalla, and/or the Market of Trajan and Museum of the Imperial Forums (Musei dei Fori Imperiali, entrance very near the first restaurant above).

 

Whatever you plan to do, check carefully regarding the need to pre-reserve or pre-purchase tickets. In this age of Covid, I'm finding that in Italy in particular tickets are being required at places where in the past you could just pay an entrance fee on arrival...

 

In the evening you might want to consider a celebratory welcome dinner at Armando al Pantheon, very famous, very small (about 24 covers) and very near your hotel. They have two dinner seatings per night, early and late. It may already be too late to book, but take a look at their website & see if it appeals -- the Albergo del Senato may be able to check for you and see if they can get a reservation during your stay, if not on this evening....

 

(I will also just say that I have my favorite restaurants in Rome, but I like to try new ones as well. Unfortunately, the two separate times I have asked the concierge at Albergo del Senato for recommendations, I feel I got sent to a touristy place and I wasn't that impressed. Do your research ahead of time, but let them make the actual calls for you -- sometimes hotels have more pull than you as an individual if bookings are tight....)

 

 

[cruisemom42]

Day Two:  Keep both booked tours as it's a good chance to see Trastevere as well as get your foodie tour fix, lol.

 

Between the two tours, you could consider a visit to Castel Sant' Angelo, which is very close by. It started life as the tomb of Emperor Hadrian, then was transformed into a medieval castle and became the place where the Popes would hole up (via a secret passageway from the Vatican) whenever foreign invaders or unfriendly Italian rulers showed up in Rome. Featured in Angels and Demons, great views toward Rome over the Tiber, worth visiting both the bottom (crypt) and top (Papal apartments).

 

You have a food tour later so probably don't want much lunch but you could check out Pizzarium, a hugely popular and inventive pizza place near the Vatican for a slice and a real experience.  Read about it here:  Pizzerium in Rome (foodtourrome.com)  Try to get there right when it opens, which should work with your timing.

 

After your Trastevere tour you may not want a full dinner. Popular in Rome now is what's known as "Aperitivo" (drink and snacks) or even "Apericena" -- which literally means a drink and dinner. You order a drink and you get (for free) various snacks sometimes quite filling, or even a buffet. Places tend to change but perhaps take a stroll around Piazza Navona and Campo dei Fiori areas (not very far from your hotel) to see what appeals. I also have found recently (well, just pre-COVID) that there is a hopping evening scene around the remains of the Temple of Hadrian, on the Piazza di Pietra, just a couple of blocks in the opposite direction and on the path to Trevi Fountain -- which I also recommend visiting in the evening when it is at its most charming. But in the vicinity you should ALWAYS be on guard against pickpockets. Salotto 42 is located in front of the temple and offers drinks and light bites.

 

If you had enough food on your tour, you could also make your evening ramble a search for gelato. Several of the traditional gelaterie are located in the vicinity (between the Pantheon and Trevi) including Giolitti, Venchi, and my favorite San Crispino.  There are also newer, trendier and more inventive places to look for if you are motivated -- see here, for example.  Remember to get at least two different flavors together -- the traditional way.

 

 

 

 

 

[taylortime05]

25 minutes ago, cruisemom42 said:

This time I'm going to take it one day per post to avoid typing too much and losing it!!  My philosophy is always to try to group things in the same area together to avoid losing time. If the suggestions I make don't appeal, there are other alternatives in the area to consider....

 

Day One:  I would suggest keeping your Colosseum tour but canceling the other one.  After your Colosseum tour ends, get some lunch nearby. I can recommend La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali, a real "slice" of typical Italian food and well recommended. Check them out online and on Facebook -- if you like the idea, I'd suggest a reservation. Or if you want to go more low-key, the nearby wine bar Cavour 313 is a well-known local place that tries to use local ingredients to serve a limited menu with a number of daily specials -- which are always delicious. They also serve great local wines by the glass.

 

For the afternoon:  Check with your morning tour to see if the tickets for the Colosseum tour also include the Forum and Palatine Hill (some do, some don't) entry on the same day. If they do, I would suggest going back and just wandering one or both of these sites, as they give you a great idea of the splendor of Rome. There isn't a lot of signage at either place but I think Rick Steves has a self-guided tour in his book and also probably an mp3 tour if you prefer that.

 

If your tickets don't include the re-entry, I suggest planning to visit one or more of the following (I included hyperlinks for more info) all of which are in the area:  the Basilica of San Clemente, the Baths of Caracalla, and/or the Market of Trajan and Museum of the Imperial Forums (Musei dei Fori Imperiali, entrance very near the first restaurant above).

 

Whatever you plan to do, check carefully regarding the need to pre-reserve or pre-purchase tickets. In this age of Covid, I'm finding that in Italy in particular tickets are being required at places where in the past you could just pay an entrance fee on arrival...

 

In the evening you might want to consider a celebratory welcome dinner at Armando al Pantheon, very famous, very small (about 24 covers) and very near your hotel. They have two dinner seatings per night, early and late. It may already be too late to book, but take a look at their website & see if it appeals -- the Albergo del Senato may be able to check for you and see if they can get a reservation during your stay, if not on this evening....

 

(I will also just say that I have my favorite restaurants in Rome, but I like to try new ones as well. Unfortunately, the two separate times I have asked the concierge at Albergo del Senato for recommendations, I feel I got sent to a touristy place and I wasn't that impressed. Do your research ahead of time, but let them make the actual calls for you -- sometimes hotels have more pull than you as an individual if bookings are tight....)

 

 

Thank you so much.  I really appreciate your suggestions and I agree that it makes sense to group things in the same area.

 

 I sent an email to Albergo del Senato to see if they could help with making the dining reservations.   

 

I’m also checking daily to see if a morning time slot opens with LivItaly for the Colosseum. Right now we are booked with Roma Experience Tours through Get your Guide.  

[taylortime05]

10 minutes ago, cruisemom42 said:

Day Two:  Keep both booked tours as it's a good chance to see Trastevere as well as get your foodie tour fix, lol.

 

Between the two tours, you could consider a visit to Castel Sant' Angelo, which is very close by. It started life as the tomb of Emperor Hadrian, then was transformed into a medieval castle and became the place where the Popes would hole up (via a secret passageway from the Vatican) whenever foreign invaders or unfriendly Italian rulers showed up in Rome. Featured in Angels and Demons, great views toward Rome over the Tiber, worth visiting both the bottom (crypt) and top (Papal apartments).

 

You have a food tour later so probably don't want much lunch but you could check out Pizzarium, a hugely popular and inventive pizza place near the Vatican for a slice and a real experience.  Read about it here:  Pizzerium in Rome (foodtourrome.com)  Try to get there right when it opens, which should work with your timing.

 

After your Trastevere tour you may not want a full dinner. Popular in Rome now is what's known as "Aperitivo" (drink and snacks) or even "Apericena" -- which literally means a drink and dinner. You order a drink and you get (for free) various snacks sometimes quite filling, or even a buffet. Places tend to change but perhaps take a stroll around Piazza Navona and Campo dei Fiori areas (not very far from your hotel) to see what appeals. I also have found recently (well, just pre-COVID) that there is a hopping evening scene around the remains of the Temple of Hadrian, on the Piazza di Pietra, just a couple of blocks in the opposite direction and on the path to Trevi Fountain -- which I also recommend visiting in the evening when it is at its most charming. But in the vicinity you should ALWAYS be on guard against pickpockets. Salotto 42 is located in front of the temple and offers drinks and light bites.

 

If you had enough food on your tour, you could also make your evening ramble a search for gelato. Several of the traditional gelaterie are located in the vicinity (between the Pantheon and Trevi) including Giolitti, Venchi, and my favorite San Crispino.  There are also newer, trendier and more inventive places to look for if you are motivated -- see here, for example.  Remember to get at least two different flavors together -- the traditional way.

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you so much for taking the time to put together so many great options.  It really gives me a few things to research instead of being so over whelmed.  

 

Castel Sant’ Angelo sounds very interesting.   I checked online and we can pre-purchase timed tickets for 20.50 Euros per person or guided skip the line tours from 50 to 80 Euro’s.   Do you think a guided tour would be helpful or unnecessary?  

 

 

[cruisemom42]

16 minutes ago, taylortime05 said:

Thank you so much for taking the time to put together so many great options.  It really gives me a few things to research instead of being so over whelmed.  

 

Castel Sant’ Angelo sounds very interesting.   I checked online and we can pre-purchase timed tickets for 20.50 Euros per person or guided skip the line tours from 50 to 80 Euro’s.   Do you think a guided tour would be helpful or unnecessary?  

 

 

 

That's a tough one. I feel you're getting guided tours of the really heavy sites already. I generally opt to tour on my own without a guide but I bring notes with me. I seem to recall that Castel Sant'angelo does have some placards and information at the site.  Rick Steves gives short shrift to the site.  I like the information from the Oxford Guide to Rome, if you can find it in your library and make a copy of the relevant pages. 

[euro cruiser]

I've been to Castel Sant'Angelo at least a half a dozen times, I've never even seen a guided tour there.  They do offer a fair amount of information in each room and a little bit of research ahead of time is really all you need to get a pretty thorough understanding of the place.

[slidergirl]

Two things I'll add that Cynthia didn't in the Pantheon area:  Caffe d' Oro for your cafe e cornetto fix (and their WONDERFUL caffe granita with whip cream - perfect for a hot day cool-off) and a  little sandwich and pastry shop in the piazza of the Pantheon (looking out from the Pantheon, it is on the left, across from your hotel). 

 

Cynthia - did Armando actually go to a 2-seating setup?  I haven't  been there in awhile so it is possible.  I've been there both pre-and-post renovation/expansion - imagine what it was like BEFORE!!!

 

I'll agree with others that your itinerary seems a bit tour-heavy.  To me, you need more time to just relax and wander.  

[cruisemom42]

Day Three.  I love your Day Three. It's nice to get out on a Sunday to the Appian Way and few people get to the Aqueduct Park, which is a great photo op.  Eat a hearty breakfast at Albergo del Senato. (I've been known to take one of their rolls and stuff it with the salami and cheese offered -- it tends to fill you up. Are they offering lunch somewhere along the way?

 

When you return it may be another opportunity to visit some of the areas close to your hotel in the evening. Sunday nights are pretty quiet in Rome. Visit the Pantheon, if you haven't already (I think it closes around 7pm daily but Sunday may be different.)  Also Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, Largo Argentina. All are easy walks from the hotel. 

 

Another possibility is to walk to the old Jewish ghetto and look around a bit before eating dinner in one of the traditional restaurants there. It's been said that these restaurants serve the closest thing to ancient Roman recipes, and the Jewish version of the famous carciofi (artichokes) are famous for good reason -- they are DELICIOUS (although you are a bit out of season).  Ba' Ghetto is one I like for the Jewish (fried) artichokes. More spendy traditional places include Piperno and Giggetto.  A new one to me, La Reginella, was featured on the Stanley Tucci series and looks great -- I plan to try it on my next visit.

 

If you're ever looking for something to fill a quick few minutes, the Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva is just down the street from your hotel. (Look for the beloved statue of the "elefantino" with a small obelisk in front). This church doesn't take long to visit but has a Michelangelo sculpture inside and one of the few gothic interiors that wasn't re-done during the Renaissance or Baroque period. It just received a wonderful restoration in 2019-2020 so everything should look fabulous and it's well worth a visit.

[cruisemom42]

6 minutes ago, slidergirl said:

Two things I'll add that Cynthia didn't in the Pantheon area:  Caffe d' Oro for your cafe e cornetto fix (and their WONDERFUL caffe granita with whip cream - perfect for a hot day cool-off) and a  little sandwich and pastry shop in the piazza of the Pantheon (looking out from the Pantheon, it is on the left, across from your hotel). 

 

Tazza D'Oro ("Cup of Gold") also known as the Casa del Caffe ("House of Coffee") is one of the most venerable coffee houses left in Rome and luckily for you it is right alongside your hotel -- just turn right when exiting the Senato and you'll walk right to it. You definitely should try one of these coffee houses one day, just be aware that if you go at a busy time you'll need to be pretty aggressive about ordering (always at the bar, and it's best to stand and drink it).

 

@slidergirland I differ on this, but I actually prefer the coffee and ambiance at Sant Eustachio, which is also close by. It's less frenetic. I've been known to go and hang out there if I arrive too early into Rome on a flight and my room isn't ready. Again you order at the counter but let them know if you plan to stay and sit outside (or inside) as there is a premium added for this. This practice is very common in Italy.

 

The other place she mentions is great if you want to grab a quick sandwich for lunch on the go or even just some makings for a light snacky dinner in your hotel room after a long day. The name is Antica Salumeria. Directly across the piazza from the front door of the hotel.  The owners are from Norcia and if they have their porchetta sandwich available, you absolutely must try it -- it's a specialty. They carve the meat right off the fully roasted pig for you -- you can ask for more or less, it's charged by weight.

 

[taylortime05]

1 hour ago, cruisemom42 said:

Day Three.  I love your Day Three. It's nice to get out on a Sunday to the Appian Way and few people get to the Aqueduct Park, which is a great photo op.  Eat a hearty breakfast at Albergo del Senato. (I've been known to take one of their rolls and stuff it with the salami and cheese offered -- it tends to fill you up. Are they offering lunch somewhere along the way?

 

When you return it may be another opportunity to visit some of the areas close to your hotel in the evening. Sunday nights are pretty quiet in Rome. Visit the Pantheon, if you haven't already (I think it closes around 7pm daily but Sunday may be different.)  Also Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, Largo Argentina. All are easy walks from the hotel. 

 

Another possibility is to walk to the old Jewish ghetto and look around a bit before eating dinner in one of the traditional restaurants there. It's been said that these restaurants serve the closest thing to ancient Roman recipes, and the Jewish version of the famous carciofi (artichokes) are famous for good reason -- they are DELICIOUS (although you are a bit out of season).  Ba' Ghetto is one I like for the Jewish (fried) artichokes. More spendy traditional places include Piperno and Giggetto.  A new one to me, La Reginella, was featured on the Stanley Tucci series and looks great -- I plan to try it on my next visit.

 

If you're ever looking for something to fill a quick few minutes, the Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva is just down the street from your hotel. (Look for the beloved statue of the "elefantino" with a small obelisk in front). This church doesn't take long to visit but has a Michelangelo sculpture inside and one of the few gothic interiors that wasn't re-done during the Renaissance or Baroque period. It just received a wonderful restoration in 2019-2020 so everything should look fabulous and it's well worth a visit.

I'm excited about this bike tour.  I’m also a little nervous because I’ve read that it can be considered intermediate difficulty level because 70% of it is not on smooth pavement.  I’m 59 and not very athletic but I can ride a bike.  They do stop for lunch but not included in tour cost.  This is the high level plan and we are taking the Appia plus plan. 

Aurelian Walls Catacombs of St. Callixtus (or Saint Sebastian) Ancient Appian Way park Circus of Maxentius Mausoleum of Caecilia Metella Villa dei Quintili* Park of the Aqueducts Caffarella Park Baths of Caracalla* *Highlight included only in Appia Plus

[taylortime05]

1 hour ago, slidergirl said:

Two things I'll add that Cynthia didn't in the Pantheon area:  Caffe d' Oro for your cafe e cornetto fix (and their WONDERFUL caffe granita with whip cream - perfect for a hot day cool-off) and a  little sandwich and pastry shop in the piazza of the Pantheon (looking out from the Pantheon, it is on the left, across from your hotel). 

 

Cynthia - did Armando actually go to a 2-seating setup?  I haven't  been there in awhile so it is possible.  I've been there both pre-and-post renovation/expansion - imagine what it was like BEFORE!!!

 

I'll agree with others that your itinerary seems a bit tour-heavy.  To me, you need more time to just relax and wander.  

Thank you for your suggestions.  I’m glad we’ll be walking a lot to work off all the great food we’ll be eating.  I’m going to drop the Pasta Class and the 10 Tasting of Rome to allow more free time.  

 

[slidergirl]

1 hour ago, cruisemom42 said:

 

Tazza D'Oro ("Cup of Gold") also known as the Casa del Caffe ("House of Coffee") is one of the most venerable coffee houses left in Rome and luckily for you it is right alongside your hotel -- just turn right when exiting the Senato and you'll walk right to it. You definitely should try one of these coffee houses one day, just be aware that if you go at a busy time you'll need to be pretty aggressive about ordering (always at the bar, and it's best to stand and drink it).

 

@slidergirland I differ on this, but I actually prefer the coffee and ambiance at Sant Eustachio, which is also close by. It's less frenetic. I've been known to go and hang out there if I arrive too early into Rome on a flight and my room isn't ready. Again you order at the counter but let them know if you plan to stay and sit outside (or inside) as there is a premium added for this. This practice is very common in Italy.

 

The other place she mentions is great if you want to grab a quick sandwich for lunch on the go or even just some makings for a light snacky dinner in your hotel room after a long day. The name is Antica Salumeria. Directly across the piazza from the front door of the hotel.  The owners are from Norcia and if they have their porchetta sandwich available, you absolutely must try it -- it's a specialty. They carve the meat right off the fully roasted pig for you -- you can ask for more or less, it's charged by weight.

 

cynthia and I do have a few different opinions, but not too many😉 HINT: think of what you want to drink, go to the cashier to order and pay, THEN go to the counter, put down your receipt and a barista will eventually grab your receipt and make your drink.  This part may be urban legend, but I still do it;  i put a little coin down on top of the receipt, supposedly a barista will grab these first.  i just think of it as a little tip...

Antica Salumeria is exactly the name!!!  It's also good for a late-night snack...

oh, if you have a candy need - there is a shop across from Tazzo d' Oro, Venchi.  it's also a gelateria, but I go there to grab some candy to bring home. 

[taylortime05]

5 hours ago, cruisemom42 said:

 

 

Day One:  I would suggest keeping your Colosseum tour but canceling the other one.  After your Colosseum tour ends, get some lunch nearby. I can recommend La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali, a real "slice" of typical Italian food and well recommended. 

 

In the evening you might want to consider a celebratory welcome dinner at Armando al Pantheo, very famous, very small (about 24 covers) and very near your hotel.

 

 

Albergo del Senato was able to make reservations for us on Fri at 1:30 PM at La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali.  They said they were not able to make reservations at Armando al Pantheo because they don’t answer the phone or emails, lol.   I checked again and there was availability on Fri so I made dinner reservations for 7:00 PM.   It sounds so yummy.  It’s a good thing we’ll be doing a lot of walking to burn off some of these calories.  

 

[taylortime05]

Have you heard of Roma Sparita restaurant?  Is it worth trying to make a reservation there? 

[taylortime05]

9 minutes ago, slidergirl said:

cynthia and I do have a few different opinions, but not too many😉 HINT: think of what you want to drink, go to the cashier to order and pay, THEN go to the counter, put down your receipt and a barista will eventually grab your receipt and make your drink.  This part may be urban legend, but I still do it;  i put a little coin down on top of the receipt, supposedly a barista will grab these first.  i just think of it as a little tip...

Antica Salumeria is exactly the name!!!  It's also good for a late-night snack...

oh, if you have a candy need - there is a shop across from Tazzo d' Oro, Venchi.  it's also a gelateria, but I go there to grab some candy to bring home. 

I love my coffee so I’ll try Sant Eustachio  & Tazza D’Oro.   It sounds like we’re in a great spot with a lot of great restaurants in the area.  I’m putting my list together from all the great suggestions.

[cruisemom42]

1 hour ago, taylortime05 said:

I'm excited about this bike tour.  I’m also a little nervous because I’ve read that it can be considered intermediate difficulty level because 70% of it is not on smooth pavement.  I’m 59 and not very athletic but I can ride a bike.  They do stop for lunch but not included in tour cost.  This is the high level plan and we are taking the Appia plus plan. 

Aurelian Walls Catacombs of St. Callixtus (or Saint Sebastian) Ancient Appian Way park Circus of Maxentius Mausoleum of Caecilia Metella Villa dei Quintili* Park of the Aqueducts Caffarella Park Baths of Caracalla* *Highlight included only in Appia Plus

 

This is great!  Seeing this, you can knock the Baths of Caracalla off my suggestions for your Day One afternoon as you'll cover it here. The Villa dei Quintili is wonderful too, as well as the already-mentioned aqueduct park. 

 

Good luck with the biking portion. 😂 I walked it with a friend on a Sunday morning a few years back and there were plenty of cyclists. It seems to me that they were mostly using the sidewalks on either side of the old part of the road, as the road itself is made up of huge and uneven basalt stones.

 

[cruisemom42]

1 hour ago, taylortime05 said:

Have you heard of Roma Sparita restaurant?  Is it worth trying to make a reservation there? 

 

I've heard mixed reviews of it; haven't eaten there because it's in Trastevere and I generally try to dine not too far from my hotel -- mainly due to being a solo woman traveler.

 

I know Bourdain claimed it has the best cacio e pepe, but if I had a dime for everyone who has claimed this in Rome about a different restaurant....

 

In short, if you think you would eat there AFTER your Trastevere food tour (doubtful?), then consider it. I don't think it's worth going back to Trastevere another evening for it.

 

Edited May 25, 2022 by cruisemom42

[taylortime05]

4 minutes ago, cruisemom42 said:

 

In short, if you think you would eat there AFTER your Trastevere food tour (doubtful?), then consider it. I don't think it's worth going back to Trastevere another evening for it.

 

No, I don’t think we’ll want dinner after the tour.  Maybe a drink or gelato to end the night.  

 

I was considering moving the Trastevere food tour to start a little later to give us more time before dinner to keep exploring.  My main reason for picking 4:15 - 8:15 PM is because I’m not familiar with the area.  I just checked and they have 5:15, 5:45, 6:00, 6:30 & 7:15 available.  I could pick a later time and then if we feel uncomfortable walking back to our hotel we could take a taxi.  Do you think that’s a good idea?