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Original poster

Anyone been on a tour in Rome? Any other Rome tips?

154 replies

StJulian2023 · 03/02/2023 19:06

Taking DC to Rome on my own for half term, we’ll have 3 full days. DC 11 and 13, eldest with ADHD. Has anyone booked a collosseum tour they’d recommend? Would need to be small group or just us for it to work for eldest.

Was hoping to just wander in the Sistine chapel but big long queue would be a challenge.

And anyone know what needs to be booked in advance?

Thanks for any help, excited but also getting cold feet! Oh - the cat sanctuary is essential according to DD, anyone been?!

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007DoubleOSeven · 04/02/2023 13:21

I've never seen a queue at the pantheon and I've been there several times 🤷‍♂️

007DoubleOSeven · 04/02/2023 13:21

I've never seen a queue at the pantheon and I've been there several times 🤷‍♂️

AndNowIKnowWhatHappened · 04/02/2023 15:41

SleekMamma · 03/02/2023 20:21

Be very careful not to get pickpocketed.

You need to be REALLY careful. We didn't get robbed but I saw people trying to pickpocket us THREE times. Luckily I'm super cautious and keep all my valuables in a bag at the front of my body. We aren't flashy and had no valuables on show.

My top tip is to buy Tiramisu at Two Sizes. It sells two sizes of tiramisu and that's about it. It's amazing.

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TollgateDebs · 04/02/2023 16:05

We used the DK guide to Rome and saw so much more then the usual sites, so I'd recommend the guide to plan your walking routes / sightseeing and to highlight the history of the sites you visit. (Try your local library or they often pop up in charity shops). Food, you'll have no difficulty finding food and on the Vatican side of the river we found great markets and lunchtime cafes / bakeries and we followed where the locals went for lunch. As for the gelato, oh my, it is the best! So much to see, enjoy! Definitely a city for more than one visit, been twice and planning to go again this year.

Geamhradh · 04/02/2023 16:38

Pickpocketing and bag-snatching is a problem, as in every big tourist city. (I've only been pickpocketed in Manchester) My advice would be to try and not look like you're carrying anything important. You see obvious tourists with bumbags turned to the front, or their backpacks on the front or cross shoulder bags clutched to them as if they've got the Koh-i-Noor inside. They might as well carry a huge neon sign saying "in this bag there's my purse, my cards and my passport". And no amount of clutching, or turning your bag to the front will stop you being robbed if you've been spotted. The most famous Rome pickpockets are groups of teenage girls who operate together.

Treacletart9 · 04/02/2023 16:58

Lots of good advice and tips here. We loved Rome, so many amazing places to explore.

A great tip given to me was about the Trevi Fountain which is often very crowded, but beautiful. If you can manage it, get up very early (we arrived at 6am) - you will literally have the square to yourself.

Buttalapasta · 04/02/2023 17:02

007DoubleOSeven · 04/02/2023 13:21

I've never seen a queue at the pantheon and I've been there several times 🤷‍♂️

We were there at Easter and the queue was long but quick moving. My ds12 sat outside and waited for us as he said it looked boring. 🙄

SolInvictus · 04/02/2023 17:06

Buttalapasta · 04/02/2023 17:02

We were there at Easter and the queue was long but quick moving. My ds12 sat outside and waited for us as he said it looked boring. 🙄

Show quote history

Kids eh? 🤣
We were grateful for the queue in the end as it snaked past a trattoria where I had the best spinach and ricotta ravioli of my life afterwards. Was a bit pancetta'd out by then. 🤣

Original poster
StJulian2023 · 10/02/2023 09:40

Back on the planning today after a busy work week! Panicking about cases. We were lent some by a friend as we’re cabin bags only and she swore they were fine for EasyJet but they are all 55cm inc. wheels and they are meant to be 45cm. So thinking I have to suddenly buy cases from somewhere before Monday morning!

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Original poster
StJulian2023 · 10/02/2023 09:41

And our tour has changed but they haven’t explained how - date and time is still the same 🤷‍♀️

DS has been a nightmare this week and I’m doubting my wisdom in trying to do this as the only adult.

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Original poster
StJulian2023 · 10/02/2023 09:42

Tell me it’s going to be fine!!

DD has a teacher training day and I’m off work so we are going for breakfast and to plan our itinerary. Whilst I silently panic about cases and her elder brother the loose cannon.

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Original poster
StJulian2023 · 10/02/2023 09:43

Btw I appreciate we are so lucky to be going. I’d just like late DH to be coming too, and for none of us to have additional needs.

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stuckonpills · 10/02/2023 09:46

I did a Segway tour it was amazing

BitOutOfPractice · 10/02/2023 10:03

It’ll be grand op. I did it with two kids as a lone adult (admittedly no additional needs). Build in some downtime - you’ll need it as it is tiring but it’ll be fine.

beguilingeyes · 10/02/2023 10:10

This place is amazing for food. It's very close to the Trevi Fountain.

foursquare.com/v/pane-e-salame/56dd7b20498ebb7ab96350ee

Hannahthepink · 10/02/2023 10:44

My favourite day in Rome was catching the train out of the city to Ostia Antica. It was stunning and so lovely and quiet after the madness of the tourist traps in the city. I think that it would actually be really fun for kids to explore as you really have the run of the place. Taking a picnic is a good idea though as there's not a huge amount else there.

Svalberg · 10/02/2023 11:13

Bags? These. Next day delivery with Amaxon Prime. The ones with a shoulder strap are £2 more than those without but worth it.

www.amazon.co.uk/Packable-Travel-Luggage-Weekender-Overnight/dp/B07KR312MC/ref=asc_df_B07KR312MC/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=214370735169&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3582651172172728046&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045909&hvtargid=pla-683676851682&psc=1

Easyjet changed their cabin bag dizes, you used to be asked to take a wheelie case on free but it now has to fit under a seat. Don't worry, you'll probably be able to put it in the overhead locker.

Original poster
StJulian2023 · 15/02/2023 17:24

Everything is working out fabulously! Full report on here when we get back 🇮🇹😊

Anyone been on a tour in Rome? Any other Rome tips?
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Original poster
StJulian2023 · 15/02/2023 17:26

DC have mostly been delighted, appreciative, and excellent company 😊

Anyone been on a tour in Rome? Any other Rome tips?
OP posts:
dew141 · 15/02/2023 17:29

Fantastic, really glad you're enjoying it!

Original poster
StJulian2023 · 15/02/2023 17:35

I was stressed and not very well beforehand and am surprised at how well it is going. Hopefully not jinxing it for tomorrow!

Anyone been on a tour in Rome? Any other Rome tips?
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Original poster
StJulian2023 · 15/02/2023 17:36

Really great time of year to come. We clocked 25,000 steps yesterday and will hit 20k today. The sunshine has been lovely but never over 16 degrees so ideal for walking. And obviously all weather is ice cream weather!

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Pearfacebananapoop · 15/02/2023 17:48

So glad you are having a great time! My parents go in 2 weeks.

007DoubleOSeven · 15/02/2023 18:15

StJulian2023 · 15/02/2023 17:24

Everything is working out fabulously! Full report on here when we get back 🇮🇹😊

I have always loved this view 😍

bluetongue · 15/02/2023 19:18

Geamhradh · 04/02/2023 16:38

Pickpocketing and bag-snatching is a problem, as in every big tourist city. (I've only been pickpocketed in Manchester) My advice would be to try and not look like you're carrying anything important. You see obvious tourists with bumbags turned to the front, or their backpacks on the front or cross shoulder bags clutched to them as if they've got the Koh-i-Noor inside. They might as well carry a huge neon sign saying "in this bag there's my purse, my cards and my passport". And no amount of clutching, or turning your bag to the front will stop you being robbed if you've been spotted. The most famous Rome pickpockets are groups of teenage girls who operate together.

It helps that I don’t have kids but I take as little as possible out with me for the day in European cities. Was just in Bologna and wearing my skinny jeans (still everywhere in Italy) and white adidas sneakers and with only my handbag I passed as Italian a fair bit of the time. I have olive skin and brown eyes which probably helps though.