Rome 2012 Guidebook
Favorite discoveries or tips:
Just returned from 10 days in Rome. Ricks pocket guide did not leave our possession. It is small enough to easily carry and full of great information.
Joan in Eatontown, NJ USA 01/06/2012
Budget resturants are few in central Rome near recomended budget hotels in the Rome guide. The la cucina at 3 via nazionale just off Piezza Repubblica is a good choice and should be included in the guide, Full dinner special (roasted chicken, pork chop or local fish) with potatos and vegetable about 11E; service fee included. Nice atmosphere, frendly service and central location make this a top budget choice.
tomie in destin, fl USA 01/03/2012
Two experiences that I want to share. We went out to the Appian Way, and hardly any mention was made in your book of the ruins at Villa dei Quintilla, which were really huge and impressive, although a long walk past San Sebastiano and the Tomba de Cecilia Metella. We caught a bus back along the Appia Nuova, but couldn't buy tickets because it was a Sunday and the kiosks were closed. We tried to use a restroom at a McDonald's, but the door was locked. There's a sign saying that the combination to enter is printed at the bottom of your receipt, so, no purchase, no toilet.
Barb Golden in Chicago, IL USA 01/02/2012
Do stay with Marco and Gianna at Albergo Arco dei' Tolomei in Trastevere. Excellent location and fabulous advice from Marco on best places to eat in Trastevere - from budget yet amazing pizzas; mid price superb pasta, to great fish/seafood - all a few steps from the B&B. The hospitality at Arco dei T is warm, rooms are characterful, beds comfortable and location is quiet. All in all a little gem in the heart of Rome.
Christine and Pat Brown in BATH, AV UK 01/02/2012
By using your guidebook, was able to save so much time in ticket lines, this added to our viewing pleasure. At Palatine ticket booth discovered they were letting senior citizens from United States in for free!!!
Larry Barstow in Buena Park, Ca USA 11/30/2011
arco ei tolomei in rome is a small, friendly B and B, situated v close to the Tiber and within walking distance of all the sights, the hosts are delightful and they made our stay very special, they advised on where to go to eat,made bookings for us and were most welcoming- a jewel of a place
j white in barnard castle, co UK 11/30/2011
In preparing for our recent trip to Rome, we found the recommendation for Cristina in the Rick Steve’s Rome guidebook. My wife and I and our son and grandson thoroughly enjoyed our private tour starting at Piazza Navona, then to the Pantheon, Trevi fountain, Capitoline hill, the Roman Forum and ending at the Colosseum. Cristina’s knowledge, her ability to bring the history and archeology to life, and her personality made our tour both educational and most enjoyable. Our tour was 4 hours and because of Cristina’s ability to make the time interesting, the 4 hours went very quickly. Our son and grandson felt that Cristina made the tour the highlight of our time in Rome and for me it was the best of my several visits to Rome. We highly recommend her services to anyone planning a trip to ancient Rome.
Gip Bonar in Cornelius, NC USA 11/28/2011
Loved using the "Pocket Rome" guide...very portable, and we used it for the Night Walk, Colosseum, Forum, Vatican Museums and St. Peter's. It was VERY well-thumbed by the time we left.
Terri in Quilcene, WA USA 11/26/2011
Giolitti's for gelato!!!
Terri in Quilcene, WA USA 11/26/2011
Best Meet and Greet service is DRIVERINROME, outstanding efficient service for my group. Phil at Holiday Travel International, Irwin, PA
phil petrulli in irwin, pa USA 11/26/2011
Best restaurant: La Cornucopia, Piazza in Piscinula, 18 - Trastevere - Roma. The food was amazing.
Rachel in Washington, DC USA 11/08/2011
Guide
wally terry in decatur, Al USA 10/26/2011
If you are looking for a private tour guide in Rome, my wife and I heartily recommend Marta Marsili (Martamarsili@hotmail.com). Marta is very personable and an excellent teacher. She made the Colosseum. Roman Forum and Capitoline area come alive for us. We are now doing a lot of follow-up reading on the history of Rome thanks to Marta's very stimulating tour. 4 hours has never gone by so fast!
Chuck&Merilee Hill in Chehalis, WA USA 10/23/2011
I have a bad experience for ROME. After arriving to Rome Turmitino bus station - we grabbed a cab. small white car with taxi sign and yellow stripe. When we approached the non english speaking taxi driver we asked him to drive us to the hotel in Rome near the airport. He said it was not far...but he would have to double the fee cause it was out of his area. We didnt think anything about double and he said it wasnt far. But after a 30 min ride he ripped us off and charged us 200 euros for what should have been 60 or 70 euros. We literally had to yell and swear at him to let us out of the car before we got to our hotel that was still 10 minutes away. We were scared, so we paid the guy and called hotel to send a shuttle. When we got to the hotel we told the guy at the front desk our experience and he said we should have got the cab # that is posted on the car of the taxi. We failed to do that. So for a tip - please let travelers know dont trust cabbys that say double and always get the cab # and company name. BAD BAD experience to lose 200 euros when we were on our way back to the US. Valuable lesson learned. signed. 2 US ladies!
Melanie in Geneva, NY USA 10/20/2011
Guest House Arco dei Tolomei. This was a fabulous choice to stay. The staff are exceptional as is the location.
christi lavoy in naples, fl USA 10/18/2011
We went on a gelato crawl one night in Rome--5 gelato places in one night, all recommended in the 2011 Rome book. Some Brits and some other Americans even followed us, once they heard what we were doing. It was such a fun evening.
Berry Barta in Indiana, PA USA 10/11/2011
Yes, I discovered the Jewish Ghetto, across the river from Trastevere. The Synagogue was beautiful, and the whole area and history was very interesting.
Cindy Luis in Cambria, CA USA 10/07/2011
If you are looking for tour guide for Rome, we highly recommend Christina Giannicchi. Very professional, knowledgable and personable. My families 8 hour tour was fascinating from start to end and well worth the fee. It could not have been better!
Stuart Oliason in Seattle, WA USA 10/03/2011
I observed that slave were not given credit for they work they did many years ago; I wrote a letter to the tourist office with copy to the nation's president Georgio Napolitano; I think that if we are talking about history we should be fair.
Yolanda in New York, NY USA 10/03/2011
Residenzia Arco de Tolomei in the Trastevere area of Rome is a gem!!! The location is superb and the B and B is wonderful. Rooms are lovely with A/C and free Internet in parlor. The owners Marco and Gianna are so very helpful as well as Catia who can book tours for you. Josline prepares a delicious breakfast. The location is great for restaurants, shopping, and living like a Roman instead of being surrounded by tourists and lines. You will not regret your stay at Arco de Tolomei.
Ginbud in Niceville, Fl USA 09/28/2011
Depending on your schedule, may not need to pre-book Vatican Museums. I decided to go back to the Vatican Museum for a 2nd day. I followed the advice of Ron in Rome (http://www.roninrome.com/%20sites-and-attractions/vatican-museum-to-pre-book-or-not), arrived in the early afternoon on a Thursday and did not have to wait at all. According to Ron, it is highly likely that there will be no lines if you arrive after 1, so if your schedule is flexible (i.e., you can come back if there is an unexpected line), you can save yourself the reservation fee by planning an afternoon visit.
Cathy in Oakland, CA USA 09/26/2011
TopBikeRental.com - interested in a variety of casual guided bike tours in Rome this is the place.
www.darpoeta.com - in my experience the best pizza and calzone this side of heaven.
kenneth riccardi in east meadow, ny USA 09/25/2011
My husband and I traveled to Rome with another couple and wanted a once in a lifetime experience at the Vatican Museum. We figured we may never get back there so we asked Cristina Giannicchi, recommended tour guide from your book(crisgiannicchi@gmail.com), to provide us with a tour. She was extremely accommodating with our time constraints and interest in getting the most out of our time at the Vatican Museum. We spent over four hours with her and would do it again in a hearbeat! Her knowledge is unsurpassed! She was accommodating and so friendly, but not so much as to waste time. Our friends travel frequently and we have been to many museums, but we were all blown away by the time we spent with Cristina. I highly recommend contacting her---but don't wait until the last minute, she books up fast!
Christina Williams in McLean, VA USA 09/20/2011
Oops. Let me correct the jet-lagged Italian below. It should have said, "Devo prendere l'autobus dopo (military time). Mi mostri la fermata dell'autobus su questa piantina, per favore." I took an adult-ed crash course in traveler's Italian and I thought that unless I was in a restaurant that served a lot of tourists or a big transit hub like the airport or Termini, Italians seemed to do better understanding my English than my broken Italian and I seemed to do better understanding their Italian than their broken English.
Cathy in Oakland, CA USA 09/20/2011
if this isn't in the 2012 Rome book or the web supplement, it should be: The "A" metro line in Rome doesn't run after 9 PM and isn't expected to until Jan 2012. They're doing upgrades. There is a bus bridge, but ppl should know the following: (1) the bus bridge doesn't stop at Spagna (the Spanish Steps). While signs warn passengers about having to walk to the Barberini stop to catch the bus, they do so in very small print and if you show up at Spagna after 9, there's nothing to tell you you have to go to Barberini. (2) if you are planning on using the bus bridge, try to find out from the station agent at the relevant stop where the bus departs from. There is no station agent after 9 and while there are diagrams on the closed station doors, they are not very helpful - we were left guessing as to what the diagrams/maps meant because there was little info in either Italian or English. There are no maps showing the location of the bus bridge stops inside the stations or at the station agents' booths, where'd maps would really be useful for communicating with the station agents. (3) the station agent assigned to deal with English-speaking tourists may not speak English that well. Either know enough Italian to get directions in Italian or bring a decent map and look in your phrasebook and be able to say or point to the words, "I need to take the bus after (military time). Please show me the bus stop on this map." Something like, "Devo prendere l'autobus dopo (military time). Mi mostrare la fermata de l'autobus su questa piantina." (4) You have to be able to read the signs at the bus stop (all in Italian) - they’re like other bus stop signs, but nighttime is not the time to discover you don't know how to read one. The signs tell you what bus to take and when the last bus comes (but not how often the buses come). (5) Unless you're real familiar with what your destination looks like in the dark, you'll have to read the bus stop signs as you go to see how close you're getting to your destination so you can request a stop at the appropriate time.
Cathy in Oakland, CA USA 09/19/2011
09/12/2011: We are in Rome now and the Roma Pass has been discontinued. We do not know if or when it will be restarted.
Dennis Helander in White Bear Lake, MN USA 09/12/2011
I just returned from 9 days in Italy with 4 being in Rome. The first night I did the Walks of Italy Twilight Tour and it was a wonderful start to the vacation. Also Roman Odyssey tours for the Vatican tour was good. I requested the Scavi Tour 2 months in advance and got it. I highly recommend trying to get tickets to this if you like history or would like to see more of the Vatican. Also the last day in Rome I did the Top Bike Rental Appian Way tour. 30km sounds like a lot to some people but the bike isn't bad and it's a really peaceful break from hectic downtown Rome. Those were the 3 tour groups I used in Rome and all were really good. Also I used the Rick Steves' audio guide for the Ceasar Shuffle and it was great. I recommend going early to everything, Roman crowds are a pain!
Alicia Burns USA 09/10/2011
Get the guidebook and read it before you go for sure. I wrote a bit about the benefits of the book on my blog at http://johnrossmckay.com/wordpress We carried the guide everywhere and it is remarkably accurate.
John in Kingston, On Can 09/04/2011
Buy your tickets to Rome sights on line! We did not wait in one ticket line there (other than for a few minutes to go through security). Less crowded if you go late in the day.
Cynthia in Wellesley, MA USA 08/18/2011
The Learning Company's 'Great Courses' series offers Dr. William E. Wallace's 'The Genius of Michelangelo' which turns out to have fascinating insights to the artistic and architectural development of Rome from Julius II to Paul III to Pius IV. Churches turn up here that are under-rated in your guide. Santa Maria degli Angeli (Michelangelo's repurposing of the remains of the Baths of Diocletian is red Roman brick toward the street but full of wonder inside. The Sforza Chapel at Santa Maria Maggiore meant much more to us (after our return, when we purchased the course) than it did when we were there. We try to read your guidebooks carefully, often, and well in advance of leaving on your tours (we've taken six so far) but these sources seemed to add something more. PS: 'Rickniks' may benefit as we do by realizing that these courses are offered at very deep discounts on a rotating basis during each year. The 36 lecture Michelangelo series is $100 (rounded up) on sale instead of the unaffordable (roughly $350). We learned plenty from this course after our return (May, 2011) and I am able to make a much more meaningful assessment of what we saw with Donato and what we saw independently and of what we might have seen or understood. I wish I could somehow share this with other Rick Steves travellers, many of whom we have found to be somewhat like us.
James Ellsworth in Caldwell, Tx USA 08/13/2011
The recent book was VERY up to date.
John Fischer in Louisville, KY USA 08/03/2011
I brought my grandmother's hand fan during the last two weeks of July. Although the hotels had air conditioning, buses, metro and often trains did not. It was a lifesaver!
Judy in Boulder, CO USA 08/01/2011
The island of Capri was our favorite
Susan Roth in Las Vegas, NV USA 07/24/2011
The best way in which I can recommend "driverinrome" is to copy and paste a thank you note I just sent off to the owner, Daniele Melaragno. I also think it would be a wonderful addition to your guidebook. If you need to contact me in that regard, my e-mail address is juliekaynor@aol.com. Thank you so much. My letter is pasted as follows:
Dear Mr. Melaragno,
I was so glad that you sent the inquiry to my husband, Rich, in which you asked us to provide feedback on our tour experience in Rome with Fabrizio on June 17th, I think it was. Our stay was so short and it was all such a whirlwind, that I am doing my best to recall the date correctly for you. I actually have sat down on a couple of occasions since our return from Italy to write just such a note to you; both times I was unexpectedly interrupted, so I am truly happy that you sent your inquiry our way to prompt me to respond. In short, we thought Fabrizio (your cousin, perhaps?!) was FANTASTIC!! His energy, enthusiasm, knowledge, and passion for what he does are truly inspiring, and we ALL (four of us: Rich, myself, our 19 year-old daughter, Katie, and our 18 year-old son, Cole) enjoyed our four hours with him SO MUCH. He was funny and engaging with the kids, so they had just as good a time as Rich and I did; that is not always an easy thing to accomplish with teenagers, so Fabrizio deserves even more credit for that!! His van was very comfortable, his instructions about where we should go and where we should meet him at various times were perfect, and his driving was masterful. I don't think there is ANY WAY that Fabrizio could improve on what he does; he was absolutely wonderful! We had called on the spur-of-the-moment on the morning of the 17th to try to book a tour for that afternoon, as we had not planned ahead and weren't even sure that we would be taking a tour this time around. It was almost a miracle, really, because I believe Fabrizio's car had been scheduled for some repair work that day, but he was kind enough to defer it so he could do the tour with us. We were SO, SO grateful for that, and so thrilled that everything worked out as it did.
Rich is an airline employee, and our youngest daughter is just finishing a year as an exchange student on the island of Sardegna, so I know we will be making many trips to Italy in the years ahead. I promise that we will definitely contact you in the future, as we will hopefully have a larger window of time next time around to tour your beautiful city and its surroundings. By the way, do you do tours out into the countryside, or in other cities in Italy as well? We would certainly not hesitate to call on you in that regard as well. Rest assured that we would be proud to recommend your fine company to other travelers also.
Please give Fabrizio our kind regards, and thank you for the wonderful work you are doing. it elevated our already-fantastic experience there more than you could imagine!
Best wishes for a lovely summer, The Kaynor Family: Rich, Julie, Katie, Cole, and Cammie
Julie Kaynor in Lake Oswego, OR USA 07/10/2011
I'm pretty sure I read this in the Guidebook, but during the summer, plan your outdoor activities (Forum, Colosseum) in the early morning. Do the museums after lunch (to get out of the heat,) and remember that churches close in the early afternoon. Visit them later in the day when you're tired and need a place to sit. Every church in Rome has its own unique charm. Take a late afternoon break, and then head out for a stroll before dinner. Don't plan to eat till 20:00. And don't forget to eat plenty of gelato!
Lynette in Brooksville, FL USA 06/25/2011
To stay: try Residenza Arco dei Tolomei - esp if you like Trastevere. The place is hidden away and relatively undiscovered, and the owner is one of those rare civilized Romans who makes your stay a real pleasure
Paul Roberts in Stockholm, - Sweden 06/20/2011
Arco dei Tolomei B&B is an excellent place to stay. Very well located near the river and with wonderful friendly service from Marco and his team.
Peter Forbes in London, UK 06/17/2011
Some tips that I found useful on our trip to Rome: siesta! A break in middle or late afternoon makes evening activities more doable and keeps you from burning out quickly.
Katie Yingling in Lubbock, TX USA 06/11/2011
The 'shortcut' from the Sistine Chapel to St Peter's Basilica worked beautifully BUT it doesn't open until about 1pm. Mass is said in St Peter's several times in the morning and at noon, and the 'side door' shortcut isn't opened until after the mass. There is a small cafe just before the stairs up to the Sistine Chapel; we stopped and had lunch and timed our visit to the Sistine Chapel for about 1230.
Kathleen Davidson in Calgary, AB Canada 06/07/2011
If you are looking for a great tour guide for ancient Rome - Marta Marsili (martamarsili@hotmail.com) is it! My husband and I took our 15 year old son to Rome in late March, and knew we would be overwhelmed on our own. Like so many others, we checked out Rick Steves’ guide to Italy. We were disappointed when the first guide we contacted was unavailable, but asked for references and Marta’s name was at the top of the list. In retrospect, we can’t imagine anyone doing a better job than Marta. She not only knows about the history, architecture, culture and art of ancient Roman, but she knows how to convey the information in an interesting way. She also has a great sense of humor, which we all appreciated. Unlike so many others in her field, Marta takes the time to listen to what you have to say and doesn’t waste your time. She points out the small things that you might otherwise overlook, but does it so seamlessly that you don’t even realize how much information you are taking in until you reflect on it later.
Marta met us at the subway entrance across from the Colosseum, and impressed us right away by her punctuality and pleasant manner. We all liked her right away. As we walked over to the Colosseum, she explained some of the history leading up to its construction and pointed out architectural details. We had Roma Passes and, since we were with a licensed guide, were able to skip the lines and walked directly into the Colosseum. During our tour, Marta impressed us with the breadth of her knowledge and her ability to help us visualize what life was like in ancient Rome. She was also flexible enough to shift gears when she learned that we had already visited the Pantheon and wanted to spend more time a Palatine Hills, the Forum, and Capitol Hill Square. She was truly amazing!
While a local guide costs a little bit more than a group tour, it is well worth it. We have been on group tours before and, even small groups of ten people, we found it that a lot of time was wasted keeping the group moving and pausing at sites that only one or two of the group was really interested in. We had difficulty hearing the guide and found some of the other group members liked to hear themselves talk. In the end, we felt that we missed out. Not so with Marta! While we covered a lot of territory in four hours, we never felt either rushed or bored. She is charming, articulate, and extremely entertained. Not only did we see and learn a lot, we even went away with some great ideas for places to go on our own.
Marta is friendly, knowledgeable and attentive to her clients. We would highly recommend her, if you are looking for a great guide in Rome.
Mary in San Francisco, CA USA 06/06/2011
If you are looking for a great tour guide for the Vatican, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel - look no further. Ilaria Marsili (cspiut@tin.it) is the person you need to contact. My husband and I took our 15 year old son to Rome in late March, and knew we would be overwhelmed on our own. We considered a small group, rather than a private tour, to keep costs down, but found that with three of us, the price for a private tour was too close to the price of a small group tour to quibble about. A couple years back we took a small group tour of the Palace of Versailles and not only couldn’t hear anything, but didn’t have any opportunity to focus on the things we were interested in . . . let alone inquire about them. The guide had her agenda, and really wasn’t interested in fluctuating from it.
We were referred to Ilaria by her sister, Marta, who we had booked to guide us through Ancient Rome. At first, we were a little worried that just because one sister was considered a good guide, didn’t meant the other would be . . but, not so. They are both fantastic! I only wish we had hired one of them to go through the Borghese Gallery with us, which we did on our first day. I know we would have gotten much more out of it. We “saw” everything, but since we don’t read or speak Italian, we really couldn’t appreciate what we were looking at.
Ilaria met us at our hotel and we hit it off immediately. As we walked over to Vatican City, she explained some of what we had seen at the Borghese and gave us suggestions of “must see” sites to do later on our own. Since Ilaria is a licensed guide, she was able to take us directly into Vatican City, bypassing the long (and I mean really long) line. When I told Ilaria that my son was going to be taking an AP Art History class next year, she suggested that we start off by going to the Vatican Museum. When Rick Steves’ describes it as “Four miles of the finest art of Western civilization”, he is not kidding! Ilaria was extremely knowledgeable about the various artists and kept a good pace, so my son was never bored. She was also willing to jump over periods of art that we were not particularly interested in and focus on what we were interested in seeing. She went at our pace, and even gave us time in the Sistine Chapel to reflect on our surroundings. By the time we left St. Peter’s Basilica, we felt we were among the luckiest tourists there that day - we saw everything we wanted to see, at a relaxed pace, with an exceptionally pleasant and informative guide, at a reasonable rate. Ilaria knows art, architecture and history, and, the icing on the cake is that she is actually from Italy! When you take into consideration how much her expressions, gestures and humor added to the tour, we have to question why anyone would hire someone who was not from Italy to guide them. All and all a fantastic tour. We would highly recommend her (and her sister, Marta), if you are looking for a guide in Rome.
Mary in San Francisco, CA USA 06/06/2011
Guest House Arco dei Tolomei-- We recently stayed at this lovely guest house in Rome.... homey, clean, well equipped and very accommodating owner, Marco. Gave good suggestions for dining..... interesting location across the river in the Bohemian section of town...very near the Jewish Ghetto. We enjoyed our stay and found the rate vrs. value very good. Also....quite quiet...we slept with the windows open and it was quiet and safe in the evenings. One down side to this accommodation was the three story walk up...although Marco was helpful about schlepping up the luggage....it was still a bit much at the end of a busy touring day.
Marta Erlich in San Carlos, CA USA 05/27/2011
The Rome 2011 guidebook was indispensible for our trip in March! One suggestion I would expand on. The buses make Rome so much easier to get around but there are so many. To make it easier to get back to our stop, we wrote down all the bus numbers at our stop and the stop around the corner (a separate set of lines.) This way, no matter where we wandered in the city, we could tell at a glance if any of the bus stops we passed would get us home. It's important to make a note of the name(s) of your stop. Ours was both Senato and Cinque Lune and different lines identified it with different names.
Sheila Redling in Huntington , WV USA 05/22/2011
Would like to recommend 2 new Rome guides and commend 1 existing listed guide.
Cristina Giannicchi is a great guide and already listed in the Rome portion of your Italy book. Expert in ancient roman and Baroque art. Loved having her guide us through the National Museum (Massimo). She introduced us to another guide - Federica Dal Palù who expertly guided us through the Forum and the Colosseum fdalpalu@teletu.it +39 3472936976. Another of your listed guides (Sara Magister) introduced us to a very competant Baroque and Rennaisance art expert - Francesa Barberini francescabarberini@libero.it +39 338 1549291 who guided us on a Rome Baroque and Rennaisance walk. Please consider adding these outstanding and competent guides. Each work for between 50 and 60E per hour and were easy to work with via email and very prompt when meeting in Rome.
Largly due to their efforts we had the trip of a lifetime in Rome!
Spencer and Jean Davis
J. Spencer Davis in San Diego, CA USA 05/20/2011
New recommended hotel in Pantheon neighborhood. Relais Maddalena. About 179E/night.
Please see my email to the owner Francesco Amore:
Francesco,
You made us feel as though we were visiting our own home away from home when we stayed at your tasteful and well appointed hotel….Relais Maddalena.
You, Margarita, and Masum did everything possible to make us feel welcome, comfortable, and well taken care of.
Jean and I also appreciate your extra efforts to arrange transportation from Civitavecchia into Rome and the car service to the airport at Fiumicino as well. A special touch was when you arranged reservations at a very good local restaurant for my 65th birthday dinner.
Your hotel is special too. Tucked away with a private entrance on a small piazza (Piazza Maddalena) about a block from the Pantheon and the center of old Rome’s sites and activities. We liked that our room featured a larger than normal bathroom with an enclosed shower. Additionally, our room had excellent style and décor….and was full of touches that showed off your personal attention to detail. We also appreciated many of our room’s features such as: ample closet space, sophisticated room safe, large flat screen TV, comfortable King size bed, excellent sound proofing, air conditioning, towel warmers, and plush towels. An unexpected treat for us was the daily breakfast that included tastefully chosen foods and Espresso/Cappuccino/regular coffees. Jean loved the taste of the Cappuccino served in wonderfully unique cups.
We really think visitors to Rome would be hard pressed to find a more reasonably priced, comfortable, stylish hotel room in the center of Rome’s major sites and activities. When your warm personal hospitality is added to a guest’s experience………Relais Maddalena simply cannot be beat.
We just hope as word gets out, we will still be able to get a reservation with you the next time we visit Rome. http://www.relaismaddalena.com
Spencer and Jean Davis
J. Spencer Davis in San Diego, CA USA 05/20/2011
You're all geniuses! This was, hands-down, the best guidebook I've ever used. You thought of everything, right down to the cheat sheet on Roman numerals. I never thought I'd say this, but your guidebook is better than Lonely Planet. WAY BETTER. I can't imagine going on a trip without it.
Giuliana Chapman in Roanoke, VA USA 05/13/2011
Guesthouse Arco de Tolomei: A very nice place which I can recommend for excellent and dedicated service. Mr Marco and his team goes out of their way to give the best and perhaps not best known locations and sights in central Rome. Well within walking distance from the charming medieval arco de Tolomei. For a couple or the lone traveller; dont hesitate to book a room at the Guesthouse.
Kaj Johansen in Trondheim, Norway 04/16/2011
Restaurants; in Trastavere, right around the corner from Hotel Santa Maria, D'Gustos; no credit cards or reservations, diners start lining up at 7:30 for the 8 p.m. opening; excellent home cooking! Also, in Florence, Latini's; family style seating, fixed price, pretty well known, great Florentine steak, and again, people lining up for one of the 2 seatings; our hotel made reservations for us.
Victoria in Orinda, CA USA 04/10/2011
The Temple of Adrian - located on a back street not far from Rome's Pantheon. Rick walks by it during a recent video!
Loren Kent in Conewango Valley, NY USA 03/23/2011
driverinrome It was very worthy to count with your transportation services while touring Roma and Napoli. Everyone in our traveling group, family and friends were very impressed by the professional knowledge and courtesy of Constantino in Roma and Lorenzo in Napoli. When we go back to visit with more time it is definitive that we will arrange with you to take care of transportation needs for us. You are outstanding about the knowledge of your business. Thank you for everything and give our regards and gratitude to "Tino" and Lorenzo, on behalf of Miss Minnie L Barra (my aunt, the lady with the red walker who wanted to see Barra) and the rest of the group.- We recommend their services... www.driverinrome.com
Alben in Clermont, fl USA 03/22/2011
Finnegan's Irish Pub off of Via Leonina near the Cavour train station. Fun little place that served great drinks (with ice) and had great people to share a late night with! We also had fabulous gelato at Blue Ice near the Trevi. It's down a main "path" the leads to the Trevi from Imperiali. Sorry, I never knew I'd be making recommendations or that I'd need contact info or I'd have gotten it.
Shannon Fonferko in Schaumburg, IL USA 03/20/2011
Happy House apartment (VRBO #19643) is owned by two wonderful Italians, Adriana and Paolo. They are so welcoming and helpful. As meeting local people is one of the highlights of global travel, these two Romans made our visit very memorable. http://www.vrbo.com/19643
Dorothy Beagley in Adelaide, SA Australia 03/19/2011
Best Accomodation: Guest House Arco Dei Tolomei in Trasvestere!
Dorit in BS, CH 03/15/2011
Rome Trasvestere Guest House Arco dei Tolomei - a splendid place to stay!
Dorit in BS, CH 03/15/2011
I just returned from Rome and found Hotel Una on TripAdvisor. This hotel was excellent. The rates were good, the room was large and clean, the staff were very helpful and the location was great (500 feet from Termini on Via Amendola).
B. McCabe in Hoboken, NJ USA 03/14/2011
Residenzia L'Arco de Tolomei, Via Dell'Arco de Tolomei 27, 00153 Rome, Italy.
Delyth Edwards in Cardiff, Wales, G.B. 03/09/2011
Dinner at Enzo in Trastevere. Small, unpretentious restaurant, with one 30qm room, yellow painted walls and tables for 37 guests. The kitchen is traditional jewish-roman - delicious fish and meat, for dessert real wild strawberries!!! I would love to know where they got those end of February, knowing you can't grow them in a glasshouse and cant keep them fresh for more than a day. Reservation a MUST... no web-page, contact… Da Enzo Via Vascellari 29 Trastevere-Roma tel. +39 6 581 83 55 Sunday closed
mr in munich, germany 03/09/2011
Rome is nice but if was great to have the service of Limoinitaly.com .Try to get Daniele as your guide. He is wonderful, patient, cheerful and above all totally professional. In the tour we had we got to see a lot and we learned a lot more .Their contact is Monia at info@limoinitaly.com Thanks Don And Lesley San Francisco
Lesley in san francisco, CA USA 03/06/2011
Check your change! I found, in the more tourist saturated areas of Rome (Colosseum/Forum area, shopping district along the Night Walk, Termini station) that I was shorted on change five different times! Usually the 1 and 2 euro coins were missing. Perhaps the Romans have learned the American distain for change and that most of us pocket it without looking. Also, a Tabacchi shopkeeper tried to say I gave him exact change for an 11euro Metro ticket when I'd given him a 20euro note. Hard to prove and harder to argue when Italian is not your first language. I was ready for the pickpockets, but not so much for this.
Mary Coyle in Kansas City, MO USA 03/03/2011
Jewish Roma tour of Jewish Ghetto
Kim Harounian in new york, NY USA 03/02/2011
I would highly recommend renting an apartment for a longer stay, rather than a hotel. We used vrbo.com and found a beautiful 2 BR 2 BA with computer and satellite TV in a 17th century building near Via Veneto, and paid $1200 for a week.
Synda Sallee in Scottsdale, AZ USA 02/28/2011
Ancient Appian Way : bike tour with TopBikeRental.com
VANHEE J in BRUSSELS, BELGIUM 02/22/2011
See below about the closing of Trattoria Da Olindo.
Zac in Minneapolis, MN USA 02/18/2011
My parents and I are recently traveled to Rome. I brought along Rome 2011 and got to play tour guide to my parents. It was extremely easy to use and provided lots of good information. We followed almost all the suggested tours in the book and downloaded the free podcasts for our ipods. Not only were we never lost (well almost) but we had our own private audio guided tour! Could not recommend this book more. Any future traveling I do, I will definately be picking up the Rick Steve's Guide before I go!
Jessica Fillmore in New Boston, NH USA 02/13/2011
There is new book out called Fallen Angel by David Hewson about the tragic story of Beatrice Cenci, a young girl beheaded in the notorious Cenci scandal in the past. Many novels , poems, and much artwork feature this heroine of Rome who was executed on the bridge leading to Castel Sant' Angelo for killing her father, known for his lechery and cruelty.
Claudia Hawks in Portsmouth, VA USA 02/10/2011
My wife and I just returned from 5 nights in Rome, it was 60 degrees in January. Rick your book was an excellent resource, we used your free walking tours and were impressed with the information you provided. My wife and I sat in back of the Sistine Chapel waiting for the guard to move away from the exit doors to St. Peters, when he moved away another guard open the door and left the door open we snuck out, laughing all the way. Thank You!
Jim Bonatakis in Freehold, NJ USA 01/21/2011
We stayed at the Westin Excelsior on the Via Veneto using Starwood points. Fantastic hotel with amazing staff.
Melanie Wood in Miami, FL USA 01/07/2011
Arco dei Tolomei, Rome
Matthew Glynn in London, UK 01/06/2011
With all we did in our eight days in Rome and Florence this tour (Secrets of Rome) and this tour company (Roman Odyssey) were by far the best experience we had from a site-seeing perspective. Simona, our tour-guide was exceptional and provided us with expert historical knowledge but also a wonderfully Roman perspective on the city and it's people. Our family of five turned out to be the only participants which made it even more personal. My only regret was that we used another tour company for other tours as I'm sure our experience would have been less cookie-cutter and hectic. I would recommend this tour operator to anyone who wants a more personal approach to seeing the sites of Rome.
Joseph Laning in Southborough, MA USA 12/28/2010
I found two great restaurants in the Pantheon neighborhood. L'Angoletto at Piazza Rondaninni, 51 and Taverna Antonina on Via della Colonna Antonia. The spaghetti carbonara and calamari appetizer at L'Angoletto is to die for. Great steaks and seafood at Taverna Antonia
Mike in Denver, CO USA 12/27/2010
Had the pleasure of taking my parents in their 80's to Rome in November of 2010 and used the Jewish Roma guides. I had been to Rome several times before but this time was special. The guides showed me a side of Rome I had never seen before and my parents were impressed with how knowledgable the guides were.
Howard R in Monsey, NY USA 12/14/2010
The Roma Pass is a great thing to have. It will save you alot of time and money. You can buy them in the TI at the airport.
John in Denton, TX USA 12/12/2010
While visiting the Capitoline Museum in Rome, using the Roma Pass we were not given a map of the place. We pulled out Rick's Rome Guide and used the Capitoline Museum Tour section! Thanks!
Catherine Siems in Cleburne, TX USA 12/09/2010
Gulliver's Lodge B&B on Via Cavour. Mary is a wonderful hostess and was gracious and acomadating. We have stayed here twice and love the location and lodging. She was invaluable suggesting restaurants, shopping as well as touring. She makes you feel like you are family and will help you with anything.
Heidi in Knoxville, TN USA 12/05/2010
You stressed the pickpockets of Rome to the extent that I reduced my potential risk. I left most of my important items in the safe in the room. In my left pocket was change, small bills and a 50 Euro bill. Right pocket had one credit card, the hotel card and my calling cards. I could afford to lose this amount. I had recorded the necessary data off the credit card if stolen.
Edward Shanahan in Norcross, GA USA 11/30/2010
I encountered a number of public restrooms with no toilet paper. I wish I'd brought along extra Kleenex or save paper restaurant napkins! (my habit in Mexico).
Elvira in Jefferson, WI USA 11/24/2010
We stayed at Gulliver's Lodge B&B, a short walk from Termini station. It was excellent. Maria, the hostess was fantastic. Welcomed us in like we were family. Her recommendations were right on. We will never stay anywhere else in Rome.
Louis Tartaglione in harbor city, CA USA 11/23/2010
La Taverna degli Amici - wonderful restaurant on a secluded square near Piazza Venezia.
Ben & Liz Montgomery in London, UK 11/22/2010
Walks of Italy www.walksofItaly.com
John & Constance Thayer in Santa Barbara, CA USA 11/20/2010
Reservations at Galleria Borghese may not be needed in November. I arrived at 9:40am and was allowed to enter for the remainder of that 2-hr time-slot. My RomaPass saved me the ticket fee and I paid no reservation fee. I would take a taxi next time. It's a long hike from the Metro (Spagna).
Shana in Woodfield, CA USA 11/17/2010
We found a wonderful local Rome guide that you might consider adding to your book. His name is Alessio Vicari at alessiovi73@hotmail.com and telephone number is 39.339.7665.105 He is extremely educated about Roman History, grew up in Rome by the Vatican, worked at the Vatican and has a degree in anthropology. He was educated in England and speaks perfect English. We were in Rome 5 days and we had Alessio as our guide the first day and a half in Rome. What a wonderful start to Rome. I think you would find him to be an excellent guide to recommend in your book.
Sheila Forchtner in San Clemente, CA USA 11/12/2010
We found the perfect picnic spot in Rome, fabulous view, no gypsies begging or selling, and quite. Simply take the elevator to the top of St.Peters and pick a quite corner. Either before or after you climb the dome. There are plenty of water fountains, WC, and the snack bar has cheap (for Rome) 1.70 cokes, free water and 1.00 gelato for dessert. Also fewer pigeons then in the square. Really was our best picnic in Italy and we had several. We were not the only picnicers up there and no one said a word to us to suggest it was against the rules. Also you can also get tickets for the Papal audience from the American Bishops college in Rome, tickets where not checked though, and people without them got in.
Tina Hvizdos in Porter, TX USA 11/12/2010
arco dei tolomei, great guest house in the Tresteverre neighborhood of Rome
m white in Rye, New Hampshire, nH USA 11/09/2010
Guest House Arco dei Tolomei Via dell‚Arco dè Tolomei 27 - 00153 Roma
Mary Ann Staab in Apple Valley, MN USA 11/07/2010
Well, we just returned from working off the 2010 guidebook which was our life saver. All of the info was great, but the best was going to see the Sistene Chapel on Wednesday as the Pope was appearing. We got there at 11:10am and the Pope was just arriving. After watching him, we walked over to enter the museum and walked right in. Two days before we heard the line was 2 hours long.
Joyce Morones in Lakewood, WA USA 11/05/2010
driverinrome.com,the best excursion for Italy. They cover several other cities throughout Italy. The more people you have the cheaper the expense. It was lovely to give the driver a list of what we wanted to see in Rome and how we wanted to see it, such as a drive by or stop and get out. We used this for Florence, Rome and the Amalfi cost. I would ask for Big Luca.
Jill in Titzer, AZ USA 11/01/2010
We were recently in Rome for only 9 hours. We wanted to see as much as possible. We chose to use driverinrome. (www.driverinrome.com) Our driver was fabulous! Spoke good English (and five other languages). He did just exactly what we wanted - a tour mostly going by the different attractions and yet stopping to see and go through as we wanted. I don't know how ANYONE drives in Rome. It was awful, but I didn't feel concerned because our driver was in control. I have and will highly recommend their services.
Judi in Mtn. Home, AR USA 10/29/2010
Arco dei Tolomei, is a wonderful small hotel in Trasteve, Italy. We stayed there in Sept for 3 nights as the start of our 18 day holiday in Italy. It is on a quiet street but close to the main part of Trastevere and definitely accessible to all the sight in Rome. Marco, his wife and staff were great hosts and gave us lots of information on restaurants and sights to see. The hotel is on the 3rd floor, has a communal dining table for breakfast which is great for meeting the other guests. It also has a patio for eating outside when the weather permits. There is no elevator but Marco helps with the bags on arrival and departure. He also arranged for a driver to meet us at the airport. It is their home as well and is very inviting. I would definitely recommend this hotel if what you are looking for is away from the bustle of the big city but close to the major sites.
S. Kingwell in Ottawa, On Canada 10/26/2010
B&B Armonia del'Opera, (right across from the Opera House) Via Viminale No 38, 4th floor, flat #11 Deluxe room 130 Euro with 5% cash discount. Paolo Caprini, 064881297. Has an elevator. Beautiful room, convenient location to Repubblica or Termini metro, and all the buses on Via Nazionale. Good cappuccino, typical breakfast.
Family owned restaurant on the same street: La Fontana al Viminale 7a-b, Tel 06.4880737. For 15euro I had Bruschetta with tomato, Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli, Roast potatos, Saltimboca, and salad, plus a bowl of fruit.
Merrill in Sacramento, CA USA 10/26/2010
Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary [not a hospice!] Hotel Corot, Via Marghera 15/17, phone 06 4470 0900, near Termani,excellent value. Ristorante Donati, Via Magenta 20, good food and service
Gregory Frux in Brooklyn, NY USA 10/24/2010
Residenza Arco dei Tolomei, Via dell Arco de' Tolomei 27 00153 (Trastevere) Rome
greta alexander in san francisco, ca USA 10/17/2010
As Rick suggests in his book, go to Rome and become part of the culture there. Relax and enjoy the life of Italy. It is wonderful!!
Jean Chinni in Ellicott City, Md USA 10/06/2010
Best personal Information to avoid "stand in line" Marco in Guest House Arco dei Tolomei Via dell‚Arco dè Tolomei 27 - 00153 Roma Tel. 06 58 320 819 - www.guesthousearcodeitolomei.com
Morks in Baden, AG Swiss 10/05/2010
No private traveller could fail to find a stay at the Residenza Arco dei Tolomei anything but superb. Cordiality, service and cleanliness were second to none. The location provided us with easy and rapid access to most of Rome’s important sites, and yet was a haven for rest close to an abundance of restaurants, bars and shops.
Bob & Jeanette in Wakefield, UK 10/03/2010
We recently stayed in the Hotel Alimandi in the Via Tunisi in Rome, and it was, indeed lovely. We found a great restaurant called Mama (via Ruggero di Lauria 26/a 00192 Roma, tel 06.39 74 23 41 which was so wonderful, we went two nights in a row! The food was lovingly made and served, brother and sister proprietors Mauro and Sonia were delightful and charming, and the homemade jams and pesto made by their mother, were so good we begged to take some home. And we did.
Page Byers in Seattle, WA USA 09/19/2010
We have used driverinrome many times for both driver and tour resources. They are very professional and extremely prompt which is crucial when booking shore excursions for cruise port stays or arrangements for picking up/drop off and the airport.
Contact: www.driverinrome.com E-mail: info@driverinrome.com Tel. (+39) 0661522395 Fax (+39) 0661532259
Nancy Zupancic in Toronto, ON Canada 08/30/2010
Among my favorite discoveries during a recent trip to Rome, the Amalfi and Dalmatian Coasts, Slovenia, and Vienna, concerned a very brief conversation outside the Roman Colosseum. Just prior to making my entrance, a twenty-something free-lance guide, with an Australian accent, asked if I'd be interested in signing-on with an English-speaking tour. Given his pleasant demeanor, I paused, pulled out my IPod Touch, and informed him that my Rick Steves MP3 tour of the Colloseum made his tour unnecessary. "Ah, a Rick Steves tour..." was his reply. "He's the bane of my existence." The two of us shared a laugh, but more significantly I quickly learned we shared a sentiment about the Colosseum App, when the guide observed it was "very good."
Moving onward, I appreciated the young man's candor, and soon I would also appreciate Rick's advice about how to avoid the epic lines that often accompany a visit to the Colosseum. Unlike hundreds of other tourists on that steamy, 95-plus degree day, my wife and I were able to stroll directly into the the site, not unlike touring VIPs. Thanks, Rick.
Thanks, too, goes out to Rick for guidebooks to the Amalfi and Dalmatian Coasts ("Snapshot" series), Croatia and Slovenia, and Vienna. The information, with few exceptions, was highly accurate, consistently readable, and made our three-week holiday all the more meaningful. In addition, Gene Openshaw's thought-provoking and well written tours of such key sites as Vienna's Kunsthistorisches Museum, Pilgrim's Tour of Rome, Palatine Hill, to name but a few, were highlights of our trip. Finally, concerning accommodation in these areas, thanks for the tips and the "Rick Steves discounts." Here we enjoyed the best of both worlds: comfortable lodging alongside much reduced rates. Indeed, it is no exaggeration to say we saved hundreds of euros on lodging this past trip thanks to Rick's lodging recommendations. And it was so nice to direct these savings toward our summer of 2011 trip, though in all honesty, a small part of it went into a few extra glasses of Orvieto Classico.
David in Dillon, MA USA 08/29/2010
This is the second trip that we have used Driver in Rome, and we will definitely use them on our next trip and have recommended them to several of our friends traveling in Italy, and they also have been pleased with Driver in Rome. We had a wonderful time on all our trips with Driver in Rome. On our last trip we had Lucas. He was outstanding! He knew his history, took us to great places and we really had a wonderful time. Everyone in our little group of four to six thought he was great!!. In fact the travel agent who was with us booked Driver in Rome and Lucas for the night tour of Rome, even though she had been dealing with another business. The other business picked us up at the dock when we arrived ( whole group) and the man was not very good. All 18 of the people on the tour of Rome at night were very very impressed with Driver in Rome. The other driver that picked us up at the train on Wednesday night was also great. It was late, we were tired and he was there and got us to the car and hotel quickly. Lucas took us for lunch at a winery near San Gimignano and we had a wonderful lunch and good wine Driver in Rome arranged for Jose in Spain, and Louisette in France. Our tours with them were also outstanding. Driver in Rome made our trip fun and hassle free!
Gail USA 08/20/2010
The Banfi winery luncheon and wine tasting was outstanding, resrvations required. Donna Camilla Savelli Hotel was excellent,nice setting, good breakfast above the norm, helpful staff
Restoranti Sabatini in Trastervere Roma in Piazza A Maria in Trastevere is outstanding. The seabass was great the setting is wonderful..a great experience. Reservations required 06 5812026
The Grand Hotel Vesuvio is excellent, very large rooms so good for families, shuttle to downtown area and wonderful pool.
Mike Garrity in Herndon, Va USA 08/17/2010
Off the Pantheon, Via Giustiniani, the pizza al trancia owned by Felix, next door, the Ice Cream Shop owned by Sra. Maria, next to that the Coffee Shop owned by Sra. Assunta and sons. All true Italians, great people.
Mary in woodstock, IL USA 08/11/2010
This tip is mostly for seniors, or people who don't want to deal with a lot of aggravation. If you are going to Rome for the first time, I highly recommend you book an organized tour to see the sites: bus, walking, etc. Or use the taxis, if they don't rip you off! I took my mom to Rome last year and we had the worst time trying to utilize the over crowded city bus system to see the sites on our own. The buses were way overpacked, hot (no A/C!), and they just ruined our whole day. We were frustrated and suffering from heat exhaustion, so we ended up giving up seeing the rest of the sites and went back to the hotel to have some wine instead! This was the only low point on our entire European vacation. Otherwise it was excellent.
Luckily we will be going back to Rome in a couple of months to see the rest of the sites we missed, but I booked an organized bus (with A/C!) tour this time! Sometimes, it doesn't always pay to be frugal. ;-)
Victor in Rio Rancho, NM USA 08/09/2010
Tip - The book does a good job of warning about pickpockets, but for someone who has traveled extensively throughout the world for the past 25 years. I exprienced my first pickpocket. The situation occured in the Termini, as I was boarding the subway. I was double teamed, one person in front, one behind, the first person got part way on the car, and stopped, holding himself firm, while someone pushed from behind. My wallet was in a front pocket with velcro flap, and they still got it. Both were dressed business casual. A second issue is taxi's - I had read your advice on taxi's before arriving from Florence. Exiting the Termini we were approached by an individual asking if we needed a taxi - I said yes and showed him the address (which was 3 blocks from the Vatican). He quoted 35-40 euro's (your book says 10 euro's to the vatican). I passed and got in the "official" taxi line (sign and metal fencing for line organization). When it was our turn, I showed the organizer the address and he said 50 euro's. I protested and he claimed there was a protest and the taxi had to go around. We passed and took the subway, and walked the 4 - 5 blocks to the hotel. We also ran into other folks in the line at the Collosseum who were almost pickpocketed - but a young grandson saw what was going on and yelled to his mom, who had a pickpocket's hand just going into her pocketbook. This pickpocketer was dressed like a tourist. These pickpocketers ae well trained and organized. I am pretty convinced that the mafia is running this operation and controlling taxi's as well. Different subjet - a recommendation. We tried to book a van to the airport one day before, and found that your recommended outfit, and tow othere that were similarly proced were booked full two to three days in advance. You should make reservations 2 to 3 days ahead of time to get a low fair. Having travelled extensively thoughout western europe, this was my first and last time to visit Rome.
Robert Boehm in Greenbank, WA USA 08/08/2010
DRIVERINROME, Hi! We are still on the ship and LOVED our trip to Lucca. Valter is absolutely the best and we will recommend your service to everyone we know and to Cruise Critic. The guy sitting next to me in the internet cafe was just asking about driverinrome. We thank you again for sending Valter, he was superb and we had a wonderful day. Thanks!
Lois Lambert USA 08/06/2010
We had a wonderful trip to Italy and it was made even more special because of your services provided to our group in Rome. All three tours were excellent and we learned so much from each driver about the history of Rome. Wish we could have gotten the cheese tasting as suggested by Anna Nuessle, but maybe next time that will work out. We just can't say enough about the excellent cars and vans and all of the people involved with our trip. Thank you so much...we will tell all our friends to be sure to contact you when planning their trips to Italy.
Susan USA 07/23/2010
driverinrome: Dear Monia I just want to tell you how pleased we were with your drivers. Luigi, Paolo and Georgia. All of them were particularly professional and well informed. Paolo was the perfect tour guide for our morning tour and Georgia was excellent with her tour of the Vaican museum. Thank you so much. Again, we all wish to thank you for the wonderful job all of you did for us. I will continue to refer you in the future. Best wishes to you. Jane Miller
Jane Miller USA 07/18/2010
Yes! There is this WONDERFUL pizzaeria in Trastevere! It's called Dar Poeta and it's the BEST PIZZA I ate in all of Italy (except for Naples where I used Rick Steves suggestion of one of the restaurants around the train station). It is found at Vicolo del Bologna 45 and is a wood-burning oven. Opens at noon and stays open late. It is a bit pricey but WORTH the money! My personal favorite was a Cheese and Honey Bruschetta, Amatriciana piazza (roman pecorino, tomatoes, bacon) and a nutella and ricotta cheese filled calzone. All together, dinner cost about 15 to 17 euros (pizzas = 7, bruschetta = 2-3, and calzone = 5,50 [depending on the size]). I brought all my study abroad friends visiting me there and the new friends I made through my program. It is at least looking into!
Amanda Kwon in St. Louis, MO USA 07/12/2010
Guest House Arco dei Tolomei
Pleasant little B&B in Rome. Short walk to all the historical attractions - Spanish Steps, Duomo, Colosseum. Located in a quiet neighborhood with several great restaurants around. Host are very excited to share there experiences and joys/loves of Rome with you.
DS in Phoenix, AZ USA 07/03/2010
Thanks for the great Rome 2010 guidebook. There is a museum of musical instruments that is not mentioned in the book: MUSEO NAZIONALE DEGLI STRUMENTI MUSICALI Piazza Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, 9/a 00185 Roma (near the San Giovanni Metro). This has a nice collection of musical instruments including one of the first ever pianos constructed by Cristofori. I recommend you include information on this museum in the next museum. Admission is included with the Roma Card.
Charles Skinner in Lawrenceville, nj USA 07/03/2010
Just wanted to tell people about our excellent stay at Gulliver's B&B Lodge in Rome from June 16-19, 2010- my two daughters and I stayed with Mary on Via Cavour in a lovely room with a delicious breakfast served in our room. Mary was an absolute dream hostess. She could not have been more helpful and considerate. I highly recommend a stay here, you will not be disappointed!! We will definitely be back!
Jayne Douin in Palos Hills, il USA 07/02/2010
I do reccommend a book additon and it is driverinrome.com They provide great service
dale in Melenderson, CA USA 06/29/2010
If you have a reservation at the Borghese, arrive perhaps an hour early. There wasn't any line then, You can kill the time by walking and sitting in the park in front of the museum,and you can even find a refreshment stand there..
Craig Oren in Cherry Hill, NU USA 06/29/2010
Walks of Italy (Jason Spiehler) was a fine recommendation. Our tour guide Simona was great!
Michael in Moorestown, NJ USA 06/26/2010
Stay close to the barriers when attending the Papal audience since the Pope mobile drives through the alleys between the barriers so that the pilgrims can have a closer view of the Pope.
Juan in Cabanero, SC USA 06/23/2010
I am so happy that we chose DRIVERINROME!!! Our vacation was perfect and so much of that was because of your company. Our first driver was Walter for Pisa and Florence. You truly gave us the best and Walter was in our opinion "the gold standard" of what a driver should be. Walter provided us with a day that we will never forget and through his friendly conversations was able to determine where our interests were and to provide a customized plan based on that. My husband and I are both wine lovers and Walter took the "long road" to Florence so we could see some vineyards and also called a wonderful restaurant that didn't take reservations but he somehow arranged for them to hold a table for us and it was a fabulous lunch. Walter also had other great tips that made the day memorable. We would like very much to send Walter a gift as a token of our appreciation and would like to have an address that we could send it to. If you could provide us with this - we would greatly appreciate that. Our driver in Rome was Paul or Paulo and was very pleasant and accommodating and gave us a wonderful tour of Rome in spite of the fact that the city closed up early that day due to the conclusion of the bicycle race. In Naples we had Fulvio (?) and he was also wonderful. He arranged our tour so that we were able to get into Positano before all the buses and traffic occurred and took us to a wonderful restaurant high above Positano for a fantastic lunch. All in all at the end of each day - we felt like we had spent the day with a friend rather than a driver. Thank you so very much! Also please remember to send me an address where we can send our gift to Walter.
Teresa USA 06/16/2010
We rented an apartment from Sleep in Italy, they were very easy to deal with. Our apartment was on Via Dell Orso, great location! Just north of Piazza Novona, walked to pretty much everything
LJ in Toronto, ON Canada 06/14/2010
Just to let you know we all really enjoyed our day in Rome with driverinrome. The driver was excellent and looked after us very well. He was helpful, knowledgable and a very good guide. Your company were really efficient from the completion of the booking form to the communication before arriving- booking the colussium etc. We will have no hesitation to recommend you to others or indeed book you again when we return for another visit to Rome.
Gael Clarke USA 06/14/2010
Just returned from a 9 day stay in Rome and want to commend the "Through Eternity" guides you recommended. Through Eternity was extremely helpful with our plans and their guides are top notch. Extremely worthwhile recommendation. Thank you.
Gerald and Joyce Moran in St. Paul, Mn USA 06/11/2010
None
G & M Finnie in Shetland, UK 06/07/2010
driverinrome provided excellent service for me, a mobility impaired tourist. ( I have rheumatiod arthritis ) They were able to drive me close to the things I wanted to see to reduce walking time. They were considerate and helpful concerning my abilities.
Lesley Anderson in Tampa, FL USA 06/05/2010
Your book made our trip - especially all the infor on Vatican City and the Vatican Museum. My husband thought I was a tour guide. We did stumble upon a wonderful ristorante.pizzeria in Piazza del Popolo. It is called Taverna del Corso. The owner is Angelo. It has a wonderful balcony where you can people watch. The pizza was excellent. His special is a pizza (large enough for 2) and a coke for 7.50 Euros. I also got a carafe of champaigne for 2.50 Euros. The bill for an entire meal was 10.00. It is a Mom and Pop operation and well worth looking for. Address is Taverna del Corso, Via del Corso, 515. Tel. 06 3240295 (Piazza del Popolo)We also stayed at Hotel Impero, Via del Viminale, 19 00184 Roma, Italia. It is near the train station and our room was very spacious and elegant.
Diane Hamilton in Phoenix, AZ USA 06/04/2010
The Colonna Palace Museum is open on Saturday mornings. Well worth a visit.
Judy Pittenger in Baltimore, MD USA 05/22/2010
Next door to the famous gellateria La Palma is a restaurant that serves Guinness in litre-sized mugs...
AJ in Rome, Italy 05/21/2010
I want to endorse the recommendations already sent in about Guest House Arco dei Tolomei.
Jim Whittell in London, UK 05/20/2010
Our transfers with Driver-in-Rome were excellent. The Drivers were always early to arrive and very pleasant to deal with. Your vans were clean and accommodated the right amount of people and luggage that we required. The next time we visit Italy we will be sure to book an excursion. I would rate our experience with Driver-in-Rome as a 10 out of 10! Also, dealing with you, Monia, was a friendly and great experience. You were quick to respond to my requests and your messages and information was very clear. Thank you again!
Roxanne McCarthy USA 05/20/2010
RIPOFF ALERT: In Rome near the Spanish Steps, the SnackBar/Gelato shop immediately across from the McDonald's tries to intimidate foreigners into paying outrageous prices for a gelato (e.g. 15 Euros) which should only cost about 2-3 Euros. ASK THE PRICE FIRST!!!
Gordon in Oakland, CA USA 05/16/2010
Sorrento visitors should not overlook a late afternoon stroll down to the peaceful and authentic fishing beach area of Marina Grande. The train and ferry crossing down to Taomina is the well worth the time and effort. Taormina is a beautiful, if somewhat upscale experience. RIPOFF ALERT: In Rome near the Piazza Espana, the Snack Bar/Gelato business directly across from McDonald's McCafe tries to intimidate foreigners into paying outrageous prices (eg. 15 euros each) for a gelato which should only cost about 2-3 euros. ASK THE PRICE FIRST!!! We splurged & hired the Monetti's (we got Carmelo) to drive us down the Amalfi Coast & Pasteum. It was so worth it! Carmelo seemed to know all the right people and spots along the way and although he almost overwhelmed us at first with his notebook, we warmed up to his charm and were happy that he was our man by the end of a long day.
Gordon in Oakland, CA USA 05/16/2010
I cannot overstate how important having your book with us was, and I could see first-hand that we weren't alone.
We used the B&B Association of Rome (http://www.b-b.rm.it) to book an apartment. Very easy and efficient. Our apartment (Unit 147) was a 5-7 minute walk to St. Peter's and about 100 meters to both a taxi stand and the #64 bus stop into Central Rome. That makes the location near perfect, especially for the price.
We walked several hours each day, and piazza-hopped throughout our stay. Two-a-day gelato is a key to survival, gotta keep your strength up! We personally liked Piazza del Popolo and the church in Piazza Navona best. Palatine Hill and the Forum were terrific.
Alan in Crestwood, KY USA 05/15/2010
I think it is at least worth mentioning the Keats Shelley museum in the guidebook. I thought the collection was lovely and engaging and the people running the museum were incredibly passionate and well informed.
Christine Greer in San Ramon, CA USA 05/14/2010
Villa Borghese Museum; Travestere neighborhood for nightlife and restaurants
Andrea LeWinter in Columbia, MD USA 05/13/2010
The best tip I could give anyone going to Rome is to be sure to have Rick Steves Rome guidebook with you. It's the best and only tour guide you need. It's extremely detailed, easy to follow and covers anything and everything you need to know. If you are making your first trip to Italy (as we were) it's an absolute must have! I'll never travel to Europe again without Rick Steves with me.
AP Newby in Baton Rouge, LA USA 05/10/2010
I am a student studying in Rome, Italy, this semester. I recently attended a wine tasting at Vino Roma, located right in the heart of Rome’s historic center, and had the experience of a lifetime. In fact, I had such an outstanding experience at Vino Roma that I felt compelled to write to your travel guide in hopes that you would consider including this hidden gem in your next publication.
This wine tasting was certainly not your everyday, typical wine tasting. Unique, personal, and educational are just a few ways to describe the tasting at Vino Roma. First of all, the tasting is not held at a wine bar. Hande Leimer, founder and owner of Vino Roma, hosts the tastings in the privacy of her own home. Located in a beautiful, charming and picturesque mansion, you really get an authentic Roman experience at this tasting.
The tasting itself, known as “My Italians,” is given its name because it is comprised of solely Italian wines, three white and four red. I’ll admit, I am not the most knowledgeable wine taster, but that is exactly why this tasting was so perfect for me. While there was many experienced wine tasters there, Hande started with the basics of the procedure and then went on into the details. Together we all discussed and dissected every aspect of each wine’s look, smell, and taste. For this reason, a Vino Roma wine tasting can really appeal to anyone from the most basic tasters to the much more serious ones.
This experience was one of a kind, and I believe that there should be more light shed on this company. I think that it would be a perfect feature for Rick Steve's next Italy book and I hope that you will consider looking up Vino Roma in the future at www.vinoroma.com.
Liz Sillari in Lexington, MA USA 05/09/2010
The Vatican Museum offers entry on Friday evenings, booking online at mv.vatican.va, from 7-11 pm (entry every 30min). Nice time to visit (esp at sundown) and smaller crowd, with assigned entry times.
William Cartmill in Kalamazoo, MI USA 05/07/2010
Guest House Arco dei Tolomei
Kirsty Foster in Windsor, England 05/06/2010
Just back from a 2 great weeks in Rome and Florence, our forth visit in 10 years to these wonderful cities. Always find Rick Steves a great resource during the trip and, on return, discovering how much useful information in the book we overlooked. Always new discoveries. TIPS: 1) Look for great "aperitivo" in Rome. For the price of a drink, a nice free buffet is offered in the early evening from around 7pm. 2 really nice options near Ponte Sisto in Trastevere. 2)try the regular train between FCO and the city. The prices for the express train (now 14/16 euro) to Termini station and regular train to the other city stations (including Tiburtina which is a very nice newly built station on the Metro B line) (now 8 euro). The regular train takes only a few more minutes longer for half the price. Rick says he has never used Tibertina in 30 years but I bet that changes on his next visit. 3) We believe Rick makes an excellent recommendation to try a B&B in Rome. TripAdvisor or Venere.com is a good starting point for Rome or any other place in Italy to find a good B&B. A Google search will find a web page, if available, for more info and direct booking.
Ron and Natalie Wickham in Foster City, CA USA 05/02/2010
Rick Steve's guide to Rome 2010 made our 2 day stay a total success. Without the tips and orientation; web sites to hotels and other places to stay such as convents was extremely valuable to me. Also recommendations of walking tour companies was helpful. These saved me and my group hours of floundering around the internet and in Rome. I especially enjoyed Rick Steve's humor interjected throughout the book.
Rick Hanson in Lake Park, MN USA 04/29/2010
Sure loved the hilarious relationship section in the previous (2004) italian phrase book. Italy still requires romantic language skills too! ;)
Tabitha McGillivray in Skagway, AK USA 04/28/2010
DRIVER IN ROME - We had a WONDERFUL time in Italy. Driver in Rome was just great for our needs. The driver picked us up at the airport. Our luggage took a while and we were right at or just beyond the 50 minutes you said he’d wait for us. He was fine. Although he did not speak English, he knew which hotel and we arrived there safely. Our ½ tour that Sunday in Rome with Paulo was OUTSTANDING. He was a kind, gentle, very informed tour guide and we appreciated all the information he shared with us. He was very accommodating and we saw so many sights – we discussed what we had seen since we had arrived and he took it from there. We went to the catacombs and to see the Pope as well. With the Sunday traffic, or lack thereof, we made really good time. We would not hesitate to use your services again and we would definitely recommend you to any who ask. From Rome we went onto Florence and Venice as well as a day in the Tuscany smaller towns. As I said, we had a great time! Thanks so much for your patience throughout our planning and please tell Paulo how much we enjoyed his tour.
EMM in Atlanta, GA USA 04/19/2010
We stayed in an apartment in Trastevere, just around the corner from Piazza Sta. Maria in Trastevere. It's hard to emphasize how dynamic and alive this area is, especially at night. I've never been anywhere with more places to eat and drink than here.
gary gomby in west Hartford, ct USA 04/13/2010
if you are in Rome before June 13 2010, see the Caravaggio exhibit at the Scuderie del Quirinale! It's not to be missed.
Bill Beckner in Austin, TX USA 04/04/2010
We just want to thank you all so very much for helping us see your beautiful country and learn so much about it in such a short time! We were on a cruise with carnival and booked Driver In Rome for 3 of our stops - Now we wish so much we had booked you for our other ports. Luca and Luca - oh my - so much fun and they showed us Rome and let us experience the city and the local cuisine - both were so helpful and kind. There were 16 of us and we loved the time spent with the two Lucas! Positano and the Amalfi Coast - Remo showed us the countryside and took us to the wonderful restaurant on the hill - the food was exceptional Luigi - we had such a good time and Remo even entertained us with his playing and singing - Florence and the Tuscan countryside found us with Manny and Susie and we had such a wonderful trip with them. The knowledge they have about the history and the culture - we learned so very much and saw so much in such a very short time. We will tell everyone we know traveling to Italy about Driver in Rome! I would hate to think of all we would have missed had we not done so. You guys are awesome and we are already planning a trip back - so until then - Grazie and God bless you all! The Anderson Group Contact info - www.driverinrome.com
Cindy and Mike Corley in Heath, TX USA 03/31/2010
Be sure to visit the Church of San Ignazio as close to mid day as possible to experience the full three dimensional effect of the nave ceiling. My husband and I went in the afternoon and were blown away by the genius these grandiose frescoes. We returned later in the day to show our children and the lack of natural light took away from the three dimensional effect of this great work of art.
Another tip I have for carrying money around is to by a velcro armband and place it either around your arm or calf. I carried money, identification card and a credit card in my band.
Jane Coghlan in Vilonia, AR USA 03/25/2010
Rick, the best service you provided in this book was to help travelers be aware of hucksters on the streets and in the train stations. I was approached repeatedly by "helpful" scam artists and young women with babies. Armed with your advice, I resisted their ploys. Thank you! Also... Someone on this site recommended bringing wash cloths because European hotels seldom provide them. Spot on! Your suggestion to purchase food at the local groceries in Rome was ideal, and we patronized the Supermercado Despar near the Pantheon daily for fresh bread, cheese and meats, fruits and wines. We felt a bit smug waltzing past the tourist-trap sidewalk cafes with our bags of economical and delicious food. Thanks for the tip! I also recommend the Tazza d'Oro (The Golden Cup) near the Pantheon for butt-kicking coffee.
Donna in Winston-Salem, NC USA 03/22/2010
I loved the whole book and would never have had such a great and easy trip without it. Getting the RomaPass was a great tip! I am glad I knew about it before spending money and it definitely was awesome walking right past the lines at the Colosseum.I also liked how you rated the different sites as which ones not to miss. However, I would recommend giving the Baths Diocletian 2 or 3 triangles- that was one of my favorite parts (but you are right-the museum there is skipable) We also discovered that it was a pretty easy and enjoyable walk from the Termini station to the Colosseum (we found out because the Metro was down due to a strike).
Jennifer Duke in Peabody, MA USA 03/16/2010
Fans of Caravaggio will not see much of his work in the Borghese or Vatican Museum, but there is an exhibition in the Forum Museum featuring his art, to June 2010. Use the buses! Hotels have tourist booklets with bus maps in the rooms - rip it out and use it to save walking.
Dale in Fairfield, OH USA 03/05/2010
the priscilla catacombs were amazing. Seeing the first painting ever of Mary and jesus was breathtaking. Def get a slice of Pizza right at the bus stop that leads you back into Rome. The young man who serves the pizza loves all things american and the pizza there is second to Baffeto's pizza close to Piazza Navona.
Michaek in NYC, NY USA 03/01/2010
If you are going to see the Colesseum, Palatine and the Roman Forum in one day, I would consider bringing a lunch and eating at the Palatine. There are no cafes or vendors on the Palatine or Forum and after seeing the Colessuem and Palatine, you may get hungry on the way to the Forum! Also, there are beautiful views from the Palatine so it is a great place to take it all in and have a bite to eat.
Bevin in Stuttgart, Germany 02/25/2010
We had a wonderful day trip to the Amalfi Coast (on Aug. 6, 2009) thanks to DriverinRome and especially our driver (Luca B). He showed up on time at our hotel, entertained us with wonderful stories throughout our trip and even shared recipes of his favorite dishes. It was like having a friend give you a personal tour of their town. Their great service meant we had a great time!
aez in Buena Park , CA USA 02/23/2010
While on a Med cruise this summer, we used Driver in Rome guide service for 3 different trips: Rome, Naples, and Florence. It was the highlight of our trip! The excursions were fabulous! The guides and drivers treated us like we we were family. It was a great experience-much better that any ship excursion, and less expensive! Other passengers on the cruise could not believe what we did on our trips.
I would highly recommend Driver in Rome to anyone traveling to Italy. Their web site is www.driverinrome.com
Robert Aubel in Coral Springs, FL USA 02/11/2010
Daphne Inn Via degli Avignonesi 20, int. 4, 00187 Rome, Italy. Near Barberini stop. Lovely B&B. small, Franco and colleagues took personal interest in guests. They loaned each guest a cell phone with Daphne Inn emergency numbers pre programmed. They had available computer and free Wi-Fi, which many hotels do not seem to offer. Lovely breakfast with fresh fruit, granola, and locally made pastries, along with coffee made to order.
Self guided tours as usual, wonderful-Vatican, St Peters, Borghese, Baths of Diocletian, Pantheon, National Museum, Capitoline Museum, (with short cut to top of "wedding cake") St Peter in Chains.
David Neely in Chicago, IL USA 01/31/2010
The book only mention the Leonardo Express between FCO and Rome Termini. For Trastevere it is actually better to take the FR1 from the Airport which is also half the price (5.50 Euro PP).
Kobi Israel 12/17/2009
My wife and I stayed at the Hotel Raffaello Via Urbana3-5 near the railroad station. Excellent accomodations for the price and their suggestion for a ristorante "Tema" Via Panisperna, 96-97-98,00184 Roma www.ristorantetema.com or ristorantetema@gmail.com... just one block away was also outstanding. The food, service and atmosphere was great, not to mention the value, since the euro is very strong. The waiters were very helpful and in fact gave us a pkg of pasta because my wife liked it so much. Its not part of the main toursit section but from the clients they had it looked like the locals...check it out.
Jerald lee in Sacramento, CA USA 12/12/2009
Traveled to Rome 11/21/09- 11/27/09 my husband, myself and 2 adult sons, 23 and 28. Like everyone else, concern regarding transportation from the airport to our rental- please include Romecabs as an excellent consideration. We booked on line- received e-mail confirmation and a few days prior to arrival received detailed instructions. What a great thing to be greeted at the airport just outside of baggage pick up and taken directly to the door of our rental (which I'm afraid would have been hard to find- a walking alley off of Campo di Fiori!). I called the night before to confirm pick up to return to the airport at 7AM- the driver was early and walked in high heels from the square to our door-. I'm a detail nut- and have used your information with success before for other connections in other cities. However-this is a must for anyone traveling with more than 1 other person- train from FCO to the train station 11 euros/person. Cab from train station to destination maybe another 12 euros (4 adults and 4 bags!?) Romecabs 55 euros each way door to door service- a great bargain and stress reliever- especially for those early flights out to the states. Romecabs- Stefano Costantini tel (+39)339-352-5028 www.romecabs.com
Cheryl in Fair Haven, MI USA 12/06/2009
Restaurants near the Termini Train Station. You recommended La Gallina Bianca. It was closed so we tried the restaurant next door, which was reasonable in price and the food was good. It is called Il Tavolinetto, via M. D'Azeglio n. 46 00184, Roma. Phone and fax 06.4823913. We went back for a second visit and invited our traveling companions. The wait staff speaks excellent English and the management is very friendly and helpful.
Joanne Miller in Bluffton, SC USA 12/04/2009
The one thing I would add to this guidebook is information on rental Car return at the Rome airport. There are no signs on the highway in any language directing you to where to return your car. You just have to know (or remember) that you need to return it to the covered parking garage.
Randy in Durham, NC USA 12/04/2009
The Sistine Chapel shortcut. There is a sign next to it that says it's only for tour groups. We waited in the chapel until we saw other people use it. We followed a group of about 5 people exit. They stopped at the top of the stairs. We didn't know what to do so we continued down. There was a guard in a glass booth at the bottom. He picked up the phone just before we got to him. We thought we were going to get in trouble. We turned to the left to go out the door. I heard a click and thought that we had been locked in. I tried the handle and it opened! He had unlocked the door for us. The other people never came down the stairs! When we finally exited St. Peter's Basilica after touring it, the security lines were very, very long! We were so glad to have skipped them! Thanks for the tip!
Jeri in SLC, UT USA 11/29/2009
When taking the train from Civitavecchia to Rome, we purchased a BIRG ticket. It was 9 euros and included the train to and from Rome, the metros and buses. It was a great bargain! I'm surprised it's not included in the book.
Jeri in SLC, UT USA 11/29/2009
While in Rome from Nov. 19 to Nov. 23 of this year, I ate dinner in an exquisite restaurant that has been opened only for a month or so. It is called Casa Coppelle and is on the Piazza Delle Coppelle 49, with zip code 00186. The telephone numbers are 06/68891707 and cellular 338/6810585.
Tracy Burns in Prague, Czech Republic 11/24/2009
Best discovery and tip, hire Jason Spiehler as a guide. You will not regret it. My boyfriend and I have travelled to Europe many times and this was the first time we hired a guide. Jason made Rome come alive at every turn. If Jason gave a tour of my hometown block, I would book it. He is knowledgable, entertaining and passionate about Rome. After his tour, you will be also.
Maritza in Miami, Fl USA 11/16/2009
WE RECENTLY WENT TO ITALY AND VISITED MY NIECE STUDYING IN THE BEAUTIFUL TOWN OF ASCOLI PICENO IN THE MARCHE REGION! ITS IS A BIT OFF THE " TOURIST PATH" , BUT SO WORTH THE TIME . ITS A MAGICAL MIDIEVAL TOWN, ANCIENT TOWERS, AND ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PIAZZA'S. BUILDINGS SCULPTED IN TRAVERTINE, COBBLE STONE WALKS, SURROUNDED BY THE SPECTACULAR SIBILLINI MTS. CHARMING, MAGICAL, A REAL TASTE OF " LA DOLCE VITA" WE LOVED IT!! A 3 HRS BUS TRIP FROM ROME THROUGH THE MOST BEAUTIFUL HILLSIDES OF ITALY!! THE ALBERGO PICENO /HOTEL IS A JEWEL . AND ASCOLI HAS THE BEST GELATO EVER!! **YOU CAN PICK UP THE START BUS A FEW BLOCKS FROM ROME TERMINI! SIT BACK.. AND ENJOY THE RIDE!!!!!!!
KATHLEEN in BERLIN , CT USA 11/14/2009
There is nothing better than going to St Peter's Basilica right at 7:00 in the morning is my favorite thing to do. I've done it 3 times now. There are no lines or anything and you have a solid hour or so pretty much alone in that massive building. there is nothing like standing in front of Michaelangelo's Pieta all by yourself! Right around 8:00 we went and climbed to the top of the dome, which I highly recommend. By the time we made it down, 9:00 or so, St. Peters was mobbed! That 60 minutes all alone in St. Peter's is the best!
Brian Freund in Keego Harbor, MI USA 11/11/2009
DRIVERINROME Monia Melaragno
www.driverinrome.com
Tel : +39 338 4180978
Cell: +39 333 7080868 Office : +39 06 61522395 Fax: +39 06 61532259
B/B: www.rentahouseinitaly.eu
B/B : http://www.remodiroma.com/
Claire Sheekey in Wall, NJ USA 11/09/2009
I have noticed that the B&B Arc del Tomolei is consistently recommended by readers. It is not listed in the 2010 rome Guidebook. Is there a problem with this place lately?
Andre in Papantonio, Md USA 11/09/2009
Recently I went to Italy for a Cruise with Carnival. I was stumped as to how I would get from the city of Rome to the port in Civitevecchia. Eventually, after a lot of calling around and web surfing I discovered Driver in Rome (driverinrome.com). They were great!!! I needed transfers for 8 people, and other services such as tours in different ports.
This company was extremely professional, showed up when they were supposed to, were pleasant and informative. One man even wore a suit and tie. All in all, this was no easy feat. There were 8 of us, none of whom had been to Italy before. The people at driverinrome.com took great care of us and gave us an experience that was probably less generic than the ship's tours would have been. They were so warm and friendly. I have no reservations recommending them to anyone.
Since there is so much fraud and scamming on the internet I was hesitant, and more than cautious, about making a reservation without a reference from a reliable source. I read the recommendations on the web and took a leap of faith. So glad I did.
Please include them in your guide book for 2010. They deserve it. The contact info is flora@driverinrome.com.
The only drawback to this company is that they do not take credit cards. I have mentioned to Flora that they should consider this in the future. It would make things so much easier.
Judith Larson in JACKSON HOLE, WY USA 11/07/2009
Saby's at Campo de Fiori. Piazza Campo de Fiori, 53. Tel 06.62205973. Northeast corner of the square. Nice setting, great lunch (48E for the two of us with a bottle of wine), and later that day, great dinner (55E for the two of us with a bottle of wine). Friendly, helpful staff. No service charges.
John and Debra Gall in Sequim, Wa USA 11/06/2009
Arco dei Tolomei, a lovely, convenient Bed and Breakfast in Trastevere, excellent service and advice. We went on a friend's recommendation - we would recommend it to anyone, Great value for the money.
Susan Handloff in Steamboat Springs, CO USA 11/02/2009
We only use your books when traveling (other than a map now and then). We want to applaud your suggestion of a private tour guide in Rome. While we have never used a "guide" before, we hired Jason Spiehler for his night tour and Vatican Tour. He is an outstanding guide. Very knowledgeable, personable and accomodating. He is worth the money...
Jim McCloy in Tallahassee, Fl USA 11/02/2009
As soon as you get in the incredibly long Vatican Museum line, look around for someone offering the group tours. Pay your fee, get your ticket, go into the museum and then pop on your ipod with the Rick Steves downloaded tour and say arrivederci to the group. Congratulations, you just saved 4 hours in line and 1 hour of group tour through the gift shop!
Sherri Campbell in Katy, Tx USA 10/18/2009
I would like to recommend an addition to the Italy guidebook. My husband and I traveled to Italy in 2008 and we hired a company for tours of Pisa, Florence, Lucca, and Rome. We were so happy with their service that we hired them again in September 2009 for another tour of Rome and transfers from the airport. The company, Driver in Rome, is owned and operated by Daniele J. Melaragno and the website address is www.driverinrome.com. Phone number: +39 06 61522395. I can't say enough positive things about this company. Every driver was always professional, friendly, and very PUNCTUAL! (on time, every time) in picking us up. Although the drivers do not claim to be tour guides (Italy is very strict about licensure for tour guides), their great English language skills and knowledge of the area added richness and understanding to our vacation. We also needed to make last minute reservations for a transfer to Hertz rent-a-car and they accomodated our request with no problems. We found the rates to be very reasonable also. I will always hire this company every time I travel to Italy.
Martha in Rockwall, TX USA 10/16/2009
The internet cafes were extremely affordable -- sometimes 1 euro for the first 20 minutes. And they were everywhere, unlike some other cities in Europe.
Laralyn Sasaki in Columbus, OH USA 10/09/2009
Our family recently returned from a trip to Rome and a cruise with stops in Italy and Spain. We had a wonderful time, and a good part of the reason for that was Driver in Rome (driverinrome.com). There were 13 of us in our family, and our ages ranged from grandparents to parents to a 6,3,2,1 and 10(month) year old. We were a large, age-varied group, but Driverinrome was wonderful to us. They picked us up at the airport in Rome, picked up the rest of our family at the hotel, and took us touring (Catacombs of St Priscilla). They then found food for all the hungry, cranky family. The next day they picked us up and took us to the Vatican, where they arranged for a guide. On various other days, they took us anywhere we wanted to go (although sometimes we would just get in the mini-bus and ask the guide to take us somewhere interesting.) They found great restaurants and pizza places for our large family. I recommend Giovanni Carlo as a driver--patient and knowledgeable. Driverinrome also arranged for tours for us in Florence/Pisa/Tuscany/Chianti, and Sicily. The drivers and guides picked us up at the ship and took us touring. In Florence/Pisa, we had a wonderful day--and did so much. Saw David at the Academia, the Uffuzi, all the sights in Florence (did I mention that we were driven to all these places and sights--when the tour buses had to park way far away?), 2 gelato stops, lunch, the leaning tower and many other sights in about 7 hours. The ship tour took 11 hours and they saw the COPY of David and the leaning tower. Driverinrome has special passes (especially in Florence) and they can go where most cars cannot. They can drive us to and park right outside the Academia and Uffezi, for example, and wait for us. In Sicily we went on a beautiful scenic drive to the top of a mountain and explored Erecia --a medieval city, then (at our request) went to the beach to swim in the Mediterranean. Daniele--the owner of Driverinrome, communicated (email and phone) with us often before our trip. We had many questions, and he was knowledgeable and nice. He had suggestions and was a great help. They found car seats for the babies, and his vans and minibusses were comfortable, clean,cool, and perfect for us. The drivers and guides were patient and answered all our questions. We were able to see so much, without wasting time. We all highly recommend our new friends, Driverinrome as a wonderful way to see Italy.
Charles in Ajalat, CA USA 10/08/2009
DriverinRome.com was an amazing tour/van alternative for cruise excursions. We got a custom tour in great vehicles nstead of high priced excursions where you are forced to follow a set agenda that is usually not great. We were picked off and dropped off right at the ship exit and went where we wanted when we wanted. Really knowledgable english speaking drivers and great service makes driverinrome.com something you do not want to miss.
chris in Los Angeles, ca USA 10/03/2009
Mario's Ristorante (Via Tor de Conti)is practically next door to Hotel Nerva. We liked it so much for dinner that we went back a second night. Excellent pasta dishes (I liked the salmon pasta, and the men loved the seafood risotto. The dessert there was great -- we shared a lemon sorbet that was served inside a frozen lemon, and we also shared the best chocolate gelato of the trip.) Good bread, full bar, not terribly expensive. Outside and inside dining available -- we tried both. Loved our server (Enzo), who was a lot of fun.
Cindy in Saint Louis, MO USA 09/30/2009
Warm recommendation to Arco de Tolemei. Great location , hosts who gave us some good tips on what to see and where to eat. Would gladly go back there again and recommend to friends
Jonathan Tross in London, UK 09/29/2009
Real Taxis vs. Fake Taxis: When arriving at Roma Termini by train, be sure to look for a taxi outside the main entrance of the train station. This is the side of the building that is single-story, wavy roof with a wall of windows looking out to a parking lot. Do not look for a taxi if you exit one of the arched side entrances that lead directly to side streets. These side entrances are filled with unlicensed taxi drivers looking for people to rip off. They are smooth talkers and will have you and your bags in the car and be driving away before you know it. If you exit the station and do not see a parking lot full of buses and taxis, go back in and find the proper exit. The legitimate taxi rank will be full of courteous, licensed drivers who all use the meters and will not over charge you. Remember: Main entrance = good taxis, Side entrances = bad taxis.
Barry in Florence, OR USA 09/27/2009
On our recent trip to Rome, Italy we used Driversinrome.com for our driving tours of the area. Very professional, nice cars, prompt, and very knowledgable drivers with history of the city included. I would highly recommend them.
susan meyer in huntsville, AL USA 09/26/2009
I also wanted to add... from my experience from travelling to Rome a few weeks ago. I'm a big shopper and wanted to let you know that business hours in Rome for stores is incredibly lax, more lax than it was three years ago when we went. Many stores are closed all of saturday and sunday, for instance, and not just the small businesses but the big american-type chains as well. Pretty frustrating.
Sally in Vancouver, BC Canada 09/20/2009
First, we took the wrong train from Rome to Florence. We ended up heading to Naples! Definitely pay attention to the different boards at Termini stating "departures" vs. "arrivals". Almost impossible to find any person for help on a train to verify the ticket. Second, I would like to give some warning to people heading for Piazza del Popolo. Me and my husband visited Rome for our second time in three years and overall were impressed about how it seemed a lot safer: less gypsies around or in the Metro stations. However it was scary how aggressive they were at this piazza. They hold roses and try to force women to take them, saying it is a gift, but of course they want money afterwards. Also believe I saw this mentioned in the book: that scammers can pretend to be the police and ask you to present your passport. This happened to me and my husband on a tree lined, isolated road Via del Circo Massimo (not far from Colosseum Metro). One guy said he was a police officer (not dressed like one at all) and he works with a second guy who pretends to be a tourist that "cooperates" and shows his passport.
Sally in Vancouver, BC Canada 09/20/2009
My family recently spent an extended stay in Rome. We highly recommend Rick's ROME guidebook, as well as his other European guide books. We were especially happy with the eating section. We were treated very well at Miscellanea. Mikki was an outstanding host. I highly recommend this restaurant. Mikki was treated us very well and the value of the meal was outstanding. This was our second visit to Rome. I wish we had used his book the first time.
Timothy E. Tidmore in Albertville, Al USA 09/07/2009
This is a recommendation for "Driver in Rome," an excursion transport service in Italy. As travel agents for the Cruise Connection Agency who arranged a Mediterranean Cruise for a group of 26 clients, we highly recommend using "Driver in Rome" for excursions in Rome and Florence. We found them great to work with!! They provided quick responses to questions and answered them thoroughly and stood by agreements in their contract. They were waiting on the dock, easily identifying our group and then returned us to the ship on time. We would book again with Driver in Rome because: *cars or mini-vans transported us curbside to each venue; *tickets to venues were pre-purchased; *English-speaking guide and headsets were arranged for Vatican visit; *qualified drivers were knowledgeable of their country and its history; *flexible scheduling was possible - designed by passengers; *their service was more cost effective than a similar cruise excursion *and the drivers were lots of fun!! We have recommended Driver in Rome to other agents and our clients for use in Italy. We will use their outstanding service when we return. Irene & Dianne, Cruise Connection Agency
Dianne Farnworth in Ontario, OR USA 08/31/2009
Driverinrome.com
My family and I truly enjoyed a wonderful day in Rome thanks to our driver from driverinrome.com.He was a wonderful host who took care of us. We never had the idea that we were on a commercial trip, he made us feel at home and it even felt like he was having more fun than we did (he mentioned that he loved his job but that was not necessary he showed it all day long). We were in Rome on august 15 so it was a strange adventure with all the natives out of the city. Our diver had the opportunity to show us things off the beaten track and he did. He organized lunch for us out of the tourist area and we had a great and delicious lunch with the last remaining Romans in the city on Ferragusta. On behalf of my family and myself we would like to take this opportunity and say thank you once again for a wonderful day. This day was one of the highlights of our vacation.
Johannes Schreurs in Herkenbosch, Netherlands 08/24/2009
In Italy take private tours with
www.driverinrome.com
Al Esposito in delray beach, USA 08/22/2009
Stay until the end of your two hour window at the Borghese Gallery. Most people had cleared out by the last half hour and it was magical to revisit all of the rooms with no one in them.
We splurged on an after hours tour of the Vatican Museum. It was outrageously expensive, but if you can do it, it's worth every penny to spend time in the Sistine Chapel with only a dozen people.
Laura Logan in Kirkland, WA USA 08/04/2009
We went to Rome and Paris in July and relied exclusively on the city guidebooks, both of which are excellent. I wanted to share some experiences on the following topics:
1. ROME TAXI FARE FROM AIRPORT TO HOTEL: Not surprisingly, like everything else, this fare seems to have gone up. I followed the advice to pass on the shills pushing van service into town (“only €60; the taxis will charge you €75”) and went to the taxi stand where a sign said the rate was €60 and that the €40 rate (p. 30) applied only after October 1. After we had agreed to pay €60 and settled into a taxi into the city, I removed a €100 bill from my money belt (I thought this would be a safer location than fumbling with a money belt in front of the hotel across from Termini) and put the bill into my shirt pocket. Big mistake. I was on “pickpocket alert” for vagrants, gangs of children, goofy gladiators, and everyone in or near a subway terminal…
2. PICKPOCKETS: …but not taxi drivers. This guy was really good. I still don’t know exactly when or how he did it. All I know is I had a €100 bill in my pocket, the car windows were down (so it could not have flown out the window), and within 15 minutes the bill was gone. I searched high and low in the car but, of course, it was nowhere to be found. I considered calling him on this, but was he going to admit he took it? I also considered summoning the polizia, but I chose not to get into a legal hassle in a foreign country where I don’t speak the language and couldn’t prove what had happened. This guy was so smooth – it could not have been the first time he had performed this feat. This must be common knowledge among the Rome taxi fraternity, and it is difficult to believe that whoever is in charge of Rome taxis would tolerate this. Then again, it’s just as unbelievable that the Rome authorities condone the frequent thievery that is performed by their citizenry as simply another acceptable occupation, when it could easily be reduced by stationing a few police officers near the Metro stations, tourist sites and other hotbeds of pick pocketing. I understand that we are “naïve” and plenty of people think Rome is worth the risk; but for me, life is too short, my travel budget is too tight, and there are lots of other worthy destinations where you don’t have to always be concerned that everyone you meet is out to steal from you whatever they can get their hands on. Places like…
3. PARIS: We were somewhat apprehensive about how Parisians were treating American tourists these days. But, without exception, everyone we met was at the very least cordial and in most cases very friendly and helpful. To me, Paris is way more beautiful and interesting than the city mentioned previously. And no one stole anything from us.
Gordon USA 07/17/2009
Two tips on the Vatican were dead on. We were in Rome from 7/4/09 to 7/12/09. We followed your suggestion to go to the Vatican city after noon to avoid the lines and there were none. It was amusing to hear the people trying to sell tours to avoid the lines when there weren't any. Second - the short cut from the Sistine Chapel to St. Peters saved us a good 20 minute very hot walk. The Roma pass saved us a long line at the Colloseum.
Dave in Milwaukee, Wi USA 07/14/2009
We had a great trip to Rome in large part due to our tourguide Micaela Pavoncello who heads the JewishRoma walking tours. Not only did we enjoy the tours but our three children enjoyed them as well. I strongly recommend contacting her and her web site to arrange your next trip to Rome.
s berger in new rochelle , ny USA 07/13/2009
There was a place near the Il Rosiario called Delizie di Calabria. Amazing 2 to 3 euro sandwiches. It was at 21 via Serpiente. It would be nice to have it listed as a place in ancient Rome since there were few places listed there.
Russell in Metaire, La USA 07/08/2009
Get a good map as soon as you arrive and carry it everywhere. Then relax and wander the streets you will be surprised by what you find that way.
Crystal Young in Swanton, Oh USA 07/05/2009
In the future, I want to stay for more than a day. AND not on a Sunday.
Amanda in New York, NY USA 06/25/2009
Palazzo del duca, Rome, Navona square I have had a great experience in Rome. I strongly recommend it for uniquess! An antique aristocratic building in the heart of Rome, a luxurious epoch residence, top quality comforts
Lia in Berten, Ca USA 06/17/2009
Palazzo del duca, Rome, Navona square
Lia in Berten, Ca USA 06/17/2009
Jewish Ghetto Tour of Rome with Micaela Pavoncello!! A friend suggested we contact Micaela at jewishroma@gmail.com for a unique walking tour of the Jewish Ghetto in Rome. It was amazing! Micaela is a wonderful and knowledgeable guide and it proved to be one of the most enjoyable parts of our entire Italy trip. Whether you're Jewish or not the historical significance of the ghetto is astounding and Micaela a not to be missed tour experience.
Cory in NYC, NY USA 06/16/2009
Don't miss National Museum of Rome! As advertised, it indeed had an extensive collection of Roman sculpture, and my husband loved the downstairs history/collection of coin and gold jewelry. We were also fascinated by the mummy on display downstairs, with accompanying exhibits and short video about its find. However, I was absolutely entranced by the entire 4th floor, especially the reconstruction of individual rooms of a villa excavated beneath Rome Termini train station, complete with frescoes, mosaics, and extensive explanations. Hard to believe so much history from more than 2000 years ago could be extracted and preserved in such amazing condition. A couple of rooms felt like stepping back into that time. That museum captivated our interest for well over 3 hours.
We would just double-underscore Rick's guidebook cautions about how not to 'get taken' in Rome. We took all the euros we would need with us, stashed in those wonderful Steves moneybelts, and felt completely safe and not hassled the entire trip. However, we met and talked with many people in Rome (and people in Florence who'd been to Rome) who time after time told of unpleasant price surprises, mostly related to food. It happened to us, too, in one restaurant. Bottom line: make 'how much please?' and 'same price if I sit or stand?' a standing part of your vocabulary!
Also, by sheer blind luck we missed being in Rome during the soccer playoffs (Barcelona vs Manchester United). We only learned about it on the Leonardo Express train into Rome, which was packed with some of the thousands of fans about to descend upon the city. Thankfully, we were training on to Florence (no offense, soccer fans!) and read about it in the papers the next day!
We may have also lucked out on our trip timing, or else travel is Italy is a bit slow right now. We had no problems securing a lovely room 2 wks in advance, never had to wait in a line (including at Accademia), and were there when a cool front moved in for a few days, which was really nice. Also thoroughly enjoyed just walking the city on Sunday. The entire main drag of the city was cordoned off for a big cycling event - lots of fun to watch with the locals while window shopping!
Also on the train (Leonardo Express), as you suggested, good to hang onto those tickets. We watched a conductor fine an American woman 66 euros in cash on the spot when she could not produce the required 11-euro ticket.
Other: bring all the cash you'll need and wear the Rick Steves money belt! We never got hassled except briefly by a couple of white-face gypsies dressed in sheets as nuns in the piazzas in Florence.
Cecilia in Dallas, Te USA 06/15/2009
We had a very nice stay at the convent of the Sisters of the Palotine across the street from the Vatican. I would love to see more listings for convent and monastery stays.
Maggie Flynn in Florissant, MO USA 06/01/2009
Just got back from Rome. We used Rick Steves' Rome guidebook which worked wonderfully!
One of the things which we did which I don't think was mentioned in the book (I think it was posted by someone on the wall though) was using key rings to secure the zippers on our backpacks. This worked great... we had absolutely no issue with pickpockets and felt very secure (they were hard for US to get off so I knew we would definitely notice if anyone else was trying to!). It also worked great for keeping us on budget... you really had to want something to want to go through the effort of taking it off to get to your money! LOL
Jeni in Beaver Dam, WI USA 05/31/2009
Rick, I just returned from visiting Ostia Antica. I used the Rome 2009 guidebook and it was very helpful ( as have been all of your books that I have used.) I have a tip for others who may be doing the Ostia Antica side trip. When you do the Ostia itinerary Rick sets out in Rome 2009 you end up at the cafeteria and gift shop. My tip will save wear and tear on sore feet after walking on the Roman pavement of the Via Decamanus. When you leave the cafeteria you will see another modern building to your left that has staff parking and a large display of marble that was handled by the port. The driveway to this building is a paved asphalt drive. It is tree shaded and if you follow it it takes you back to the entry gate. An added plus ids that this driveway which runs North of and parallel to the Via Decamanus is a bit elevated so on your walk back to the entry you can get some additional perspectives on the sites. I particularly enjoyed the stroll on the driveway and it is downhill all the way too. I picked up on this driveway after I saw a teacher with her elementary age school group take her charges on the drive.
Rick, I am glad to hear you are doing an audio guide for Ostia Antica. I wish I had it for this trip.
Patrick Pietrzak in Burke, VA USA 05/21/2009
A little more in the way of directions would be helpful.
Matthew A. King in Brighton, CO United States 05/20/2009
I think we found the one thing that was missing in your Rome book, Rick, that has to go in there: A wine tasting where you learn about Italian wines, in perfect English (!), get to taste great wines and have a lot of fun: The tastings organized by Hande (yes, that is her name!) at "vino roma". We (and I saw many many more reviews) are 1000% happy with this great experience. She has a great website, I guess that would be the best way to contact her (navigating and booking was very easy!): www.vinoroma.com
Barbara Parag in Iowa City, IA USA 05/17/2009
Loved the audio tours. Recommend reserving admission for the Vatican Museum to blow past the line. Shortcut to St Peters from Sistine Chapel is worth the price of the book.
Steve Raffensperger in Leola, PA USA 04/11/2009
This is a recommendation for one of the tour companies listed in the Rome 2007 guidebook. I have great faith in Rick Steves' recommendations and we were not disappointed! I sent a thank you to Through Eternity tours and they asked if I would forward my feedback to the source of the tour recommendation.
I found a recommendation for the Through Eternity tour company for Rome in the Rick Steves Rome 2007 guide book. I contacted Through Eternity for two tours...one for the Vatican and one for the Colosseum, the Forum and Palatine Hill. My 15 year old daughter and I had a terrific time with Thomas, the tour guide assigned to our small group for both of the arranged tours. He was incredibly knowledgeable and personable. We would have been disappointed in anything less. This was my daughter's first trip abroad. She had been studying ancient Rome and the Italian Renaissance. We couldn't have asked for a better tour for the two of us. The day we spent at the Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill was like being in our own History Channel episode.
Thank you to Rick Steves' and company for the excellent recommendation!
Best regards and thank you for such consistently enjoyable travel guide books and travel shows.
Robin Pass
Robin Pass in Wakefield, MA USA 04/07/2009
Albergo Artorius on Via Boschetto 13 in Rome would be an excellent addition to your guidebook. I don't want to sound like a commercial, but it is an excellent 10 room hotel in an incredible location. The family who runs it takes a personal interest in each guest, fluent English, impeccable cleanliness, 185 E per night. We have never felt safer or more secure than our 7 night stay. Reminds me very much of Rue Cler area in Paris. Breakfast incl, lots of local restaurants within easy walk. contact at info@hotelartorius.com, phone-06-482 1196 The only place we will consider for return trips to Rome.I am not affiliated with hotel at all. contact me?dcamper@yahoo.com
Dianne Camp in Phoenix, AZ USA 04/05/2009
Gran Caffe Strega in the Piazza Viminale looks like it would be terrible, all cheesy neon and multi-lingual menus. My friends and I referred to it as "Santa Monica Pier." But it had the best pizza I have ever tasted in my life. And I tried the pizza everywhere in Italy, including the Napoli recommendations. It's melt-in-your-mouth pizza. After six weeks in Rome, I came home and literally had dreams about the pizza from the "witch cafe." Walk past the cafeteria-style lines in the front and ask for a seat in the restaurant in the back.
Michelle in Los Angeles, CA USA 03/10/2009
We went to the crazy Sunday only Flea Market!!! we had a BLAST people watching and watching all the sales people battle each other for customers. I can honestly say that we were probably the only tourists at the market and it was well worth a walk down! We would of NEVER known about it if it had not been in the book. The book was worth every penny and we saw a lot of other people carrying the book around just like us. We met a couple at dinner one night that had the book and they did the same thing we did with the Roma Pass and all the suggestions you recommended. Fantastic book and tips!
Darcie Clark in Richlands, NC USA 02/24/2009
Amazing descriptions of all important sites in Rome! We did not need a guide with this book...it explained the background on everything we saw!
Evelyn Fernandez in Jericho, NY USA 02/03/2009
For transportation between the airport in Rome and accommodations, I recommend Stefano Repertorio (Email: stefanogrey.car@alice.it Cell: (39) 3484796835) Stefano was reliable and on-time despite plane delays, and has a van, useful for families or groups of more than 4. In January 2009 Stefano's rate for six people was 70 euros, only slightly more than the train would have cost.
David Haley in Skokie, IL USA 01/21/2009
There is a unique sight unlike anything else in Rome for anyone with interest in WW II very near San Giovanni Laterano that seems to be virtually unknown to English language guidebook authors -- I knew about it only from a very cryptic reference in fine print of Insight guide, as it's not in Steves, LP, or Fodor's. It is the "Museo Storico della Liberazione di Roma" at 145 Via Tasso (historical museum of the liberation of Rome). This small museum is actually located in the original detention cells used by the Germans during their occupation of Rome, Sept. 1943-June 1944. Except for adding the exhibits, the cells have been preserved as they were on June 4, 1944, the day of liberation, including poignant inscriptions on the walls scratched by the prisoners. Many of the victims of the Ardeatine Caves massacre were held here. The museum contains exhibits on Italian resistance, persecution of the Jews, etc. -- mostly photographs and documents in Italian, but with some relevant objects, a good guidesheet in English, and enough other translation for sufficient understanding by non-Italians. It's a moving visit about a relatively little-known aspect of WW II. Depending on which info source you consult, hours are either 9-7 weekdays except Monday, and weekends 9-12:30; or, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10-12:30 and 4-7,and Wed., Sat. and Sun. 9:30-12:30 (I visited last Thurs. at about 4 pm). Tel/fax 06-7003866. Admission free. This place deserves a mention in the discussion of San Giovanni Laterano area with cross-reference to historical sidebar on Rome in WW II later in the book, or vice-versa. I'd give it two stars for visitors with serious interest in WW II, otherwise, definitely worth knowing about if otherwise visiting this area.
Totally unrelated, if you're a bird-lover take a stroll in the Villa Borghese park near the Galleria Borghese before or after the museum visit and keep an eye and ear out for colorful feral green parrots -- the Rome equivalent of the "Parrots of Telegraph Hill".
Philip in Washington , DC USA 01/21/2009
Jason Spiehler as tour guide. On Rick's recommendation, we booked Jason for a private tour of the Vatican and for group tours of the Ancient City and a City Night Walking Tour. He was fantastatic. He was knowledgeable and entertaining and our kids learned a lot. I highly recommend him.
Lee in New York, NY USA 01/18/2009
Wendy Holloway's Flavor of Italy Inn in Riano, Italy. Via Stazzo Quadro, 15/B 00060. Phone 39)06.903.6175 Fax 39)06.233.229.617. email wholloway@flavorofitaly.com website www.flavorofitaly.com
Tracey Mottola in Santa Fe, NM USA 01/01/2009