RomeGuidebook corrections:Please note: The following corrections were submitted by readers and have not yet been confirmed by Rick. Check updates from Rick for the latest.  A few historical mistakes in various places in the Rome book (hey, I'm a Classical Studies buff...), most notably that Brutus was not Caesar's adopted son. He was, however, probably Caesar's *natural* son, in as much as it was well-known that Caesar had been having an affair with Brutus's mother for quite a while. Also, pretty much all of the prices for admission to the various sites in Rome have gone up by 1 to 2 Euros. Also-also, one may want to add a note that the Metro stops running at 10 or 10:30 PM (all the sites I found said 10:30, but that doesn't explain why we couldn't get a train at 10 PM... ah, Italy). This is especially important to know before taking the Night Walk! Also, the hours for the Ara Pacis are correct, but they don't sell tickets after 1 hour before closing. I wish I'd known that before walking all the way over there! John Weiss in Boulder, CO USA 06/23/2008 The dot routes of the walking tours in the Rome book were harder to follow than the gray shaded tours in the Paris book. Jean Hoffmann in Pleasant Prairie, WI USA 06/05/2008 In the tour of the Forum, you are guided to enter by the start of the Via Sacra, near the Arch of Constantine. However, this is now marked 'exit only' and it takes much longer to reach the beginning of the tour in your book. We found this very disappointing as we were exhausted before we even started and didn't get the enjoyment we were hoping for. The other part was during the Vatican museum tour, it says you will face a decision about entering the Sistine chapel immediately or detouring and face several flights of stairs to stop and read abut it first. We wished to go immediately to the chapel as we were with my 3 year old son. However, there was no choice and we walked down about 4 flights of stairs and up about 2 carrying a buggy, which wasn't pleasant either. Triona in Cork, Co Ireland 05/18/2008 The Cost of Ostia Antica is now 6.50 euros not the 4 as in your book. Mary Ann and Dennis Devitt in Lombard, IL USA 04/28/2008 If you want to take a bus back to Rome from the Appian Way, you need to take #218. Rick's book suggests #118 both ways but we found that #118 goes only away from Rome Cathy Garvey in Baldwinsville, NY USA 04/27/2008 The Vatican Museum now costs 14 Euros. San Clemente has the following hours 9 to 12:10, 15:00 to 17:40 daily and 12 ;00 to 17:40 on Sundays and holidays
Mary Ann and Dennis Devitt in Lombard, IL USA 04/26/2008 I just wanted to share an experience regarding the suggestion that it's customary to have a butcher select a picnic lunch for you at a grocery. I used the phrase in your phrase book, and had an italian butcher scream at me, irately, "Picnic? What this mean, picnic?" He then slapped his open palm on the counter, while he rattled off the italian words for cheese, meat, etc. I simply left. I found it ironic that this occurred at a shop catty-corner from the Trevi fountain. By that, I mean, he wasn't operating a shop in some rural village where he should expect to be isolated from non-italian speakers. I didn't learn flawless italian for my trip to Rome - but I tried, and was polite. I didn't expect him to speak English, but I expected him to tolerate some very broken italian and pointing at food items to complete a sale in a heavily tourist area. Ken Fischer in Newport, KY USA 04/23/2008 www.airportshuttle.it price is 35 Euros for 1 person. 6 Euros for 2nd person, up to 8 people. Guidebook says 28 euros for 1-2 people. No email address is listed, so I faxed to ask if they offered this price to Rick Steves referrals, provided my email address & asked if they would email or provide me with an email to avoid international calls. I got no reponse at all. The shuttle I used last year was over 2 hours late, so I was hoping for a good recommendation. Denise LeCroy in Birmingham, AL USA 04/21/2008 The tartufo at the Tre Scalini bar in the Piazza Navona now costs 5 euros. The Europa international telephone calling card, purchased for 5 euros at any tabachi, now gives you 268 minutes of time instead of 220 minutes. You cannot enter the Roman Forum by the Arch of Titus, as it is blocked by a gate and marked as "Exit Only." A sign on the gate directs you to enter through the Palatine Hill off of Via di San Gregorio. The bust of Livia at the National Museum of Rome is not in Room 4, it has been moved farther down the hallway near other busts. The building housing the Scala Santa (Holy Stairs) is closed from noon to 3 pm. If you want to recite the prayers while climbing the stairs on your knees, the prayer booklet costs 2 euros at the information booth immediately inside the building. The Archeologia Card, which I purchased at the Palatine Hill, was NOT advertised, I had to ask for it. Joseph in Harlingen, TX USA 04/18/2008 just noted you had posted one response "On your Ancient Appian Way map, I would note that the San Sebastiano #118 bus stop is one-way in the direction out of Rome. Probably better to walk back to San Callisto to get back into town." I actually rode it the "wrong way" from that stop, it goes 3 stops or so and turns around and goes right back to Rome. No more than 10 minutes out of your way, surely faster than walking back. Best part was watching all the tourists pile out after two stops fearing they were being taken far away! Tim Johnson in New Castle, DE USA 04/08/2008 Vatican museum now takes credit cards - at least for a group of 7. The machine is in plain view. Also we reserved our guided English language tour through the Vatican directly about 2 months before our trip. EUR 29.50 and it allows us to skip the long line, includes guided English tour (excellent). Well worth it and easy to do although it must be done by fax only (visit the Vatican museum website for more information). Robert in Longview, wa USA 04/06/2008 At the Forum entrance at the foot of Via Cavour, you can still get in free if you say you only want to visit the Forum. The guidebook had indicated it was free, so I asked. Flora Pirquet in Arlington, MA USA 03/30/2008 The Rome: Past & Present book is amazing. Highly worth the recommendation. However, I tried with every vendor at the Colosseum (probably to the vendor's annoyance) and they will not negotiate on the price. In fact, all but one had increased the price to 15 euros and "discount" to 10 euros. Stephanie Milburn in Broken Arrow, OK USA 03/23/2008 Update on March 20, 2008. The Roman Forum is not free any more. You must pay the 11 EUR entry fee at the entrance to the Paletine Hill. You cannot enter by the Arch of Constintine as the book suggests; this is only an exit now. This just came in effect last week. Also, prices for Bioparco have gone up, too. 10 EUR for adults and 8 EUR for children. Sheryl in Fort Worth, TX USA 03/20/2008 The bus information in the 2008 edition for the catacombs of Priscilla is incorrect. Yes, bus #63 does go there, but NOT from Largo Argentina. (At that point, the bus is headed SOUTH on a one way street, not NORTH to the catacombs.) We had to go to Via Corso to catch the bus in the right direction and lost so much time we missed the catacomb's 5:00 p.m. close. Lynne Carpenter in Chicago, IL USA 03/17/2008 We often found admission prices to be about a Euro higher than in your book, but that's to be expected. On your Ancient Appian Way map, I would note that the San Sebastiano #118 bus stop is one-way in the direction out of Rome. Probably better to walk back to San Callisto to get back into town. There is now no choice but to tour the modern religious art galleries in the Vatican museum. The shortcut to the Sistine Chapel is closed. Dave in Philadelphia, PA USA 03/04/2008 The shortcut from the Sistine Chapel to St Peter's is now marked "Tour Groups Only" Liz Phelps in Pittsburg, CA USA 02/18/2008 Museum of the Imperial Forums was open, though I didn't go inside (too many ancient roman sights at that point). Brian Gulledge in Woodbridge, VA USA 02/11/2008 Mea culpa. I meant to send this feedback much earlier. Re: Ostaria da Giovanni ar Galletto. When I ate at this restuarant during Holy Week 2007, I mentioned your name and asked for Angelo. I explained I was staying at Casa di Santa Brigida but was a single diner. I was treated quite graciously and Tony, one of the waiters, seated a French family next to me. If I remember correctly it was Thursday. Should this have been my Last Supper, the delicious lamb entree and warm hospitality, left me contented. Later on Easter Sunday after dining with the Sisters, I stopped by for dessert, espresso and to extend my Easter Greetings. Although it was crowded, Angelo literally set up a small table for just for me, heavenly. Cynthia Rapak, San Francisco Cynthia Rapak in San Francisco, CA USA 01/26/2008 Rome 2008: The entrance fee to Ostia Antica is now EUR 6.50 and not EUR 4. Paul Sanschagrin in Fanwood, NJ USA 11/29/2007 The price of the lift to Saint Peter's Dome is now 7 Euros and not 6. Dennis Swartz in South Orleans, MA USA 11/29/2007 The ticket price for the "Trambus Open 110" (page 30 in Rome 2008 guidebook) has increased. We were there the first week of November and paid 16 euros per person, not 13 euros as the book indicates. JD in Arlington, VA USA 11/17/2007 The directions for finding the Egyptian section of the Vatican Museum are now incorrect. They've changed traffic flow. Maryellen Pienta in Catania, Italy 11/16/2007 The maps for neighbourhood walks could be improved; it took some time to realize that a block on those maps does not correspond to a block in the city. There's more than one block from Termini to Maria Maggiore, yet the drawing shows everything as one long block... For instance. Lydia Perovic in Toronto, ON Canada 10/31/2007 No. Mary Passeri in Oakland, CA USA 10/24/2007 I am planning my 1st year anniversary trip to Rome and so far this guidebook has been a huge help. I also picked up the eyewitness guide to rome and while colorfull, it does lack the level of detail i crave. I did have an update request: the details for colosseum and a few others dont have the fact that they are closed on christmas day listed(the day i land)It just has open hours per season. If there was some more detail, that would be helpful aditi in fremont, ca USA 10/23/2007 We have discovered that many parking kiosks in Italy will not accept our various debit and credit cards, whiich means hoarding coin is even more important. Jim & Megan Taylor in Seattle, WA USA 10/09/2007 Ristorante Alla Rampa not so good. The Rome 2007 guide itself was invaluable. Made our trip so great! Greg Morris in Tarpon Springs, Fl USA 09/28/2007 Both Osteria da Mario and Restaurant Coco (page 274)were closed for most of the month of August. However another restaurant also on Piazza delle Coppelle called Ristorante Maccheroni was excellent and moderately priced - especially good were the homemade meatballs, and lots of Italian families with kids were eating there. Also, Ostaria da Nerone (page 278) was closed for August. We were a little disappointed that we couldn't try these places. JoAnne Sulak in Leesburg, VA USA 08/16/2007 In Rome, the easyInternetcafe in the Piazza Barberini is closed. There is a very small internet cafe nearby in the Via Zucchelli. In my experience, all Internet cafes in Italy require you to show your passport the first time you use their services. Of course, if you use an Internet terminal in the lobby of your hotel, then this isn't necessary, since you show your passport when you check in. Peter Vatne in Nashua, NH USA 08/04/2007 Leonardo Express (airport-Termini train in Rome) for 11 euros Jan Nugent in Pennington, NJ USA 07/28/2007 Just an almost universal 0.5 to 2 euro increase in admission prices (Roma Pass now 20 euro, Vatican Museum entry 13 euro, I believe the Galleria Borghese is also slightly more expensive). I did manage to get a ticket to Borghese without a reservation at 9 am on a Sunday. Brian in Cleveland, OH USA 07/26/2007 The Easy Internet Cafe in Rome has downsized from 250 + computers and moved from the Barberini Piazza to a side street North West of the Piazza called Via Zucchelli. I counted only about 20 terminals. Jim Naylor in Everett, WA USA 07/23/2007 Just observations. The train to Ostica is a miserable, seedy affair. Taking the boat is marginally better, yet the boat trip has its detractions also and you are going to see where all those people selling the sunglasses and purses live and you will wonder if you are in the Third World someplace. You can book on line at Battellidiroma.it and a Roma Card will work for entry to the site. You will want to buy entry on the boat as you are entering "through the back gate." regardless of what your e-ticket reservation says, the boat leaves from the west side of the Ponte Marconi bridge at 10am and runs only Fri-Sun. Its about a mile walk from the Marconi Metro to the bridge. Don't bother taking the boat back, it doesn't give you enough time to see Ostica. Use the tram on the return. Francis Saffell in Springfield, OR USA 07/22/2007 Hours at the Vatican museum are shorter but Rick already notes that in his update on the web. Marsh Mendez in Fremont, CA USA 07/12/2007 The address for the Priscilla Catacombs is incorrect. It is either Via Salaria 450 or 480. There is only a small, obscure sign. When entering, it looks like you are entering a private home. Selma Pierce in Salem, OR USA 07/08/2007 Cindy from Beavercreek, OH posting (2/1/07) regarding Ostia Antica (Rome, 2007 book) is exactly correct. The turn in the Metro station to connect to the Roma-Lido train is to the left, not right. Was a bit confusing. The site directions were also somewhat hard to follow - though we eventually tracked everything down. Kevin Masters in Syracuse, NY USA 07/06/2007 Michaela's Jewish tour was informative and energetic. She very obviously pushed everyone toward buying from the Jewish shops and eating at her select establishments. We would have preferred if she just said, we appreciate if you would support these fledgling Jewish businesses to help preserve the area. We also felt that too much of her walking tour was dedicated to telling us how much all the real estate costs and how her parents should have invested better. Many on our tour found her to be a bit opportunistic. js in los angeles, ca USA 06/29/2007 Every night we were the there the metro closed by 22.30, not 23.30 like the book said. This created some long walks back to the hotel. (We didn't budget for taxis). Darrin in Glendale Heights, IL USA 06/21/2007 The Vatican Museum has changed their hours. Groups go in at 8:30AM. Non groups (the left side) opens now at 10:00AM so if you line up be prepared for a long wait! Carol Berning in Naples, FL USA 06/16/2007 Not a correction, but a note that if you're using the public transportation...all schedules and services change on Sundays. There isn't much info in English on that anywhere and you can be stuck waiting a LONG time. Lewis Family in Federal Way, WA USA 05/25/2007 I couldn't find a recommended restaurant in Pisa, but I forget which one. Julius Caesar bust was missing from National Museum Gesu church was missing the animated manger scene James Tierney in kirkland , WA USA 05/19/2007 Prices have changed form 2006 but you'll know that since Mikki (Miscellanea) said you were there just a few weeks ago. At Caffe dello Studente they had a special menu exclusively for Rick Steve book toaters for outside. Mark E. Lamb in Melbourne, Fl USA 04/26/2007 I had a melt-down at the Vatican. Please make this addition so others do not end up crying in front of the Vatican Guards. My worst experience was that your book did not (nor any sign) warn us that when you check your bag at the Vatican Museum, they will hold it hostage if you don't come back for it before the museum closes. This may sound like common sense, but you are pushed by the sea of people from the museum, into the chapel, then you want to see St. Peter's. We didn't even realize the Museum had closed. When we realized it had closed, we asked a guard at St. Peter's how we get our bag back. He told us to walk back outside the walls of the city to the entrance of the museum. We did as we were told, but when we got there (after they had us go through the security system again) they told us we had to pick our bag up behind St. Peter's. But walking back out around the city was not the worst of it. We were told (as we were standing just below the coat check counter) that we could not get our bag until at least 5:30 (it was 3:00). We walked back to St. Peter's thinking it had to be a mistake and talked to the guards there. Now let me take a moment to set the stage. It was the last of our 3 days in Rome and it was only 3:00 and I had every intention of seeing more that day. And everything was in our backpack, including our jackets and your book. When the guards at St. Peter's repeated that our bag would not be brought to the lost and found behind St. Peter's until at least 5:30, I burst out into tears in front of all the guards and the crowds. In the end we found something to occupy our time until 6 pm, then I used your book to see what would still be open. We made it to the Capital Hill Museum one hour before closing. It was very peaceful and we got great pictures of the Forum and Colosseum at night. The issue also kept us at St. Peter's Square later then we had planned, which rewarded us with the best pictures of St. Peter's at dusk. Please warn people about the bag check issue. I was already run down, exausted, and am a type A personality (who highlighted your book before we even left for Italy), so you see this glitch sent me over the edge. Bethany Gaivin in Dunstable, MA USA 04/15/2007 Flat rate of Taxi from FCO airport is 60 euros. PAUL BESSINGER in TINTON FALLS, NJ USA 04/13/2007 The price of the Leonardo DaVinci train from the airport to the Termini train station is now eleven euros one way, but well worth it. bernie rogers in wilder, VT USA 04/10/2007 The Colloseum has installed metal detectors, so there isn't a "left" line for ticketholders until after waiting in line with everyone to go through the metal detectors. You do save some time after the metal detectors, but not a lot. Terese in Eden Prairie, MN USA 04/08/2007 Updated pricing as of March 2007. Castel Sant' Angelo was 7.50 Euro. The price for the take-away Tartufo at Tre Scalini has gone up to 5 Euro (but worth every bit of it!). Pam Kitkoski in Rockwall , TX USA 04/07/2007 The Palantine Hill and Forum both closed at 6 PM- earlier than the book noted- anne in abingdon, MD USA 03/27/2007 need better directions to some restaurants eg. never did find Ostaria da Giovani ar Galletto Gary Carson in Aransas Pass, tx USA 03/24/2007 Aside from already mentioned price changes: 1. The Capitol Hill museum now has a metal detector and an X-ray machine at the main entrance; therefore the only way into Palazzo Nuovo is through the tunnel. 2. When to go: never during the Rome Marathon weekend (3rd Sunday of March or so), unless you're into that kind of entertainment! It's ten times worse than a strike - half the bus routes (e.g. 64 and 110) are shut down, the metro is crowded worse than in Paris; and yes, despite claims to the contrary, the pickpockets are aliveand well: a guy standing next to me on the train was a victim - his wallet was lifted from his front pocket when he was entering the train. 3. The Four Rivers fountain is undergoing renovation. Leo in Fremont, CA USA 03/18/2007 Need to modify section about Appian Way - getting North-bound bus (to return) is very difficult near San Sebastian & San Callisto Bruce in Simpson, CA USA 03/07/2007 Also, there is a student rate of $8 euros for the Vatican Museum if you have a student id. My guy let me pass by just telling him my age since I didn't have my id on me. Annie in Chan, NY USA 03/03/2007 The Roma Pass for the museums and transportation in Rome went up from $18 euros to $20 euros. Annie in Chan, NY USA 03/03/2007 Just updates, even though it is early in the year: the cost to go up the Dome (elevator then walking) of St. Peter's is €7 up from 6, the train from the Rome airport to Rome is €11 up from 9, and the Vatican Museum is €13 up from 12. Plus, the easyinternetcafe in piazza Barberini was not there, and when we inquired in a hotel on the piazza, they said that it had "closed to change" but we couldn't tell if that meant to change locations, or to remodel. Thanks for all the good info in your book. Christine in Sacramento, CA USA 03/03/2007 Rome 2007 lists the opening time for the Vatican as 0845 hours. I just came back from Rome and this year's opening time is now 10:00 AM. Book was otherwise great!! John Hayes in APO , AE USA 03/02/2007 Under Coffee, the phonetic transcription of "con ghiaccio" is wrong in one syllable ("ghee" not "shee") and "alla moscha" is one letter off (should be "mosca") Stirling Haig in Chapel Hill, NC USA 02/20/2007 Yes - price of entry to the Vatican Museum is now 13 euros. Also, the "escape door" in the Sistine Chapel is being kept locked during low season. Chris in Roma, Italia 02/16/2007 I just booked the Vatican Museum Tour for our trip in April. I first tried the fax number in the Rome guidebook and didn't get through, so I went to the Vatican website and it listed a different number, which worked. The new number is 06-6988-5100. Laurie Gauer in Chanhassen, MN USA 02/13/2007 Took your Ostia Antica daytrip... A couple of missteps in your Guide...both at the site and getting from the Piramide metro to the train. You had us literally turning into a wall ("turn right" should have been been a "turn left"... The directions around the site were "murky" at best... Cindy in Beavercreek, OH USA 02/01/2007 The Casa San Giuseppe has a website http://www.travel.it/Roma/casasangiuseppe/index.htm Teresa d'Entremont in Yarmouth, NS Canada 01/15/2007 We followed your guidebook and went to the bus/train station to buy tickets for the 110 bus. We could have saved time and money if we had known that we could purchase tickets on the bus at any stop. sharman schubert in seattle, wa USA 01/10/2007 1. Day trip to Villa de Este and Hadrian's Villa. There is curently construciton in the central town area of Trivoli. The directions to catch the Cortral Bus were good, but the buses actually now continue farther within the town of Tivoli and end in a large parking lot with lots of flowers stalls that lead into a very large cemetery. Bus drive told us to get back on the bus with a smile, and he would get us there. The directions would be more helpful to tell visitors to depart the Cortal blue bus in downtown Tivoli at the stop near the central square and across from a large park with fountains and amusement rides. The walk to Villa de Este, cross the main road and follow along the signs and walk along the hillside ride to the Villa entrance a little more than a block away. To go to Hadrian's Villa, get off the Cortal bus as directed above, enter the Tabacco shop and purchase tickets for the orange 4x bus that goes back down the hill to the entrance of Hadrian's Villa. An important note is that it is called Villa Adrianna, not Hadrian's Villa as it is referred to in english. Both are great places to visit. We actually stayed in Rome, but came out to Trivoli for two days to spend several hours at both villa's. Both sites were faboulous. I had studied them twenty five years ago as a Landscape Architecture student and it was terrific to finally have enough money to see them in color. 2. The guidebook gave closing times for winter hours at various outdoor sites such as Ostia Antica, Palantine Hill, etc. What we found it that they actually close about 1/2 hour before dusk. This makes since as these sites become very dark by 5:00 in December and January. However, at first we were caught off guard with the early closings. Open to dusk would be more appropriate. Great guide, was very helpful. Pam Blough in Grand Haven, MI USA 01/06/2007 In the index, Santa Susana points to page 99 when it should point to page 49 Ryan Ellis in Washington, DC USA 12/08/2006 Bus 110 (hop on, hop off) did not have live guide, only a taped speech which was not always well synchronized with the position of the bus. John Petrovic in Portage, MI USA 12/01/2006 New owners for Hotel Oceania Sue Hall in Wilson, WY USA 11/29/2006 On page 258 of the 06 edition, "da portar via" should be "da portare via". Joe Goozeff in Sydney, NS Australia 11/21/2006 The Cafeteria Brek on Largo Argentina (near the Pantheon) is closed. Joseph Barone in Princeton, NJ USA 11/21/2006 Vatican now requires you to FAX Garden Tour requests at least a week in advance; they will not accept phone calls. Fax # is 066 988 4019 and you must include all names of everyone in your group. We faxed in a request over a week in advance and never got a confirmation number or reservation or reply. Vatican Garden tour a big dud. Glenn Stokes in San Diego, CA USA 11/14/2006 No. We love the humor injected into the guidebook. We practically memorized it before we left home and had it with us everywhere we went in Rome. (and so did a lot of other tourists) Bourne & Carol Rigano in Stillwater, NY USA 10/24/2006 Pg. 203,Vatican City Overview hand written map and pg 254 & 53-add Porta Angelica leads to Ottaviano from the square. Judith Pohutsky in Sacramento, CA USA 10/09/2006 Entrance to the Crypt in St. Peter's Basilica is no longer inside. You line up to the left of the much longer cupola line on the right as you are facing the basilica. May Anstee in Lombard, IL USA 10/08/2006 Phoned the Vatican Excavations Office to book a tour of the Grottoes a week in advance as recommended in the guide book. I was told you must book it two months in advance by letter or fax. The fax number is 39-06-6987-3017 Bryan Johnson in Pompton Plains, NJ USA 09/14/2006 Rick in your Italy 06 book you recommend, and highly, Angel Tours. In your Rome 06 book they are not mentioned. I am confused. I want to use a guide group and I wan to make sure they are good quality. Please clear this up for me. thank you Michael michael madison in cleveland , oh USA 09/12/2006 I may have misunderstood how you write things, but in Rome 2006 and Italy 2006 - Hotel Alimandi Tb price is E200 credit card and E180 with cash, not E180 with an additional 5% discount for cash. I mentioned Rick Steves to them. Cathy Morris in Dublin, GA USA 09/08/2006 Make a bigger mention of the Tiburtina train station. We almost missed the night train to Munich. It was my fault for not noticing but your Paris book makes note of the different train stations. Nothing like 60 Euros for 2 taxis to get to a train staion at 9:50 for a 9:55 train. Jeff Kane in North Tustin, CA USA 09/06/2006 The chocolate at Tre Scalini was good, but not excellent. Every thing else in the guidebook was right on point and we took this book everywhere. Thanks Bob and Geri Rooks in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fl USA 09/01/2006 We were in Rome for 3 days in mid-July 2006 and the Forno, next to the restaurant La Carbonara, on the Campo di'Fiori appears to be permanently closed. It did not open the 3 days we were there. Janet in Maple Grove, MN USA 08/13/2006 We were in Rome for 3 days in mid-July 2006 and the Forno, next to the restaurant La Carbonara, on the Campo di'Fiori appears to be permanently closed. It did not open the 3 days we were in there. Janet in Maple Grove, MN USA 08/13/2006 The Metro A line closes at 9 PM - gates at the entrance closed and locked. This is despite the Metro publications that claim that the line closes at 11:30. Your guide book repeats the same mis-information. Phil WI USA 08/05/2006 I really am suspicious of all the recommendations for certain B&B's and hostels in Rome on this website. It looks to me as though there is a kind of concerted campaign for people to recommend just some of these places. Even though there are multiple posts for B&B's in other popular locations, the recommendations for the ones in Rome seem to stand out to me as just too many posts, so that is a counter recommendation to me for those particular places. Paula in Scott, CO USA 07/30/2006 We only encountered restaurant table cover charges in cities other than Rome, and had no problems whatsoever with pickpockets. But expect water to be expensive, ice has vanished, air conditioning is slim to nil, and wash cloths nonexistent! And taxis slap on per bag fees to lift your luggage in after they grab it from your hand--many travelers shared add-ons of as much as 10 Euros!). And if you book train tickets through Rail Europe, you do not need to stamp them at the station--jsut get on and the conductor will stamp them as he wanders through asking for tickets. Train stations are efficient, safe, and well-organized. Glenda Grunzweig in Spokane, WA USA 07/26/2006 Label your suggested walk maps (like the Jewish Ghetto walk)with the nearest taxi stands. We were able to ask our way along, but it would have been helpful to have it labeled on the guidbook's map. We tried Rick's advice for touring the Vatican later in the afternoon (3pm or 15:00), but the line was many blocks long due primarily to tour groups. Arriving by 7am the next morning, we found the line to be much shorter. Although we still had to wait for the Vatican and Sistine Chapel to open, we were able to eat our breakfast while in line and read the guidebooks descriptions before entering. T. Koons in Forest, VA USA 07/22/2006 Yes. You should be a little clearer on the dress code for the Vatican museum and St. Peter's Basilica. We got confused. We read the code for the Vatican museum, thinking it covered us, but the Vatican museum code is not as strict as St. Peters. The codes are different, but most people go to both at the same time. We read your book pretty carefully but still had to run to a nearby sports shop and spend 100 euros on sweatpants 10 minutes before our tour began. You might consider a reminder in the Vatican museum section that if they intend to go to St. Peters they will need long pants. But we loved your books overall. Used them for Rome, Florence, and Venice, and had a wonderful trip. Thank you. Jeff USA 07/17/2006 St. Peter in Chains: Usually your instructions to get somewhere are great, but not here. We started at the Coloseum Metro station, and climbed the stairs as instructed. So far, so good. Then you say "work your way slowly uphill". This is too vague. There is more than one way to go uphill, and there are at least three old churches in the neighborhood, all very close together. You should be more specific, and include the name of the street where the church is, and possibly show it on a small map. Colosseum: The walkway across the arena was still there in 2004 (although not open to tourists when we were there), but in 2006 is completely gone. A platform or stage is being built at one end. Note that everyone now must go through a metal detector (this was the case at some other sites, too, another difference since 2004), but it is still faster if you have purchased a ticket at the Palatine hill booth, since once through the detector you will be able to bypass those who are still buying tickets. Rosemary West in Los Angeles, CA USA 07/16/2006 The Archeologia card does not include the National Museum of Rome. It was still a good deal but would have been even better if that significant museum was included as some of the sights were pretty far out of the center of town. Cheryl Krauter-Leonard in El Cerrito , CA USA 07/14/2006 None, the book was great Norman F. Weber in Mount Juliet, TN USA 07/05/2006 1. finding stores that carried women's sizes greater than USA 12 was extremely difficult (but necessary due to lost luggage). i feel this should be noted in shopping section. 12 is a normal USA women's size. 2. COIN near Piazza Fiume is closed. 3. Rome customs would not stamp receipts for VAT refund, because we were flying into Lisbon from Rome. We were told the receipts would have to be stamped in Lisbon. However, customs in Lisbon refused to stamp. so, no VAT refund. Because we had to buy clothing to replace lost luggage, this loss was sizable. also, we spent a lot at Rinascente, a major dept store in Rome, and no one there admitted to knowing anything about VAT refund procedures. 4. we booked a day trip to Naples/Pompeii through Grayline Tours that was not great. the time in the bus could not be avoided, but too much time driving around Naples, the tour did not visit the Anthropological Museum in Naples, we visited a cameo factory. ugh. Pompeii tour by a Naples native was adequate, but not what we expected for the cost of the trip. 5. we found tipping to be expected everywhere, by nearly everyone. 6. we did not encounter the gangs of children pickpockets described. 7. you may want to note that although postcards are available every 15 feet, postage stamps cnnot be purchased at gift shops. Check the tobaccanist shops (Tabacchi). Dana Ross in Birmingham, AL USA 06/28/2006 Hotel Adler in Rome had a room available for us until we mentioned that Rick Steves guide said we could get the 120 euros rate. Then they said we are wrong. We don't have availability. See email below:
From : Hotel Adler
We hope to welcome you next time in the future and do not hesitate to contact us anytime you need .
your sincerely,
Alessandro Menichetti Your concierge -Bellesuite srl Hotel Adler / Bellesuite Rome www.hoteladler-roma.com
www.bellesuiterome.com
info@hoteladler-roma.com tel.+3906484466 / +390645439295 fax+39064880940
----- Original Message ----- From: "Andrew Goldberger"
Thank you very much for your quick response. The Rick Steve Rome Guide says that we can get the rooms for 120 euros per night. Is that possible?
From: "Hotel Adler"
Dear Mr Goldberger thank you very much for your email enquiring room reservation with us. we are very pleased to confirm the availability of a double room @ euro 125 per night tax, service and breakfast inlcuded.
Looking forward to hearing from you soon , we remain at your complete disposal for any further information you may need.
best regards Gioia DeLLa melina
Alessandro Menichetti Your concierge -Bellesuite srl Hotel Adler / Bellesuite Rome www.hoteladler-roma.com
www.bellesuiterome.com
info@hoteladler-roma.com tel.+3906484466 / +390645439295 fax+39064880940
----- Original Message ----- From: "Andrew Goldberger"
Hi,
I am interested in booking a double room from 12/05/2006 to 17/05/2006 (5 nights). Do you have any availability? How much is it? Thank you.
Eleonora Goldberger
Andrew in Atlanta, GA USA 06/12/2006 I'm not sure if this was updated in the 2006 guide or not. Using the web site www.trenitalia.com I was able to purchase Rome to Naples/Naples to Rome Eurostar tickets and reserve seats online, all from the U.S. They have a very slick ticketless system. Steve Neal in Phoenix, AZ USA 06/12/2006 No, however in San Giovanni in Laterno, the gentleman sitting at the infomation both saw your book in my hand and said that you had the statue in the portico on the left wrong. Frankly, I ignored him and walked away. Linda in Brooklyn, NY USA 06/03/2006 Coliseum/Palatine combined tickets have gone up. Charles Long in lawrenceburg, tn USA 05/27/2006 The Pantheon in Rome is closed on 12/25, 1/1 and 5/1. We planned to go there on our last day in Rome on 1 May. Ouch Austin Winant in Woodinville, Wa USA 05/25/2006 For St. Peter's: We had trouble finding the TI, Vatican Post Office and restrooms. In Rick Steves' Rome 2006, the map indicates that it is on the left side of St. Peter's Square (when you're facing St. Peter's Basilica). We could not find it there but found it on the right side. Melanie Amick in Lexington, SC USA 05/16/2006 Most entry prices have gone up by 1 Euro or so since the 2006 was published Alan Scott in Missouri City, TX USA 05/11/2006 The National Museum of Rome (Museo Nazionale Romano) is now charging 9 euros. Alex in Bel Air, MD USA 04/30/2006 The Colosseum (Colesso) is now charging 11 euros. Alex in Bel Air, MD USA 04/30/2006 We tried looking for the Tre Scalini Cafe in Piazza Navona but were surprised to find TWO restaurants with exactly the same name, and located right beside each other. The book only mentioned one such restaurant specializing in the famous chocolate confection, but both cafes offered the same exact item on their menus. When we got there both cafe managers were fighting over us trying to outdo each other, but we finally managed to settle for the cafe that looked most like the picture in the book, the one closest to the Four Rivers Fountain. Maybe you could clear this up in the 2007 edition? A in Alcid, NY USA 04/29/2006 Disappointed that the turtle fountain mentioned in the Ghetto walk is closed for massive renovations. It is completely covered with plywood. Mary Schultz in Milwaukee, WI USA 04/26/2006 In the Capuchin Crypt and at the catacombs on the Appian Way photographs are not allowed. We rearranged our schedule and went on a different day because our video camera was not completely charged and we wanted to record that. Jennifer Henderson in Statham, GA USA 04/06/2006 no, but Rick virtually became one of our party as I used his advice to decide where to go and why {settling family disagreements} Allen DaGue in St Louis, Mo USA 04/02/2006 Please simplify the directios from the metro to Villa Borghese. We had a 40 minute ramble through a deserted ill kept park that was inhabited ony by stray dogs and strange men. When we exited, we realized that there was a more direct route along a side street. Although they say they will take your cameras and bags at entry, they did not make us check our in at Villa Borghese louise Phillips in staten Island, ny USA 04/01/2006 Corrections to Rome 2006 guidebook - verified by personal visit in March 2006.
At the Capitoline museum, the Marcus Aurelius equestrian statue is now located in a separate hall within the Palazzo dei Conservatori, not in the Palazzo Nuovo.
At St. Peter's, the guide for the 2:15 afternoon tour told us that the 3:00 tours will be discontinued entirely within a couple of weeks (by the end of March 2006). In the mornings, there are numerous guides in St. Peter's square offering "free" tours of the church in order to promote their other tours. We saw a lot of groups taking these free tours while wearing headsets so they can hear the guide better.
The archaeological card is now 22 euros, worth it for bypassing the mobs at the Colosseum alone. Please note that the card can only be used once per sight.
At the Colosseum, there is no walkway out into the arena (and hasn't been for years). There is a stage at one end of arena floor but the public is not allowed access to it.
The directions from the Spagna metro stop to the Borghese gallery made no sense at all. There are no signs in the park to direct you to the gallery until after you follow the pathway all the way around through the park and then cross the street to read the street signs on the other side. It would be far easier to take the right hand tunnel as you exit the metro (instead of continuing straight ahead under the Villa Borghese sign), follow it past the underground shops and pop up along the Via Veneto in front of the GS grocery store, then walk straight to the gallery from there.
In the octagonal hall of the Baths of Diocletian, the "Cage Fighter at Rest" statue (Pugilatore) has been taken away for restoration for an indeterminate period of time.
The train from Fiumicino airport to Termini is 9.50 euros and you can buy tickets on the platform from a machine that takes bills and gives change for a 10 euro bill. Gary Hagen in Boise, ID USA 03/24/2006 Minor ones, but...the week of March 12th the Forum didn't open till 10:30 and the Coliseum/Palatine cost 11 euros, not 10. There was a line for everyone at the Coliseum because of the metal detectors. Mary Olinger in Richmond, VA USA 03/19/2006 On March 10th, I attempted to book a tour of St. Peter's tomb for April 3. I was told that April was booked and I should try May. The guidebook suggested booking at least a week in advance. I don't know if this backup is seasonal (Easter?) or due to "Angels and Demons" tours, but the guidebook ought to instruct the reader to book at least a month in advance if this is normal. Actually two months would have been about right. James Hoadley in Lawrenceville, GA USA 03/14/2006 The free Vatican TI tour of St. Peters doesn't run every day. H Gellis in Brookline, MA USA 03/10/2006 As of 2/06, the Archeologia Card had increased 10% to €22.
I would add to the section about credit card security a warning. My wife's wallet was taken on a crowded subway, despite being under her coat. Other than Amex, all her credit cards had the same number as mine, so cancelling her cards cancelled mine, and there wasn't enough time to get an emergency replacement. Cancelling the cards was also difficult. Your book doesn't explain how to make a collect call. I tried the 800 number pasted in the phone booths, but every time I tried to make a collect call using the numbers printed on the credit card to call collect outside the US, the charges were not accepted. I had to use a toll free number I obtained from the police station. Daniel Ginsberg in Gig Harbor, WA USA 03/05/2006 Page 71 indicates that a belief in the Copernican system is a heresy. This is incorrect. I recommend you read the entry for Galileo in the on-line Catholic Encyclopedia at www.newadvent.org. Neither Paul V nor Urban VIII condemned heliocentrism ex cathedra. The Congregation of the Index's decree that works advocating the Copernican system were prohibited cannot be considered dogmatic. Further, Copernicus was a churchman. Shane Tucker in Plano, TX USA 02/15/2006 There are too many corrections to list. Although we liked the guidebooks, and some points were helpful, we found so many errors in both our Rome 2006 and Venice 2006 books. Disappointing because I specifically bought the most recent versions to get the most up-to-date information! Many web links were incorrect or out of date, and the ways tourists are routed in places such as museums (e.g., Capital Museum in Rome) or the Vatican are different from the way shown in the guidebooks, which is problematic when using the book for tours. Things were completely out of order and confusing. Also, prices and times were off for nearly everything. I know that things do change, often without notice, but I really wonder if there was an actual update done to this book at all. There did not seem to be a lot of effort put in to updating this book. We are looking to purchase a London guide for our next trip, but will not be purchasing another Rick Steves travel guide after our experiences with these city guides. [Editor's Note: Yes, we really do update our books every year and many staff members work very diligently on them. Due to publishing deadlines, our research often happens in the Spring of the year prior to the date on the cover. This is common for all travel guidebooks. Italy in particular is known for things changing quickly and without warning, such as museums rearranging their layout and certain works being temporarily not viewable. This craziness is part of Italy's charm but we understand how it can be frustrating to our readers. As we say on page 2 of the Introduction to Rome 2006, "once you pin Rome down, it wiggles." We also encourage our readers to always buy a local phone card and call ahead to hotels, restaurants, and museums to confirm hours and prices.] Heidi in Gainesville, FL USA 01/19/2006 |
