Rome suggestions

[TheSkipper]

Hi Gang,

Just booked the Legend of the Seas.. And will be flying into Rome a day early.

Looking for hotel suggestions for one night and any advise on how to get to the ship.

Looking forward to suggestions from some of you who have made this or a similar trip.

Thanks,

[TheSkipper]

Well, it looks like we have made our hotel reseverations. Took a suggestion from Rick Steves's Rome 2007 book and booked the Hotel Aberdeen at Via Firenze 48.

It is looking like we will hire a private car for our transfer to the ship unless RCI comes up with something better. 120 Euros one way for the two of us is a real hefty price, but that's Rome these days.

[JoeyandDavid]

Skipper.. Just a word if you guys plan on seeing the Vatican make sure you get in line EARLY and I do mean early they are on shorter hours during the winter(closes promptly at 2 PM) and that doesn't mean in line it means shut the doors.. Congratulations on the booking when is your Cruise?

[SMB]

Hi Skipper,

I have been to Rome 10 times in the last seven years and lived in Rome for three months a few years ago while I worked in the Vatican archives. In fact I lived not far from Via Firenze. The hotels along that strip are very tourist oriented, so your stay should be fine. But if you go to Rome again, I'll give you some better hotel hints.

First, do NOT hire a private car anywhere in Italy except Tuscany. Italian mass transit it excellent! You will be staying 2-3 blocks from the main rail station in Rome (Termini). Walk over there the night before you leave and use a kiosk to buy tickets (they take credit cards) for the train to Civitavecchia (I assume that is where you are boarding). The train is often faster than a car with all the traffic in Rome. It has been a few years since I have been to Civitavecchia, but I believe it only takes just over an hour to get there. When you buy your tickets (kiosk is in English by the way) check the times. Look at both departing and arrival times to make sure you do not get on the slow train that stops EVERYWHERE. The fast train only makes a couple stops, if any. If there is a Eurostar train going there, take it. For two, the trip should cost only 40-50 Euros at most one way. Oh, and don't take a cab from the airport to Rome. Too expensive. There is a very comfortable direct train from the airport to Termini.

I can give you some hints on what to see, where to eat, best gelato, etc. if you would like. I may also be of some help with ports of call around the Med.

Stephen

[SMB]

Skipper,

I just left you a note on the thread. Check it out, please.

SMB

[TheSkipper]

Stephen,

Love your suggestions and no doubt they woud save money, but you have never seen how my wife packs. Huge suitcases to the max international weight limit plus a couple of carry on types. A few years ago we did some trains in Europe and I damn near died trying to lift this junk into overhead racks. They totally blocked the isles so had to get them up.

At 72 years old, I'm not going to make that mistake again. If she travelled like Rick Steves with a back pack or normal sized suitcase, I'd be all for it.

We have been to Rome a few times before and done the Vatican and most of the normal tourist stuff. This stop over is mainly to get a good rest after the 18 hours of travel and try and feel human again prior to going to the ship. Thanks again for your interest and suggestions. Would love a suggestion of a good place for dinner in the area we are staying.

As to Port of Call, we are planning to do Tuscany out of Lovorno, since we did Florence the last time. In Naples, it will be the Almalfi coast and Pompii as we did Capri the last time. Cannes, no plans yet, but we have done the Monoco thing. Portofino, no plans other than finding a great sidewalk cafe and people watching. Venice, we have stayed in several times and have our favorite spots and resturants. In fact there we not only know where we want to eat, but what we want to eat as well.

Croatia is totally new for us, so if you have any suggestions for Split and Dobrovnik, I'd love to hear them.

Joey,

Can't wait to read your review. Our Rome trip begins in Las Vegas on May 29th, spending just one night in Rome and then sailing on the Legend of the Seas on May 31st for 12 nights.

Thanks to all for your comments and suggestions.

[JoeyandDavid]

OK Skipper thanks or guide said the Vatican is back to "normal hours" by that time... enjoy you time in Rome... In Tuscany look for the black rooster winery.. You lucky peoplez

[SMB]

Skipper,

Here goes another long one, but I hope you enjoy....

First, I understand both the age and packing issues. My wife and I are in our 30's and I'm already about to the point you are. I travel VERY differently when I'm in Italy alone vs. with my wife. In your case, I'd say the hired car is worth every penny.

My trip to Croatia was cancel, so I'll not be any help there. I'm very jealous, though, and can't wait for your report.

As for other suggestions, I have a few.

Rome:

Best food in all Rome – Take a taxi to Trevi Fountain. Stand facing Trevi Fountain, turn to the right and follow the road just a little bit until you see a very small courtyard/piazza on the left. The name of the Restaurant is Vineria il Chianti (Via del Lavatore, 81). One of those rare places in Rome where ALL the food is good. My wife didn’t care what we did in Italy on her last trip as long as she could get the mushroom ravioli from this place (which she did 3 times). The apple lamb is a treat. Excellent dessert - strawberry, creme, pastry item.

Best gelato in Rome – Palazzo Fredo, Via Prince Eugenio (two blocks south of Piazza Vittorio Emanuele). Out of the way, but worth the trip. They have been making Gelato for a century!

Since you have done the basic tourist stuff. Might I suggest a few other options NEAR (5-10 min walk) your hotel that you could try after a long nap. If you like churches, three blocks south of the hotel is Santa Maria Maggiore (one of the 4 main papal basilicas in Rome). Santa Prassede – easy to miss, tucked in side street. Cross the piazza in front of S. Maria Maggiore, take a right, cross the via merulana and take the small side street one block where is dead ends into a side door. That is the entrance. If you get lost, ask for help. It is well worth it. One of my favorite churches in Rome. One of Rome’s oldest churches. The nave has antique mosaics. Best-kept secret in Rome is the Chapel of San Zeno on the right (if looking at the altar). 9th c. mosaics close enough to touch that shine like you are in a gold nugget. To the east of your hotel are the Archaeology museum and the Baths of Diocletian museum (this has recently been renovated and well woth the time). You may get one of these in.. or just sleep until dinner and Mangia!

Livorno - You can't go wrong in Tuscany. You can find many villas on the net where you can relax and have a good meal in the Tuscan countryside. I would also suggest Pisa if you have not been (often missed is the Camposanto beside the baptistry which was supposidly built on soil brought back from the Holy Land). San Gimignano - town studded with tall medieval towers. Seen in many movies like Tea with Mussolini. Only way there is by bus or car. Siena - my wife's favorite Italian city. Easy to reach by train, but watch your time to get back to the ship. Best kept secret near Livorno is the medieval walled city of Lucca. So full of charm I can't begin to describe it. My wife's second most favorite Italian town. Lots of history, great shopping, fantastic food... but that is most of Italy.

Portofino - I agree with you. Sit back and watch the people in a nice cafe. The Cinqueterra is overrated in my opinion.

Venice - We all have our favorites there, but I'm always looking for a good place to eat. You must tell me your secret. If you are bored with the usual, try a ride out to Torcello and stop back on the way at Murano or Burano. Also, if you have not been to the Friari in Venice, you should seek it out some time.

Naples - If you have not seen Pompeii, then go... everyone should... but spend time wandering by yourself. Those tour groups ruin the ambiance. If you have the time and have seen Pompeii, Herculaneum is more interesting to me. Covered in the same eruption, the preservation of Herc. is better than Pompeii but only a small section has been excavated. Many people do not like Naples and you hear warnings, but I love the city. If you stay in Naples, see the Archaeology museum. It is recognized as one of the best in the world! Also see the amazing cloisters of S. Chiara. If you have been to Capri, then consider skipping the Amalfi Coast. Positano and Amalfi are breathtaking, but the trip in and out is long and can make even the most experienced cruiser motion-sick. It is better to take a land vacation and stay in Positano.

Cannes - If you have done the typical in southern france. Consider going to a small town called Eze near Monaco. This is one of the places I'd like to retire. I can't describe it. You just have to experience its charm. Be warned, it sits on a hilltop and no cars or buses can get up its tiny little medieval streets. You have to climb up it yourself.

Wow, finally at the end. Writing this makes me want to get back to Italy ASAP. Can't wait to hear your report. Buon Viaggio.

[TheSkipper]

Wow, what great suggestions. Just copied all into MS Word so I can be sure and have them with us.

No doubt we will doing your resturant in Rome. All I had to do was mention mushroom lasagna to my wife and it is on her must do list

Thanks, again for all the imput!!

I'll look through our records and find the resturant in Venice for you. It is in a hotel near St. Marks Square. We did Chatau Briand for two with a great local rose wine and enjoyed it so much we went back the next night and did exactly the same thing. Will get back to you with the info. No doubt we will have dinner there while the ship overnights in Venice.

[Mebert]

Hi The Skipper,

When I was in Rome I stayed at the Hotel de Petris which is a quaint little hotel that serves a buffet breakfast in the morning. It was centrally located and not far from the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and Via dei Condotti, a major shopping street.

The only problem is if you have a lot of luggage the elevator is really, really, small, but the hotel definitely has great value and the location is great.