Spouse & kids make fun of me for traveling w 3 powerbanks for my phone/tablet. But I notice they don’t make fun of me when they ask to borrow one.
@deb922 - Last week I sat down (for long time) and read through this entire thread. Today I booked a trip to Rome! (late Oct-early Nov) Thanks for the incentive!!! It is only a 7 night trip, but all in one city so it should work out. In the past we have stayed near the Spanish steps and found that location worked well for us. This late in the game, i was unable to get any of my hotel choices so we are trying the Hotel San Carlo…fingers crossed. I spoke to the manager and she put me down for their largest double deluxe/superior. I am hoping for a minimum of 25 square meters, but not holding my breath. My H tends to spread out his belongings as the week wears on. Grrrrr
Make sure you talk with your cell phone provider to A) confirm you will have international service and B) understand the data plan and charges for international use such as incoming and outgoing texts and usage outside of wifi areas. I have AT&T and sign up for the $30 fee to cover any oopsies when I forget to turn off my data roaming.
If u do have an oopsie, then contact AT&T and ask them to backdate an increased data plan package. Now, why do I know that? oops…
Maybe I’ll run into you in Rome.
I’m waiting for trip reports. How were your trips?
WE got back from Italy last week. It was fabulous. First stop Venice: It was exactly what you would imagine it looking like, only 10 times better because you are walking through the canals and experiencing the unique beauty. It is a magical city. The secret to Venice is to turn away from the crowds and walk 1 minute in any direction. You will then be in a different Venice…quiet, with real Venetians, laundry hanging out, solitary gondoliers gliding up a canal…no traffic, no pushing or shoving. Quaint cafes that serve the locals. Literally…one block from Rialto or St. Marks.
Rome: Ah, Rome…it is just an incredible experience. The 2000 year old buildings. We stayed at Albergo Del Senato on the Pantheon, I highly recommend it. It has a rooftop bar terrace with a 360 degree view of Rome. Watching a person sing Opera in the evenings right on the square was mesmerizing. We loved the traffic, the chic beautiful Italian men and women rushing to their jobs, the restaurants, the Piazza’s…there is nothing I didn’t love about Rome. Piazza Novanna is a great one to sit, have bruschetta and Prosecco and watch life! WE did several tours. One…the Travestere Twilight Tour for 4 hours. A guide takes a small group to locally, small owned places to sample appetizers, food and wine, while telling you the history of this area. We went into a restaurant, which sits 2 levels on top of a 100 B.C. Jewish synaguge…which now houses the wine cellar. We went down to that cellar and sat for 20 minutes listening to the story, drinking red wine from the cellar. We were so stuffed.
The Walks of Italy tours have fantastic guides, who are very enthusiastic about their tours. Our colosseum tour was guided by a PHD in Archaelogy. Tours are the way to go. You get so much more out of what you are seeing and experiencing. WE did the VIP colloseum underground tour and the Pristine Sistine. We only scratched the surface in 3 days and I can’t wait to go back!! Wonderful experience, wonderful city. I love history and standing in places where I could only imagine people standing 2000 years ago. We think we are so smart in our current place in history as far a buildings, etc. OMG…when you look at the colosseum that they build in 8 years and see the architerture and placement of the stones and they did it BY HAND…well, we really aren’t so smart. They invented concrete, BTW.
Positano…oh Positano what can I say! Have you seen Under the Tuscan Sun? Well, if not go rent it and you will dream of going to Positano like I did. We even stayed in the Hotel that was in the movie (it was an apartment in the movie). Hotel CAlifornia. We sat constantly looking at that iconic view. We went to the beach, where there were many Italian families, pinching ourselves. It looks just like a movie, all the chaise lounges next to the Mediterranean with boats and yachts…big ones…anchored out there. We took the fast train from Rome to SAlerno and then the ferry to Positano. This gives a view of the Amalfi Coast from the water. It was 90 minutes and one of the highlights of our trip.
WE spent 10 glorious days in Italy. The only thing that left a black mark was Naples. Do not go there…it was the dirtiest, grittiest, smelliest, darkest, graffiti strewn city I have even been in. We hated every minute of it. We were there the last night before heading back home. I wish he had just taken the fast train back to Rome and spent the last night there, but who knew? I sure didn’t. And…it’s the birthplace of pizza and I thought it was nasty. The dough is soft and seems almost undone in it’s consistency. Blah…I couldn’t even eat it. Any frozen pizza I have had tasted better than t hat. Rome Pizza is thin and crispy…just try not to eat it in the tourist sections…it’s not good.
You can PM me with any questions.
Great trip review! I’m glad you enjoyed yourselves and got a chance to stay at Albergo del Senato. We went to Cinque Terre, instead of Positano, but now you’ve got me wanting to see Positano. Thanks for updating us.
Perfect, conmama. Love the spirit you had.
Thank you for leaving a report on what was great and what was not. It always helps others.
I too could spend a lot of time in Rome, but during off season only. Never during hot crowded summer.
Conmama, thanks so much for the trip report! It sounds so great! I’m getting excited.
Now for some questions!
How was the packing, did you wear or use most of the things you packed? What shoes did you get the most use out of?
I’ve booked the Pristine Sistine and have been on the fence on the eating Italy tour but that sounds like a must do.
Any restaurants in Rome that you loved near your hotel?
We are spending 8 days just in Rome, when I tell people that we are staying in one city I can tell that they think that we should go somewhere else. We can travel to one other place if we want, I’d really like to see Venice but I hear the weather is pretty iffy in November and I might wait until we get there to decide.
There is so much to see in Rome or a day trip from Rome I can’t even do half of it.
Near the Pantheon, the restaurant Vecchia Locanda is really worth seeking out. We ate there twice when we were in Rome in June. We’ll definitely eat there again when we return to Rome at the end of this month. I haven’t stopped thinking about their truffles pasta since I left. The restaurant is in a quiet alley.
@deb922 Ristorante Al Fortunato is just down one of the alley’s from the Pantheon (we stayed at Albergo Del Senato on the Pantheon). I got the name from Trip Advisor, and Rick Steves even mentions it in his book…so win-win. Both of our meals were delicious, probably one of the top 3 I had in Italy.
Yes, you want to book that Travestere Tour…the twilight one. And book it for one of the first few days you are there. That is a very nice, happening area and you will want to go back and eat at one of the restaurants you stopped at. It was well worth the time and money…you learn a lot.
We were there 3.5 days and just scratched the surface. Personally, I would do a day outing somewhere, I think Orvieto is a place people go to for a daytrip. I think you will find many things to do. I think Venice would be wonderful even in November…the restaurants are warm and cute and quaint inside. However, I would check to make sure the city is flooded…I know Nov. and Dec it often happens.
I did use most of the things I packed. Since I was in summer weather, I could pack little more. The shoes I got the most out of were the Clark’s MOrse Tours walking sandals. Not the cutest, but they were oh, so comfortable. You really do feel those cobblestones, it’s weird. Try to find something with cushion for all day walking. I would definitely bring at least 2 pairs of walking shoes. You will probably be wearing socks, too, which will help a lot.
@conmama, thanks for the report. I always enjoy hearing about people’s experiences and learn something for my next visit!
@deb922, if you are thinking that Venice is an addition you would like to really consider, you might want to do some checking now rather than on the spot later. There are many train options, but it is not a quick journey - even the fast train is 3 plus hours. I believe there may be an overnight option. The prices go up as you get closer to departure date. Right now, for November, there might be some economy fares - a real bargain if available. http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en Of course, there’s also air travel - but that is always so “contingent” for what is hoped to be a short hop.
I know you will have a great time no matter what you decide - it is hard to sort through the options available just in Rome and its environs!
@GMTplus7 Seconds before I read your post #229, I received an email from my H forwarding me a restaurant recommendation from a client who enjoys truffles and was extremely impressed with his dining experience. Click on English menu and then scroll down to the truffle menu. http://www.ristoranteadhoc.com/en/default.html
This place is the best! Such great ideas here, I continue to be so impressed. Thanks
That is true about the fast trains. We took it from Venice to Rome and it’s 3 hours 45 minutes. Thats a lot of traveling even if you stay one night.
I can’t wait for truffles!!!
Just finished our Rome getaway. Weather was fantastic! 70 degrees & sunny every day. No crowds!
I have another restaurant recommendation near Piazza Navonna: a wine bistro called Cul de Sac. Great wines by the glass and an eclectic menu. There were both locals & tourists waiting for a table. The duck ravioli was really good. A good value. 2 starters, 2 mains, plus wine came out to 50 EUR. We also ate again at Vecchia Locanda near tge Pantheon-- yum! Both restaurants are on Yelp & Trip Advisor. Both restaurants have indoor and outside tables.
One night, we were lazy and ate at a tourist trap near our hotel- food was awful and cost more than either of the 2 restaurants above.
If u have time to kill at the Termini train station, the museum across the street is really worth a visit: National Roman Museum - Palazzo Massimo alle Terme. It’s got a wonderful collection of ancient Roman art, statuary and artifacts. What this museum has that stands out from others is an incredible collection of coins (you should see the vault doors at the coin exhibit entrance!) and frescos. This museum is a great compliment to the Capitoline Museum.
The Capitoline Museum next to the Forum is not to be missed. That’s where you’ll see the bronze statue of the She-Wolf nursing Romulus & Remus.
OMG!! You are all making me want to go back - especially during off season. Who cares if it is a little chilly walking around??? - that’s what gorgeous coats, scarves and boots are for 
Beats standing in line with a million tourists in unbearable heat
Thanks GMTplus7, I am getting so excited! We leave next weekend!
I am so glad you reported back and had a wonderful time. I really needed that. I should stay away from trip advisor, there have been reports lately about how crowded, filthy and teaming with beggars and pickpockets Rome is.
I am putting both of those restaurants on my list, I am always looking for good reasonable places. Both of the museums are on my much see list. I’m convinced though that even with 8 days I’m only going to see half of my must sees.
Now to figure out what to pack. I’m hoping shirts with a light sweater will be good most days. I finally found 2 pairs of comfortable shoes
A money saving tip for you.
The little Despar supermarket between the Pantheon & Piazza Navonna has really tasty sandwiches to-go in the deli section. There was such a generous helping of prosciutto or bresaola in them that they made a VERY hearty lunch. And best part was that they were a bargain at 3 EUR. Just grab a bottle of water, split of wine, or can of beer in the market and you’re set for a picnic. The deli right in front of the Pantheon is stingy w the sandwich fillings and costs 5 EUR.
Here’s the location of the little Despar supermarket:
Via Giustiniani, 18, 00186 Roma, Italy
As you are walking out of the Pantheon, walk past the obelisk to the opposite side of the piazza, then turn left and walk a few paces. The supermarket will be on your right.