After many years of deliberation me and my friend booked our hotel and plane tickets for Rome. We will be there from 12/17 - 12/27 of this year. We will be staying at the Residenza Morpheus during our trip.
Okay, now onto the fun stuff I've never traveled overseas before, so I'm not sure what to expect or anything like that. I've been browsing these forums for the past couple months, but now I really need to start planning things. Obviously we want to go to the popular museums, but are there any ones that you guys would specifically suggest? Also, besides the obvious places, which sites would you suggest us to go to? I'd like to go to some places that aren't as "touristy" and that really give an Italian feel. Any day trips that you guys can think of? I know we want to go to Florence to see David, but are there other places that might be better?
I'm also looking for a suggestion for what car service to take to/from our hotel/airport as I heard that's a better way to go than taking a cab.
Lastly, I know I need to notify my bank that I'm going and should bring at least one debit (not credit correct?) card along with two major credit cards (Visa or Mastercard? Which one?) just in case something should happen. Along with making a copy of my passport and bringing it with and leaving one with my mom in case something should happen.
Is there anything else that I'm forgetting? I feel so overwhelmed right now :X
least one debit (not credit correct?) card along with two major credit cards (Visa or Mastercard? Which one?)
I am not sure you know this, but the debit card can only be used for ATM withdrawals not like you use your credit card for purchases. I didn't know that when I first went to italy, but I wondered why my debit card was always turned down until I read about that in a discussion here. I have not noticed any difference in the acceptance rate between mastercard and VISA. Capital One cards are best for overseas purchases becaure theri currency translation fees are mcuh lower.
I went to Rome Dec 6-15, 2006 and had a good time. I am not sure that you are interested in the same stuff I am. Here are pictures from an album from that trip where i sought to show all the fun you can have in Rome after the sun goes down on those short Dec days. They might give you some ideas on what to do. http://www.slowphotos.com/photo/showgallery.php?cat=4024 Besides these pictures I went to Ostia Antica that is only 30 min train trip from the Piramide Metro stop of Rome. The pictures from the House of Cupid and Psyche are from Dec, but the other link is from an earlier trip in March 2006. http://www.slowphotos.com/photo/showgallery.php?cat=4175 http://www.slowphotos.com/photo/showgallery.php?cat=4034
Posts: 3760 | Location: St Paul, MN | Registered: 10 February 2006
Something you should consider even if you are not catholic or religious in any way (i'm not) is that the great churches of roma were built as places in which to hold majestic ceremonies. So sooner than going to museums, I would suggest that you go to high mass or services, in some of rome's great churches, including Christmas eve services, midnight masses and masses Christmas day. The churches are often lit up to the hilt -- not always the case in italian churces -- and there are many times choirs singing historic and gorgeous choral music.
I suspect San Pietro's at the Vatican is absolutely packed and because it is so cavernous, it may actually be less interesting that attending ceremonies in some of the smaller but still artistically important beautiful churches that occupy many corners of Roma and which any good guidebook can steer you towards.
On Christmas Day itself, you might find that your dining options are better in the Jewish ghetto than elsewhere -- plus that area of town, around the Portico d'Ottavia, would add something of a not-too-touristy dimension to your stay, and you'd get to try fried artichokes, which you shouldn't miss while in Roma!
While I can recommend Airport Connection Service, we use the Leonardo Express coming into town from FCO. It costs 11€ per person and takes you right into Roma Termini. It's a TrenItalia train that guarantees service even when there are railroad strikes.
We love going to the Piazza Navona during Christmas, for the creche, the booths selling La Befana dolls, and the other booths. It's a scene, but even Romans come to it.
Mastercard and VISA seem to be equally accepted; leave your Discover Card, American Express and Diners' Club cards at home.
Eat fish!
Not to sound like a broken record, but if you can't get all of your belongings in your carry-on, avoid Alitalia or cross-pack. Cross-packing is a good idea no matter which airline your fly: if you're traveling with a partner or group, pack some of your clothing in someone else's bag. That way, if your bag doesn't show up, you'll have something to wear from your buddy's bag.
Posts: 236 | Location: New Jersey, USA | Registered: 16 September 2007
Originally posted by italiasoon: I would suggest that you go to high mass or services, in some of rome's great churches, including Christmas eve services, midnight masses and masses Christmas day
I've heard that Christmas mass (midnight? day? not sure) at the Pantheon is pretty breathtaking. Just be sure to get there early.
Posts: 257 | Location: Maryland | Registered: 04 March 2007
You are going to have a great time. We were there last Christmas and are returning with the entire family this Christmas.
The Christmas Eve midnight mass in the Pantheon is something that is unbelievable. Only a couple of hundred people, the choir is amazing. Be sure to get to the piazza about 9:30-10:00. Dress warmly as it can get really cold. Also be aware that bus service will have stopped by the time you get out.
I don't know about others, but I had no problem paying for almost everything with my debit card. Use ATMs to get money, they are the cheapest way.
Rome Shuttle Limousine is an excellent car service to and from the airport. It is also the cheapest, 35 euros for 3.
There are plenty of restaurants and places to eat that are open on Christmas day, but once again, bus/metro service stops in the evening. If I remember correctly, metro service is down all day.
Thank you so much for the suggestions everyone. I really appreciate it. We have decided to do the midnight mass at the Pantheon. I was originally going to go to St. Peter's, but I'm sure I would get waaaay too annoyed by all the people.
Do you suggest going with a tour for the Vatican Museum? I'm hesistant to be sitting out in the cold for a couple hours in line, but I'm not sure how bad it will be during that time. Anyone have any advice on that?
We are also taking two day trips while we're there. My friend has relatives that are meeting us in Florence and then I believe we're going to go to Ostia Antica also to get out of the busy city for a bit. I think also the Appian Way is in order because I am literally dying to see the catacombs.
Any other advice would be appreciated if you can think of anything.
I have never been to any ceremony in the Pantheon -- perhaps my favorite building in Roma -- but I will say that, for me, seeing the interior of the Pantheon during the daylight -- or in the rain when the "eye" is open" is perhaps the greatest fascination of the interior. The added-on Catholic decor is more of a distraction than an enhancement to the original structure.
Also, it is an extremely small space. I was in Roma when the Pope died, and you'd be surprised how many people St. Peter's can hold comfortably. However, I would expect long lines and dreary security for a Christmas mass, and like you, might avoid it in favor of a less famous church.
Were I in Roma during Christmas, I might try to visit the church of Santa Maria in Trastevere for a high mass, because of the beautiful sparkling mosiacs, which I would love to see fully lit up, and I'm sure guidebooks or others can steer you toward equally spectacular interiors, or churches with large organs or capable of holding large choirs.
I'm not sure if they have midnight mass at Santa Maria in Trastevere because at some point on Christmas eve the community of Sant'Egidio clears out the pews and sets us tables and chairs in the churches. They then offer a Christmas meal to Rome's homeless and needy.
It's worth stopping by on Christmas eve to see the church filled with tables and chairs - quite a wonderful event.
I could be mistaken about midnight mass there, so if you want to attend, check their schedule ahead of time.
I just got an email from the Scavi tour office saying we got tickets to the tour. I literally feel like I'm going to die from excitement. It's humerous to everyone around me because I'm agnostic. Needless to say, religon facinates me beyond belief.
I've read about midnight mass at the church of Aracoeli with the bagpipes. If you google it, you'll come across a traveler's tale of midnight mass there. It sounds wonderful. Has anyone been there?
Does anyone have any specific recommendations for a restaurant on Christmas Day (family with three kids). I prefer not to be pounding the streets looking for somewhere & hope to have it picked out in advance. We are staying near the Spanish Steps.
I've read about midnight mass at the church of Aracoeli with the bagpipes. If you google it, you'll come across a traveler's tale of midnight mass there. It sounds wonderful. Has anyone been there?
I have not been to mass at S. Maria Aracoeli, but I have been there. It was nice inside. A lot of of the inside had been redone into renaissance Gothic. This church is very old, something like 6th century AD. St Helena, the mother of Constantine the great is buried in this church.
Posts: 3760 | Location: St Paul, MN | Registered: 10 February 2006
You probably have reservations already for the Borghese Gallery; it is pretty darned wonderful. And might I suggest a visit to a Roman palace? The Palazzo Colonna is open only on Saturday mornings. Try the Palazzo Doria-Pamphilj, closed on Thursdays, and be sure to see the Velazquez portrait of the Pamphilj pope, Innocent X. I have never been in Rome for Christmas, so I don't know which quite church to suggest. I'd probably head for one of the big basilicas, like S. Maria Maggiore or S. Giovanni Laterno, and avoid St. Peters. Or just pop into the nearest church you see. They certainly are thick on the ground. Some churches have concerts, which are posted a few days in advance with posters by the church doors. Have fun.
I would strongly recommend making a reservation at whatever restaurant you want to eat for Christmas Day; many places are closed and the open ones are packed. We found 2 restaurants from the Slow Food guide, Osterie & Locande D'Italia, that we really enjoyed, both near the Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina:
(1) Matricianella, via del Leone, 4, tel. 06 683 2100. Classic Roman cooking at good prices.
(2) Palatium, via Frattina, 94, 06 692 02 132. The regional cuisine of Lazio.
I don't know if either of these places are open on Christmas Day, you'll have to go by or call.
Posts: 236 | Location: New Jersey, USA | Registered: 16 September 2007
Between Christmas and Epiphany (Jan.6), many churches offer a live manager drama (think Laguna Masters Festival), with critters and all. The most famous, because it is the original, is the one at St. Francis' Abbey in Greccio (near Rieti), where St. Francis tamed the wolf. The abbey alone is something to see --- it is hand-carved out of stone and wood by the merry band that Francis travelled with in the early days of his religious life.
A good restaurant near there is Il Nido di Corvo, where they grill hunt meat in a fireplace from 1200. Good view of Terminillo mountains too, which even now has snow on it.
(1) Matricianella, via del Leone, 4, tel. 06 683 2100. Classic Roman cooking at good prices.
(2) Palatium, via Frattina, 94, 06 692 02 132. The regional cuisine of Lazio.
Thanks for the information. I've called Matricianella and they are closed for Christmas. Finally got an answer at the Palatium, but they said "one moment" and its been 10 minutes so I had to hang up with getting an answer. Any other recommendations? My idea of a Christmas meal is warm & friendly with good food and somewhere from inexpensive to moderately priced. Don't want to rely on public transportation, but can walk up 20-30 minutes from the Spanish Steps.
Palatium is also closed (from 23-26 December). The hotel we are staying in has indicated that the Osteria del Tempo Perso (near Popolo square) will be open. Does anyone know anything about this restaurant? The only one I am finding when I google is not in Rome. Thanks. Gail
I have received this message from the hotel we are staying at (near the Spanish steps). Does anyone recommend one restaurant over another? Thank you, Gail
About the restaurants we know now that are open "Dar pallaro " which is near campo de fiori; "Maccheroni" which is near the Pantheon; "Piccola Roma" which is always near the Pantheon; those restaurants are open 25th and 31st. Then once you get here we can make a reservation on one of those or some others.
On the "Christmas in Rome" front... what's the mass transit situation in Rome on the 24th-26th? Do buses or metro run at all? If so, what times? Can't seem to find details on this one, and it's a little important! Thanks.
If dar Pallaro is what I think it is, we enjoyed it in 1992 and again in 2003 (we skipped it this year because of other places that we wanted to explore). Back then, when we walked in, the family running the ristorante told us that there's no menu--you eat what they cook. We were happy to do so. The meal was huge, the rustic food was good, and the price was great. Lots of families were eating there. It was a bit noisy, not your romantic dinner for 2 kind of place. It is now recommended in books like Rick Steves' guide book. Again, if they are open for Christmas, call and reserve well in advance: (39)(06)68801488, or better yet, ask your hotel to call and make the reservation.
I've never traveled overseas before, so I'm not sure what to expect or anything like that. I've been browsing these forums for the past couple months, but now I really need to start planning things. Obviously we want to go to the popular museums, but are there any ones that you guys would specifically suggest? Also, besides the obvious places, which sites would you suggest us to go to? I'd like to go to some places that aren't as "touristy" and that really give an Italian feel. Any day trips that you guys can think of? I know we want to go to Florence to see David, but are there other places that might be better?
