"Rome-Once in a lifetime sights!!!!" a Rome Travel Page by JOG1151

Best sights - EVERYTING in ROME, from The Colosseum (which was unbelievable in person, make sure you walk up to the highest level for a better view) to The Vatican (The gift shop was overpriced, but they will have your purchases blessed and delivered to your Hotel), The Spanish Steps (make sure you climb to the top, the view is awesome), The Trevi Fountain (crowds of teenagers, don't forget to toss a coin in with your right hand over your left shoulder, legend has it that you will return to Rome someday if you do this)The Pantheon (we did this on our own, we rented an audio guide which explained the history of the building and the different statues, worth the small donation), The Catacombs (kind of eerie), Circus Maximus, which is just a large oval hole now, hard to imagine the Chariot Races.... the fountains, statues, piazzas, architecture and of course the history...and so much more...just amazing sightseeing!!! You will stand in many lines, you will do more walking than you ever thought possible...Push yourself to see it all...it's well worth it!!!

One last piece of advice... bring at least one very good pair of walking shoes, you will be walking and on your feet constantly, on hot, crowded, cobblestone streets. Don't worry about style, comfort is optimum for all the walking you will be doing.

POPI POPI, Via delle Fratte di Trastevere 45, off the beaten path, mostly all locals eating there...definitely worth the taxi ride. Try the beef carpaccio over fresh arugula and shaved Parmesan cheese with olive oil, it was all so fresh, definitely a taste treat. Also surprisingly, for dessert, the Creme Brulee was the best I've ever had, anywhere! Everyone dining there was speaking Italian, and the place was packed with locals. The outside tables were full, but the waiter was kind enough to seat us inside by a ceiling fan. We found this restaurant by mistake, we were actually looking for another restaurant that I had read about on this site. The taxi driver told us that Popi Popi had good food, and was he right. If you want good tips on restaurants, don't ask the Concierge at your Hotel, or even your Tour Guide (they will just send you to all the TOURIST TRAPS)....ask the locals instead. Also, stay away from restaurants with pictures of food, and any restaurants with the menu in several different languages, these are all"TOURIST TRAPS"!!! We followed this rule and found many excellent Italian restaurants on our own.

We stayed at The HOTEL CICERONE in ROME, which we booked through Globus/Monogram Tours. It was part of the upgraded premium package, and well worth the nominal additional cost. The hotel was modern, clean, spacious by European standards, and within walking distance to most of the sights.

The Concierges were neither friendly or very helpful at any of the Hotels we stayed at, and provided the least amount of service possible. You must stay on them (don't be afraid to be pushy) if you want get anything accomplished. If you need a taxi, or dinner reservations, ask the Concierge for assistance.