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Free time in Rome
We added a day in Rome after the tour is complete. Any suggestions on what to do that we won't get to on the tour? Restaurants? Thank u
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Anyway, I had scheduled an extra day in Rome before flying to Berlin for a few days. I found a company in Rome where I could hire a private car, driver, and tour guide to take us to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast. It was very reasonable and the driver picked us up at our hotel, along with our luggage, took us on the drive to Pompeii where we met up with a tour guide for just the two of us and then took us to the airport to catch our flight later in the evening. It was a great, comfortable ride in a Mercedes S-Class with the driver giving us a running tour of the area while we drove. Once at Pompeii we met up with our guide and spent two hours with her going over the city and being given a great history lesson. There were no other tourists there since we met early, just after the city had opened. The only other people we saw were in the piazza when we had worked our way back there at the end of the tour. She purposefully started the tour at the area furthest from the entrance for that reason. The rest of the guests were moving in the opposite direction.
In fact, as we walked by one area, the guide told us that there was a house being renovated to look as it would have before Mt. Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D. It was not open to the public, but soon would be. Her uncle was the head of security in Pompeii and he came over to her and unlocked the doors for us to visit. If it had been a group of people he wouldn't have done that, but for the two of us, he did. In fact, the guide had not been allowed to see it until then.
We then drove down to the Amalfi Coast and stopped in several small towns, including Positano where we had a nice lunch on the beach and did some shopping as we walked down, and back up, the rather steep hill. It was a great day. I don't remember how much it cost, but it was probably around €400-500 (just guessing, it was four years ago). The email addresses are info@driverinitaly.com or driveinitaly@gmail.com. The contact person is Roberto. I have no horse in this race and will not get anything from him, but am just passing the information to you. His phone number is : +39 340.606.8032 and the website is www.driverinitaly.com. I am going on a Disney Cruise in a couple of weeks, followed by a Tauck Safari and I am using him for the excursions on the cruise in several European cities.
Just a suggestion, hope it helps. I am sure there are other companies that do the same. I am just familiar with this one and was happy with the trip and service.
Since you have a day to do something different, the Almafi trip would be a great one...or pick some other spot...he'll take you where you want to go. I don't know how many people you have with you, but he customizes it for your party. I have five this time and the actual cost of the car and driver is the same as it would be if it was just two, or one...as long as he doesn't have to provide another car and driver for a very large party. Oh yea, he can order tickets you'll need in advance.
I suggest you go to see the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain which are close to each other. Also, if you have free time when you are near the colliseum, you could go walking in the Forum or go to see Michelangelo's Moses at the church of St Peter in Chains.
Enjoy your trip.
Sue
The pantheon and trevi are free also. We went to nice restaurant for lunch that day near drop off and followed rick Steve's suggested walk to Spanish steps that passed both.
Instead of going all the way to Pompeii the ruins near Rome are recommended, the name escapes me but it begins with a H. It is said it is better preserved than Pompeii.
Get rick Steve's Italy book. I picked it up from library then when ready downloaded to my nook app on my iPod. Also, recommend his radio app for learning and seeing sights.
You won't go wrong with either one. Ostia Antica is a ½ day trip, while Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast are a full day. It all depends on what you want to see and how much time you have.
Good luck. I have been to both and enjoyed them.
Did you mean Herculaneum, Crackers?
I agree with nvdb about Ostia Antica. Fascinating … and closer!
Cheers,
Jan
Yes that is the place.