Can A Person Tour Rome in Two Days

In all the hubbub of talking about trying to create and execute a show, I almost forgot to explain the concept of a 2 day tour of Rome. Oddly although I have been to Rome a dozen times, I never spent more than 3 days there at a time except during my first trip when I was there for 4 days. So the two shows sort of indicate that a 2 day tour is certainly possible, and I wish to explain that. When we were there in 2010 with our friends, we arrived to the hotel at about 9 AM and were out and about an hour later. We did that actual tour I indicate on the first show, certainly doable. The original trip called for us to have lunch at that place just off the Campo die Fiori, and then walk to the Campodoglio, where we would start our afternoon touring the Ancient Rome sites, Roman Forum, Colliseum, Imperial Fora, and back to the Piazza Venezia (or do a quick detour to the Piazza Boca della Verita). Then the idea was to go to The Vatican and St Peter's and the Castel St Angelo the second day with a possible side trip to Ostia Antica. However, since the second day would have been Sunday and the Vatican is closed on that day, after lunch on the first day, we, out of necessity went right to the Vatican. That is what was presented on the first Rome show. Then for the second show and indeed OUR second day, we started at the Campodoglio walked as is indicated on that show, and that was the tour. We left out Ostia Antica on that trip. However, if we had gone to the Vatican on the second day as originally planned, then perhaps we could have also gone to Ostia. So to sum up, then anyone taking a 2 day vacation in Rome who has never been there could very well, do the tour as follows: Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Largo Argentina, lunch at the Campo die Fiori, walk or taxi to the Boca della Verita, then a short walk to The Campodoglio, around the Roman Forum, to the Colliseum, up the via die Fori Imperiali, passed Trajan's Forum and Market (even perhaps duck into the Church of San Pietro in Vincoli as we did), and end up at the Piazza Venezia. That's one day that is doable, especially if you hadn't just arrived with all that jet lag. The second day, go to The Vatican, St Peter's, Castel St Angelo, have some lunch, and taxi to a train station for a brief hop to Ostia Antica. Then in the evening, and so as to not miss the Piazza Navona, have dinner there or perhaps an after dinner gelato and relax on that wonderful and colorful location. Is a two day tour possible ? Well, there it is !!!! If you want a third day, I would then suggest seeing some museums, perhaps the Campodoglio Museums, certainly the Borghese Galleries, and stay near that location and see the Villa Giulia which has a wonderful Etruscan Collection. Also, investigate art exhibitions around town as we often do. If you want more to do, you could walk or taxi back to the Palazzo Barberini to see that great museum or if you are adventurous go to Tivoli for the afternoon and see either the Villa d'Este or Hadrian's Villa. If not save Tivoli for a possible 4th day. On my first trip to Rome in 1992, we spent part of a day hanging around the great shopping streets in the shadow of the Spanish Steps. If you are reading all this in wonder of how all this is possible, then let me give you some pointers. First let me say that Florence is more compact than Rome, and actually so is Venice. For that reason I would strongly suggest using taxis for greater comfort and efficiency in The Eternal City. However, you cannot hail a taxi in Rome, but there are taxi stands. Also try calling the phone number for taxis (in 2010, 06 - 4994 or 06-6645), the best way to get a taxi. Another note about taxis, BEWARE of taxis that park at the train station; some of the drivers are crooks !!! I have had that experience; trust me. Most drivers are very nice and phoning works, because you are using a service that takes responsibility. Second, the right time of year afford the opportunity to do a lot. Summer is not one of those times, however, because Rome in July and August is brutal (personal experience again). If it's reasonable cool, then you can do a lot more. Third, find places to sit down and relax, be it dinner, cappuccino, gelato, or just a bench in a museum. I always take rests, and always did so even when I wasn't in my 60's. Fourth, plan well !!! If you want to see everything, you must plan exactly what you are doing and when it is being done. Be aware of opening and closing times. Fifth, stay in a good location, where you can get to the central sights fast. Don't stay too far from the center, where you must waste time just to get to a place. The location I indicate near the Piazza Repubblica (Hotel Adler) is a great location. Sixth, stop for meals. Don't try to brave it out starving just to get to a sight. Treat yourself well and stop to enjoy a  meal. Seventh, and most important, a trip to Rome is not a vacation where you take it easy and sleep late and all that. Sightseeing in Rome is difficult and challenging, but don't expect to not leave Rome, having seen a lot, and feeling well rested. If you want that, go to a Caribbean Island. Most people who leave Rome, leave it incredibly enriched, but bushed. On this tour, wake up reasonably early. I like to be out on a tour no later than 9 AM (at home I sometimes sleep until 9, so look forward to that when you get home). Spend the next day taking a nice slow train to Orvieto, and spend the day starting your tour of Umbria or Tuscany, OR take the train to Florence and do some light strolling around (see Alan's Italy Show # 2,3 or the question answered on Show # 4). Also, if you are going to Rome, allow an day back at home, before going to work school, or whatever. Anyway now the record is straight, so enjoy. Any questions, e mail me at Alansitaly@gmail.com. Buona sera e buona fortuna.