In a Rome and Venice Dilemma... HELP!!!!?

Question

I have already booked my hotels, rail passes and air tickets to Rome and Venice for my family of six, but I need to know what to do and where to visit whilst over there. The Italy Tourism website wasn't really helpful either. I will be arriving Venice in the 2nd week of December in the late evening, and will be staying at Venice Mestre for 6 nights. I would love to go to Venice Island, but how do I make my way there? Are taxis safe to travel for 3 pre-teens? I will also be going to Rome for 6 nights too, what would you suggest? It would be thoroughly helpful if could include prices too... Thanks, ALOT! I hope this Yahoo! service works!

Answer 1

Hello, I've visited both beautiful cities and every one has its own special characteristics. Rome is bigger and you want more days to spend there for walking and visiting interesting places.  On the other hand Venice is something unique.  You can only understand how beautiful it is only if you will be there. It has also a strange structure and very complicated streets but that makes Venice wonderful !

I give you some notes about places in Rome and Venice.

Things to do in Rome:

Colosseum (Colosseo).

Perhaps the best-preserved of the monuments of ancient Rome, this huge marble structure was built to hold more than 50,000 spectators to witness bloody contests of might and the slaughter of wild beasts.

Pantheon.

Dedicated to the seven planetary divinities and featuring an interior of gorgeous marble, the Pantheon is one of the most impressive monuments of Augustan Rome.

Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi).

Certainly the most famous and photographed fountain in Rome, legend has it that whoever throws a coin into the pond will return to Rome.

Roman Forum (Foro Romano).

The commercial, political and religious center of ancient Rome, which features the Arch of Septimus Severus, Temple of Saturn, Arch of Titus and the House of the Vestals.

Vatican Museums.

The biggest collection of art in the city, including Michelangelo's ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.

Borghese Gallery (Galleria Borghese).

Piazza Navona.

The most outstanding square of the Baroque period in Rome features Bernini's Fountain of Rivers at its center as it faces Borromini's church, Sant' Agnese in Agone.

Capitoline Museum (Museo Capitolino).

This museum features the Old Masters of Great Renaissance and Baroque paintings such as Caravaggio, Bernini, Peter Paul Rubens, Rembrandt and Vermeer.

Trastevere.

This busy and lively neighborhood has the look and feel of a traditional small Italian town, with people shopping, chatting, drinking espresso and going about their daily business.

Villa Borghese.

Famous villa constructed at the beginning of the 17th century for Cardinal Scipione Caffarelli Borghese, nephew of Pope Paul V, which is surrounded by one of the largest and most beautiful public parks in Rome.

Basilica di San Clemente.

Constructed between 1110 and 1130, this church of San Clemente is not one, but three churches built one above the other, with ruins dating from the earliest Christian times.

Ostia Antica.

Present day site of sprawling ruins of a densely populated Roman city at the mouth of the river Tiber.

Il Gelato di San Crispino.

Creamy ice creams and sorbets are concocted daily at this fine shop using only the freshest ingredients.

Campo de' Fiori.

Monday through Saturday mornings, farmers and fishmongers come to this open-air market to sell the fruits (and fish) of their labors.

St. Peter in Chains (San Pietro in Vincoli).

This 5th-century church features Michelangelo's sculpture of Moses that adorns the incomplete tomb of Pope Julius II.

Vatican.

Piazza del Popolo.

Planned by Valadier at the beginning of the 19th century, this is considered one of the best urban works in Rome.

Baths of Caracalla (Terme di Caracalla).

The ruins of ancient Rome's public bathhouse, dating back to the 3rd century.

Castel Sant' Angelo.

One of the most historically significant monuments of Rome, this structure was started in 135AD as a mausoleum for emperor Hadrian, then turned into a fortress and a refuge of the Popes during the citizens battles.

Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna).

Located in the heart of Rome, this vibrant and elegant square is surrounded by 18th-century buildings augmented by the colorful flowers that adorn the Spanish Steps. The elegant steps by Francesco de Sanctis (1723-1726) consist of twelve flights of varying width, which descend to the scenic Franciscan Church of Trinita dei Monti.

Porta Portese.

It's worth a trip to Rome's most popular second-hand flea market, which is open Sundays.

Chiesa di Santa Maria in Cosmedin.

Outside of this church is the famous Bocca Della Verita (Mouth of Truth), rumored to consume the hands of liars.

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore.

One of seven pilgrimage basilicas in the world, this church was founded in 432 AD and is where the famous architect Bernini is buried.

Catacombs of St. Sebastian (Catacombe di San Sebastiano).

A series of underground passages containing the tombs of the early Christians.

Church of San Luigi dei Francesi.

The famous painter Caravaggio (1573-1610) was commissioned to paint for this church, where in one of its chapels is his realistic naturalism in three scenes of the life of St. Matthew.

Church of Santa Cecilia.

This Church was constructed between 817 and 824 AD, on the site of an earlier fifth-century building, and features a grand courtyard, garden, twelfth-century bell tower and a gothic tabernacle by Arnolfo di Cambio.

San Giovanni in Laterano (Basilica di San Giovanni).

Known to be the first church in Christendom, this church belongs to the Vatican and has the privileges of extraterritoriality.

Jewish Ghetto.

This historical Jewish Ghetto dates back to 1555, when Pope Paul IV restricted all Jews to a small area of the city, which was then walled in. Today, the ghetto has wonderful eating places with cross-cultural dishes, and a beautiful synagogue with a small museum inside.

Palazzo Altemps.

This archeological museum features the Ludovisi art collection and many ancient sculptures, frescoes and painted ceilings, gems of the Roman Renaissance.

Arch of Constantine (Arco di Constantino).

Built in 315AD and noted by its triple arches, this structure commemorates Constantine's victory over Maxentuis.

Circus Maximus (Circo Massimo).

Picture more than 300,000 Roman spectators cheering chariot races inside this huge Roman circus, which was built to entertain emperors during the time of Imperial Rome.

Palazzo Massimo alle Terme.

Built onto the ruins of the Domitian theater, this splendid palazzo houses beautiful mosaics and Roman statuary.

Palatine.

The archaeological center of Rome contains relics of great palaces and other structures from ancient times, including the Palace of Septimus Severus, the house of Augustus, the house of Livia and the Huts of Romulus.

Capitoline Hill.

The political and religious center of ancient Rome, this is the smallest, but the most famous, of the Seven Hills of Rome, which features the Senate.

Quirinale Palace (Palazzo del Quirinale).

This palace was built by Gregory XIII in 1574 as a summer residence, which serves today as the residence of Italy's president.

Piazza del Campidoglio.

This beautiful square, designed by Michelangelo Buonarroti (1538-1584,) features an elliptical courtyard with a central figure sculpture.

Domus Aurea.

Nero's "Golden House" is the site of the emperor's grand palace, built after the great fire decimated two-thirds of Rome in 64 AD

Pincio Gardens (Monte Pincio).

Museo Centrale Di Montemartini.

Museum displaying marble sculptures set among the machinery of an old power plant, which results in some pretty unique exhibits such as its famous "Venus in the Boiler Room."

National Gallery of Modern Art (Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna).

This contemporary art gallery features works from the late 19th century to 1945.

San Francesco d'Assisi a Ripa.

Built in 1231 by the Franciscans, this church is dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi and still serves as a place of worship today.

Traste Tea & Cocktail Pub.

Tea house with cocktails, dessert, and music.

Catacombs of St. Callixtus (Catacombe di San Callisto).

This first Christian cemetery of Rome houses the remains of 9 popes and saints.

Il Goccetto.

This sophisticated wine bar or enoteche offers French, Australian and New Zealand wines "alla mescita" (by the glass)and some excellent food.

Castroni.

Stuff your face with the all the delicacies found in this gourmet shop, the premiere food store in Italy.

Lion Bookshop.

The oldest English-language bookstore in Rome is also one of the biggest: sip a coffee and browse through this bookshop's wide selection of books and magazines.

/ * * * /

Things to do in Venice:

Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale).

The most impressive secular building in Venice, this palace served as the senate house, administrative center, hall of justice, public archive and prison up until the fall of the Venetian Republic in 1797.

Grand Canal.

Venice's main water thoroughfare, lined with great Renaissance palaces, is a colorful and busy spectacle of gondolas and vaporetti.

Saint Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco).

Blending the architectural styles of East and West.'s magnificent basilica was consecrated in 832 AD as an ecclesiastical building to house the remains of St. Mark.

Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square).

Undoubtedly the most photographed and famous plaza in Europe, St. Mark's is in the heart of the city, surrounded by chic sidewalk cafes and boutiques.

Guggenheim Museum (Peggy Guggenheim Collection).

This satellite gallery of the famous Guggenheim in New York occupies the 17th-century Customs House in Venice, featuring modern and contemporary works of art.

Teatro La Fenice.

This world famous opera house, burned to the ground in 1996, has been rebuilt amongst much scandal and drama: its modern beauty and complex history ensure its place among the most celebrated monuments in Italian history.

Rialto Market.

Ca' Rezzonico.

Immerse yourself in Venice's Age of Decadence with a visit to this lavish palace of the Venetian aristocracy Rezzonico, which houses an unsurpassed collection of eighteenth-century Venetian art.

Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto).

Considered the true heart of Venice, this landmark bridge, characterized by its 24-foot arch, is built on approximately 12,000 wooden pilings that still support the bridge more than 400 years after it was built.

St. Mary of the Friars (Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari).

Originally built in the mid-13th century, Santa Maria dei Frari (St. Mary of the Friars) houses many masterpieces of Venetian Renaissance art, notably Giovanni Bellini's triptych "Madonna and Child with Saints," and the "Pesaro Madonna" by Titian, who is buried in the church.

Murano.

Visit the ubiquitous glass shops on the island of Murano, and you'll find just about anything made of glass from paperweights and beads to sculpture and aquariums.

Campanile di San Marco.

Originally built as a lighthouse to assist navigation in the lagoon, visitors can be whisked by elevator to the top of St. Mark's Campanile or bell tower to savor incredible views of Venice, the lagoon and the Alps in the distance.

San Rocco (Scuola of St. Rocco).

Here you will find some of the beautiful works from the painter Tintoretto.

Burano.

Known for its brightly colored houses & for its lace, Burano is a treat for the senses.

Academy Gallery (Gallerie dell'Accademia).

The city's most important and prestigious art gallery features an impressive collection of Venetian paintings and works by such artists as Bellini, Titian and Mantegna.

Correr Civic Museum (Museo Civico Correr).

Civic museum of Venice that opened in 1923, which houses a major art gallery and superb collections of objects-d'art, historic memorabilia and documents regarding the fascinating history of the Venetian Republic.

Santa Maria della Salute.

Designed by Baldassare Longhena in 1631-83, the church's fac,ade is embellished with 125 statues, which form a sharp contrast to the somber interior.

Santa Maria dei Miracoli.

The Lagoon.

Many famous and fascinating islands can be found on this large body of water located between Venice and the Adriatic Sea.

Bridge of Sighs.

This historic bridge connects the Doge's Palace with its prisons and was named for the condemned prisoners who crossed it to meet their executioners.

Arsenale.

In 1473, the Senate in Venice ordered the building of the Arsenale Nuovissino, in order to have a safe shed to store weapons and boats that would always be available in case of war.

Ca' Macana.

Buy your mask for the next Venetian festival at this shop, which specializes in the traditional Commedia dell'arte, as well as Venetian styles.

Palazzo Labia.

Visitors can admire the famous frescoed room in the Palazzo Labia, featuring Tiepolo's "The Meeting of Anthony and Cleopatra" (1746-1747.)

Palazzo Grassi.

This monumental marble mansion of the Grassi family on the Grand Canal, is now a world renowned art and history museum with a 600-seat garden theatre.

Ca' Vendramin Calergi.

This 16th-century home was where German composer Richard Wagner died.

Campo Santa Margherita.

A popular piazza in Venice's Dorsoduro district.

Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta.

This cathedral was first built in the seventh century.

Naval History Museum (Museo Storico Navale) & Arsenale.

Not for land-lubbers: this museum has filled its four floors with interesting maritime objects, including the banners that were flown by the Venetian fleet at Lepanto.

Piazza Santa Maria.

Many important attractions are located on or near this busy square including Ognissanti, the parish church of the Vespucci family, and Santa Maria Novella, the home of the Dominicans.

San Polo.

Venice district that offers many interesting historic sites such as the Church of San Giacomo di Rialto, thought to be the oldest church in Venice.

Merceria.

Leading from the clock tower in the Piazza to the Rialto, the Merceria is the busiest shopping street in Venice.

Laboratorio Artigiano Maschere.

Stop in at this well-established shop for your next Carnevale mask, hand-crafted papier-ma^che' or leather.

Artistic Murano Glass Gallery.

This specialty shop is filled with hand-blown glass items and objects - both traditional and unique.

La Moresca.

Step back into the 14th century when you visit this shop offering unique handmade masks.

Tragicomica.

Find out what keeps the ancient art of mask-making alive during a visit to this artist's workshop.

Mondo Novo.

One of the oldest mask-making shops, this unique store specializes in papier-ma^che' and custom-designed creations.

Clock Tower (Torre dell'Orologio).

This 14th-century clock stands on the north side of St. Mark's Square,and is known by its large clock face displaying the hours of the day, phases of the moon and movement of the sun through the signs of the Zodiac.

I wish you to have an excellent travel time!

Answer 2

Hi there,  I'm an Italian Destination Specialist, I can arrange all your sightseeing if desired, call or email me via www.ponziotravel.com.  I can arrange private guide or escorted group walking & bus tours along with any museum reservations required.  Hope to hear from you.  Ask for Derek!

Answer 3

Hi Zeepy.

Well, I am not sure why the Italian tourism board was not helpful, but here are some sites you might want to check out before you go;

ITALY

http://www.italiantourism.com/

http://www.enit.it/default.asp?Lang=UK

http://www.italymag.co.uk/

ROME

http://www.romeguide.it/

http://www.romaturismo.it/v2/en/main.asp

http://www.enjoyrome.com/

http://www.italymag.co.uk/italy_regions/...

VENEZIA

http://www.venetia.it/

http://www.doge.it/

http://www.veniceworld.com/

http://www.timeout.com/travel/venice

There are plenty more sites, but these are the best ones in my opinion. Really though, the bottom line is once there, you will be hard pressed to not find anything to do.