Fraggle,
My husband and I spent 5 days in Rome three years ago. We tend to stay in 4* Central location, short walk most places. We have to see everything on our trips.
We stayed in Hotel Pace Helvetia, 2 minutes walk from Porta Venezia. It is a beautiful old world hotel. If you decide to choose this hotel ask for a room with a balcony. We had a beautiful room with a magnificent view of City and Basilicas. The location was wonderful beside all the most sought after sights. We had B & B in this hotel. It is surrounded by restaurants, reasonably priced and more special ones too. They all speak English.
We used AA City Pack Rome guide with maps included. We found it excellent for all recommendations about what to do. Also the hotel have information on verything. We went to some musical events in various parts of the city, we used the train system which was very user friendly.
We did the Vatican on the Wednesday as the Holy Father appeared in the square on Wednesdays am.
It is necessary to be there about 7.30 am if you want to get into the Hall where the Pope appears. The Hall holds about 15,000 but despite its size it feels intimate.
Do check the Holy Fathers schedule before you book holiday. To get into this Hall you will need to have tickets. You will get the tickets for the Wednesday event from your local parish priest or by contacting the Irish College. Do get a reference name before calling.
The day in the Vatican is wonderful and a very full day with lots of walking. It is a bus ride about 15 - 20 minutes. If you do everything you may need to return a second day.
Booking a tour from an agent is a waste as from the time you arrive there are guides everywhere for the multitude of tourists. All the tours are detailed in the AA City Guide, you will find everything in this little book.
You are led from one part of interest to another. Apart from the Special Wednesday event we did not book anything.
Do advise your parents to take the City Tour on the first day, when they will get a good orientation of the City. There is no need to book any of the tours, unless there is something special on in Rome. See ' highlights and what to see' in this little booklet
Wish we could go again a wonderful break. The shuttle bus meets the Ryanair flights that go to the nearest airport Ciampino, the hotel is very near where the bus drops off at the Central train station but with cases and the cobble streets a taxi is best.
Hope they have a wonderful break, we went early October and the weather was excellent. Browtal
