Some Info on Rome
MONEY Italians have an enduring fondness for cash, but persuading them to take plastic has become considerably easier in the last few years. Nearly all hotels of two stars and above now accept at least some of the major credit cards, and Eurocheques are also accepted - albeit grudgingly - with the necessary guarantee card. Safety Muggings are fairly rare in Rome but pickpockets and bag snatchers (including children operating singly or in gangs) are particularly active in the main tourist areas. You will find that a few basic precautions greatly reduce a street thief's chances: Don't carry wallets in back pockets, particularly on buses. If you have a bag or camera with a long strap, wear it across the chest and not dangling from one shoulder. Keep bags closed, with your hand on them. If you stop at a pavement cafe or restaurant, do not leave bags or coats on the ground or the back of a chair where you cannot keep an eye on them. Avoid attracting unwanted attention by pulling out large wads of notes to pay for things at street stalls or in busy bars. When walking down a street, hold cameras and bags on the side of you towards the wall, 50 you're less likely to become the prey of a motorcycle thief or scippatore. If you see groups of ragged children brandishing pieces of cardboard, avoid them or walk by as quickly as possible, keeping tight hold on your valuables. They'll wave the cardboard to confuse you while accomplices pick pockets or bags.
Transport
Rome has two metro lines. Travelling on public transport is pretty safe, even at night, but be wary of pickpockets and gropers on crowded buses, and especially the 64 route between Termini and the Vatican. Cost of a one ride ticket is 1500itl. This will last for 75 min. Shopping Via Condotti, Smart, high-fashion women's shoes at medium prices: big and beautiful colour ranges in many lines are some of the many things you can by on Rome's famous shopping street. It is here you can try to match the Italians for their style if you dare try.
Souvernirs and Postcards
There are several places that are very reasonable for souvenirs and postcards. The more 'downtown' you go in Old Rome, the more expensive things are.
Eating & Drinking
Dining in Rome can be very expensive. So, when you are in Rome, be sure to save extra money to eat. Though there are McDonald's 'sin Rome (located at the Piazza di Spagna -- the largest by far --, Via Vittorio Emmanuel Boulevard at Corso Rinascimento, Piazza Barberini next to Palazzo Barberini, and one in Piazza della Rotonda across from the Pantheon) to list a few. Also, be prepared. Everyone smokes in Rome -- inside and outside. There is no way of getting around it. Asking someone to either put their cigarette out or ask them to move is not advisable. So, be prepared to put up with smoke everywhere! We even saw some 8- to 10-year-old girls smoking in Florence near the train station on our last trip, quite shocking to see.
Walking
Well Rome is a big city so walking around can take a while. With any luck you will become orientated with the working tour that we do on our first visit into town. But seeing how it is a very large place it is a good idea to use the underground lines if you want to get from A to B a little quicker. It may be best to do the Vatican City area first and then wonder down towards the other major sites. What ever way you try to explore have fun and remember to keep an eye on your belongings.
Internet
There is a cafe at the campsite cost is 8,000 for half hour. But as in most large cities in Europe there are more cafe ail around town.
Things to See & Do
Colosseum - Opening hours 9am - 6pm or to one hour before sunset in winter. Cost 10,000. One of the most amazing sites you will ever see. Roman Forum - Open from 09am-6pm, only to 3pm in winter. Entrance fee 6,000. You could also buy a guide book to have an in-depth look at how the Romans used to live here. Capuchin Monks - Open 9am-12pm reopens at 3.30pm to 5pm Have a look at these bizarre monks, the entrance is donation of around 1.000 St Peters Basilica - Entrance free, but what a sight. A wonder around the hart of the catholic faith Make sure you cover up otherwise you will not get in here. Sistine Chapel (Vatican Museums) - Entrance fee 18,000 dress regulations apply. Open 9am - 4pm Mon-Fri, Sat 9am-12.3Opm. There can be long queues to get in so make sure you get there early. Castle St Angello - Entrance fee 10,000. Opening hours change all the time but if you go between 10am - 4pm you should be able to get into on of the oldest buildings in Rome. Pantheon - the original temple was started in 27BC, so this makes it very old as you will see. Open Mon-Sat 9am-6.30pm. Take a look inside and see the pin hole in roof. There are many other sites you can take a look at while in Rome it is your choice following is a list of a few more, Spanish Steps & Piazza di Spagna Piazza Novona, Trevi Fountain Caracalla Baths, plus many more, enjoy. Please remember prices and opening times are subject to change at any time.