Useful information - - Vatican Vacation - Appartamenti in affitto a Roma zona Prati vicino al Vaticano

Palaces, Villas and Gardens

The magnificent Palaces of the Republic that were once the residences of Popes and kings:

Palazzo del Quirinale – This has been the President of the Republic’s residence since 1948. In the past it was used as the summer residence for Popes who had the Cappella Paolina and the Cappella dell'Annunziata chapels built inside it. In 1871, it became the residence of the Savoia dynasty and it was completely renovated. The East wing of the Palace was called the Sabauda Wing. The palace’s wonderful outdoor gardens that lie on four hectares of land are full of tree-lined avenues, fountains and rare plants.
Palazzo Montecitorio - Around 1600, Pope Innocent X commissioned the project for this palace by Bernini. It then became the courts of Rome and since 1870 it has been the Lower House of Parliament. Inside the building there are several antique and modern works of art.
Palazzo Chigi – This palace was bought by the Chigi family, an aristocratic, Roman family, in 1659, and it was furnished with their private collection of furniture and works of art that can still be seen in its rooms. At the beginning of the 20th century the palace was sold to the Italian State and it has been the seat of the Council of Ministers since 1961.
Palazzo Madama – This palace dates back to the 15th century. It was turned into a luxurious residence by Pope Leo X, who belonged to the powerful De Medici family. The palace still contains a huge library and several works of art. It became the House of the Italian Senate in 1871.

The wonderful Villas and luxuriant gardens in Rome, magical places for romantic walks:

Villa Borghese – This is the largest public park and the favorite of the Roman people. This park covers eighty hectares and contains buildings, sculptures, fountains and one of the most interesting collections of all, the one inside Galleria Borghese, which was recently reopened to the public. Villa Borghese was built around 1600 following the wishes of Cardinal Scipione Borghese, who bought the land surrounding the first central part, which already belonged to the Borghese family. At the end of the 18th century, the park was enriched even further by the building of the “Giardino del Lago”: a small island with luxuriant vegetation on which a temple was built.
Villa Pamphilj – Due to its position and the particularly favorable climate in this area, this park was named "Villa Belrespiro". This wonderful villa was first built in 1644 on a huge piece of land just outside the center of Rome. Now those beautiful gardens, full of animated fountains are just a memory: around 1800 a large part of the park was transformed into an English-style garden. Today you can walk along the long pine tree-lined avenues, and can see the wonderful woodland.
Pincio – This garden stretches out above Piazza del Popolo: from Piazzale Napoleone one has a wonderful panoramic view of the city. The Pincio gardens already existed in ancient Rome, but were redesigned in the 19th century into their current form: wide avenues lined with pine and oak trees and several marble busts of famous personalities from Roman history. The Egyptian obelisk, the old water clock and the Casina Valadier, a famous old restaurant that has recently been restored and where it is possible to taste refined Italian cuisine, are all interesting sites to see.
Gianicolo - Passeggiata del Gianicolo is very romantic and charming and a perfect place from where to admire Rome from above: in fact, the Gianicolo hill is 88 meters high. The walk begins at the Fontana dell'Acqua Paola and goes right across the Gianicolo as far as Piazza Garibaldi. From here it is possible to see the entire city and every day at noon a cannon fires a blank shot that echoes all over the city. Villa Farnesina, full of frescoes by Raffaello is another site to see.

Go to directories of the Web Sites

Art & Culture in Rome
Institutions in Rome

Trips outside the city's gates, from Ostia to Frascati

The area around the city of Rome has lots to offer for furthering your knowledge of this complex city. Knowledge that can range from archeology, art and wine-making. All you need is a little time and travelplan.it can give you a hand here, suggesting some trips outside the city’s gates, near to Rome. If however, you have the chance to take things easy, book a hotel near Rome and use it as a base for your trips.
As always, our tourist’s guide to Rome and surrounding areas has tried to group together the places to see into various sections of interest, trying to satisfy everyone’s tastes:

Ostia Antica
Ostia Antica was founded in the 4^th century B.C. For a long time it was Rome’s only river port: once upon a time, the Tiber ended its course in this very town, whose name actually means “mouth”, before flowing into the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Ostia was a cosmopolitan city and essential from a military and commercial point of view. There were various temples dedicated to the various “foreign” divinities that were uncovered during archeological digs. Ostia Antica was rediscovered fairly recently in historical terms: digs began around 1800 and are still continuing today. Piazza delle Corporazioni, with its floors entirely made up of mosaics, and that was once home to the offices of the “trade representatives” of ancient times, is an interesting site to see. From the steps of the Theater, that is still used during the summer season for shows, there is a wonderful view of the area.
Tivoli
Tivoli (about 20 km from Rome), which was used by the Romans as a holiday resort in ancient times too, is famous for its magnificent villas. One of the most spectacular is Villa Adriana that became the residence of the Emperor Hadrian when he retired from political life. This is the place where Hadrian wanted to recreate the wonders of the world that he had seen during his travels. For this reason, spread out over the one hundred hectares of parkland, there are groups of buildings that remind us of Greek constructions, such as the reproduction of the Athens Academia and Egyptian buildings such as the reproduction of the city of Canopus.
Another Villa of great artistic interest is Villa d'Este, the residence of Cardinal Ippolito d'Este. It is famous for the amazing amount of fountains and waterfalls built using the principle of connecting tubs, vases and grottoes inside the park, which totals 35.000 square meters.
Frascati
Lying amongst the Colli Albani and Colli Tuscolani hills, there is an area that groups together about 15 villages and towns full of history, which make up the area known as the "Castelli Romani".
We have chosen one of these towns, perhaps the most well-known and popular with visitors: Frascati, about 20 km from Rome. Famous for its wonderful villas and above all for the wine, usually white, that is produced in this area.
Frascati bianco D.O.C. is produced from a mix of grapes grown in the surrounding countryside: Malvasia di Candia and Malvasia del Lazio, Trebbiano Greco and Toscano.
The result can be tasted in Frascati directly, in one of the many wine cellars in the town, accompanies by a few typical snacks from the area.
As well as your glass of wine, if you go to Frascati, don’t miss a chance to visit the Renaissance-style Villa Aldobrandi that stands over the beautiful town square, which was once invaded by carts that overflowed with the wine sellers’ barrels.

Banks are usually open Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 13:30. In the afternoon, the opening hours change from bank to bank but they are usually open from 14:30/15:00 to 16:00/16:30. Some banks are open non-stop from 8:30 to 16:00 and/or on Saturday mornings.
Outside most banks there is a cash dispenser and some of them located in downtown Rome also have an automatic exchange machine working 24 hours a day.

EXCHANGE
The Euro, the common European currency, circulates in Italy and in the other European member states: Austria, Belgium, France, Finland, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Luxembourg, Nederland, Portugal, and Spain.
There are 8 euro coins denominated in 2 and 1 euro, then 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents and 7 euro notes denominated in 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 euros.
Travelling within the 12 participating countries is easier since it will not be necessary to exchange currency anymore.
Tourists coming from other countries will be able to change money into Euros at:

Banks: outside many branches in downtown Rome and at the Fiumicino
Airport there are automatic exchange machines working 24 hours a day.
Change offices: they are usually open non-stop from 8:30 to 19:30: In these offices you can also buy or sell traveller's cheques or ask for a money transfer.
Post Offices: the money exchange service is limited to offices in downtown Rome - from 8:30 to 13:50 from Monday to Friday; on Saturdays from 8:30 to 12:00. Central offices usually keep the change counter open non-stop until 18:30

In Rome shops are almost always provided with credit card service. Anyhow we point out that some small shops, stalls in markets, rooms for rent or bed & breakfast are usually not provided with credit card service.

To get information on your own credit card you have to apply to the issuing Company. Major ones have an operating office in Rome:
• Servizi Interbancari (SI Card and VISA)
» Via Quattro Fontane, 22 » Phone 800-151616
• UBS
» P.za di Trinità dei Monti, 18 » Phone 066976011
• American Express
» L.go Caduti di El Alamein » Phone 06722821
• Diners Club
» Customer Service » Phone 063575333

In this case too the first thing to do is call the issuing Company and ask to block the card.
• Servizi Interbancari (SI Card and VISA)
» Free Number 800-018548 / 800-819014
• UBS
» Phone 066976011
• American Express
» Phone 06722821
• Diners Club
» Free Number 800-864064

Telephones that take coins have become very rare in Italy. You can find them in Termini station, in some bars, hotels and metro stations. Otherwise you need to buy a phonecard Euro 2,58 - Euro 5,16 - Euro 7,74 available in any tobacconist's, post office, most newsstands and some bars.
Remember that even local calls are timed; so if you are using coins be sure to put enough money. (The price for a local call starts from € 0,10).
If you are dialing a number that begins with 338 330, 347, 335, 339, 368, you are calling a telefonino (cell phone). Remember that it is more expensive.

International calls can be made from any telephone box, either using an Italian card or your own calling/credit card.
To place direct international calls you have to dial the following sequence:
00+ country code + area code + local number
Here is a list of some country codes:
Argentina 54
Australia 61
Austria 43
Belgium 32
Brazil 55
Canada 1
Czech Rep. 42
Denmark 45
Egypt 20
Finland 358
France 33
Germany 49
Greece 30
Hong Kong 852
Hungary 36
Ireland 353
India 91
Israel 972
Japan 81
Mexico 52
Morocco 212
Netherlands 31
New Zealand 64
Norway 47
South Africa 27
South Korea 82
Spain 34
Sweden 46
Switzerland 41
Turkey 90
UK 44
USA 1

Information: 800 160 000
URL: www.poste.it
In the centre of Rome several post offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 18:30, and on Saturday mornings from 8:30 to 13:00.
Here follows a short list:
• Piazza San Silvestro 19 (Piazza di Spagna)
• Via di Porta Angelica 23 (San Pietro)
• Via Marmorata (Piramide)
• Viale Mazzini 101 (Prati).

Stamps are sold at the tobacconist's or at the post office, they all cost € 0.45 for Italy, Euro 0,62 for the Countries of the European Union, € 0.80 for the rest of the world. The cards have to be posted (am. mailed) in the red post boxes outside the post offices or the tobacconist's. The post box has two boxes: one for the inner city mail (in città), one for all destinations out of the city (tutte le altre destinazioni).

Express. With this service you are able to send letters and parcels all over the world: you just have to fill in the recorded letter. This paper will provide delivery information, if you request it. Notice: with this service you are not allowed to send any money of any currency, values of gold, silver or platinum, made by hand or not, precious stones, antique objects, alcohol, or goods not allowed to be conveyed anywhere by the Italian law.
Priority mail. The mail through priority mail arrives within 24 hours in Italy and within 3 days in Europe and Mediterranean countries; It take from 4 to 8 days for deliveries in other countries. To benefit this service you have to buy the specific stamps at the tobacconist's (ask for posta prioritaria) or at the post office and stick the blue label on the left of the front of the envelope. The cost is Euro 0,62 for Italy and Europe.
Poste restante. General delivery letters or parcels can be sent to:
Fermo Posta - Ufficio Postale Roma Centro
Piazza San Silvestro 19 - 00187 Roma.
To pick up your mail you have to show your passport and pay a tax.
If the letter has no precise address of a specific post office, it will be sent to the Posta Centrale in Piazza San Silvestro. There is also the possibility to rent a Post Office Box at any post office paying € 25.82 as a guarantee deposit which will be given back to you at the time you leave it.
Vatican post. The Vatican Post has the same cost as the Italian Post. The post offices are near the entrance of the Vatican Museums and in St. Peter's square. Letters with Vatican stamps can only be sent from the blue post boxes inside the Vatican.
Postal order. The postal order is a fast service that enables you to convey money in Italy. You are also able to pay or receive the cost concerning the parcel or mail sending. The postal order enables people living in different Countries to convey money. The service is carried out with the Countries or the Universal Postal Union.
Change. In some post offices of Rome you can change money by paying a commission.
Sending telegrams in Italy and abroad. The service works 24 hours a day. The number to dial on the phone is: 186. The service covers all the world and can be read in any foreign language.

• Emergency
» 118
• Italian Red Cross Ambulance
» 06 5510
• Chemist's Open On A Holiday
» 06 228941
• Municipal Veterinary Surgery
» 06 5800340
• Veterinary Ambulance Service (every day from 10am to 10pm) tel 3490998913
• Urgent Blood Transfusion
Policlinico Umberto I
» 06 49970860 - 06 49970861
• Urgent Blood Transfusion
S. Giovanni
» 06 77055563
• Helicopter Ambulance
» 118
• Permanent First Aid Station
from 20:00 to 8:00; on days before holidays (from 10:00) and on holidays
» 06 58201030
• Roman Green Cross (Ambulances)
» 06 24302222
• Centre Against Drugs Intoxication
Gemelli
» 06 3054343
• Centre Against Drugs Intoxication
Policlinico Umberto I
» 06 490663

Azienda Ospedaliera S. Camillo - Forlanini
Via Portuense, 332 - phone 06 58701
First aid: 06 58703101
Circonv. Gianicolense 87
Ospedale Fatebenefratelli isola Tiberina
Piazza Fatebenefratelli 2 - phone 06 68371
First aid: 06 6837299 - 06 6837324
Ospedale Madre Giuseppina Vannini
Via Acqua Bullicante 4 - phone 06 242911
First aid: 06 24291255
Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù (Children)
Piazza S. Onofrio 4 - phone 06 68591
First aid for children: 06 68592351 - 06 68592571
Ospedale S. Carlo di Nancy
Via Aurelia 275 - phone 06 39701
First aid: 06 39706349
Azienda Complesso Ospedaliero S. Filippo Neri
Piazza S. Maria della Pietà 5 - phone 06 33061
First aid traumatology: 06 33062688 - 06 33062207
First aid acceptance: 06 33062204 - 06 33062254
Ospedale S. Pietro Fatebenefratelli
Via Cassia 600 - phone 06 33581
First aid: 06 33582644
Ospedale G. Eastman (Dentistry)
Vl. Regina Elene 287 - phone 06 844831
First aid: 06 84483232
Ospedale Sandro Pertini
Via Monti Tiburtini 385 - phone 06 41431
First aid: 06 41433365
Policlinico Casilino
Via Casilina 1049 - phone 06 231881
First aid surgery: 06 23188320
First aid medicine: 06 23188239
Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli
Largo Agostino Gemelli 8 - phone 06 30151
First aid: 06 30154036 - 06 30154037
Ospedale S. Giovanni
Via dell'Amba Aradam 9 - phone 06 77051
First aid: 06 77055661 - 06 77055297 - 06 77055500
Policlinico Umberto I
Vle del Policlinico 155 - phone 06 49971
First aid: 06 49979501

Ospedale C.T.O.
Via San Nemesio 28 - phone 06 510039
First aid: 06 51001
Ospedale S. Giacomo
Via Canova 29 - phone 06 36261
First aid: 06 36266354
Ospedale S. Spirito
Lungo Tevere in Sassia 1 - phone 06 68351
First aid: 06 68352241
Ospedale S. Eugenio
P.le dell'Umanesimo 10 - phone 06 510029
First aid: 06 51002220/1/6/7/8 - 06 51002230/2
Ospedale Nuovo Regina Margherita
Via Morosini 30 - phone 06 58441
First aid: 06 58446650

Outside all pharmacies is posted a list of those which are open during the night.

Here follows a short list of those located in the city center:
• Via Cola di Rienzo 213/215 - phone 06 3244476
• Piazza Risorgimento 44 - phone 06 39738166
• Via Arenula 73 - phone 06 68803278
• Corso Rinascimento 50 - phone 06 68803985
• Galleria Testa Stazione Termini (fino alle 22) - phone 06 4880776
• Piazza dei Cinquecento 49/50/51 - phone 06 4880019
• Piazza Barberini 49 - phone 06 4871195
• Via Nazionale 228 - phone 06 4880754
• Viale Trastevere 229/229a - phone 06 5882273
• Corso d'Italia 100 - phone 06 44249750

In Italy chemist's shops (USA. Drugstore) can easily be identified by a red or a green cross.
The opening time is usually from Monday to Friday, from 8.30am to 1.30pm. Some pharmacies are also open on Saturday and Sunday on shifts.
Chemist's working the nightshifts are open from 8.00pm until 8.30am. During this time a surcharge is applied to the medicines.
There are also some chemist's shops open 24 hours a day which usually don't apply any over cost during the night.
To know which pharmacies are open at week-ends and during the night or to receive urgent medicines for disabled or old people you can call 06228941.
Please note that outside each pharmacy is posted a list of those open in the same area. A complete list is published every day in Roman newspapers.

Outside all pharmacies is posted a list of those which are open during the night.
Here follows a short list of those located in the city center:
• Via Cola di Rienzo 213/215 - phone 06 3244476
• Piazza Risorgimento 44 - phone 06 39738166
• Via Arenula 73 - phone 06 68803278
• Corso Rinascimento 50 - phone 06 68803985
• Galleria Testa Stazione Termini (fino alle 22) - phone 06 4880776
• Piazza dei Cinquecento 49/50/51 - phone 06 4880019
• Piazza Barberini 49 - phone 06 4871195
• Via Nazionale 228 - phone 06 4880754
• Viale Trastevere 229/229a - phone 06 5882273
• Corso d'Italia 100 - phone 06 44249750

Azienda di Promozione Turistica di Roma
Head office: Via Parigi 11 - 00185 Roma
Tel. 06 48 89 91- fax 06 48 19 316 - E-mail: info@aptroma.com

Visitor Center
Via Parigi 5 (Piazza della Repubblica)
Mon-Sat 9 - 19 - Closed on Saundays

Information Office at "Leonardo da Vinci" Airport - Fiumicino
International Arrivals - Terminal B
Every day 8.00 - 19.00

• Castel S.Angelo
» P.za Pia » Tel. 06 68 80 97 07 » Every day from 9am to 6pm
• Fori Imperiali
» P.za Tempio della Pace » Tel. 06 69 92 43 07 » Every day from 9am to 6pm
• San Giovanni
» P.za S.Giovanni in Laterano » Tel. 06 77 20 35 35 » Every day from 9am to 6pm
• Stazione Termini
» Galleria Gommata » Tel. 06 48 90 63 00 »Every day from 8am to 9pm
• Stazione Termini
» P.za dei Cinquecento » Tel. 06 47 82 51 94 » Every day from 9am to 6pm
• Largo Goldoni
» Largo Goldoni » Tel. 06 68 13 60 61 » Every day from 9am to 6pm
• Trastevere
» P.za Sonnino » Tel. 06 58 33 34 57 » Every day from 9am to 6pm
• Palazzo delle Esposizioni
Via Nazionale » Tel. 06 47 82 45 25 » Every day from 9am to 6pm
• Piazza Cinque Lune
» P.za Cinque Lune » Tel. 06 68 80 92 40 » Every day from 9am to 6pm
• Fontana di Trevi
» Via Minghetti » Tel. 06 67 82 988 » Every day from 9am to 6pm
• Santa Maria Maggiore
» Via dell'Olmata » Tel. 06 47 40 955» Every day from 9am to 6pm

The call center provides information for tourists in
• Italian
• English
• French
• Spanish
• German

concerning
• Events
• Art and culture
• Entertainment
• Food and Restaurants
• Useful services
• Shopping
• Transportation

Fiumicino Airport "Leonardo da Vinci" (FCO)
Rome's main airport is well-connected to the center during the day by a direct train and slower trains. The direct train between Fiumicino and Termini costs € 11,00 and takes approximately 30 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at vending machines, ticket offices and other vendors at both Termini and Fiumicino.
schedule: every 30 minutes
Fiumicino - Roma from 6.37am until 11.37pm
Roma - Fiumicino from 5.52am until 10.52pm
There is another train connecting Fiumicino airport to central Rome - when you are at the airport train station look for the train with the destination "Orte" or "Fara Sabina". It is slower (and cheaper) because it stops at some smaller local stations along the way and does not stop at Termini. Trains take about 45 minutes to reach Tiburtina. Tickets cost €5,50.
schedule: every 15-30 minutes
Fiumicino Airport - Trastevere - Ostiense - Tiburtina from 5.57am until 11.27pm
Tiburtina - Ostiense - Trastevere - Fiumicino Airport from 5.06am until 10.36pm
For more information: www.adr.it
Ciampino Airport "G.B. Pastine" (CIA)
A smaller airport dealing mainly with charter flights and budget airlines. It is connected to Line A metro station Anagnina (about 30 mins by metro from Termini) by Cotral buses; ticket costs € 1,03. Buses leave every 30-60 minutes. For more information: www.adr.it
Bus connections: www.cotralspa.it and www.sitbusshuttle.it

Fiumicino
For arrivals and departures between 11.30pm and 5am, a night bus connects Fiumicino with Tiburtina station, stopping also at Termini Station.
From Fiumicino: 1.15am - 2.15am - 3.30am - 5.00am
From Tiburtina: 0.30am - 1.15am - 2.30am - 3.45am
The 40N bus connects Tiburtina and Termini during the night.
Ciampino
Buses connecting Ciampino airport with the centre of Rome stop running at 11pm, so the only way to get into town late at night is by taxi.
Taxi
The price for a ride from Leonardo da Vinci (Fiumicino) Airport to the city centre (within the Aurelian Walls) is Euro 40,00.
The price for a ride from Ciampino Airport to the city centre (within the Aurelian Walls) is Euro 30,00.

You may be approched by illegal taxi drivers in the station and at the airport. If you need a taxi, look for the official white taxis which have meters. There are taxi stands at both Fiumicino and Termini.
Info: tel. 060606 or 06 671070844
In case of complaints regarding taxis, please fill in this form and send it to the Municipality of Rome: http://www.comune.roma.it/was/repository/ContentManagement/node/P1062433715/Moduloreclamo.pdf

Most Inter-city trains arrive at Termini Station. A few trains, particularly those arriving at night, arrive at Tiburtina or Ostiense stations.
Termini Station
The hub of Rome's transport system can be confusing when you first arrive, but the following explanations of its layout should help you get oriented. Once you have got off the train and have walked down the platform, you will reach the main gallery. The exit by platform 1 will take you to the north side of Termini; the exit by platform 22 will take you to the south side of Termini. Continuing away from the platforms past the main gallery, you will reach the main hall. Exiting from the main hall you will find Piazza dei Cinquecento, the largest bus terminal in Rome, where the access to the city's two metro (subway) lines, A and B is also located. The night bus to Fiumicino airport stops here as well, although you'll have to look very hard for the sign.

Below is a list of what you will find - besides trains, buses and metros - at Termini station:
• Luggage Storage
Open 5.15am - 12.20 am - € 3,10 per 5 hours, per item.
• Alitalia office
Tickets to the airport can be bought here.
• Police and Carabinieri Station
If you have lost luggage or documents (or have had them stolen) on the train, report them here.
• Tourist Office
• Eurail and Train Information Office
English spoken sometimes
• Banks and ATM'S
• Banca S. Paolo di Torino ATM'S
• Ticket offices
• You will also find a pharmacy, an electric appliances store, a travel agency, news stands with international newspapers, and restaurants.
• In all major Italian train stations you will find an office dedicated to facilitating train travel for disabled people. Upon request (which must be made at least 24 hours in advance for Italian trains, or 3 working days for international trains) these centers can arrange transportation for disabled people in the train stations upon departure and arrival. Other services include wheelchair use, luggage transport, and train information.
Please contact: 064881726 (office located by platform 1) in case you need to arrange services for disabled people in all the stations of Rome.
Note: Remember to validate your ticket before getting on the train. Fines are pretty high!
Tiburtina Station
The second biggest train station in Rome, easily accessible by bus and metro (Line B) from the center. The slower (and cheaper) train and night bus to Fiumicino airport leave from here. Facilities at the station include a 24 hour supermarket and exchange office. Across the piazza in front of the station you will find the buses that depart for destinations all over Italy and abroad. The ticket offices are located in the piazza and around the corner on Circonvallazione Nomentana. From Termini: Line B stop Tiburtina or Bus 492.
From Termini: Line B stop Tiburtina or Bus 492
How to read Italian Train Time-Tables
There are train timetables posted throughout the station. In addition to the immense permanent tables located high above eye-level, there are numerous yellow posters with more extensive and current information. On these yellow posters, you should not check only the "final destination" column. Rather the city you want to reach might also be found in the "principali fermate" (major stops) column or "annotazioni" (notes). The green trains (and some black trains leaving at night) are the normal slower trains, the red trains (IC, EC, EN, and ICN) are faster and require a supplement, while ES (Eurostar) being the fastest of all are even more expensive and require reservations on Saturday and Sunday.
People planning to travel around Italy a lot should consider buying a Kilometric Ticket (Biglietto Chilometrico). This ticket is good for 3000 kilometers of travel within 2 months,it can be divided among up to 5 people and is available for 1st and 2nd class.
Useful web sites:
www.trenitalia.com official railway site
www.romatermini.it

Yes, it's true that "tutte le strade portano a Roma" (all roads lead to Rome), but over the course of 2,500 years the Romans have built so many roads that it can be confusing to actually reach the center. If you are on the A1 highway from the north, take the exit called "Roma nord" . If you are on the A1 from the south, take the exit "Roma est". Both of these exits, after a few kilometers, take you to the GRA (Grande Raccordo Anulare), the ring road which surrounds the city linking the highways and the "strade statali" (state roads, marked as "SS"). The most important for the traveller are:
• the Via Aurelia (Pisa , Livorno, Genova)
• the Via Cassia (Viterbo, Siena)
• the Via Flaminia (Umbria)
• the Via Tiburtina (Tivoli)
• the Via Appia Nuova (Ciampino airport, Castelli Romani)
• the Via Pontina (Latina, Sabaudia, Circeo, Sperlonga)
• the Via Cristoforo Colombo (Ostia)
From the GRA you will also find the exit for the Autostrada di Fiumicino leading to Leonardo da Vinci airport and that to the A24 highway to Abruzzi (Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo, Pescara).

Tiburtina station is the main bus terminal in Rome.
To reach the center from Tiburtina take metro line B in the direction of Termini, or bus 492 from the piazza in front of the station.
Useful web sites:
international lines: www.eurolines.it
regional lines: www.cotralspa.it, or call the toll free number of COTRAL 800 150 008
(Mon - Fri 6.00 - 20.00; Sat 9.00 - 17.00)

Rome's metro system is very useful and quite safe as long as you are alert. Although the bus network is extensive and buses run frequently (though still crowded), the metro is much simpler to master.
The metro system has only two lines, A and B, which cross at Termini. There are trains from 5.30 am until 11.30 pm every day (Sat. 0.30 am). Starting from January 10th 2004 the underground trains will stop running at 9.00 pm. due to restoration works. In this period the underground trains will be replaced by a shuttle bus service.
Metro stations on line A do not have facilities for disabled (except Cipro-Musei Vaticani and Valle Aurelia); In alternative, bus 590 follows the same route of metro line A and has wheelchair access (see "useful buslines below"). All the metro stations on line B have facilities for disabled except Circo Massimo, Colosseo and Cavour (direction Laurentina).
Metro A offers the possibility to organise itineraries particularly interesting both for shopping and for the visit of monuments. Here is a list of metro A stops with possible itineraries:
Fares and Types of Tickets as from November 1st, 2003

• BIT (Integrated Single Ticket) - Valid 75 minutes from first stamping for buses and only one trip on metro and urban trains. Cost Euro 1,00
• BIG (Integrated Daily Ticket) - Valid till 12pm on the day of validation for an unlimited number of journeys on buses, metro and urban trains. Cost Euro 4,00
• BTI (Integrated Tourist Ticket) - Valid for three days for an unlimited number of journeys on buses, metro and urban trains. Cost Euro 11,00
• CIS (Integrated Weekly Pass) - Valid seven days, for an unlimited number of journeys on buses, metro and urban trains. Cost Euro 16,00
• BIRG (Daily Regional Integrated Ticket) - Valid till 12pm on the day of stamping for an unlimited number of journeys on buses and metro in Rome, but also on urban and regional trains. Cost varies between Euro 2,50 and Euro 10,50 according to the number of areas you cross.
• BTR (Regional Tourist Ticket) - valid for three days for an unlimited number of journeys on buses and metro in Rome, but also on urban and regional trains. Cost varies between Euro 6,50 and Euro 28,50 according to the number of areas you cross.
• CIRS (Weekly Regional Integrated Card) - Valid seven days for an unlimited number of journeys on buses and metro in Rome, but also on urban and regional trains. Cost varies between Euro 9,00 and Euro 41,00 according to the number of areas you cross

Fixed charge:
Daytime (from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.) 2.33 euros
Sundays and holidays (from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.) 3.36 euros
Night (from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.) 4.91 euros

Supplement:
For every piece of luggage larger than 35x25x50 centimeters 1.04 euros

Amount of each fare increment: 0.11 euros

Rate 1:
In-town (within G.R.A. ring road)
Cost per kilometer 0.78 euros

Increment every 141 meters at speed of more than 20 km/hour

Rate 2:
Out-of-town (beyond G.R.A. ring road)
Cost per kilometer 1.29 euros

Increment every 85.3 meters at speed of more than 20 km/hour*

* At speeds of less than 20 km/hour, increments are based on time (one every 19.2 seconds). Approximate cost for one hour: 20.66 euros
• When passengers get into the taxi, Rate 1 must always be applied.
• Drivers are obliged to inform their passengers when Rate 2 goes into effect.
• If part of the ride is in-town and the passenger will also be returning in the same taxi, Rate 1 is applied to the entire trip.
• For trips from Lido di Ostia towards Rome, Rate 2 applies until the G.R.A. ring road.
• From Fiumicino Airport, drivers must apply Rate 2 until the Ring Road GRA and then Rate 1.

If at least 3 persons going to different destinations wish to take the same taxi, they can ask for the application of a collective fare. The amount shown on the meter is what each passenger owes.

Fixed charge:
Daytime (from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.) 0.93 euros
Sundays and holidays (from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.) 1.35 euros
Night (from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.) 1.97 euros

Supplement:
For every piece of luggage larger than 35x25x50 centimeters 1.04 euros

Amount of each fare increment: 0.11 euros

Rate 3:
In-town (within G.R.A. ring road)
Cost per kilometer 0.31 euros

Increment every 129 meters at speed of more than 20 km/hour

Rate 4:
Out-of-town (beyond G.R.A. ring road)
Cost per kilometer 0.52 euros

Increment every 76.9 meters at speed of more than 20 km/hour*

* At speeds of less than 20 km/hour increments are based on time (one every 17.4 seconds). Approximate cost for one hour: 8.27 euros
• When passengers get into the taxi, Rate 1 must always be applied.
• Drivers are obliged to inform their passengers when rate 4 goes into effect.
• If part of the ride is in-town and the passenger will be returning in the same taxi, Rate 3 is applied to the entire trip.
• For trips from Ostia Lido towards Rome, Rate 4 applies until the G.R.A. ring road.

For more information visit: www.comune.roma.it/mobilita

Otherwise if you are calling for a taxi within Rome, call

06 3570 - 06 6645 - 06 8822 - 06 4157 - 06 4994 - 06 5551 - 199 106601
In case of contention, ask for a receipt that specifies the route, the taxi number and the amount paid, then fill in this form and send it to the Municipality of Rome: http://www.comune.roma.it/was/repository/ContentManagement/node/P1062433715/Moduloreclamo.pdf

Termini station
platform 1 - via Marsala 29
• AVIS - phone 06 48 14 373
Booking office phone phone 06 41 999
• EUROPCAR - phone 06 48 82 854
Booking office phone phone 800 014 410
• HERTZ - phone 06 47 40 389
Booking office phone phone 199 112 211
• MAGGIORE - phone 06 48 80 049
Booking office phone phone 1478 67 067
• SIXT - phone 06 47 40 014
Booking office phone phone 800 900 666
• THRIFTY ITALY BY CAR
phone/fax 06 47 47 825
• TIRRENO PRESTIGE - phone 06 48 26 140

Airports
• AVIS
Fiumicino Airport - phone 06 65 011 531
Ciampino Airport - phone 06 79 340 368
• EUROPCAR
Fiumicino Airport - phone 06 65 010 879
Ciampino Airport - phone 06 79 340 387
• HERTZ
Fiumicino Airport - phone 06 65 011 553
Ciampino Airport - phone 06 79 340 616
• MAGGIORE
Fiumicino Airport - phone 06 65 010 678
Ciampino Airport - phone 06 79 340 368
• SIXT
Fiumicino Airport - phone 06 65 95 35 47
Ciampino Airport - phone 06 79 34 08 38

Although most of the sights in Rome are within walking distance or accessible by public transportation, riding a bike or a scooter may give you more freedom to see exactly what you are interested in, and in less time. To really "do as the Romans do" you'll have to drive around on a Vespa - even though Rome is definitely not the place to learn how to operate a scooter! However, if you think you can handle it, you'll have no problem finding rental places all around the city. Most of them also rent bycicles:
NEW SCOOTER FOR RENT (scooters only)
via Quattro Novembre 96 a/b - phone 06 67 90 300
RENT SCOOTER BORGO (scooters only)
via delle Grazie 2 - phone 06 68 77 239
ROMA IN SCOOTER
corso Vittorio Emanuele II 204 - phone 06 68 76 922
TRENO E SCOOTER - Termini Station
Multiservice, platform 1 - via Marsala -
phone 06 48 905 823
TREVI TOURIST SERVICE (scooters only)
via dei Lucchesi 31/32 - phone 06 69 200 799
SCOOT-A-LONG
via Cavour 302 - phone 06 67 80 206
SCOOTERS FOR RENT
Via della Purificazione 84 - phone 06 48 85 485
SCOOTER RENT JOY RIDE
Via Cavour 199 - phone 06 48 15 926
BICI E BACI
Via del Viminale 5 - phone 06 48 28 443
BIKE E SCCOTER RENTAL
Via Cavour 80/a - phone 06 48 15 669
ROME SOLUTION'S
Via F. Turati 50 - phone 06 49 69 222
ROMA RENT
Vicolo de' Bovari 7/a - phone 06 68 96 555
RONCONI
Via San Leo 22 - phone 06 88 10 219
DUE RUOTE
Via del Galoppatoio - phone 06 36 13 307

The most convenient way to discover the cultural richness of Rome. Experience three thousand years of art and history from the open top 110 city tour bus!
From Termini Station, every day, every 15 minutes from 9am to 8:30pm.
Tickets can be purchased from the ATAC kiosk in Piazza dei Cinquecento, in front of Termini Station, or cash when you get on the bus.
For advance bookings and information call 06.4695.2252
every day from 8.30 to 20.00 www.trambus.com/servizituristici.htm

New luxury full comfort open deckers with the on board assistance of multilingual hostesses. Over 80 sites of historical and artistic interest included in the route.
The STOP & GO formula, enables you to get on and off the 10 stops along the route, visit the nearby important and interesting sites, and get back on one of the next buses during the day, to discover more wonders of Rome. € 16,00 (free of charge for children under 6 years of age; children 6-12 years Euro 7,00).

List of stops:

Stazione Termini (main stop) - Piazza della Repubblica - Via XX settembre
Via Nazionale (stop) - P.zza di S. Maria Maggiore
Colosseo (stop) - Via dei Fori Imperiali
Bocca della Verità (stop) - via del Circo Massimo
Piazza Venezia (stop) - Via del Teatro di Marcello
Corso Vittorio Emanuele II (stop) - Pantheon - Torre Argentina
via della Conciliazione (stop) - San Pietro
Piazza Cavour (stop) - Via Ulpiano
Piazza Augusto Imperatore (stop) - Piazza del Popolo - Pincio
via del Tritone (stop) - via del Corso

Via Veneto (stop) - Porta Pinciana

Stazione Termini (stop)
Christian Rome

Departures every day, including holidays, from Piazza dei Cinquecento in front of Termini Station every 40 minutes from 8.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. Tickets may be purchased directly on board or from ATAC ticket office in Piazza dei Cinquecento at the following prices: Euro 13,00 validity 24 hours, Euro 20,00 validity 48 hours and Euro 28,00 validity 72 hours.
Bus Stops:
Termini Station
Santa Maria Maggiore
San Giovanni in Laterano
San Clemente al Celio
San Pietro in Vincoli
SS. Cosma e Damiano
Santa Sabina all'Aventino
Santa Maria in Cosmedin
San Marco
Santa Maria ad Martyres - Pantheon
Santa Maria in Vallicella
San Pietro in Vaticano
Cancelleria Vaticana
Santa Maria in Aracoeli
Santi Apostoli
Santa Maria degli Angeli

Tha Archeobus makes you discover the wonderful treasures of the old Appian Way.
Daily departures from Piazza dei Cinquecento (Termini Station), every hour from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. New 16-seat buses and on board assistance.
Tickets are valid for the whole day and may be purchased on board - € 10.00.
.
Information and bookings:
tel. 0039 06 46952252 - 0039 06 46952343
Fourteen stops:
- Piazza Venezia
- Bocca della Verità
- Circo Massimo
- Baths of Caracalla
- Porta San Sebastiano
- Appia Antica - Domine quo vadis
- Catacombs of San Callisto
- Catacombs of San Sebastiano
- Circus of Maxentius - Tomb of Cecilia Metella
- Valle della Caffarella
- S. Urbano
- Ninfeo
- Casal Rotondo
- Roman Aqueducts
- Villa of the Quintili

The tour lasts 2 hours and allows you to hop on and off at any stop along the route, visit the most important and interesting sites nearby and then hop back on one of the following buses running that day.
Archeobus ticket + 100 bus - Euro 24,00
Eurtour: Exploring Eur

Eur S.p.A. aims to revive the most modern area of the city by promoting and managing cultural and tourist initiatives to favour knowledge, access to the area and communications.
Eur S.p.A. has chosen the Rome Tourist Board as its technical partner to develop this stimulating cultural initiative called “EURTOUR”, which consists of three itineraries for the discovery of the historic and artistic beauties of the area: buildings, designer furnishings, mosaics and … hidden treasures.

EUR SpA
Via Ciro il Grande, 16 – 00144 Roma
Tel. 0654251 – Fax 0654252024

Visitor Center
Salone delle Fontane
Via Ciro il Grande, 10

from June to September Saturdays and Sundays at 6pm Euro 8,00
minimum group 15 pax Euro 6,00 - students Euro 4,00
Details on: www.suerteitinerarte.it
www.romaeur.it

Many different agencies offer guided excursions to the major tourist sights of the city, occasionally including lunch or dinner in selected restaurants. Tours normally depart at around 9am, 3pm, and 8pm (contact the agencies to arrange pick-up service at your hotel) and are offered in Italian, English, French, German, Spanish, and Japanese. The price range for a three-hour tour within the city is about € 28,00. The Bus Tour Agencies do also organize excursions outside Rome and mini-trips thoughout Italy.
• Appian Line
Piazza dell'Esquilino 6
tel. 06 487861 - fax 06 4742214
URL: www.appianline.it
e-mail: appian@appianline.it
• Carrani
Via V.E Orlando 95
tel. 06 4742501 - fax 06 48903564
URL: www.carrani.com
e-mail: viaggi@carrani.com
• Green Line
Via Farini 5/A
tel. 06 483787 - fax 06 48919035
URL: www.greenlinetours.com
e-mail: booking@greenlinetours.com
• Vastours
Via Piemonte 34
t el. 06 4814309 - fax 06 4818000
URL: www.vastours.it
e-mail: vastours@vastours.it
• American Express
Piazza di Spagna 38
t el. 06 67642413 - fax 06 67642499
American Express run tours exclusively in English.
• Stop'-n-'go
tel. 06 47826379 - fax 06 4883167
URL: www.romecitytours.com
e-mail: csr@romecitytours.com
(8 daily departures/14 stops/hostesses on board.
• Bus 110 city tour
• www.trambus.com/servizituristici.htm

Boat tours on the river Tiber represent one of the most fascinating ways to see the city. Passing several bridges, the trip allows visitors to see Rome's most famous attractions from a different perspective.
A regular river transportation service operates every day from Ponte Duca d'Aosta to Ponte Marconi. A 50 seat boat departs every 20 minutes with intermediate stops at Risorgimento, Cavour, S. Angelo and Sisto bridges, at the Tiber Island and at Ripa Grande.
Prices:
Single fare: Euro 1,00
Return ticket: Euro 2,00
From Friday afternoon through Sunday: Euro 3,00; return ticket Euro 6.00
Cruise Tour with Audioguide
from Wednesday through Sunday departing at 11.00a.m.-12.30a.m.-4.00p.m. and 5.30p.m. : Euro 12,00.
Dinner Cruise
from Thursday through Saturday departing at 9.00 p.m. - Euro 53,00
Information and reservations: Battelli di Roma ph. 066789361; www.battellidiroma.it info@battellidiroma.it Reservations for groups: commerciale@marganatravel.it
Cruise Tour to Ostia Escavations
The cruise up to the river mouth allows tourists to discover picturesque landscapes and the excavations of the ancient port of Rome, Ostia Antica.
Departure is at the pier of the ex-cinodromo at the Marconi Bridge at 9:15am from Friday to Sunday. Arrival at the excavations of Ostia Antica is at 11:30am with the possibility of a visit to the archaeological site. After two hours stop, the departure from Ostia Escavations is scheduled for 4pm. It is also possible to return on land, by shuttle bus or metro. For info and reservations: 06.6789361 (individuals), 06.69380264 (groups).
Prices:
one way or viceversa: € 12,00
round trip: € 13,00
Information and reservations: Battelli di Roma ph. 066789361; www.battellidiroma.it info@battellidiroma.it Reservations for groups: commerciale@marganatravel.it
Tourvisa Mini-Cruises
From March to Dicember 31st mini-cruises on the Tiber with dinner on board are also organised by Società Tourvisa for € 52,00 per person. Departures are on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 8,30pm at Ponte Umberto I, facing Piazza Cavour and return at 11:30pm. ph. 06 448741 (call centre) ; fax 06 4456870
URL: www.tourvisa.it
e-mail: info@tourvisa.it

Panoramic flights

Are you looking for a different view of Rome?
We suggest panoramic flights to view Rome "from a different angle".
The tour - run by Cityfly - starts everyday including holidays from Aeroporto dell'Urbe.
Aircrafts can carry from three to nine people. The fare is € 70,00 for each passenger. Children under 10 are allowed a 30% discount.
Reservations should be made at least two days in advance and for a minimum of two persons calling phone no. 0688333
URL: www.cityfly.com
e-mail: info@cityfly.com
The flight lasts about 20 minutes. From there you will enjoy a view from the air of the most interesting sights of Rome. After take-off the aircraft flies over Ponte Milvio, the Olympic Stadium and proceeds towards the historic centre passing over Piazza del Popolo, Piazza di Porta Pia, the Colosseum, Piazza S.Pietro flying as far as Villa Albani and the Mosque at a height of about 450 meters above the sea level.
Aeroporto dell'Urbe
Address: Via Salaria 825
Phone: 0039 - 06 8862075
Links: from Stazione Tiburtina city train to Monterotondo-Mentana, stop Salaria Urbe.

A 15 km long cycling track takes you from up-town - the Castel Giubileo dam in the northern side of Rome - to Ponte Risorgimento near the historic centre. The itinerary mostly unwinds along a natural environment coasting the Tiber; only the last three km run in downtown Rome.
The Cycling tracks in Rome run along the following itineraries:
• from Ponte Risorgimento to Villa Borghese
• from Villa Borghese to Villa Ada
• from Ponte Sublicio to Ponte della Magliana
• from Ponte della Magliana to Ponte di Mezzocammino
• from Via Giulio Agricola down to via Nobiliore.
On Sundays and holidays bicycles can be transported on the trains of the Railway Rome-Lido di Ostia (on the Roman coast) on the front carriage of each train. The ticket fare is € 1,00 per person plus € 1,00 per bike. Groups of more than five bicycles must call the ATAC Call center at the number 800 43 1784 (Mon - Sat 8.00 a.m. - 8.00 p.m.).

come and live as the Romans do! Apartment Renting...

Palaces, Villas and Gardens

Go to directories of the Web Sites

Trips outside the city's gates, from Ostia to Frascati