The most cost effective way to get from the Aiport into central Rome is to use The Leonardo Express. The trip from the Fiumicino (Leonardo da Vinci) to the main train station takes approximately 35 minutes. Trains run approximately every half hour. The two subway lines merge at the main train station as do a number of bus lines. Unfortunately, the track the Leonardo Express arrives on stops quite a ways out from the terminal building, so the walk to the taxis stand and buses in the Piazza dei Cinquecento is somewhat of a trek. Fortunately some clever chap invented lugguage with wheels, so the walk isn’t too bad unless of course your lugguage does not have wheels. On my last trip this past Thanksgiving I opted for a shuttle bus to the aiport. For two people it’s quite economical. Even for one person who doesn’t mind spending a little extra money. Cheaper than a taxi; more convenient than the subway. For example, my flight home was leaving at 1:50pm, the shuttle bus picked me up right in front of where I was staying at 10:15am. He put my lugguage in the trunk, made one more stop to pick up a couple more passengers and we arrived at the airport shortly after 11:00am. One such company that offers a shuttle bus service to and from the aiport is Rome Airport Shuttle. The company can arrange for a car or shuttle bus to pick you up at the airport and take you directly to your hotel.

Many of the major attractions are located in the historic central part of the city and are within walking distances of each other. However, a good pair of walking shoes is essential because the cobblestones are hard on your feet. For longer distances there is the subway (Metropolitana), which operates from 5:30am to 11:30pm. Buses  run both in the daytime and after midnight. For the schedule for late night buses look for “bus notturno”. Another option for getting around the city is the network of trams. The metrebus tickets are valid for use on the subway, bus or tram. The ticket   (1 Euro) is valid up to 75 minutes once the ticket has been validate.  For those who will be using public transportation frequently there is a seven day pass. The cost is 12.40 Euros. The public transportation system is operated by ATAC (Azienda Tranvie e Autobusdel Commune di Roma). The website has an English version. When I arrive in Rome I like to stop by a tabacchi or newsstand to purchase a couple of tickets (biglietto integrato a tempo) just to have on me just in case I need to use a bus late at night.

The Thursday edition of La Re Repubblica has a supplement called Trova Roma that lists cultural events. Another publication and one that is specifically aimed at the English speaking community is Wanted in Rome (published every two weeks). Go to www.wantedinrome.com for an online edition. The  Roma c’e (published every Wednesday) has an English section on what’s happening.

An online source for what’s happening such as art exhibits, concerts and theater is www.romeguide.it.

Context Rome sells a transit packet (delivered to your hotel)  that includes 10 tickets along with a detailed booklet that tells you about Rome’s public transportation  system (subway, buses and trams) and how to use the system. The company also offers guided walking tours and rents cell phones you can use while staying in Rome.

Shop Rome - your personal shopper in Rome - for more information click on the link.

ItalianWeddings.com - helps couples plan and get married in Rome and other destinations in Italy.

Avveniture Bellissime - offers  walking tours not only in Rome, but in Florence and Venice as well.

Sergio di Cori, 53 Piazza di Spagna Tele: 39 06 678 44 39. Great selection of gloves at reasonable prices. The website has an English version.

For antiques head to the via Babuino and via Margutta in Tridente between the Piazza del Popolo and The Spanish Steps. The quaint and narrow Via Margutta is quite lovely for either a morning or late afternoon stroll. And who knows you might do a little window shopping. Be sure to stop in at the wonderful lmarble shop of Enrico Fiorentini (he is quite a character) for a keepskae (he sells small items and big items and should have something that will fit into anyone’s budget) of your trip to Rome. The shop is called La Bottega del Marmoraro, 53B Via Margutta, open 9:00am-1:00pm and from 3:30pm-7:00pm. Closed in August. Two other streets famous for their antique shops are the via dei Coronari and the via Guilia near the Piazza Navona. The former will be quite a treat for those who love Art Nouveau or as it was called in Italy, Stile Liberty. 

Deruta, famous for its ceramics is about 75 miles from Rome. Perfect for a day trip. For more information on the ceramics go to www.deruteitaly.com.