No specific recommendations, but keep in mind that Rome observes siesta time! For example, the one day we were in Rome we decided to taxi over to San Pietro in Vincoli church, only to discover that it was closed from around noon time until 3:00 p.m.

Hi,

I was in a similar situation with my Cosmos tour of Southern Italy and Sicily. What worked out very well for me was reading up ahead of time, examining maps and getting a bit familiar with the area of my hotel relative to the other major sights.

When I arrived late in the morning, I asked the Tour Director who was in the hotel lobby, where I could walk in the general vicinity. She advised me that I could follow the river and walk through the Trestevere area (bank of Tiber R). . My camera and I had a great time and I found a reasonable little cafe for lunch.

By the time I chose to return to the hotel I just had enough time to fresh up and reorganize my suitcase before meeting the group in the lobby for a quick meeting and soon it was time to walk across the street with the group for our first night's dinner.

The tour included St. Peter's Square, the Forum and Colosseum. I purchased the optional excursion which included a walk through the shopping area around the Spanish Steps and dinner. You could probably do that on your own if you are a couple. (I travel alone and during the first days of a tour I haven't always linked up with people to go out to restaurants together.)

Thank you both for your replies. I did forget that Italy siestas. I'm starting to get some ideas. Mimi642