Hi Rob. All your advice is so spot on even on crossing roads. And as another has commented. There are sheisters pretending to be tour guides. Hide your gear. 👍
Very informative! I’m yet to visit Europe one day, only been to France so far. Your title kinda reminds me of the phrase “Don’t Panic” on the cover of the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
Sorry, but you are incredible! It's so easy and pleasant to listen to you. Everything is concise and to the point. We look forward to your new broadcasts. Thank you!
Great tips. Based on our experiences I second them all and doing your homework applies to every major destination. I loved just wandering seeing the juxtaposition of so many historical periods in architecture side by side or grafted together. I am glad we did the Vatican Museums decades ago though! The church near the Colosseum where you can walk down through different periods of history was a highlight (Basilica of San Clemente).
I never trusted public transport in Brisbane but after transversing Rome’s metro and Italy as a whole with great success I decided to re try Brisbane public transport. Loved the Roman water fountains and I can’t believe the locals buy bottled water. Love viewing Colosseum in the very early morning with the dark blue sky in the background and no crowds, I visited in August. I stayed on Aventine Hill so a must is to take lunch to Piazza Cavalieri di Malta then look through the Knights of Malta keyhole. Your information is very valuable and true for first time travellers especially about eyeballing drivers.
😊 awesome video Rob 👌🏻 thankyou for the great information 😊 have a great New Year 🎊😊 and crossing the roads especially helpful and that also applies to France 😂😂
I recently spent a few weeks in Rome, blessed to be able to stay 15mins from Rome center with relatives thanks to my Italian heritage. While the experience was in no doubt enjoyable, I was surprised and somewhat disappointed by the condition of the major cities, Rome and Naples specifically. Public spaces often appeared neglected, with litter, graffiti, and crumbling infrastructure everywhere. It was apparent that public spaces were not valued or respected. Reflecting on this, I found myself appreciating the level of public upkeep we often take for granted in Australia. This was however starkly contrasted with the pristine and well-maintained smaller towns I encountered, where the beauty and charm were undeniable. My advice to fellow travelers? Do the major tourist spots but try to make time to explore the smaller towns. Not only are they visually stunning, you can also avoid the crowds and we also discovered that the restaurants were far better, after all these restaurants rely on locals, not the tourists so they HAVE to provide better food, value and service!
@@123HopeSpringyou're probably one of those australian people who likes to walk barefoot in public spaces 😂😂😂 what do you understand about art, history, the cradle of the Western world, the Renaissance? And btw, when you talk about crumbling infrastructures are you referring to the Colosseum? 🤣🤣
@@Alex_Rome Barefoot? No, Thongs YES!!!!!! Okay, so it's obvious my original comment has offended you. You'd like to portray me as some ignorant Australian tourist, but no matter how many laughing emojis you use, you still haven't refuted the truth of my original post. I've seen it, I have photos to prove it, and you, my Roman friend, have to live with it. For everyone else, after seeing the big cities,, explore the country side, its really beautiful out there!
Great, informative guide and an interesting history lesson, thanks! I've always felt a bit overwhelmed when thinking about visiting, with so many sights to see, but this really helped highlight the main ones, with some great tips. Loved seing you without your trademark hat too! You looked so different and very sharp in that tie too! Thanks for another great video! * opens new tab to check price of flights to Rome *
@thehousedetective thanks M! I really just wanted to keep all the info brief and straight to the point. I'm sure I wasn't saying anything terribly new but at least it's all (currently) up to date and useable. But absolutely worth the trip there. And it was nice to dress up a bit too... I never like looking like a tourist!
It’s incredibly crowded even in January. You have to pay for everything. Croatia 2010 was our favorite trip. Dubrovnik is an amazing city, clean, fantastic food, no graffiti. It’s a popular destination for Italians.
Si può visitare Roma, anche in estate , senza folla : basta evitare i soliti luoghi. Ci sono chiese, gallerie, monumenti, musei importantissimi praticamente sconosciuti alla massa dei turisti. Esempi: chiesa del Priorato di Malta (capolavoro di Piranesi), Museo della Centrale Montemartini con le importantissime SCULTURE FRONTONALI DEL TEMPIO DI APOLLO SOSIANO, la Galleria Nazionale di arte antica di Palazzo Corsini e quella di Palazzo Barberini, il museo Barracco (arte egizia, assira, cipriota, greca, romana, medioevale), chiesa di Santa Maria della Vittoria con L'ESTASI DI SANTA TERESA DI GIANLORENZO BERNINI) è impossibile elencare tutte le chiese artisticamente importanti perché sono più di 500!
My two favourite cities in the world Paris and Rome. But as a country I prefer Italy. I have spent a bit of time in Rome over the years, but not in the last 14 years. It has obviously changed a bit in that I have never booked to go to an attraction. And more used to be free. I always walked. Rome traffic scares me. For a history nerd it is brain overload. Great place to visit. Where next ? Paris has some great sights and amazing walks. I used to go regularly and had Parisian friends. All a lot easier from the UK than it is now in Oz.
i did rome on a bicycle and i came without any plan. i ended up loving the vibe of rome and not bothering much with the archeology, and missed all that stuff. which is the opposite of what i expected bc im an archeo lover. dont @ me. I ended up staying for weeks just soaking it in.
The only pertinent advice needed about a visit to any European tourist area - Go Yesterday! It was cheaper, less crowded and with less restrictions. Also, as stated here, take your best walking boots and realise that Roman Emperors and medieval knights weren't big on disabled access to anything other than the Afterlife.
I was so fortunate to see Rome with Francesca Caruso who offers walking tours of Rome. She is excellent!!!! Her referrals are also good as well - but not like Francesca.
Surprising that you don’t visit St Peter’s Basilica or did you ? Excellent presentation and so practical doable tips. Italy itself is Gods own country and Rome is an open museum. Bless you.
The Vatican & St Peters is soooo overrated. I’ve been going to Rome since I was a school kid in 1967. It’s become a mad house & for what? There are so many more beautiful cathedrals & basilicas in Rome. The lines to get in are ridiculous & not worth the wait just to say you’ve been there. Crowded and expensive… don’t bother.
I bought myself a small Pacsafe satchel (one of those anti-theft ones) and an RFID pouch for my passport & bank cards when I was there, didn't have any issues at all. In saying that, I do NOT recommend handing around Termini very long at all, do your transfer etc onto other subway then GTHO! I'd highly recommend visiting in winter, I was there in February 2015 & had a fabulous time. Still a bit crowded for my liking but enjoyable.Hunt out for smaller tours or hidden places like the Capitoline Museum, or in my case, the Scavi Tour under St Peter's Basilica (including 2000 year old Roman Streets, burial grounds of all the popes & seeing the bones of St Peter- controversial!). It was only 15 euros when I went, and they only sell 200 tickets/ day so there will be a waitlist to get on it, though not a lot know about it. Book directly on the Vatican website.
Now that I'm free and single again, my dream of leaving Australian shores is numero uno (threw in some Italian there - impressive huh?)for 2025. Well I'm applying for a passport at the very least, but it's a start!😅
Well I agree that vatican is full of people but don't suggest to visit the vatican museum it means missing the most art masterpiece in the world the sistina chapel by Michelangelo.
I got pickpocketed on the underground but I noticed it and held them until they gave my wallet back. They wouldn’t have gotten much as I had every thing tucked away all over me
Hi Rob. All your advice is so spot on even on crossing roads.
And as another has commented. There are sheisters pretending to be tour guides. Hide your gear. 👍
Very informative! I’m yet to visit Europe one day, only been to France so far. Your title kinda reminds me of the phrase “Don’t Panic” on the cover of the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
Great video Rob, when are you back making Brisbane videos?
Sorry, but you are incredible! It's so easy and pleasant to listen to you. Everything is concise and to the point. We look forward to your new broadcasts. Thank you!
Some great tips there! Thanks for sharing. Great video.
Great tips. Based on our experiences I second them all and doing your homework applies to every major destination. I loved just wandering seeing the juxtaposition of so many historical periods in architecture side by side or grafted together. I am glad we did the Vatican Museums decades ago though! The church near the Colosseum where you can walk down through different periods of history was a highlight (Basilica of San Clemente).
Looking very dapper in your tie there Rob!
I never trusted public transport in Brisbane but after transversing Rome’s metro and Italy as a whole with great success I decided to re try Brisbane public transport. Loved the Roman water fountains and I can’t believe the locals buy bottled water. Love viewing Colosseum in the very early morning with the dark blue sky in the background and no crowds, I visited in August. I stayed on Aventine Hill so a must is to take lunch to Piazza Cavalieri di Malta then look through the Knights of Malta keyhole. Your information is very valuable and true for first time travellers especially about eyeballing drivers.
It looks a great city to visit, thanks for the talk about it.
😊 awesome video Rob 👌🏻 thankyou for the great information 😊 have a great New Year 🎊😊 and crossing the roads especially helpful and that also applies to France 😂😂
I recently spent a few weeks in Rome, blessed to be able to stay 15mins from Rome center with relatives thanks to my Italian heritage. While the experience was in no doubt enjoyable, I was surprised and somewhat disappointed by the condition of the major cities, Rome and Naples specifically. Public spaces often appeared neglected, with litter, graffiti, and crumbling infrastructure everywhere. It was apparent that public spaces were not valued or respected. Reflecting on this, I found myself appreciating the level of public upkeep we often take for granted in Australia.
This was however starkly contrasted with the pristine and well-maintained smaller towns I encountered, where the beauty and charm were undeniable.
My advice to fellow travelers? Do the major tourist spots but try to make time to explore the smaller towns. Not only are they visually stunning, you can also avoid the crowds and we also discovered that the restaurants were far better, after all these restaurants rely on locals, not the tourists so they HAVE to provide better food, value and service!
typical stereotypical comment made by a tourist who has never left his own country
@@Alex_Rome hey, If I'm wrong, tell me why. And also.. so far, I've been to 7 countries.
@@123HopeSpringyou're probably one of those australian people who likes to walk barefoot in public spaces 😂😂😂 what do you understand about art, history, the cradle of the Western world, the Renaissance? And btw, when you talk about crumbling infrastructures are you referring to the Colosseum? 🤣🤣
@@Alex_Rome Barefoot? No, Thongs YES!!!!!! Okay, so it's obvious my original comment has offended you. You'd like to portray me as some ignorant Australian tourist, but no matter how many laughing emojis you use, you still haven't refuted the truth of my original post. I've seen it, I have photos to prove it, and you, my Roman friend, have to live with it. For everyone else, after seeing the big cities,, explore the country side, its really beautiful out there!
@@123HopeSpring ruclips.net/user/shortsGse5fCKqVNQ?feature=shared
Really enjoyed this video..really helpful information thanks Rob👍🏻
Great, informative guide and an interesting history lesson, thanks! I've always felt a bit overwhelmed when thinking about visiting, with so many sights to see, but this really helped highlight the main ones, with some great tips. Loved seing you without your trademark hat too! You looked so different and very sharp in that tie too! Thanks for another great video! * opens new tab to check price of flights to Rome *
@thehousedetective thanks M! I really just wanted to keep all the info brief and straight to the point. I'm sure I wasn't saying anything terribly new but at least it's all (currently) up to date and useable. But absolutely worth the trip there. And it was nice to dress up a bit too... I never like looking like a tourist!
Nice. Happy New Year mate.
This was so informative Rob!! Thank you ❤️
Absolutely no surprise you made it there, all roads do lead to Rome….apparently.
It’s incredibly crowded even in January. You have to pay for everything. Croatia 2010 was our favorite trip. Dubrovnik is an amazing city, clean, fantastic food, no graffiti. It’s a popular destination for Italians.
Si può visitare Roma, anche in estate , senza folla : basta evitare i soliti luoghi. Ci sono chiese, gallerie, monumenti, musei importantissimi praticamente sconosciuti alla massa dei turisti. Esempi: chiesa del Priorato di Malta (capolavoro di Piranesi), Museo della Centrale Montemartini con le importantissime SCULTURE FRONTONALI DEL TEMPIO DI APOLLO SOSIANO, la Galleria Nazionale di arte antica di Palazzo Corsini e quella di Palazzo Barberini, il museo Barracco (arte egizia, assira, cipriota, greca, romana, medioevale), chiesa di Santa Maria della Vittoria con L'ESTASI DI SANTA TERESA DI GIANLORENZO BERNINI) è impossibile elencare tutte le chiese artisticamente importanti perché sono più di 500!
Great tips, thanks!
My two favourite cities in the world Paris and Rome. But as a country I prefer Italy. I have spent a bit of time in Rome over the years, but not in the last 14 years. It has obviously changed a bit in that I have never booked to go to an attraction. And more used to be free. I always walked. Rome traffic scares me. For a history nerd it is brain overload. Great place to visit.
Where next ? Paris has some great sights and amazing walks. I used to go regularly and had Parisian friends. All a lot easier from the UK than it is now in Oz.
i did rome on a bicycle and i came without any plan. i ended up loving the vibe of rome and not bothering much with the archeology, and missed all that stuff. which is the opposite of what i expected bc im an archeo lover. dont @ me. I ended up staying for weeks just soaking it in.
Rob, I think we were there during the same peroid... buses are nice in Rome, the city is a bit too big for me to walk
The only pertinent advice needed about a visit to any European tourist area - Go Yesterday! It was cheaper, less crowded and with less restrictions. Also, as stated here, take your best walking boots and realise that Roman Emperors and medieval knights weren't big on disabled access to anything other than the Afterlife.
I have lived and worked in Italy for 19 years and have never seen Rome,ill get there One day
What about Trevi fountain is that still free has there been any changes
It was closed when I was there, undergoing renovations.
I was so fortunate to see Rome with Francesca Caruso who offers walking tours of Rome. She is excellent!!!! Her referrals are also good as well - but not like Francesca.
Surprising that you don’t visit St Peter’s Basilica or did you ? Excellent presentation and so practical doable tips. Italy itself is Gods own country and Rome is an open museum. Bless you.
The Vatican & St Peters is soooo overrated. I’ve been going to Rome since I was a school kid in 1967. It’s become a mad house & for what? There are so many more beautiful cathedrals & basilicas in Rome. The lines to get in are ridiculous & not worth the wait just to say you’ve been there. Crowded and expensive… don’t bother.
By the by you dint say a lot about the food and not to forget Gelato. yum Yum.
I bought myself a small Pacsafe satchel (one of those anti-theft ones) and an RFID pouch for my passport & bank cards when I was there, didn't have any issues at all. In saying that, I do NOT recommend handing around Termini very long at all, do your transfer etc onto other subway then GTHO! I'd highly recommend visiting in winter, I was there in February 2015 & had a fabulous time. Still a bit crowded for my liking but enjoyable.Hunt out for smaller tours or hidden places like the Capitoline Museum, or in my case, the Scavi Tour under St Peter's Basilica (including 2000 year old Roman Streets, burial grounds of all the popes & seeing the bones of St Peter- controversial!). It was only 15 euros when I went, and they only sell 200 tickets/ day so there will be a waitlist to get on it, though not a lot know about it. Book directly on the Vatican website.
In Rome just roaming around
So when in Rome ,do what the Robs do and not the Romans?
Now that I'm free and single again, my dream of leaving Australian shores is numero uno (threw in some Italian there - impressive huh?)for 2025. Well I'm applying for a passport at the very least, but it's a start!😅
🤣 the throwing in some Italian bit of this comment made me laugh out loud! I hope you get to enjoy some great adventures!
Well I agree that vatican is full of people but don't suggest to visit the vatican museum it means missing the most art masterpiece in the world the sistina chapel by Michelangelo.
Overrated
@cberry6751 go back to school!
Are you allowed to scratch your name into the walls of the Colosseum?
I got pickpocketed on the underground but I noticed it and held them until they gave my wallet back. They wouldn’t have gotten much as I had every thing tucked away all over me