Author Archives: Ron in Rome

Our Transportation Progression

Living in Europe we travel primarily by public transportation. By necessity, we’ve become very adept at utilizing the various forms of transport available. On a recent trip when our son visited, we traveled by metro, plane, airport bus, commuter train, … Continue reading

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“5-Star” Hotels
When it’s a Special Occasion and Luxury is Your Priority

It is often said that, “All roads lead to Rome.” And just as there are many roads that will lead you to the Eternal City, there are many, many types of accommodations where you can rest your head. Depending on … Continue reading

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Snow in Rome – February 2012!

It doesn’t happen very often – first time in almost 30 years – but heavy snows blanketed Rome this week. All of Europe has suffered through cold temperatures and Rome was no exception. Large flakes started falling early in the … Continue reading

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Posted in Living in Italy | 4 Comments

Riding a Motorino in Rome – A Few Videos and More Thoughts That May Help you Decide: “Should I Rent a Scooter?”

Living in Rome, we rode public transportation almost every day. Some friends loaned us their 50cc motorino… and eventually we purchased our own motorino; a 1999 Yamaha Majesty 125cc bike with 36,000 km. A motorino can give you a tremendous … Continue reading

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Roma Pass Increases in Price from 25€ to 30€ Effective January 2012

Effective January, 1 2012, the Roma Pass increases in price  from 25€ to 30€. That’s a 20% increase in the price of this pass. It seems the Roma Pass folks are getting a jump on the proposed ATAC bus and … Continue reading

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XIV Culture Week in Italy, April 14 – April 22

The Settimana della Cultura (Culture Week), now in its fourteenth edition, will begin on Saturday, April 14 and will run through Sunday, April 22, 2012. For these nine days, monuments, museums, archaeological sites, archives, and libraries owned and operated by … Continue reading

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Posted in Sites, Museums, Attractions | 16 Comments

And You Thought Your ZTL Ticket Was Expensive?

There are often debates on travel boards about, “Should I pay that ZTL violation ticket I received in Florence or Rome?” Folks wonder whether the Italian police will search you out. Well, apparently if the price is right – they … Continue reading

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The Best Hotels and B&B’s Around the Spanish Steps

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ATAC Proposes 50% Increase in Fares for June 2012

Carl Posti is the CEO of ATAC, which serves as the Mobility Agency in the Municipality of Rome. These are the folks that operate the bus, tram, and metro service in Rome. And if Carl and his company get their … Continue reading

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Trenitalia Announces “New” Frecciarossa Train With Four Levels of Service!

Just when we’ve finally figured out whether to sit in 1st or 2nd class, Trenitalia creates new “service levels” that may make your buying process more difficult. Starting in late November 2011, on runs from Milan to Naples, Trenitalia announces … Continue reading

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The “Best” Place to Stay in Rome is…

The most visited pages on this website consistently answer the question, “Where should I stay when I visit Rome?” There is perhaps no “best” answer! Your preferences may be driven by location, cost, comfort, transportation options, the need for a … Continue reading

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New Rules for Taxis, Shuttles, and Carriages

Now, the continuing odyssey of the Taxi Agreement… This month new rules were approved for taxi drivers, private shuttles (limousine services), and the horse-drawn carriages in the city of Rome. For taxis, the big news is – NO NEW RATE … Continue reading

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Billy & Anne’s Wonderful Adventure

I get many, many emails each day. Often, these emails evolve into a dialogue and upon completion of a trip, I’ll get a “trip report.” One of the most detailed I’ve received was from Billy and Anne (last name deleted). … Continue reading

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Posted in Sites, Museums, Attractions | 1 Comment

Traveling from Rome to Venice: The Train is Usually Better Than the Plane!

Which is the best way to travel between Rome and Venice? Having lived in Spain, I remember this same debate when heading to Barcelona from Madrid. To provide some answers, we’ve again enlisted the expertise of GAC, a regular contributor … Continue reading

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Mamertine Prison – Il Carcere di Pietro Renovated & Reopened, but it is Better?

In years past, after visiting the Forum, it was convenient to use the exit near the Arch of Septimus Severus and visit the Mamertine Prison. This prison was located on the northeastern slope of the Capitoline Hill, facing the Curia … Continue reading

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