by Laurie Cirivello

Created on: March 02, 2009

The Short Roman Holiday: When planning a trip to Italy, many travelers favor itineraries which allow them to experience a number of different cities. A typical 10 day vacation plan may include three or even four different "stops". Rome often tops the list of "must see" Italian destination cities. But with only a few precious days to explore, the biggest dilemma is how to plan a complete and memorable Roman experience during a short stay.

Plan your arrival: If Rome is your first stop, a good plan will help make your first day more than simply recovery from an overnight, transatlantic flight. Making your ground transportation arrangements ahead of time can minimize the stress of arriving in a foreign environment. Only slightly more expensive than a pre-arranged shuttle from the Rome airport, an advanced reservation for a private driver will provide someone to greet you, help you with luggage and provide the most direct (and relaxing) route to your hotel. We pre-booked with Rome Shuttle Limousine with good results.

Less can be more: In a few short days, you can't see it all. It becomes a choice between "checklist" tourism and a true cultural experience. If you want to deepen your experience rather than just skim the surface, consider identifying a theme. A culinary theme, for instance could take you from neighborhood gelaterias to sumptuous rooftop dining overlooking the city lights; quaint, family trattorias to open air markets with fresh artichokes and artisan cheeses. Other themes might include sacred spaces (churches and cathedrals) or a photo-tour of parks and gardens. Another option would be to choose one or two main sightseeing excursions, and fill out the remainder of your days with casual exploration and chance encounters.

Utilize Shortcuts: Many museums and historic sights offer, for a small fee, an opportunity to skip the line. For a visit to the Vatican Museums, for instance, a "skip the line" reservation can save you from an hour or two of standing in line. Options are available for guided tours, of course, but some companies, like online Viator, offer a less expensive option than provides quicker entry while still allowing you to tour the vast museums at your own pace.

Make it personal: There is no better way, in my mind, to enhance a vacation than to spend a bit of time meeting, observing and interacting with locals. This is more likely possible when you get away from the major tourist attractions. Eat at small family restaurants. Ask questions about

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