The Traveling Professor has been running small group tours to Rome for years.  Over that time, we have gained quite a bit of experience on how to do Rome the right way.  Take a look at The Traveling Professor's tips for making a trip to Rome easy and fun.

Plan in Advance:  Rome is a busy, busy place.  If traveling at high season, book hotels at least 6-8 months in advance.  During the off-season or shoulder season, I recommend booking about 6 months in advance to get the best lodging arrangements.  Two hotels in Rome I like are the Massimo D'Azeglio, conveniently located near the train station and the elegant Romanico Palace.

Buy the Roma Pass:  Who wants to wait in line for hours at the Colosseum or Forum?  I certainly don't and neither do you.  The Roma Pass gives VIP entrance to the Colosseum/Forum plus one other attraction (hint:  take the Galleria Borghese) included in the price of the pass.  In addition, local transportation (tram, bus, metro) is included with the pass.

Don't Wait in Line at the Vatican Museums/Sistine Chapel/Basilica:  At peak times, lines can be hours and hours long.  At off-peak times the lines can still be overwhelming.  My advice?  Make an appointment and walk right in the door ahead of everyone else.  Do it here at the Vatican Museum website:  https://biglietteriamusei.vatican.va/musei/tickets/do?do

Hire a Guide:  Yes, there are guidebooks out there and smartphone apps.  However, nothing compares to having an insider guide show you around the city.   Our guide Franco Lattughi (franco.lattughi@alice.it) has a great sense of humor and knowledge of Rome.  I recommend hiring him for at least one day.

Take a Taxi from the Airport:  I recommend this especially if traveling with 2 or more people.  The other efficient way to getting into the city is by train, but that will cost you about 35 euros and will only get you to the train station.  A taxi at about 50 euros will take tired travelers right to the door of the hotel.