Hi all,

I've taken a lot of advice from this forum planning for my Rome trip in a few weeks, wanted to see how my itinerary looks to you experts. I took Perche's and JBD's advice about location. I'm staying very near the Pantheon to be in the middle of things.

We are in Rome for 3.5 days. We arrive in the afternoon, and then have three full days. We depart very early in the morning out of FCO.

Day 1: Arrive in afternoon FCO. From what I read, its easier to just get a taxi and pay 48 Euros
Arrive at hotel. Drop off bags and get out.
Walk around to see: Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, then walk to Colosseum to see it at night (trying to get a night tour)

Dinner:
Emma Pizza

Day 2: Full Day in Rome
coffee/breakfast - Del Caffe Tazza D’oro

Day Tour Vatican City (guided tour)

Evening:
Dinner - Trattoria Da Cesare

Day 3: Full Day in Rome
coffee/breakfast - go back to Tazza D'oro or try Sant Eustacchio il Caffe

If possible.
See Colosseum during the day
Centro Storico Fountain
Catacombs
Piazza Navona
Roman Forum

Dinner: La Tevernaccia

Day 4: Full Day in Rome
coffee/breakfast - Tazza D'oro or Sant Eustacchio il Caffe

???not sure if we can do Pompeii here
Dinner: L’Arcangelo

Day 5: wake up to go to FCO. Have hotel call taxi, pay 48 Euros.
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So how is it shaping up?

My questions are: we want to go to Pompeii too. I'm going to assume that a day trip. Is there a best day of the week to avoid Pompeii?

Is a full day guided tour in VC recommended? Or better for half-day guided, and then see the rest on your own. I know that's a subjective question.

Whats the best "roman" souvenir? I get people want to give Italian foods (e.g. balsamic vinger, wines, etc). Truth is that you can get most of that stuff at Whole Foods. I was thinking about getting a Bible and get their earlier for the Pope to bless it on a Wednesday (but we arrive after a Wednesday) that'd be neat - assuming the person believed it was actually blessed. Suggestions are welcome. Is there a place for good street art?

I get the gist guided tours are the way to go to avoid lines. We aren't too concerned with prices, so we are happy to avoid lines and enjoy the sight seeing.

Other notable places we want to eat at for lunch (possible dinner):
PanDivino
Litro
Cacio de pepe
Likeat
Antico Forno Roscioli
Janta Fast Foods (Indian) - in case we feel we want to try some ethnic food
Mordi e Vai

If anyone has any recommendations, please let me know. We are leaning toward Italian (obvs), mid to high range, pasta based. Stupid questions: is it generally accepted to pay with CC? I read that much of the economy is off the books and dont know if cash is the way to pay. Is table water free? If so, how do i order it (in other words, so they don't bring me a bottle and charge me for a bottle when all I want is tap water). Is there a way to just order the house wine? I know that I should also get a reservation. At these places with reservations, do I need to worry about the switching the menu for American tourists with higher prices?

thanks for all your help!