Perche thanks again for the sage advice.

I thought Pompeii was a long shot especially with so much in Rome. Gives me an excuse to come back. We are booking a half day tour in the Vatican to the the Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and some other stuff.

Piazza Navona is actually on the list too! Is it more just a place to walk around and take a look? Or is there something specific to see there?

I like the idea about the Colosseum at night - just viewing it from afar. I researched night tours and it actually was quite confusing. I think we will do a day tour, visit the Forum on our first night and take in the sights. I see that I can buy tickets in advance online for the Colosseum (for the day), but does that get me through the line faster? I saw a scary youtube video with 90 minute queues for entrance i the Colosseum. I much prefer paying a guide and skipping all that.

Also, thanks a lot for the restaurant tips. I ask because so many restaurants in Paris never told us about the table water, just gave us bottles - just to charge us. I hope to drink more wine than water though. So I was watching some other shows (like Bourdain's layover episode) and it appears the Romans don't do breakfast like us Americans. Seems all they get is varied coffee drinks and maybe some bread. Guess, I won't get my Italian McGriddle.