I am going to Rome, actually, Italy for the first time. I was hoping for some direction on a good salsa club. We will be there from Nov. 24-Dec. 1.

Also, is it possible to go to Florence for a day and come back?

We booked our package through Go-Today, but felt that Rome alone would take a while to see and really enjoy it, so we didn't get the 3 days here-3 days there deal.

Almost last question, are there any "hippie" markets or open markets where you can buy local art, etc that you would recommend?

Finally, last question, besides visiting all the historic places, and museums, what is a must do in Rome, preferebly off the beath path?

Thanks!!!

re: salsa clubs i have not a clue. Check out time out rome. It has the best info on that kind of thing.

Clubs would either be out in the boonies (noise) or in testaccio. If in the outer burbs, you are going to have to cab it.

Museums -- Romans love museums. I like the little known museums in Rome book which you can get through amazon. I like the galleria spada and palazzo altemps, there is a nice little gallery off the cloisters of santa maria della pace. The brazilian embassy may have something nice on too. Good way to see some pretty neat buildings.

There are some great gardens, but the weather that time of year is sort of iffy. Could be horribly rainy, could be bright and sunny and cold.

As for Florence -- easy day trip on the eurostar. Can buy tickets from machines in the station and avoid the lines and rail europe.

lala

Off the beaten path, but not off the tourist path, are the Christian catacombs along the Via Appia, outside of Rome. Pretty intersting to take a look at.... but you won't be alone.

Apart from that, Rome has a zillion gazillion churches, all of 'incredible' historical significance, and many worth visiting.