Rome Accom

Ok guys. I got my engines started for rome accom. I think there are a few issues that need to be settled by all before we can book the accom.

1. Type of accom - I'm going to take a leap of faith and say that everyone is up for staying in an apartment...YES? If anyone has objections pls voice them but in any case i'm moving forward with the assumption that we are going to stay at an apartment

2. Budget - its not as simple as cheapest is best. i think that stimes a few more dollars can bring alot more comfort given the large group we're going to be in. My suggestion is that because we have 7, go for about 180 euros per night (bout 25Euros/pax). given that we're going to be there during the new year...it is going to be packed and it is going to be slightly more expensive

3. Location - there are several 'centres' that we can stay in.

a. Roma city (Collosseum, Piazza Navona)

b. Vatican

c. Spanish steps

Best situation is if we stay in Roma area itself. Either near the Colloseum or the Piazza. I guess the city life will be there. And it is relatively near to the Vatican and other attractions.

However personal preference of mine would be to stay as near to the Vatican as possible. Because getting into the vatican is notoriously difficult, especially given the time we are going. So we might have to queue at like 5-6am and so stayin as close as possible would be best even if the benefit would be felt only for 1 day. The rest of the places are still easily accessible in any case.

The website which i have used and i believe is quite well contained is:

http://www.rome-accom.com/

The maps are good and the list of accom is pretty good so if you are thinking of checking up for yourselves pls do so. Once I can see a semblance of consensus on the above points i will start listing accom and relevant details.

In any case things to do in Rome: (things that I would personally wish to do)

1. Vatican

2. Colloseum

3. Piazza Navona - i believe one of the fountains was from Angels n Demons

4. Tiber River

5. Campo de' Fiori (famous food market)

6. Spanish steps (in Italy)

My take on the rest of the programme that has been decided upon so far:

I think the change to amsterdam first and then paris was excellent. Provence is brilliant but i guess for us guys maybe not so la. Itinerary is good, delegation of work also good....i know personally me and nigel will love to drive. I think taking a car should be part of our agenda, but with the new programme i dun think its possible so oh well...so all in all i'm rather pleased with the major changes.