Travel advice - Italy & Nthn Ireland

[ozimax]

Hi all and sundry in DSLRusers land.

Early next week I am off overseas (again - trip #40), this time visiting Thailand, Italy, Nthn Ireland, Switzerland and USA. I would appreciate some advice on what to see in Rome. After my work schedule, I think will have 2 days spare to visit Rome. (I have briefly visited once before but didn't get to see much.)

If there are any seasoned Italian travellers out there, some advice as to what to see and photograph would be appreciated. My hotel is situated 6-7 kms from the centre of Rome, and I am thinking that an all day bus/rail pass will get me to most spots fairly quickly.

I am planning on taking my 40D + 24-105 + 10-22 as gear, plus a small Casio P&S.

I could also ditto this request for Belfast, Nth Ireland.

Any advice appreciated, with thanks.

Ozi.

[big pix]

...... for Italy you could start here http://www.vatican.va/.......

....... Nthnn Ireland, any pub will give you lots of subjects, and I am led to believe the country side is just fantastic

[shakey]

Ummm. Been to Rome and Ireland, but not for many years. So how can I get a job like yours?

[biggerry]

again - trip #40)

need an assistant? I also make great coffee

[ozimax]

again - trip #40)

need an assistant? I also make great coffee

It's tempting...nah, I'd take the missus if I could afford it, and she's hopeless at making coffee. Thankfully, Italy has numerous fine coffee establishments.

[gstark]

I'd take the missus if I could afford it,

Can anyone afford that?

My travels in Italy have basically only been in the north, so unfortunately I can't help except to offer to help carry your luggage.

I have heard though that you may wish to keep a close eye on your stuff; one of my nephews was robbed of his stuff while roamin' in Rome.

[ozimax]

Ummm. Been to Rome and Ireland, but not for many years. So how can I get a job like yours?

Been trying to get a job like this for years myself, unfortunately I have to work as well....

[colin_12]

If you are a keen walker then you could do most of the typical touristy sites in a couple of days.
I got to see quite a bit in a day and a half. Just blew me away.
Enjoy.

[biggerry]

nah, I'd take the missus if I could afford it

fair enough, she would never forgive you otherwise...

hankfully, Italy has numerous fine coffee establishments

now your just toying with me

have fun!

[ozimax]

I have heard though that you may wish to keep a close eye on your stuff; one of my nephews was robbed of his stuff while roamin' in Rome.

I believe that is true. I do take the usual precautions, plus my fist is ready to punch any would be thief squarely in the nose if need be, (depending on their size of course). In PNG, when someone stops you with a loaded AK-47, you just do as they say, politely....

[Marvin]

When we were in Rome we stayed in the area near the Termini Station. We just caught the underground everywhere - it was dead easy and got us to most of the sights. I really enjoyed the normal tourist places - colosseum, forum, Nero's house, the Vatican Museum, the amazing churches, the walk up the basilica. If you have time, I thought Pompeii and Herculaneum were excellent, but you would have to catch a train to Naples (easy to do though).

[ozimax]

Thanks Marv, Pompei sounds interesting, not sure if I'll have time.