re: T-ZERO DAYS until Italy, final logistics to-do list

Only bad thing about Rome is that the metro isn't nearly as dense as what you see in London or Paris, so you are forced to do a lot more walking than in other cities.

I'd be weary of wearing sandals too much. Rome has a lot of cobblestone streets that are uneven and somewhat hard on the feet. I'd go with a comfortable, closed shoe over sandals.

The rooftop bar at the Hotel Indigo on the east side of the Tiber across from Trastavere is a lot of fun. There's a great bartender there named Claudia who gave us fantastic service when we were there a few months ago.

If Catholic, don't miss the Holy Stairs.