Cruise departing from Rome? Tour like a local

Ken Dilanian in the Chicago Tribune has a guide to touring Rome "like a local". He's lived there for three years. He offers tips on where to stay (choose location over luxury), how to get from the airport to the city (don't take a taxi), what to see (the typical tourist sites are great), shopping (don't - you can probably buy the same thing cheaper at home), where to eat and other tips.

On a lighter note, waiting in line is seen as a sort of quaint notion in Italy: a nice idea but optional. So don't be afraid to assert yourself when somebody steps in front of you at a taxi stand or a bar. A sharp " mi scuse" usually does the trick. Bars, by the way, are where you go to get an espresso and a snack, and you usually need to pay first, then take the receipt to the counter.