Hi Sue,On the days when dinner is not included, it is completely up to you what you do. You can either nip out by yourself and grab a quick bite or I am sure that your fellow travellers would love to arrange evenings out for dinner. Feedback from other holiday makers has been that it all falls into place when you get there!I have quite a few tips for Rome that have been given to me from past visitors....1.Pack light-The shopping in Rome is fantastic, so you will need to save some room for all of your purchases!2.When you are sighseeing around the city, try and wear comfortable shoes....heels are really not practical on those cobbled streets(which are almost everywhere) Rome is far too beautiful to see through a taxi window.3.Always remember your camera, even if you are just nipping out. There are amazing photo oportunities around every corner.4.Take a face cloth/flannel with you. Apparently none of the hotels have them.5.Some churches have Vatican dress codes, so when visiting them, make sure that you wear trousers or a skirt that is at least just past the knee. Also try and cover your shoulders with sleeves. Men need to wear trousers only...no shorts. The rest of the city is fine for you to wear whatever you like though, so no need to panick.6.Take some wet wipes or pocket tissues with you whenever you leave the hotel. The public toilets can sometimes run out of toilet paper and it is always best to be prepared!7.Do not use the money changers in any of the tourist areas such as airports or train stations. These have sky high exchange rates so you are better off waiting and finding an ATM.Regarding currency, it is completely your decision. Some find it easier to do everything by card. When I go on holiday, whether it be in Europe or the USA, I always take cash to keep track of what I have spent. There are also travellers cheques which some find safer to carry around.I hope this information is what you were looking for. If you have any specific questions you would like me to answer, please let me know.Warm wishes,Cheryl, your editor