The magnificence of Rome, the Eternal City, unfolds through its rich art, iconic architecture, delectable food, high fashion, and vibrant neighborhoods. A visit to this 2,000-year-old city offers a fascinating journey back in time, immersing you in the era of emperors and gladiators. Strolling through the historic center, you’ll witness the genius of Roman and Renaissance architects in landmarks like the Pantheon, Colosseum, grand fountains, and majestic piazzas.
To truly experience Rome, take time to explore its neighborhoods on foot. Spend a leisurely morning wandering through the lush Borghese Gardens or browsing the shops along Via del Corso. Indulge in a wine tasting in the charming streets of Trastevere, or marvel at the panoramic views from Castel Sant’Angelo. Delve into the ancient heart of the city at the sprawling Roman Forum, a testament to Rome’s role as the reputed Birthplace of European Civilization. No trip would be complete without visiting St. Peter’s Basilica and Rome’s other remarkable churches, underscoring its central importance to Christianity.
After exploring the timeless wonders of the Eternal City, add on a few exciting day trips. Take a day to visit Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, or unwind in the natural hot springs of Saturnia. Plan your holiday with us and discover why Rome proudly holds the title of Caput Mundi — the Capital of the World.
DAY 1 – Centro Storico, Rome’s Historic Center
Dedicate your first day to exploring the heart of Rome, Centro Storico, where the city’s rich history and timeless charm unfold at every turn. Ancient cobblestone streets wind through lively piazzas lined with trattorias, while tourists mingle with buzzing scooters and tiny cars. History whispers from every corner, offering glimpses of Rome’s storied past.
Start your walking tour at the iconic Piazza Navona, once the site of Domitian’s 1st-century AD horseracing stadium. Today, it’s one of Rome’s busiest squares, alive with tourists, street performers, and the hum of activity. Dominating the piazza is the stunning Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone, a baroque masterpiece, with three of Bernini’s legendary fountains—Neptune, The Moor, and the dramatic Fountain of the Four Rivers—as the square’s focal points. These fountains are perfect photo opportunities and popular meeting spots.
A quick jog through charming side streets will bring you to Piazza della Rotunda, home to the awe-inspiring Pantheon. For over 2,000 years, its massive unreinforced dome has defied time and gravity. Built by Marcus Agrippa in 25 BC as a temple to all the gods, it now serves as a Catholic church and a masterpiece of perfect geometry, housing the tombs of notable figures like Raphael and Marie Curie.
After soaking in the Pantheon’s grandeur, grab a gelato and continue to the famed Trevi Fountain. Along the way, you’ll encounter the towering Column of Marcus Aurelius, a 2nd-century monument adorned with a spiral relief celebrating his military victories. As you near the Trevi Fountain, the roar of cascading water and the sight of tourists tossing coins into the shimmering waters will signal your arrival. Installed in 1732, the fountain marks the end of a 1st-century BC aqueduct that still provides fresh drinking water to Romans. Its dramatic sculptures reflect Rome’s unparalleled ability to harness nature, symbolizing the city’s power and eternal influence.
Walk off lunch with a leisurely climb up the iconic Spanish Steps from Piazza di Spagna to Pincio Hill, where panoramic views of Rome await. Nearby, explore the impressive Villa Medici, once home to the Grand Dukes. Take a guided tour of its art collections and lush Renaissance gardens, offering a glimpse into aristocratic life.
Adjacent to Villa Medici, Villa Borghese Park, Rome’s third-largest public park, offers a peaceful escape. If time allows, visit the Galleria Borghese, home to masterpieces by Caravaggio, Canova, and Bernini, set within frescoed Renaissance rooms. The park also features an Etruscan museum, a small zoo, and a miniature Globe Theatre. If you can’t see it all in one visit, both the park and gallery are worth returning to for a deeper exploration.
DAY 2 – The Colosseum and Forum
Spend the day around the eclectic Monti district, one of Rome’s oldest neighborhoods. Not only does this district boast the Colosseum, Forum, triumphal arches, Trajan’s Market, and remains of Nero’s palace, but it is a bastion of Bohemian life with artsy shops, ethnic eateries, coffee shops, and cocktail bars.
Start the day with a guided tour of the Colosseum, constructed in AD 80 by Emperor Vespasian as a public entertainment complex. The world’s largest ancient amphitheater was used for public spectacles such as re-enactments, executions, wild animal hunts, and gladiatorial battles. Several tour companies offer comprehensive architectural tours that include access to the gladiator’s underground holding area and the arena floor.
Outside of the Colosseum is the impressive Arch of Constantine, built in AD 315 to commemorate a military victory giving Constantine the Great sole control of the western Roman empire. Fortify yourself with lunch at a family-run trattoria or a trendy wine bar in the area because exploring the Forum will take several hours.
Give yourself most of the afternoon to explore the vast Forum complex, ideally with a tour guide who can bring the site’s rich history to life. For centuries, the Forum was the beating heart of Roman life, evolving into the city’s judicial and religious center. Don’t miss the Capitoline Museum on the edge of the Forum, home to a world-class sculpture collection and offering breathtaking vistas over the ancient ruins.
If time permits, cap off the day with a stunning view from the Victor Emmanuel II Monument, built between 1885 and 1935 to honor the first king of unified Italy. Take the panoramic elevator to the rooftop terrace, where you’ll be treated to sweeping views of Rome, bathed in the warm glow of the early evening sun.
Day 3 – Castel Sant-Angelo and Vatican City
Be sure to cross the Tiber River via the Pont Sant’Angelo, one of Rome’s most beautiful bridges. This ancient Roman structure is adorned with magnificent sculptures of angels by Lorenzo Bernini, added in 1688, and offers a stunning entrance to Castel Sant’Angelo.
The Bridge of Angels leads to what was originally Emperor Hadrian’s mausoleum, built in AD 134, but was later renamed Castel Sant’Angelo in the 14th century and repurposed as a fortress by the popes. Ascend the rotunda for spectacular views of both Rome and Vatican City—a truly iconic panorama.
It’s just a short walk from Castel Sant’Angelo to Vatican City, the world’s smallest country and the spiritual heart of Christendom. In 1506, Pope Julius II commissioned the construction of the magnificent Saint Peter’s Basilica to house the tomb of Saint Peter. Over the next 120 years, the basilica was transformed by legendary architects like Raphael, Michelangelo, and Bernini. While entry to St. Peter’s Basilica is free, lines can be long—sometimes hours long.
Skip the wait by purchasing advance tickets, which may also grant you access to a guided tour, the dome, and the treasures of the Vatican Museums, including Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel masterpiece. And if the timing is right, you might even catch the Pope addressing the faithful from his papal balcony!
Day 4 – The Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere
Start your morning with a stroll through Campo de’ Fiori, Rome’s famous market, just a short walk from Piazza Navona. Grab a coffee and browse vibrant stalls filled with cheese, olives, spices, and local delicacies—perfect for picking up picnic ingredients. Next, head a few blocks east to the Torre Argentina Cat Colony, where thousands of feral cats live among ancient Roman ruins, offering a charming blend of history and modern life.
A short walk further takes you to the historic Jewish Ghetto, home to one of the oldest Jewish communities outside Israel. From 1555 to 1870, Rome’s Jewish population was confined to this flood-prone area. Today, it’s a vibrant neighborhood of restaurants, bars, and bakeries. Don’t miss the impressive Tempio Maggiore (Great Synagogue), built in 1904 on part of the demolished ghetto. The temple’s museum offers a glimpse into the rich history of Jewish life in Rome, including a 15th-century Spanish Synagogue.
A couple of blocks away, stop by Pasticceria Boccione, Rome’s oldest Jewish bakery, famous for its Jewish-Roman-style pizza and ricotta and sour cherry tart. The streets around Via del Portico d’Ottavia and Piazza Costaguti are filled with kosher restaurants and cafés offering traditional Jewish dishes.
Take the Metro or walk across the river via the Pont Sisto into Trastevere, which means “beyond the Tiber.” This lively neighborhood pulses with energy, boasting fun cafés, pubs, and wine bars, and is home to a vibrant ex-pat community. Meander through its charming cobblestone streets, taking in the medieval buildings and soaking in the authentic Roman atmosphere.
Your first stop should be Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of Rome’s oldest churches, believed to sit above a 4th-century Christian shrine. Look up at its iconic Romanesque campanile (belltower) rising above Piazza di Santa Maria. Inside, the 12th-century basilica dazzles with golden Byzantine-style mosaics and 22 columns salvaged from the Roman Baths of Caracalla. As evening falls, the piazza comes alive with street performers and locals gathering around the fountain, creating a lively atmosphere.
For lunch, head to one of the many pizzerias or trattorias tucked away in Trastevere’s narrow alleyways. While the neighborhood has no main streets, Via del Moro and Via della Scala are lined with great restaurants, bars, and shops. Don’t miss the Mercato in Piazza San Cosimato, a covered market where you can pick up cheese, fresh pasta, produce, or a quick snack from friendly local vendors.
Trastevere also hides a Renaissance gem: the Villa Farnesina, built in 1501 for the Pope’s Sienese banker, Agostino Chigi. This intimate yet impressive summer residence along the Tiber River is adorned with Renaissance frescoes by Raphael. Its meticulously designed gardens, with Renaissance parterres, ornamental trees, and archaeological displays, are a peaceful retreat.
For those who enjoy a little adventure, take the 30-minute hike up Janiculum Hill, Rome’s second-highest point, for stunning panoramic views over the city and Vatican City. Walk along Via Garibaldi, passing the monumental equestrian statue of Giuseppe Garibaldi, until you reach the scenic overlook. Not into hiking? No worries—catch a bus to Piazzale Garibaldi for the same breathtaking views in less time.
Day 5 – Basilicas and Boutiques
