If it were up to me, I would spend weeks and weeks in Rome. In fact, I have probably spent more time in Rome than any other city in Italy. Apart from being a Travel Consultant I am also a Roman Archaeologist. I have spent many years researching Early Christianity in Italy and consequently have spent A LOT of time in the Eternal City. Perhaps, this is why I love Rome so very much and am a tad biased. Not everyone can enjoy Rome as much as I have, and most travelers want to venture into other fantastic Italian destinations leaving only a sliver of time to see Rome’s highlights.
*If I had a year in Rome, I do not think I could see it all. This itinerary is not meant for the seasoned Roman traveler but for the first timer.
Day 1 Morning: Vatican Museum and St. Peter’s Basilica
Yes, Rome has upwards of 1000 churches and every single one of them is as interesting as the next and even though San Giovani in Laterano is the bishop seat of Rome, tourists flock to St. Peter’s for good reason: the exceptional art. Your first day in Rome should be spent exploring the Vatican neighborhood and Trastevere.
The Vatican Museum should not be missed. There are all kinds of tours for every budget. I recommend going very early in the morning with either a small group tour OR a private tour. There is a wealth of sites where travelers can book both however, I always recommend LiV Tours and Tours by Locals if you are booking on your own. If you are not interested in an organized tour, then you can book “skip the line” tickets for a timed entrance either through a booking channel or directly through the Vatican’s website.
Most of the small group and private tours include the last hour being spent at St. Peter’s Basilica. If it is your first time in Rome, I recommend a tour guide for both the Vatican Museum and St. Peter’s. There are separate tickets to climb the Cupola of the church. These are sometimes included in the group tour and if not, they can be purchased at the church. Keep in mind that your shoulders and legs should be well-covered out of respect for local customs. I often carry a light scarf in my bag to put over my shoulders or around my waist.
Fun Fact: St. Peter’s Basilica is not the original. The current church was built during the Renaissance while the older church was built in the 4th century by Emperor Constantine. Saint Peter’s tomb is located underneath the central altar. This archaeological site can only be accessed with special permission from the Vatican and young children are not allowed. Small group tours are seldom so if you are going during the Summer, Easter, or Christmas, request tickets very early.
Day 1 Afternoon: Trastevere
After your Vatican visit head over to the Trastevere neighborhood for lunch and more exploration. The neighborhood has wonderful restaurants and beautiful churches. You can climb the stairs from Trastevere up to the Janiculum hill for spectacular views and a post-lunch stroll. If you want more history, a 5-minute walk brings you into the Jewish Quarter. This Jewish settlement is arguably the oldest in Europe with the Roman Jewish Quarter dating back to the 2nd century BCE. You can never escape the ruins! The short journey to the Jewish Ghetto passes some beautiful monuments like the Theater of Marcellus. After you explore Trastevere you can walk towards Castel San’Angelo to cross the bridge to Navona for a cocktail before dinner.
Day 2 Morning: Christian Catacombs
The Christian Catacombs are one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the world. Tunnels expanding 100s of kilometers snake underneath the city of Rome and provide a wealth of knowledge informing us of the lives, rituals, and beliefs of the earliest Christians. These tunnels were used primarily for the burial of the dead and were often visited by the living just as cemeteries are today. Romans buried their deceased outside the city’s walls for hygienic purposes as well as to avoid the idea that the spirits of the dead can infect the living. There are 3 catacombs (San Sebastiano, San Callisto, and the Domitilla catacombs) open to the public. All of them are different and all 3 are only a 15-minute walk from one another. Transportation to and from the Catacombs can get tricky. The easiest thing to do is take a taxi. As of this year you can no longer pre-book your entry tickets. They must either be purchased at the window or you can take a group tour. Unfortunately, most of the group tours only take you to one catacomb. If you are feeling adventurous, grab a taxi to the Domitilla catacomb and then do the walk to the other two. It is a wonderful reprieve from the city center and the scenery is beautiful.
Day 2 Afternoon: Shopping, Spanish Steps, Piazza del Popolo
After your visit to Rome’s Catacombs, grab a return taxi back to Piazza del Popolo. Known as the People’s Square, you can grab lunch at one of the many spectacular restaurants along the side streets. After lunch head towards Via dei Condotti, a shopper’s paradise. This area is flocked by luxury goods as far as the eye can see. This street will take you directly to the Spanish Steps. Grab a cocktail at the top of the steps and explore the church and its spectacular views. Grab dinner nearby and enjoy this lively and elegant part of Rome.
Day 3 Morning: Colosseum and Roman Forum
The Colosseum is one of the most amazing sites in the world. Fortunately, after much restoration, this site now offers far more access for tourists. This is also one of the most frustrating monuments to book. You’ll feel overwhelmed by the options. Do you do the top tier, arena floor, underground? How can you see all of them? Where can I find tickets? Unfortunately, last summer there were many issues with ticket sales to the Colosseum. Third party ticket vendors were selling time slots that were not guaranteed, and many tourists often had their times changed last minute or cancelled all together. If you are not working with a travel planner, then you should always book directly through the official website, so you know your timed slot is guaranteed. Directly across the street is the Roman Forum. This is a great place to let the young ones spend some energy. The Palatine Hill directly above the Forum offers a lot of green space and a fantastic tiny museum. The Roman Forum entry is usually included with your Colosseum ticket. I do suggest doing a tour because it is a vast site with a lot of history that you will not want to miss.
Day 3 Afternoon: DIY Walking Tour
The city of Rome is an outdoor museum. Fountains, churches, and Roman ruins are abundant. As you walk from the Colosseum towards Navona you will see the ruins of Piazza Venezia marked by Trajan’s Column and Markets. This column was originally indoors and flocked by two libraries! As you head further into the historical center stop at the Pantheon, one of Rome’s oldest monuments and a Catholic Church. Tickets are now required for entry which you can pre-book or buy on site. Many tombs flock the interior rotunda but the oculus at the top is the showstopper. After you exit the Pantheon head over to Trevi and do not forget to throw your coin into the Trevi Fountain. Rome’s churches are open to the public and you can come and go as you wish exploring Renaissance paintings and beautiful Baroque architecture. To end your stay in Rome, book a fantastic restaurant with views of the city.
*Regardless of your schedule, always remember to leave room for relaxation and exploration. So many people want to squeeze too much into too little time. I always advise my clients to have a well-balanced holiday. Italy cannot be “done” in a week or two so there is no point in trying. Embrace La Dolce Vita with the same gusto as seeing the sites.
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