Of the few cities in the world where ancient magnificence, both medieval and ultra-modern, has survived in such perfect cohesion-from ancient ruins to Renaissance art and from pulsating piazzas to world-class cuisine-there’s so much to plunge into that sometimes it can infuriate anyone who is seeking a way out of it. This Rome 5-day itinerary takes you through iconic sights, hidden gems, and gastronomic wonders for truly worth-it Eternal City travel.
Rome Itinerary
Best Berlin Itinerary: Explore the Heart of Germany in 5 Days
Day 1: Ancient Rome – Reliving the Glory of the Empire
Morning: The Colosseum and Roman Forum
This Roman holiday will spring into focus immediately upon arriving at one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and the largest amphitheater ever built. Join a guided in-depth tour inside this monumental structure and, if possible, try to put yourself in the position of one of those who watched some of these incredible gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. If possible, join a guided tour so that you can go underground all the way to the top for some amazing views.
After that is the Roman Forum, in fact-the very center of life for Ancient Rome. St軽 Packet: Go on an easy stroll around the ruins of temples, basilicas, and public areas that once used to host political, commercial, and religious issues of the Roman Empire, including among others the Temple of Saturn, Arch of Titus, and House of the Vestal Virgins.
Afternoon: Palatine Hill and Capitoline Museums
From here, once one has visited the Forum, follow the signs up to the Palatine Hill, the most famous of Rome’s seven hills. According to legend, it was here that Romulus founded the city in 753 BC. It might be steeped in history, but it also has great views of the Roman Forum and Circus Maximus. The Palatine Museum completes this site with artifacts from Rome’s ancient past.
Capitoline Hill: Afternoon-up the hill to the Capitoline Museums. Its collection of ancient Roman statues is truly impressive, Renaissance art, and historic artifacts. Amongst the best-known is the statue of the Capitoline Wolf, Dying Gaul, and paintings by Caravaggio.
Evening: Piazza Venezia and Dinner in Trastevere.
End your day with a walk to the Piazza Venezia to see the striking Vittoriano Monument. This huge, gleaming white marble building is also sometimes called the Altar of the Fatherland and is dedicated to Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of a united Italy.
Dinner: Dinner in the charming Trastevere area. Famed for narrow, curving streets and very lively nightlife, this is a perfect area where one can dine in traditional Roman style. Plenty of trattorias serving local dishes of Cacio e Pepe and Saltimbocca alla Romana.
Day 2: Vatican City – On Spiritual and Artistic Currents
Morning: St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museums
Day 2: Take a whole day to visit Vatican City, the seat of Catholicism, and home to some of the most fabulous artistic treasures in the world. Morning: Your morning begins with a guided interior tour to the largest Christian church in the world, St. Peter’s Basilica. You will go inside this basilica before proceeding inside its dome for a breathtaking view of the city.
Get cultured in art and history next in the Vatican Museums. Holding more than 70,000 works of art from such masters as Raphael, Caravaggio, and Leonardo da Vinci, one could not say they have visited the Vatican Museums without having seen them. This includes the Sistine Chapel, which forms the zenith of this visit with Michelangelo’s famous frescoes on the ceiling.
Afternoon: Castel Sant’Angelo
From the Vatican, walk towards Castel Sant’Angelo. The fortifying structure was built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian but has been used through time as a residence of the papacy, a prison, and a military stronghold. Nowadays, it hosts a museum that illustrates its remarkable history. Great views are an added feature of the rooftop terrace.
Dinner: near Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona This is a lovely square in Rome. It does boast three fountains, one of which is Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers. Restaurants and cafes rim the square so this is a great place to have dinner. Eat outside and soak in the energy of the square.
Day 3: Renaissance Rome – Art and Architecture
Morning: The Pantheon and Piazza della Rotonda
That day started with a visit to the Pantheon, which is one of the most well-preserved monuments left by Ancient Rome. Centuries have passed, and this great dome and oculus have served for inspiration amongst architects. Along with several important remains, here lie the remains of the artist Raphael.
Spend your time at the Pantheon sitting in the Piazza della Rotonda-or the square in front of the monument-do something from there, having coffee at one of the cafés with the imposing façade of the Pantheon before your eyes.
Afternoon: Piazza di Spagna and Spanish Steps
After lunch, head to the famous Piazza di Spagna-leading Spanish Steps. Go up the 135 steps to the top, where the beautiful church of Trinità dei Monti nestles and affords great views over the city. The area surrounding the Spanish Steps is known to be lined with ultra-expensive shops; thus, a look at the boutiques lining the Via dei Condotti would be in order.
Stroll up to the nearby Trevi Fountain. Throws a coin into the fountain for your guaranteed return in Rome – this is the tradition made popular by so many films.
Evening: Pincio Terrace – Time for Sunset and Dinner in Campo de’ Fiori
Pincio Terrace Pincio Later in the day, at sunset, Pincio Terrace, set in the gardens of the Villa Borghese, affords one of the great panoramic views of the city. This wide view runs across the rooftops and the domes of the city in the warm, gold light of sunset.
Dinner: Dine at Campo de’ Fiori. A pulsating square that exudes great atmosphere and dining facilities. Take a classic Roman pizza or pasta course in one of its restaurants lining this square.
Day 4: Day Trip to Tivoli – Villas and Gardens
Morning: Villa d’Este
Day 4: Tivoli Day Trip Get away from the hustle and bustle of Rome with a Tivoli day trip. This quainter town lies about 30 km away from the city. Villa d’Este enlisted in UNESCO’s World Heritage list is famous for its very beautiful Renaissance gardens and fountains, and is the first place that one must visit. Take your time as you leisurely walk through the beautifully landscaped gardens and marvel at the elaborateness of the water features-most famously the Neptune Fountain.
Afternoon: Villa Adriana
Afternoon: Excursion to Villa Adriana, UNESCO World Heritage site outside the town of Tivoli. This is a huge archeological complex, one of the former residences of Emperor Hadrian-one of the most important examples of Roman architecture. You will be able to visit some of the ruins of the palaces, temples, and thermal baths of that big estate.
Evening: Return to Rome. Relax.
In the evening, after Tivoli, return back to Rome. Have a relaxed evening with dinner at leisure in one of the less touristy neighborhoods of Rome, such as Monti or Testaccio.
Day 5: Modern Rome – Shopping and Contemporary Art
Morning: Via del Corso e Shopping
Well, spending the morning of your last day in Rome for a little shopping along Via del Corso would be worth every bit of your time, as this street can be considered one of the prime retail streets of the city. From Italian fashion to souvenir and from low-of-the-mill to high-of-the-line brands, Via del Corso will surely have something which would meet any shopper’s urge.
Afternoon: MAXXI and Contemporary Art
Afternoon: This afternoon, you’ll have a chance to go on the latest trend of Rome in the art world. Take a pleasant guided visit at MAXXI–The National Museum of 21st Century Arts. Situated at Via Guido Reni, MAXXI is an astonishing piece of modern architecture built by no other than the most famous architect Zaha Hadid. Endless collections are by the best in contemporary art and architecture.
Evening: Farewell Dinner in the Jewish Ghetto
Close your Rome itinerary with a farewell dinner in the Jewish Ghetto, one of the most important historical districts of the city. Most of all well-known is the very strong gastronomic tradition of this neighborhood, mainly regarding Roman-Jewish food. Around you, try the fried artichokes known as Carciofi alla Giudia or oxtail stew named Coda alla Vaccinara.
Final Thoughts on Your Roman Adventure
Rome would be the city to disarm any coming guest: rich in its history, bedazzling arts, explosive culture-so much to learn, so much to surmise. Here is one great 5-day itinerary of Rome, offering the best balance with which one can get to know this city-from most iconic landmarks to less crowded and hidden gems, all the way to cultural highlights. Whether it is your first time in Rome or a return for more, this schedule will make the stay in the Eternal City truly worth your while.
