- The first day is dedicated to the beauties of the Vatican
- The second day is dedicated to the Ancient Rome area
- The third day is dedicated to both the historic center and Villa Borghese
- The fourth day is dedicated to the remaining stops in the historic center and the beauty of Trastevere
Obviously it is a comfortable route to do in 4 days, but it is also doable in 3, with a little more effort.
First day
For those who want to start early in the morning:
FIRST STOP
Don’t miss the sunrise on the Gianicolo! (as well as those who like to go out late at night, you can pop in at sunset or at night)
-The appointment is in Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi, where there is the famous cannon that every day, since 1904, fires blanks at exactly noon.
SECOND STOP
From here, take a 20-minute walk and you will arrive at St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums. Maybe after stopping for a nice breakfast in a bar in the medieval alleys of Borgo Pio. (Although we advise you not to arrive later than 9am).
–The museums are huge, so take your time and stay as many hours as you need.
! But be careful: tickets must be booked in advance online, otherwise you will find yourself standing in very long queues !
—If you travel at the weekend and want to visit the Vatican Museums, you will have to reach the Vatican on Saturdays, because they are closed on Sundays (except for the last Sunday of the month, when the entrance is free).
- You will probably be hungry now, so you can stop for lunch in a restaurant, or try the really delicious Roman sliced pizza, and don’t miss an ice cream, in Rome it’s really worth it.
THIRD STOP
Head towards the Lungotevere and you will immediately notice Castel Sant’Angelo, which, it must be said, seen at night illuminated is even more beautiful… If you want, you can enter to visit the museum inside and go up to the terrace.
– Leave Castel Sant’Angelo crossing the bridge of the Angels, this too would be worth seeing at least once in the evening.
Second day
FIRST STOP
We begin the journey in Piazza Venezia, where you will find yourself in front of the Vittoriano (or Altare della Patria, you can go up to the first terrace for free). From here move to the adjacent Piazza del Campidoglio which houses the Capitoline Museums: here the square and the buildings that overlook it were designed by
Michelangelo, and is considered one of the most beautiful squares in Rome.
-Exit the square taking Via di S. Pietro in Carcere (you will pass under the sculpture of the she-wolf suckling Romulus and Remus, symbol of the city) which will lead you directly onto Via Dei Fori Imperiali.
(But before you can also stop by and go to the Teatro Marcello, a few steps from the Campidoglio)
SECOND STOP
You can visit the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill, to get an idea of Rome at the time of Caesar or Augustus.
Afterwards, the visit to the Colosseum cannot be missed, the most famous monument in Rome, and among the most famous in the world. This gigantic amphitheater was inaugurated in 80 AD. by Vespasian’ son.
- Circumnavigate the Colosseum and stop to see the beautiful Arch of Constantine.
— If you want, take a relaxing break, eat something, and then head to the Church of Santa Maria di Cosmedin, where the Mouth of Truth is located.
Pass by the Circus Maximus, to then arrive at the Aranci’s Garden to enjoy a beautiful sunset, or if already passed, a beautiful view.
Third day
We are on the third day of our Roman tour
The FIRST STOP is Piazza del Popolo, one of the most beautiful squares in Rome!
Right here you can visit the Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo, a church that leads you among the beauties of Raphael and Bernini. But that’s not all, you can also visit the twin churches and admire, in the center of the square, one of the thirteen ancient obelisks of Rome: the Obelisco Flaminio
From Piazza del Popolo go up towards Villa Borghese, one of the most beautiful parks in Rome. We are talking about a green area in the heart of the city. Romans and tourists love to come here in spring as everything is colored, from the trees to the flowers!
I absolutely recommend you to go there because there are so many things to see. Among these is the Terrazza del Pincio (which can also be reached directly by following the climb and the stairways behind the walls of the square)à from here you can admire one of the most beautiful panoramic views of Rome, especially at sunset. (àHighly recommended if you are on a romantic trip).
SECOND STOP at Borghese Gallery! It is located right in the park of Villa Borghese and collects works by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Rubens, Caravaggio, Raphael and Canova. Only from this you can understand how important it is to visit this museum.
— One tip is to look well in advance for the dates of your visit as tickets sell out easily. Sometimes you have to book two weeks in advance.
THIRD STOP From Villa Borghese we go down to the Spanish Steps! One of the most famous squares in Rome with the Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti ending at the foot of the Fontana della Barcaccia, one of Bernini’s most beautiful and famous works!
–I suggest you also to visit the Church of the Trinità dei Monti which is located at the top of the stairway.
FOURTH STOP our journey continues with the most beautiful fountain: the Trevi Fountain! We are talking about a monument famous all over the world for its beauty and its uniqueness. Every tourist who sets foot in Rome must make this stop. And, actually, in the illuminated evening you have to see it at least once.
FIFTH STOP Palazzo del Quirinale: this is the official residence of the President of the Republic. In the past it was also the residence of 30 popes!
–In front of the building you can admire the Fontana dei Dioscuri
Fourth day
FIRST STOP The fourth and last day of our tour starts from one of the most beautiful churches in Rome: Sant’Ignazio di Loyola! Many tourists completely ignore it, thinking it is one of the many churches in Rome. There are actually some treasures hidden inside!
Andrea Pozzo’s frescoes play on perspective and everything becomes magical. The ceiling seems to have no end thanks to the work “The Glory of St. Ignatius“. The same thing goes for the “Fake Dome” which, as you can well guess from the name, deludes the tourist that there is a dome that does not actually exist.
SECOND STOP Just a few steps from the Church of Sant’Ignazio we find the Pantheon! Behind Piazza del Pantheon there is Piazza Della Minerva with the famous statue of the elephant (original Egyptian obelisk) and the Church of S. Maria Sopra Minerva.
— in this area there are also 2 of the best and most famous bars/roasters in Rome: the
Casa del Caffè Tazza D’Oro and the Sant’Eustachio coffee.
THIRD STOP —> A few steps from the Pantheon we find another important square: Piazza Navona! you cannot miss the Fountain of the Four Winds by Bernini, and immediately opposite, the Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone.
FOURTH STOP Did you know that every morning, since 1869, there has been a market in Rome? It is located in Campo de’ Fiori, one of the most central squares of the city.
In the center of the square there is the bronze monument dedicated to Giordano Bruno, a philosopher killed in 1600 after being accused of heresy.
PS. If you want an advice, this is a perfect place for both appetizers and dinner!
FIFTH STOP It ends on a high note with one of the most beautiful stops you can make in Rome: Trastevere, a neighborhood that has kept all its Roman character over time and which I recommend if you want to eat Roman cuisine.
🔖 TO BOOK
