Day 1: Ancient Rome & Historic Center

Morning

08:30 – Breakfast at Antico Caffè Greco (Via dei Condotti)

Rome’s oldest café, historic and elegant

09:30 – Colosseum Tour

Book a “skip-the-line” ticket with underground & arena floor access

📝 Bring water and wear comfy shoes

11:00 – Walk to Roman Forum & Palatine Hill (entrance included in Colosseum ticket)

Epic ruins and views over ancient Rome

Afternoon

13:00 – Lunch at La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali

14:30 – Walk through Piazza Venezia to Altare della Patria

• • Optional: Elevator ride to the rooftop terrace for views15:30 – Visit the Pantheon (free; now requires online booking for entry slot)

• 16:30 – Enjoy a coffee or tiramisu at Caffè Sant’Eustachio

Evening

18:00 – Aperitivo in Campo de’ Fiori

• • Try Roscioli Salumeria for wines and bites

• 20:00 – Dinner at Armando al Pantheon (authentic Roman cuisine)

• 21:30 – Evening stroll to Trevi Fountain (less crowded, beautifully lit)

  • 🎯 Toss a coin over your shoulder to ensure your return to Rome

🏛️ Day 2: Vatican City & Baroque Rome

Morning

• 07:30 – Early breakfast (grab-and-go)

• 08:00 – Visit Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

  • Pre-book first-entry tickets or a guided tour

  • Must-see: Raphael Rooms, Gallery of Maps, and Michelangelo’s ceiling

• 11:30 – St. Peter’s Basilica

  • Free entry; climb to the dome for the best city view (€10)

  • Dress code: No shorts, shoulders covered

Afternoon

• 13:00 – Lunch at E.G.G. (inside Mercato Trionfale – great local vibe)

• 14:30 – Cross the river to Castel Sant’Angelo

  • Walk the ramparts, enjoy the views, and get Instagram shots on the bridge

• 16:00 – Explore Piazza Navona

  • Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers is a masterpiece

  • Optional: Espresso at Caffè Domiziano

Evening

• 18:30 – Sunset from Pincian Terrace above Piazza del Popolo

  • Walk through Villa Borghese Gardens

• 20:00 – Dinner at Dal Bolognese (in Piazza del Popolo – upscale)

• 21:30 – Gelato from Gelateria del Teatro or Frigidarium

  • Optional walk through Via Margutta (hidden artists’ street)

🛍️ Day 3: Trastevere, Hidden Gems & Optional Day Trip

Morning

• 09:00 – Breakfast at Le Levain (French-style bakery in Trastevere)

• 10:00 – Explore Trastevere

  • Visit: Santa Maria in Trastevere church, artisan shops, and cobbled alleys

  • Optional: Climb to Janiculum Hill (Gianicolo) for sweeping city views

Afternoon Options
A) Stay in Rome

• 13:00 – Lunch at Osteria da Zi Umberto

• 14:30 – Visit Basilica di San Clemente (multi-layered church with underground ruins)

• 16:00 – Free time: shop around Via del Corso or relax in Piazza di Spagna

  • Optional: Climb Spanish Steps, visit Keats-Shelley House

• 17:30 – Aperitivo at Il Palazzetto (overlooking Spanish Steps)

B) Half-Day Trip:

• Orvieto (1h by train)

  • Hilltop town with a stunning cathedral and underground caves

• Tivoli (40 min train)

  • Explore Villa d’Este & Villa Adriana (UNESCO sites)

Evening

• 20:00 – Farewell dinner at Tonnarello or Trattoria Da Enzo al 29 (Trastevere favorites)

• 21:30 – End the trip with a riverside walk or nightcap at Freni e Frizioni (cocktail bar with local crowd)

🚇 Transport Tips

• Rome is walkable in the center, but taxis/Uber/Bolt help at night

• Metro is handy: 3 lines, buy a 72-hour transport pass

• Download Roma Mobilità or Citymapper for directions

• Vatican = different country, no ID needed for EU, just be respectful

📸 Top Photo Spots

• Colosseum (from Via Nicola Salvi or Gladiator Gate)

• Trevi Fountain (early or late)

• Spanish Steps from above (Trinità dei Monti)

• Vatican dome view

• Janiculum Terrace at sunset

• Via Margutta / Trastevere alleys