DISCOVER WITH ME THE PERFECT ITINERARY FOR 4 DAYS IN ROME.
Rome, the ancient capital of Roman Empire, at a time in history has been the cradle of European culture and today its heritage is still well recognizable all over Europe and other Mediterranean countries. A city so rich and astonishing is in everyone’s bucket list. So, come with me today for a 4 days itinerary that will cover some of its most famous and important landmarks. Let’s go!
DAY 1 – VATICAN CITY
You’ll need the whole day to visit the area. Start very early in the morning by queuing to enter in St. Peter’s Cathedral, the most important church of Catholicism. Be sure to be there early: the cathedral opens at 7.00, if you are visiting during weekends and peak season, be sure to be amongst the firsts as you may stay in line for hours. We were there in early June and in mid-week days at around 8.00-8.30 and queued for only 15 minutes. Be properly dressed (no naked shoulders and legs) and behave with respect to the sacred place. You will have to pass through security checks and large backpacks and luggage are not allowed.
Enjoy the cathedral and its marvelous decorations and descend to see previous Popes’ tombs, including St. Peter’s. At the exit get ready to climb on top of the Dome. Visiting the cathedral is free, there is instead a ticket to see the dome: € 10,00 with elevator and then 320 steps or € 8,00 without elevator (551 steps). We climbed it without elevator, and it’s not impossible, believe me. You’ll be rewarded by the breathtaking view of the square and a stunning skyline of the city.
You are now ready to enter the Vatican Museums. It will take you time to visit as they are wide and rich of art pieces. Reserve your ticket online to avoid a queue that’ll take you hours. Single entrance ticket costs € 21.00.
My favorite parts? the map gallery (of course!), the carriages hall and that masterpiece that is the Sistine Chapel. Take your time to visit the museums and do some researches on the pieces you’d like to see.
DAY 2 – SQUARES AND FOUNTAINS
Let’s dedicate our second day in staying outside as much as possible and enjoying the city. I suggest you to take it very easy (your feet’ll ask for it after the museums!) and stroll around the city streets. Go without any specific destination, trust me you’ll come across some stunning spots all day. But be sure to include a visit at Piazza Navona, also called in Italian Piazza delle tre fontane (Tree fountains’ square) for the tree world famous fountains: Fountain of the four rivers, Fountain of the Moor and Fountain of Neptune.
Just around the corner discover Campo de’ Fiori and its colored market and Piazza della Rotonda and the Pantheon, the best preserved Roman monument. Take break behind the square and try to choose a gelato at Gelateria Palma amongst its 150 different flavors. Do not forget to throw a coin in Trevi Fountain! Continue your stroll until you reach Piazza di Spagna and its famous steps. If you have more time, do some shopping in Via Condotti and Via del Corso.
DAY 3 – ROMAN HERITAGE AND CASTEL SANT’ANGELO
Reach the Coliseum for an early entrance in the morning in order to avoid a long queue. Take your time to walk around and let your eyes be filled with its splendor. Imagine all the people gathering to attend a gladiator game, or the bottom filled with water for a ship battle. Lions, elephants, bears were also used during the fights.
At the end of your tour reach the entrance of the Roman Forum, a wide and magnificent archaeological site that let you imagine how politic was managed.
Take the metro and go back near Castel Sant’Angelo, walk through the splendid bridge designed by Bernini and adorned with his students angels statues. Enter the Castle and learn its history, from military fortress to papal residence.
DAY 4 – AT YOUR CHOICE
On your last day, it’s up to you to decide what you prefer to see and do.
OPTION 1: VILLA BORGHESE AND ITS PARK
Dedicate the day to explore Villa Borghese and its art gallery. The building itself is magical and a stunning example of Italian Villa from 1600. Take the rest of the day for a picnic in the park, some relax and a nice walk around the lakes. Visit the peculiar water clock and take a selfie on Pincio terrace, with a view of Piazza del Popolo.
OPTION 2: CATHEDRALS OF SAN CLEMENTE AND SAN GIOVANNI IN LATERANO AND TRASTEVERE
Reach the Cathedrals with a Metro ride and enjoy two of the most beautiful churches. San Clemente and its stunning Excavations. See all the historical layers that appear while you descend.
The best part of San Giovanni Lateran is its closer, a peaceful oasis that protects lots of ancient ruins and parts of the church.
Once you visited both churches, go back towards Trastevere, one of the most popular neighborhoods of the city. Every corner is picturesque and worth a photo or 50! The area is also well known for its restaurants where you can eat typical roman dishes at extremely good prices. The place is bustling especially at night, consider to be there for dinner and spend the evening in one of its nice cocktail bars.
Let us know if you’ll use our itinerary suggestions during your next trip to Rome and you found them useful!
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