3 Days In Rome Itinerary (72 hours in Rome)

By Go City Expert

Rome is a fascinating city full of ancient culture and whose historic ruins, monuments, and museums are waiting to teach you about its rich past. To make the most out of your time in Rome, we’ve put together a suggested 3 day itinerary to show you how you can spend three days (72 hours) in the Eternal City and see the best of what Rome has to offer.

Day 1

Morning - St Peter's Basilica 

St Peter’s Basilica is perhaps one of the most important religious and historic buildings in the world, let alone in Rome, so a visit to this iconic cathedral is a must. Its imposing architecture is breath-taking and inside is even better with its huge dome, Baldacchino, and Papal throne. The best thing is you can skip the queue and walk right in and make the most of a free audio guide too!

Midday - Sistene Chapel and Vatican Museums

Save up to four hours of queuing with the Rome and Vatican pass package and step right into the Vatican Museums. Considered some of the most prestigious museums of its kind for the sheer scale of collections and artworks on display, you can see ancient Roman bronzes, to marble sculptures, and tapestries. There are over 9 miles of art to appreciate so you’ll need a few hours to take it all in. Don’t miss Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Last Judgement, on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel before you leave.

Afternoon - Castel Sant'Angelo

On the bank of the River Tiber, Rome’s ancient fortress Castel Sant’Angelo – also known as Hadrian’s Mausoleum – is waiting to be discovered. Built over 2000 years ago, it has seen its fair share of events, from battles to Papal refuge and jailing criminals so it has a story to tell. Walk through its courtyards and bring Rome’s ancient history to life.

Day 2

Morning - Colosseum

The Colosseum is arguably the most famous amphitheatre in the world and provides a fascinating insight into the world of gladiator fighting and Ancient Roman entertainment. Walk through the ancient corridors and along the tiers that would have held aristocracy to paupers and imagine what the gruesome games would have been like as a spectator. Learn more about Rome’s ancient culture in the exhibitions – and what’s more, enjoy fast track entry to get in!

Midday - Museum of Rome

Revisit some of Rome’s forgotten art and sculpture at the stunning Museo di Roma. The Baroque Palazzo Braschi, a fine example of Roman architecture in itself, celebrates the ‘forgotten ages’, showcasing frescoes, mosaics, ceramics, and more. Right beside Piazza Navona its location is hard to beat, too! Spend a few hours admiring its rich collections dating back to the Middle Ages and spanning up to the mid-20th century.

Afternoon - Capitoline Museums

If you are an art and sculpture aficionado, make a beeline for the Capitoline Museums. Founded in 1471, they are considered the oldest museums in the world. A true museum of the people, they feature the first collections donated by Pope Sixtus IV, the original bronze statues, as well as the iconic She-Wolf suckling Romulus and Remus.

Day 3

Midday - Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

See the sights of Rome from the comfort of a hop-on hop-off bus tour and let the guide do all the work. Pass the iconic sights and get a unique perspective along the way. You’ll be pointed out the Colosseum, Imperial Forum, Vittorio Emanuele, Piazza Navona, and more – and you can hop on and off at leisure to tailor-make your own itinerary. We recommend going to Campo di Fiori to see the local fresh produce.

Afternoon - St John in Lateran

Officially the seat of the Pope, St John in Lateran is a must for your Rome itinerary. You’ll see the baroque and Costmatesque style and architecture and 14th century Baldacchino, cloisters and Scala Sancta (Holy Steps) to which thousands make a pilgrimage to every year to see. Whether you’re a visitor or a worshiper, St John in the Lateran is not to be missed! Hopefully this gives you everything you need to see the best of Rome in 3 days. It will be an action-packed 72 hours but an unforgettable one.

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Five Facts: Michelangelo and his Sistine Chapel

Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel is one of the most visited sites in Rome. Did you know around 25,000 people a day visit the esteemed landmark to marvel at the Renaissance masterpiece? Crazy, isn’t it. (But don't sweat it, with the OMNIA Vatican and Rome Card you can jump straight to the front of the queue, VIP style). Among these 5 million people a year are Italians and tourists alike, dedicated pilgrims and art buffs dying for a glimpse of the high rise frescoes. So before you visit, why not go armed with some facts just in case you miss the guided tour – or in case anyone tests your knowledge. Get down to the basics The Sistine Chapel, or Cappella Sistina, was named after Pope Sixtus IV, Sisto in Italian. It was he who commissioned the Chapel in 1473; probably never imagining it would be a world famous landmark. Intending the chapel to be for private use for the Papal palace, it’s ironic now to think that such a place was ever destined to stay a quiet religious sanctuary. Home to one of the most recognised frescoes in art history, the Sistine Chapel paintings cover an impressive 12,000 sq ft – that’s nearly two rugby pitches of Renaissance pièces de resistance under one roof. The fame game Although the Sistine Chapel is most famous for Michelangelo’s masterpiece, Pope Sisto had actually commissioned frescoes from Botticelli to decorate the two long walls of the chapel. As a Renaissance contemporary, Botticelli’s work is outstanding in itself – it’s just a shame that now most people overlook his efforts in favour of the impressive ceiling. So if you’re visiting, give Botticelli a look in and remember it’s not all just about Michelangelo. Story time It’s something of a feat in itself to paint such a masterpiece as The Last Judgement, let alone to tell a story within it. To understand more about what you (and 24,999 others) are looking at, the nine panels depict religious stories from the Book of Genesis. With characters from the Creation to the legend of Noah, Michelangelo flipped the order and decided to paint the panels in reverse – ending with God creating the sun, moon, Earth, darkness and light. Ever the perfectionist, Michelangelo left this chapter to the end as he believed his technique would be more refined than when he started. Quite rightly he believed he ought to get the image of the divine right, seeing as he was in God’s house... Indecent exposure We all know Renaissance art is renowned for its nudity and celebration of the human form, but in 1564 the Council of Trent put their foot down and demanded that the more ‘prominent’ nudes that decorated the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel be covered up and made slightly more decent. So much so, Daniele da Volterra was commissioned to paint underwear, or braghe, on the naughty naked ones. Unfortunately, this lent da Volterra the nickname Braghettone after his job. For those who don’t speak Italian, that means Big Pants. Prime position You might think that it would be logical to paint a ceiling whilst lying on your back, in a horizontal position. Well, Michelangelo didn’t. The artist invented a platform on scaffolding that would allow him and his assistants to stand upright to paint, reaching above their heads. Although standing might have allowed for a better, more natural style of painting, Michelangelo wasn’t shy about sharing the discomfort of the job and the physical strain of the awkward angle, lamenting in a poem he wrote about “this torture” and how his “spine’s all knotted.” Considering he was originally hired to sculpt a tomb, and sculpting was actually Michelangelo’s true profession, you could see how he might have been a little bitter... With the OMNIA Vatican & Rome Pass you can visit the Sistine Chapel for free! Saving yourself €27.50, visit this 15th century chapel, not to mention one of Rome’s most famous historical buildings, and admire Michelangelo’s (and Botticelli’s) Renaissance masterpieces and put your knowledge to the test. The OMNIA Vatican & Rome Pass also grants you skip-the-line privileges – a blessing during the summer months - so despite the 25,000 people a day, you'll be one of the lucky few who can wave goodbye to the long queues as you make your way to the front.
Go City Expert
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To Rome with Love

Spending St Valentine’s in the Eternal City Rivalling Paris as the most romantic city, Rome is a top destination for passion and ‘amore’. You only need to watch Vacanze Romane to get a vague idea of its infectious romance. As we approach St Valentine’s Day, we’ve put together a list of the best places to take your loved one, as recommended by our local ‘on-the-ground’ insider. So if you’re planning a (surprise?) trip to the Eternal City, take heed and follow our five step guide for a weekend to remember. 1. Bici&Baci Make the most of the mild weather and rent out two bicycles at Bici&Baci for a romantic cycle through the city. Rome’s cobbled streets were made for stolen kisses and exploring the ancient passages of the centre, so break away from the crowds of tourists and make your own memories, sightseeing your own way. 2. Secret Garden Head to the Coliseum for a breath-taking view of the old amphitheatre, passing the Roman Forum on your way. For somewhere even more romantic, visit the Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden) on the Aventine Hill, a stone’s throw from the Coliseum, where you can walk through the small tree-lined walled garden and sit on an old marble bench to overlook the city. Perfect at sunset. 3. Lock of Love If you want to make your love known in a more permanent way, Ponte Milvio is the place to go. Lining the side of the bridge is a wall of hundreds of padlocks locked together, binding young love symbolically. Stop off at a local kiosk, or take one off your suitcase, and affix your love to Rome forever by throwing away the key in the River Tiber. 4. Food of the heart They say the way into a man's heart is through his stomach, but in Rome it applies to both women, too. A city not shy of good places to eat, stop off for a midday sugar hit at Giolitti or GROM, around the corner from the Pantheon. With an array of multi-coloured creams to choose from sample a rich hazelnut or zesty limoncello flavour. 5. It’s all about the view Nothing says romance more than a candle lit dinner and spectacular views. Thankfully in Rome, this is quite easy to come by. If you want to splash out and really show your loved one how much they mean to you, Hotel Forum offers one of the best roof garden experiences in Rome where you can dine on fine foods and drink rich Italian wines into the night. Overlooking the Roman Forum and Piazza Venezzia, your panorama stretches across impressive domes along the skyline and tall, ancient pillars standing proud from the old cobbled streets. And one last point, in case you’re planning on it being an extra special trip to Rome... 6. A sparkly something If you’re in need of a last minute present, or a ‘little something’ to remember Rome by, wander through the cobbled streets, especially in the Monti Quarter, and you’ll be sure to stumble upon a boutique jeweller to suit your needs. If you’re after something a bit more special with a designer label, head towards the Spanish Steps, to Via Condotti where you won’t be stuck for inspiration. With an OMNIA Vatican & Rome Card you can enjoy Rome to the fullest with free, fast track and discounted entry into 30 of Rome’s most popular attractions and museums – not to mention stress-free travel with a 3 day travelcard and hop-on, hop-off bus all included in the package. Find out more, here.
Go City Expert
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A Royal visit to Rome

It's the convergence of two cultures as the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh are scheduled to visit Rome on the 3rd April. Fulfilling the postponed visit from last year, which was delayed due to illness, the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh are finally making the trip next month to meet with Pope Francis and the Italian president, Giorgio Napolitano. In anticipation of her visit, we’ve put together a list of places in Rome where the Queen might like to go and things to see during her stay. We hope her majesty is reading... Quirinal Palace This palace, known locally as Quirinale is the official residence of the President of the Italian Republic. Famously, it has been home to thirty popes, four kings and eleven presidents and spans over 110,500 square metres - giving Buckingham Palace a run for its money. Built in 1583, Quirinale is the sixth largest palace in the world and is adorned with impressive Renaissance art work and mosaics. If it’s good enough for the Italian royalty, it’s good enough for ours. St Peter’s Basilica Home to the Pope, there’s no doubt that the Queen will be visiting this iconic cathedral during her short stay. As the epicentre of Roman Catholicism, it has a wealth of history behind it, from masters of the Renaissance to papal patrons. If the Queen is after a view to remember then she should go up the Duomo (dome) for spectacular panoramas across the city. We’re sure the Pope will agree. Capitoline Museums For a bit of culture, history and to learn about the ancient ways of Rome, the Capitoline Museums are the perfect place to indulge in a bit of artistic appreciation. From sculptures, mosaics and paintings, the Queen can discover Rome’s talented past and marvel in its ancient archaeology and architecture. As a patron of the arts herself, we’re sure her majesty would enjoy a walk around this notable museum. Coliseum One of the most iconic sights in Rome, the Coliseum is as important a landmark to the city as St Peter’s Basilica. Drenched in history, the Coliseum was once the amphitheatre of legendary gladiator competitions and entertainment where the head of state, like the Queen, would have no doubt have been special guest over 2000 years ago. As a monumental landmark with such an exciting history, the Queen couldn’t leave Rome without walking through its ancient stone arches, surely? National Museum of Castel Sant’Angelo Another important historical landmark, this museum should be top of the Queen’s to-do list when she visits Rome in April. A building with many pasts, Castel Sant’Angelo has been everything from a military base, a prison, Papal refuge and even a fortress. Now the museum delves into its diverse past and is one of Rome’s most fascinating attractions. Just down the Tiber from St Peter’s Basilica, it would be a tragedy to miss it. We’re sure the Queen is getting excited for her impending visit, after all Rome is a city with much to offer and with a spread of ancient landmarks to see, so she’ll no doubt be busy. If you fancy a visit to Rome and like the sounds of the itinerary above then the OMNIA & Vatican Card is your key to the Eternal City, unlocking over 30 attractions and giving you free and discounted entry into the best sights. With a hop-on, hop-off bus tour, travel included and a guidebook it’s the perfect sightseeing pass.
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