Rome Itineraries - 3 and 4 days

By Go City Expert

Planning an itinerary is the best way to make the most out of your visit – especially to a city that has so much to see and do, like Rome. With your 3-day OMNIA Rome and Vatican Pass, here is a suggestion of what you could do over 3 days in Rome and if you’re staying a bit longer, what to do during day 4 in Rome, too. From the iconic historic attractions to must-do bus tours, here are some suggested itineraries for your trip to Rome.

3 Day Itinerary

Day 1:

MORNING

Attraction: St Peter’s Basilica

Make St Peter’s Basilica the first stop on your itinerary and get one ticked off the bucket list. Any visit to St Peter’s Basilica will start your holiday on the right foot. With its huge impressive dome, marble façade and beautiful interior you can’t help but be awed by this Roman landmark. Don’t miss Bernini’s baroque baldachin, the papal throne and crypt underneath. Visit duration: 2 hours Address: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano Metro: Ottaviano-S.Pietro-Musei Vaticano (Metro A line) MIDDAY Attraction: Sistine Chapel & Vatican Museums Around the corner from St Peter’s Basilica you’ll find the Vatican City, home to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Made world-famous by Michelangelo’s The Last Judgement, visit this chapel to admire the skill for yourself. There are also 9 miles of art, sculpture and tapestries to admire in the museums too – so make sure you have enough stamina!

Visit duration: 4 hours

Address: Viale Vaticano, 00165 Roma

Metro: Ottaviano-S.Pietro-Musei Vaticano (Metro A line)

AFTERNOON

Attraction: Castel Sant’Angelo

Castel Sant’Angelo is also known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian and has stood on the bank of the River Tiber for over 2,000 years. It was once Rome’s fortress, then papal refuge, now it’s a historic attraction that showcases a range of ancient Roman artefacts from pottery to paintings, military weapons and the bronze angel right on top. Visit duration: 2 hours Address: Lungotevere Castello, 50 - 00186 Rome Metro: Lepanto or Ottaviano (Metro line A)

Day 2:

MORNING

Attraction: Colosseum

The Colosseum is one of the most iconic historic buildings in Rome and dates back over 2,000 years so its walls are bursting with history and tales of Ancient Rome. The Colosseum is the world’s most famous amphitheatre, once used for entertaining and brutal gladiator contests – you can learn about these and the lives of a gladiator and the hierarchy of the Empire at the fascinating exhibits in the Colosseum.

Visit duration: 2 hours

Address: Piazza del Colosseo, 00184 Rome

Metro: Colosseo (Metro line B)

MIDDAY

Attraction: Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

If you’re into your history and archaeology, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are two of Rome’s most iconic sites to visit and will give you a great insight into what life was like in Ancient Rome. Walk through the cobbled streets of the forum to imagine what life was like in the busy market place, and walk up the Palatine Hill for views across the city of Rome and the ruins of the Forum below.

Visit duration: 2 hours

Address: Via di San Gregorio, 30 - 00184 Rome

Metro: Colosseo (Metro line B)

AFTERNOON

Attraction: Capitoline Museums

The Capitoline Museums are considered the world’s oldest national museums, founded in 1471 by Pope Sixtus IV who donated bronze statues to the museum, set within three historic buildings and piazza designed by Michelangelo. Within you can see the iconic She-Wolf suckling Romulus and Remus, as well as sculptures and statues thousands of years old.

Visit duration: 2 hours

Address: Piazza del Campidoglio, 1 - 00186 Rome

Metro: Colosseo (Metro B)

Day 3:

MORNING

Attraction: Borghese Gallery

The Borghese Gallery is one of the most impressive art galleries in Rome and certainly in one of the most picturesque of locations. Housed in the old Villa Borghese Pinciana, once home to Scipione Borghese who commissioned works off Caravaggio and Botticelli for his private collection, has since become one of the most esteemed art galleries for paintings and classical antiquities in all of Rome.

Visit duration: 2 hours

Address: Piazzale del Museo, Borghese, 5 - 00197 Rome

Bus: Pinciana- Museo Borghese

MIDDAY

Attraction: Hop on Hop off Bus Tour

There’s no better way to see the sights of Rome than aboard a hop on hop off Rome Christiana bus tour. Take the stress off and just sit back and admire the landmarks and monuments of Rome, passing the iconic sites; Castel Sant’Angelo, St Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican City, River Tiber, Colosseum – and more! Plug into live commentary as you drive through the streets and learn about the city’s history as you go. Whenever takes your fancy, just hop off to explore!

Visit duration: 3 hours

AFTERNOON

Attraction: St John in the Lateran

Did you know St John in the Lateran is the official seat of the Pope? Take in the stunning Cosmatesque architecture, sculpture and 14th-century Gothic Baldacchino, and don’t forget to visit the Scala Sancta – the Holy Steps – to which hundreds make pilgrimage to every month. It’s also one of the oldest basilicas in Europe, dating back to 324 AD!

Visit duration: 2 hours

Address: Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano, 00184 Rome

Metro: San Giovanni (Metro A)

4 Day Itinerary

Day 4:

MORNING

Attraction: Pantheon

The Pantheon is one of the best preserved ancient buildings in Rome, dating back to 118 AD. It’s a place of worship and working church to this day, and its name, in fact, means “house of gods”. It’s famous for its large pillared façade – upon which the Pantheon in Paris was modelled – as well as its huge oculus in the ceiling which provides the only source light in the building. Visit duration: 1 hour

Address: Piazza Della Rotonda, 00186 Roma

Tram/Bus: Largo di Torre Argentina

MIDDAY

Attraction: Trevi Fountain

The Trevi fountain is not to be missed on your trip to Rome; it’s the perfect place to go around lunch as all around the piazza are restaurants so you might be lucky to get a table with a view. The Trevi Fountain is one of the most famous fountains in the world thanks to its stunning Baroque sculptures – so make sure you throw a coin in for good luck to make sure you’ll return to Rome! Visit duration: 1-hour Address: Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma Metro: Barberini (Metro line A)

AFTERNOON

Attraction: Spanish Steps

There are 135 steps which make up the Spanish Steps that date back to the early 1720s, linking the Piazza di Spagna to the elevated church in the Piazza Trinità dei Monti at the top. You might recognise the steps in some classic films, such as Audrey Hepburn’s Roman Holiday, otherwise, it’s a lovely spot to buy a coffee or a picnic and sit and watch the world go by.

Visit duration: 1 hour

Address: Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Roma

Metro: Spagna (Metro line A)

It’s important to plan out an itinerary or rough agenda so you can make the most out of your days in Rome. There are so many historic sites, it makes more sense to group them by location, as above. Rome is small enough you can walk between many attractions during the day – but with the OMNIA Rome and Vatican Pass you get a free travelcard for the Metro, Trams and Buses which also makes getting from A to B easier.

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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.
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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.
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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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