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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Baroque and Roll in Rome

Whether you’re a professional architect, history buff or just an amateur lover of European buildings, you’ve probably come across the baroque style that is prominent throughout the continent and especially throughout Rome. As Rome was the birthplace of this 17th century design, it’s not surprising that there are inescapable examples of the style wherever you look. It is believed – and widely heralded – that it was the creative genius of Gian Bernini, and so his consequent success meant that all ecclesiastical decoration over the period, including St Peters Basilica, was heavily influenced by this new theme. Bernini’s talents also influenced famous landmarks like the Trevi Fountain in later years, too. You can easily go on a Baroque-spot across Rome, but to make it simple and to make sure you head to the right spots, we’ve outlined our top five ‘Baroque Bests’ in the city. Sant'Andrea al Quirinale Known as the “pearl of the baroque” the Church of Saint Andrew's at the Quirinal is thought of as the best example of the baroque style in Rome. Constructed by 1661, Bernini himself considered the church one of his most perfect works, and was so humbled by what he had achieved that he spent countless hours inside the church in awe of what he had created as an artist. St. Peter's Basilica Although Michelangelo is mostly to thank for the brilliance and splendour of St Peter’s Basilica, Bernini played his hand in a lot of the interior décor and design – as well as designing the entire square at the front of the grand church, complimented by the ring of columns and 140 of Bernini’s personal favourite saints whose statues overlook the square. On the inside, the large bronze and gold baroque ‘canopy’, the Baldachin, the stands over the main alter marking the place of St Peter’s tomb is one of the main features of the building. A master of all trades, Bernini also worked on the marble floor, too, meaning there are baroque influences throughout if you look carefully enough... Trevi Fountain As the largest baroque fountain in Rome, and one of the most famous in the world, the Trevi Fountain was actually designed by Nicola Salvi and Pietro Bracci in 1732. However, 100 years earlier Bernini had submitted initial designs to the Pope Urban VIII. Although the original design was discarded, there are undeniable Bernini-baroque influences throughout what we see today with its huge marble statues and figures and the dramatic water cascading down. Borghese Gallery The Borghese Gallery is home to some of the finest examples of baroque statues and art, so make sure you stop in and see the statue of David which was sculpted by Bernini at the mere age of 25 – and whose face was even sculptured from a mould of Bernini’s own... Apollo and Daphne is another baroque masterpiece and perfect example of the emotive tones that run through the style. Piazza Navona & Piazza di Spagna Two of the most famous squares in Rome; Piazza Navona (surrounded by restaurants and glorified with two fountains) and Piazza di Spagna (at the foot of the iconic Spanish Steps), are another two examples of baroque architecture and its ungiving grasp on Rome. Just two of many squares influenced by the style, these two are central to Rome’s history and culture and are illustrative of the forms and techniques, such as the grandiose fountains and romantic detail. Look out for cupids and cherubs – they’re a tell-tell sign of baroque architecture. Make the most of your trip to Rome with the OMNIA Vatican & Rome Pass and visit the Borghese Gallery and St Peter’s Basilica for free. Click here to learn more about how you can skip the lines with Fast Track Entry, travel throughout Rome with a travelcard and much, much more...
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A Visitor's Guide to the Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums see over 5 million people per year; and with an estimated worth of over €15 billion it’s no wonder people flock to see it! At an impressive 9 miles in length the museum is bursting with art from floor to ceiling. It’s believed that if you spent just one minute admiring each painting it would take you four years to see the entire collection. And that’s not including the sculptures, tapestries, frescoes... The Vatican Museums are filled with some of the greatest masterpieces of all time; from Michelangelo to Botticelli, Bernini and Raphael. There are 54 rooms, or salas, in total ranging from miniature mosaics, Etruscan artefacts, classical antiquities and much more... But as part of the Holy See in the Vatican City (and the smallest country in the world), needless to say there are rules to be followed and customs to be respected. It’s hard to know where to begin, so we’ll give you some advice from what to see and to what to wear, with our visitor’s guide to the Vatican. Rules Because the Vatican City is a place of worship and the heart of the Roman Catholic Church, any visitor must abide to their rules and regulations - even if its outside of your beliefs. You may not wear short skirts, sleeveless blouses or shorts (cover all knees and shoulders) so make sure you come appropriately dressed in advance or you’ll be sold an overpriced scarf by a lurking tout to drape over yourself. As any important building or museum, you must be respectful of your surroundings. The Vatican Museums date back to the early 1500s so it’s almost an artefact in itself. Don’t try and touch any of the sculptures, or tapestries on display – even though there will be hoards of people inside - please leave enough room around the art pieces. Cameras may be used in the museum with no flash, but not in the Sistine Chapel. This is to protect the fresco from fading – and let’s be honest, it would be a travesty if Michelangelo’s Last Judgement were to peel and discolour. What to see An average visit to the Vatican Museums takes about four hours and from the moment you get in there are works of art, sculptures and architecture to be admired. From the spiral staircase built in 1832 right at the entrance, to the four imposing Raphael Rooms in the public part of the papal apartments, you can explore the great Vatican Museums from top to bottom. Discover the Ancient Egyptian Museum covering nine rooms, or learn about the different Popes in the portraits gallery. If you love statues, you can’t miss the hallway of marble masterpieces. Checkout the Sistine Chapel on your way out to end on a high. Literally. Remember no cameras are allowed, so take a mental picture of the famous 15th century ceiling and while you're in there, admire Botticelli’s long murals, too - something that often gets overlooked. Beat the crowds With the OMNIA and Vatican Card you can get free and fast track entry into the Vatican Museums, saving you hours of queuing in the summer months. Just flash your card and jump straight to the front. To make your experience even more enjoyable, our advice is visit around midday or 1pm when the early birds are leaving to get lunch which means there might be a lull in numbers. Saying that, it’s always pretty busy so make sure you’re good in crowds. There’s an outdoor area and little café in the grassy courtyard, too, if you need a break – and it’s always nice to sit outside and admire the architecture from a different perspective. If you want something a little different, why not try their Night Time Tours, which run in the summer (May-July and Sept-Oct) when the Vatican Museums are open until 11pm. It's the perfect time to go as you’re guaranteed fewer people and a calmer experience - even if it's at an extra cost. St Peter’s Basilica St Peter’s Basilica is part of the Vatican City however it’s not accessible through the Vatican Museums. For this, you’ll have to queue up under the right hand colonnades of St Peter’s Square and enter from the front of the basilica. Like the Vatican Museums, you must have shoulders and knees covered to be allowed entry. As this is a daily place of worship you must be respectful of those around you. With an OMNIA Vatican & Rome Card you can get a free audio guide and skip the lines to St Peter’s Basilica once you’ve visited the Vatican Museums, to complete your exploration of the Vatican City. Discover more of the Rome and the Holy See with the OMNIA Vatican & Rome Card - your indispensable sightseeing pass!
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Our Guide to the Borghese Gallery: Don't Miss Out

Feeling artsy? Check out our guide to the Borghese Gallery See some of the world's most significant pieces of art at Villa Borghese, where the family that the villa is named for cultivated one of the world's most impressive art collections. From early Caravaggios to Bernini's most breathtaking sculptures, there's lots to see here - make sure you see the highlights with our guide to the Borghese Gallery below. David with the Head of Goliath It should come as no surprise that this dark piece of work comes from the mind of Caravaggio, one of the greatest Baroque artists of all time. As with all of his works, the play of light and shadows is one of the most striking things about it. Beyond its biblical references to the story of David slaying the giant Goliath, it's also an allegory for Caravaggio himself who gifted this to Pope Borghese to ask for a murder pardon. Apollo and Daphne These gorgeous sculptures were crafted by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, a Baroque artist that grew to prominence in the 1600s. These mythological and romantic statues were actually crafted for Scipione Borghese, the founder of the Borghese Gallery - and Bernini was just 24 when he made them. Young Sick Bacchus While this portrait of the Greek god Bacchus has strong mythological ties, Caravaggio actually based it off of his own likeness and is one of his earliest self-portraits. Painted in the dark Baroque style the artist was renowned for, its said that it reflects Caravaggio's own illness for which he was hospitalised for several months. The Rape of Persephone The virtuoso sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini's work fills the halls of Galleria Borghese and The Rape of Persephone is perhaps one of his most visited. Crafted by the artist at just 23 years old, the work depicts the goddess Persephone fighting off the god Hades who eventually steals her away to the underworld to be his wife. It was commissioned by Cardinal Scipione Borghese and while it moved around a bit in its lifetime, it eventually found its way back to the Borghese family in the early 1900s. Venus Victrix It's hard to believe this sculpture is hewn out of marble, as the artist Antonio Canova's work seems as though it is set to take a deep breath and come to life any second. This is one of the most famous sculptures in the Borghese Gallery and has strong historical precedence as well, as the semi-nude was actually based on Pauline Bonaparte - yes, that Bonaparte. (She was Napoleon's sister.) Sacred and Profane Love When discussing the masters of the Borghese Gallery, it's impossible for Titian's name and this particular painting to come up. As one of his earliest outstanding pieces, the contrast between the two women - one clothed and one bare naked - has been highly debated and meaning read and reread into everything from their composition, to their posture, to even what they're holding in their hands. The Deposition Also known famously as The Entombment, this biblical work by a young Raphael exemplifies the best of his early training, including his skills gained from Florentine masters. While the subject matter - the entombment of Christ following his crucifixion - isn't particularly original or groundbreaking, the choice of scene was very left field at the time and proof of his originality.
Megan Hills
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