15-Day Itinerary to Explore Rome

  • Day 1: Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps
    30 minutes (1.6 miles) from Roma Termini Station

    Start your trip with two of Rome's most famous landmarks- The Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps. The Trevi Fountain is known for its stunning architecture and tradition of throwing a coin over the shoulder to make a wish. The Spanish Steps will lead you to the Piazza di Spagna and provide you with panoramic views of the city skyline.

  • Day 2: The Colosseum and The Roman Forum
    20 minutes (2 miles) from Trevi Fountain

    A must-visit for any new traveler in Rome - The Colosseum and the Roman Forum. These two ancient structures symbolize the greatness and rich history of Rome. Learn about the stories of ancient gladiators and their fights inside the Colosseum, and take a guided tour through the impressive ruins at the Roman Forum.

  • Day 3: Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
    30 minutes (3.6 miles) from Roman Forum

    Indulge yourself in some of the world's finest art in the Vatican Museums, including the renowned Sistine Chapel. A visit here is sure to leave you awe-inspired with its beautiful Renaissance architecture and art collection. End your visit at St. Peter's Basilica and admire its grandeur and stunning design.

  • Day 4: Castel Sant'Angelo and Trastevere
    20 minutes (2.2 miles) from Vatican Museums

    Start your day with a visit to the Castel Sant'Angelo, a magnificent ancient fortress that has stood the test of time. Then head to Trastevere to explore its charming streets and piazzas. You will find plenty of food options in this area as it's renowned for its gelato and pizza.

  • Day 5: Villa Borghese Gardens and Gallery
    20 minutes (1.5 miles) from Trastevere

    Take a break from the city center and enjoy some peace and serenity in Villa Borghese. This beautiful park offers greenery, fountains, and picturesque views. Inside the park, you will find the art gallery housing works of Caravaggio, Bernini, and Raphael.

  • Day 6: Palatine Hill and Baths of Caracalla
    20 minutes (2 miles) from Villa Borghese Gardens and Gallery

    Explore the Palatine Hill, one of the Seven Hills, and witness the beautiful panoramic views of the city. Then head towards the Baths of Caracalla to view the ruins of the impressive baths that were built in the 3rd century AD.

  • Day 7: Appian Way and Catacombs
    30 minutes (4.8 miles) from Baths of Caracalla

    Explore the ancient roads of Rome by taking a guided tour of the Appian Way, one of Rome's oldest roads. Visit the catacombs that lie beneath it, which were used for Christian burials during the first few centuries of Rome.

  • Day 8: Capitoline Museums and Jewish Ghetto
    20 minutes (1.5 miles) from Appian Way and Catacombs

    Visit the Capitoline Museums to witness the top-notch art pieces and sculptures from the Renaissance period. Then head towards the Jewish Ghetto to learn about Rome's Jewish history and enjoy some of the best kosher food in the city.

  • Day 9: National Roman Museum and Terme di Diocleziano
    15 minutes (1.5 miles) from Jewish Ghetto

    Visit the National Roman Museum that houses some of the finest Roman art, including ancient coins, sculptures, and artifacts. Then head towards the Terme di Diocleziano to view the ruins of a large ancient Roman public bathhouse.

  • Day 10: Ostia Antica and Ostia Beach
    45 minutes (16.5 miles) from Terme di Diocleziano

    Visit the ancient seaport of Ostia Antica and explore the well-preserved ruins of the ancient city of Rome. After visiting Ostia Antica, head towards the nearby Ostia beach to enjoy some sun, sand, and sea.

  • Day 11: Piazza Navona and Pantheon
    35 minutes (3.3 miles) from Ostia Beach

    Explore the historic square of Piazza Navona and take a stroll around the beautiful fountains and flocks of pigeons. Then head towards the Pantheon, an ancient Roman temple-turned-church with a mesmerizing optical illusion.

  • Day 12: Testaccio Market and Pyramid of Cestius
    25 minutes (1.9 miles) from Pantheon

    Visit the Testaccio Market, which is known for its fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and meats, and try some of the mouth-watering street food. After that, head towards the nearby Pyramid of Cestius, an ancient pyramid-shaped tomb that dates back to the first century BC.

  • Day 13: Museum of Contemporary Art, Rome, and Street Art Tour
    20 minutes (2 miles) from Pyramid of Cestius

    Visit MACRO, the museum of modern and contemporary art, which will showcase a variety of art ranging from the 20th century to present day. After visiting the museum, take a street art tour around the Ostiense district and admire some of the city's top street artists' works.

  • Day 14: Rome Food Tour and Shopping
    20 minutes (1.2 miles) from Museum of Contemporary Art, Rome

    Take a food tour of Rome and indulge in the city's finest cuisine and appetizers. Finish your day by shopping for Italian leather goods along the Via dei Condotti or Via del Corso, two of Rome's most famous shopping districts.

  • Day 15: Villa d'Este and Hadrian's Villa
    50 minutes (20 miles) from Rome Food Tour and Shopping

    Take a day trip to the nearby hills of Tivoli and visit the villas of Hadrian's and Villa D'Este. Villa D'Este is famous for its stunning gardens, fountains, and breathtaking landscapes, while Hadrian's Villa is another ancient Roman site, which offers a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the Roman Emperors.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Trevi Fountain (30 minutes, free)
  • Spanish Steps (1 hour, free)
  • Colosseum (2 hours, €16)
  • Roman Forum (2 hours, €16)
  • Vatican Museums (3 hours, €30)
  • Castel Sant'Angelo (2 hours, €15)
  • Trastevere (3 hours, €20)
  • Villa Borghese Gardens and Gallery (3 hours, €20)
  • Palatine Hill (2 hours, €16)
  • Baths of Caracalla (2 hours, €10)
  • Appian Way and Catacombs (4 hours, €30)
  • Capitoline Museums (3 hours, €15)
  • Jewish Ghetto (2 hours, €25)
  • National Roman Museum and Terme di Diocleziano (3 hours, €20)
  • Ostia Antica (4 hours, €12)
  • Ostia Beach (4 hours, free)
  • Piazza Navona (1 hour, free)
  • Pantheon (1 hour, free)
  • Testaccio Market (1 hour, free)
  • Pyramid of Cestius (1 hour, €10)
  • Museum of Contemporary Art, Rome (2 hours, €10)
  • Street Art Tour (2 hours, €20)
  • Rome Food Tour (4 hours, €50)
  • Shopping (3 hours, variable)
  • Villa d'Este and Hadrian's Villa (6 hours, €30)

  • Total Estimated Costs: €394

Transportation

Most of the points of interest can be reached on foot or by using public transport such as buses and the metro. The Roma Pass can be purchased for €38 and provides free entry to the first 2 visited museums and free use of public transportation for three days. Taxis are also available but can be expensive.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to the beautiful cities of Florence, Venice, or Naples. If you have less time, eliminate going to Ostia beach or the street art tour. Consider visiting the popular gelato shops such as Giolitti or Fatamorgana for a delicious and authentic Italian treat.

Airports

Rome has two main airports – Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and Ciampino Airport (CIA). Fiumicino is the main airport located approximately 19 miles from the city center, while Ciampino is a smaller airport located approximately 12 miles from the city center. Both airports are well connected to the city center by bus, train, and taxi services.

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