Day 1: Visit the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill – These significant sites would take half a day to explore. Take your time to absorb the history and marvel at Rome's magnificence at its peak. The former epicenter of social events and public spectacles, the Colosseum is a stunning feat of engineering with a blood-soaked past. The Roman Forum next to it is a living proof of the Roman Republic's existence, and Palatine Hill houses the ruins of the Palaces of Augustus and Tiberius.
Day 2: Visit Vatican City and Sistine Chapel – This day is dedicated to exploring the Vatican Museums and the breathtaking Sistine Chapel. Admire the works of Michelangelo, one of the world's greatest artists, and distinguish the ceiling's elaborate mural designs. After that, visit St.Peter's Basilica, home to stunning architecture and sculptures.
Day 3: Visit The Pantheon and Piazza Navona - Visit the Pantheon and inspect its intricate design, one of the best-preserved landmarks of the Greco-Roman world. Lunch next to the Pantheon, then a short walk to Piazza Navona, Rome's grandest square for live shows and intricate fountains. In the afternoon, visit Castel Sant'Angelo, where one can observe the city from its rooftop.
Day 4: Visit Galleria Borghese & Borghese Gardens - Take a trip to the stunning Galleria Borghese Museum to see masterpieces like Bernini's Apollo and Daphne, Canova's Pauline Bonaparte, the famous Caravaggio's David with Goliath, and much more. After that, take a long walk through the lush greenery of Borghese Gardens, a peaceful escape from the city, which also has an artificial lake, temples, and museums.
Time and Costs Estimates
Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill (3-4 hours, €16)
Most of the sites mentioned are walkable, but consider getting a fast-track ticket at each location to avoid heavy crowds. Taxis aren't affordable, so try using the metro, bus, or tram to get around, which is cheap (1.50€ per ticket, valid for 100 minutes) and efficient. Rome is bicycle-friendly, and renting a bike for about €4 per hour is a beautiful way to discover the city.
Useful Tips
If you have an extra day, take a day trip to the beach at Ostia, Florence, or Pompeii. In contrast, if you are short on time, prioritize sites or group sites close to each other. On Mondays, some sites are closed, so plan accordingly. Wear comfortable shoes, clothing, and sunscreen during summer months, and drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated while exploring Rome's beautiful treasures.