Rome and the Vatican in 5 Days

  • Day 1: The Vatican
    20 minutes (3.0 km) from Colleseum

    Start your first day with the Vatican. The Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, it is a walled enclave within Rome, Italy. It is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and it houses the Pope’s residence. Inside the Vatican City, there are many amazing sites to see such as the Vatican Museum, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Make sure to get the Skip-the-line: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Small-Group Upgrade option to maximize your time.

  • Day 2: Colosseum
    25 minutes (3.5 km) from Vatican City

    On your second day, visit the Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre. The Colosseum is one of the most iconic symbols of Rome, it is an oval amphitheater that used to hold gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. When you're done exploring, consider visiting the nearby Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

  • Day 3: Pantheon
    20 minutes (3.0 km) from Colosseum

    Day three is all about the Pantheon which is a former Roman temple and is now a church. It is a remarkable architectural feat with its massive dome that opens to the sky. It has intricate designs on the panels depicting historical events and mythological stories. Once inside, take a moment to appreciate its amazing acoustics as you move around the dome.

  • Day 4: Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps
    25 minutes (3.5 km) from Pantheon

    Day four is about exploring popular tourist areas. Start with Trevi Fountain which is a massive Baroque fountain and one of the most iconic landmarks in Rome. It was built in the 18th century and features many intricate sculptures. After that, stop by the Spanish Steps which is a popular gathering spot with a great view of Rome. There are many luxury shops and excellent restaurants to have lunch nearby.

  • Day 5: Piazza Navona
    20 minutes (3.0 km) from Trevi Fountain

    Finally, visit Piazza Navona which is a large public square with three stunning fountains located in the heart of Rome. The square is surrounded by Baroque architecture and has many restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy a drink or snack. Take some time to explore the area and complete your Roman holiday.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica Tour (3-4 hours, $70 per person)
  • Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill Tour (3 hours, $50 per person)
  • Pantheon Guided Tour (1 hour, $20 per person)
  • Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps (2-3 hours, free)
  • Piazza Navona (1-2 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $160 per person

Transportation

The best way to get around Rome is by foot or public transportation. Rome has an extensive bus and metro system that can take you to and from all the various locations. A single metro ticket costs €1.50, while a daily ticket is €7.00.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting some of Rome’s other impressive sites such as Villa Borghese, Castel Sant’ Angelo, or the Catacombs of San Sebastiano. If you are interested in history, take a day trip to Pompeii or Florence to see more of Italy’s treasures.

Airports

Rome has two main airports - Leonardo da Vinci/Fiumicino (FCO) and Ciampino (CIA). FCO is the larger airport located about 30 km southwest of the city center and is the main international airport. CIA is smaller and located about 15 km southeast of the city center, it's mainly used for low-cost airlines. Both airports have buses and taxis that can take you to the city and vice versa. FCO has a direct train link with the city, while CIA doesn't have a train station.

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