Family-Friendly 7-Day Itinerary: Rome & Vatican

Friday, January 12: Arrival in Rome

Start your family adventure by arriving in Rome. After checking into your hotel, head to the Colosseum in the morning to explore ancient history. Take a guided tour to learn about the gladiators and the significance of this iconic landmark. In the afternoon, visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill to continue your historical journey. As the evening sets in, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Trastevere, known for its traditional architecture, narrow alleyways, and delicious Italian cuisine.

  • Colosseum: Entrance fee - €12, Time spent - 2-3 hours
  • Roman Forum: Entrance fee - €12, Time spent - 1-2 hours
  • Palatine Hill: Entrance fee - €12, Time spent - 1-2 hours
  • Trastevere: Free, Time spent - Evening walk
Saturday, January 13: Vatican City

Start your day with a visit to St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world. Marvel at its stunning architecture and explore the Vatican Museums in the morning. Don't miss the famous Sistine Chapel with its breathtaking frescoes by Michelangelo. Afterward, enjoy a peaceful walk through the beautiful Vatican Gardens. In the afternoon, visit Castel Sant'Angelo, a fortress with panoramic views of Rome. In the evening, treat your family to a delicious gelato from one of the nearby gelaterias.

  • St. Peter's Basilica: Free entry, Time spent - 1-2 hours
  • Vatican Museums: Entrance fee - €17, Time spent - 2-3 hours
  • Castel Sant'Angelo: Entrance fee - €14, Time spent - 1-2 hours
  • Gelateria: €3-€5 per gelato
Sunday, January 14: Exploring Ancient Rome

Embark on a journey through ancient Rome by visiting the Pantheon in the morning, known for its impressive dome and history. Explore the Capitoline Museums, housing a vast collection of ancient artifacts, in the afternoon. Enjoy a relaxing walk along the Tiber River in the evening, taking in the picturesque views and possibly catching a street performance.

  • Pantheon: Free entry, Time spent - 1-2 hours
  • Capitoline Museums: Entrance fee - €15, Time spent - 2-3 hours
  • Tiber River: Free, Time spent - Evening walk
Monday, January 15: Villa Borghese and Piazza Navona

Start your day by visiting the beautiful Villa Borghese Gardens. Enjoy a picnic and rent bicycles or rowboats for a fun family activity. In the afternoon, explore the Galleria Borghese, a stunning art gallery filled with masterpieces. Head to Piazza Navona in the evening to soak in the lively atmosphere, admire the famous Fountain of the Four Rivers, and indulge in some delicious Italian pizza.

  • Villa Borghese Gardens: Free entry, Time spent - Half a day
  • Galleria Borghese: Entrance fee - €20, Time spent - 2-3 hours
  • Piazza Navona: Free, Time spent - Evening walk
  • Pizza: €8-€15 per person
Tuesday, January 16: Catacombs and Appian Way

In the morning, visit the Catacombs of Rome, where you can discover ancient underground burial sites. Take a guided tour to learn about the fascinating history and significance of these catacombs. In the afternoon, explore the Appian Way, one of the oldest and most important Roman roads. Enjoy a peaceful bike ride or stroll along this historic path. In the evening, venture to Testaccio neighborhood for authentic Roman cuisine.

  • Catacombs of Rome: Entrance fee - €8, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Appian Way: Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
  • Testaccio: Cost varies, Time spent - Evening
Wednesday, January 17: Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps

Start your day by visiting the famous Trevi Fountain. Marvel at its grandeur and be sure to toss a coin into the fountain for good luck. In the morning, explore the nearby Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Steps) and climb to the top for panoramic views of Rome. Enjoy some leisurely shopping along Via del Corso in the afternoon. In the evening, savor traditional Roman dishes in the charming neighborhood of Monti.

  • Trevi Fountain: Free, Time spent - 1 hour
  • Spanish Steps: Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
  • Via del Corso: Cost varies, Time spent - Afternoon
  • Monti: Cost varies, Time spent - Evening
Thursday, January 18: Day Trip to Tivoli

Take a day trip to Tivoli, a picturesque town located just outside of Rome. Visit the magnificent Villa d'Este, known for its stunning Renaissance gardens and fountains. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hadrian's Villa, once the lavish residence of Emperor Hadrian. Enjoy a leisurely lunch in one of the charming trattorias in Tivoli. In the evening, return to Rome and relax before your departure.

  • Villa d'Este: Entrance fee - €12, Time spent - Half a day
  • Hadrian's Villa: Entrance fee - €10, Time spent - 2-3 hours
  • Lunch in Tivoli: Cost varies

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For off the beaten path attractions, consider visiting the Explora Children's Museum, a fun and interactive museum for kids of all ages. Another hidden gem is the Bioparco di Roma, a family-friendly zoo with a wide variety of animals. Locals also love spending time in the charming neighborhood of Garbatella, known for its colorful houses and relaxed ambiance.

Check hotel and flight prices here
0