A Roman Holiday: Exploring the Colosseum and the Vatican

  • Day 1: Colosseum
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 3.5 km from Vatican City

    Begin your adventure at the iconic Colosseum, the largest amphitheatre in the world. It's an impressive engineering marvel, which once held 50,000 spectators for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. The Colosseum is a perfect place to get a glimpse of ancient Rome and envision the city during its glory days.

  • Day 1: Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
    1:00 PM - 3:00 PM, 650 m from Colosseum

    Just a short walk from the Colosseum, you’ll find the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. The Forum was the political, commercial and religious epicentre of the Roman Republic, while Palatine Hill was the mythical birthplace of Rome. Take a stroll around the ruins and marvel at the beauty of ancient architecture.

  • Day 2: Vatican City
    10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 3.8 km from St. Peter's Square

    No trip to Rome is complete without a visit to Vatican City, the smallest country in the world. Home to the Pope, Vatican City houses some of the most famous museums, including the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. Get lost in the art, architecture and history of the Vatican, and feel the spiritual and cultural significance of this unique destination.

  • Day 2: Castel Sant'Angelo
    3:00 PM - 4:30 PM, 1.2 km from Vatican City

    Just a short walk from the Vatican, you'll find Castel Sant'Angelo, the towering cylindrical building which has served as a mausoleum, fortress and museum over the centuries. From the top of the Castel, you can see stunning views of the Tiber and the city, and learn about its rich history.

  • Day 3: Pantheon
    10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 1.8 km from Piazza Navona

    The Pantheon may be one of the most impressive architectural achievements of ancient Rome, a nearly 2000-year-old temple dedicated to all the gods. Its awe-inspiring dome is still the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world. Get ready to be amazed by the grand beauty of the Pantheon and learn about its interesting history.

  • Day 3: Piazza Navona
    12:00 PM - 2:00 PM, 850 m from Pantheon

    Piazza Navona is a breathtaking city square known for its impressive Baroque architecture, fountains and street performers. It's a great place to take a break, grab a bite to eat and soak up the lively atmosphere of Rome. Visit the Bernini's famous fountains, admire the art-sellers' works and indulge in traditional Roman cuisine.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Colosseum (2 hours, €16)
  • Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (2 hours, €16)
  • Vatican City (4 hours, €30 for museum admission)
  • Castel Sant'Angelo (1.5 hours, €15)
  • Pantheon (1 hour, free)
  • Piazza Navona (2 hours, cost dependent on dining options)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €77

Transportation

Travellers should consider walking as their primary mode of transportation around Rome, as most of the major tourist destinations are situated within a few kilometres from each other and the city is pedestrian-friendly. However, buses and metro are also available for those who want to cover more ground in a short time. Average public transport costs €1.5-2 per trip.

Useful Tips

For those with extra time, consider taking a day trip to explore quaint small towns outside of Rome. For those who have less time, prioritize and curate the list of destinations to suit your taste.

Airports

Rome has two major airports: Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO) located 32 km southwest of the city center and Ciampino Airport (CIA) located 15 km southeast of the city center. FCO is the main airport and is served by various airlines, while CIA is mostly used by low-cost carriers.

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