3-Day Rome Itinerary: Colosseum, Vatican Museums & Historic City Highlights

Day 1: Vatican and Rome

Rome, Italy on April 22, 2025

1:00pm

Arrival and Lunch at Pastificio Guerra

Enjoy a casual and authentic Roman pasta experience near the Spanish Steps, perfect for a quick, delicious lunch before your afternoon museum visit.
EUR10, 1h

2:00pm

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Explore the vast art collections and marvel at Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling. Your pre-booked ticket for 2pm ensures smooth entry and ample time to enjoy the masterpieces. Museums are open 9:00am-6:00pm.
EUR17, 3h

5:15pm

St. Peter's Basilica

Visit the iconic basilica just after Vatican Museums. Free entry and open until 7pm in April, you can admire Michelangelo’s Pietà and climb to the dome (closed until mid-June for restoration).
Free, Dome climb EUR10 optional, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Arlù

Dine on classic Roman dishes in this cozy trattoria located in the Prati neighbourhood, close to the Vatican. Try the Carbonara or Cacio e Pepe.
Approx. EUR35, 1.5h
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Day 2: Ancient Rome Exploration

Rome, Italy on April 23, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Roscioli Caffè

Start your day with a coffee and freshly baked pastries at this excellent café near Campo de’ Fiori.
EUR8, 45m

10:00am

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Wander among ancient ruins where the Roman Empire’s political and social heart once stood. Entry ticket is combined with the Colosseum ticket. Open from 9:00am.
EUR16, 1h45m

12:15pm

Colosseum Guided Tour

Your pre-booked ticket gives you access to the Colosseum’s iconic amphitheatre. Learn about gladiators and Roman spectacle during a guided tour to enrich the experience. Open 8:30am–7pm.
Included in combined ticket, 2h

2:45pm

Lunch at Taverna dei Fori Imperiali

Enjoy Mediterranean cuisine with views of the ruins, just a short walk from the Colosseum.
Approx. EUR30, 1h

4:00pm

Capitoline Museums

Visit Rome's oldest public museum on Capitoline Hill and admire its classical sculptures and Renaissance art. Open until 7pm on Tuesdays.
EUR15, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at La Carbonara

Treat yourself to one of Rome’s best known pasta dishes, located in the charming Monti district.
Approx. EUR40, 1.5h
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Day 3: City Highlights and Trastevere

Rome, Italy on April 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Panella - L’Arte del Pane

Indulge in traditional Roman pastries and excellent coffee at this historic bakery near Via Merulana.
EUR10, 45m

9:30am

Piazza Navona and Pantheon

Stroll through these iconic Roman sites, admiring Baroque fountains and the perfectly preserved ancient Pantheon. These areas are open and free to wander at any time.
Free, 1.5h

11:00am

Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps

Continue your walk to the Trevi Fountain to toss a coin and then relax at the Spanish Steps, famous landmarks in Rome's historic centre.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Osteria da Fortunata

Sample handmade pasta dishes in this popular trattoria near Campo de’ Fiori.
Approx. EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Trastevere

Spend the afternoon wandering the picturesque lanes of Trastevere, visiting Santa Maria in Trastevere church and enjoying local artisan shops.
Free, 3h

5:30pm

Sunset at Gianicolo Hill

Head to this nearby hilltop park for panoramic views of Rome at sunset, perfect for photos and a peaceful moment.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Final Dinner at Da Enzo al 29

Enjoy an authentic Roman meal in this beloved Trastevere trattoria, reserving in advance is recommended.
Approx. EUR40, 2h

10:00pm

Late Evening Leisure

Optionally enjoy a gelato or take a night stroll along the Tiber River, soaking in beautiful lit views before your midnight departure.
EUR5 for gelato, 1h
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