9-Day Immersive Rome Itinerary: History, Cuisine & Culture

Day 1: Ancient Rome Exploration

Rome, Italy on April 30, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Roscioli Caffè

Start your day with traditional Italian coffee and pastries at this popular deli and café close to Campo de' Fiori.
EUR10, 0h45m

10:00am

Colosseum Guided Tour

Explore the iconic amphitheatre with a skip-the-line guided tour to understand its rich history and architecture.
EUR20, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Aroma Restaurant

Dine with views of the Colosseum enjoying refined Roman and Mediterranean cuisine.
EUR50, 1h30m

2:30pm

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Wander through the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum and the nearby Palatine Hill for panoramic views of the city.
EUR16, 2h0m

5:00pm

Gelato at Giolitti

Treat yourself to authentic Italian gelato at Rome’s renowned historic gelateria.
EUR5, 0h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria da Enzo al 29

Enjoy classic Roman dishes in this cosy trattoria in Trastevere, open from 7pm to 11pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 2: Vatican City Highlights

Vatican City, Rome, Italy on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Vatican’s Bar San Pio

Grab an espresso and freshly baked croissant to fuel your Vatican exploration.
EUR8, 0h30m

9:00am

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tour

Discover the Vatican’s extensive art collections and Michelangelo’s famous ceiling in the Sistine Chapel with a pre-booked guided tour.
EUR30, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Ristorante Arlu

Enjoy fresh seafood and Italian favourites near Vatican City open midday to 3pm.
EUR40, 1h30m

2:00pm

St. Peter’s Basilica Visit

Visit the stunning basilica, exploring the nave and climbing to the dome for spectacular views.
EUR10, 2h0m

5:00pm

Coffee Break at Caffè Vaticano

Relax with a coffee or aperitivo near St. Peter’s Square before heading out.
EUR6, 0h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Pizzarium Bonci

Sample some of Rome’s best gourmet pizza by the slice at this famed take-away spot near Vatican City.
EUR15, 1h0m
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Day 3: Trastevere and Janiculum Hill

Rome, Italy on May 2, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Bar San Calisto

Enjoy an authentic Roman espresso and pastry at this popular local café in Trastevere.
EUR7, 0h30m

9:30am

Explore Trastevere

Wander the charming cobbled streets, colourful buildings, and artisan shops of this bohemian neighbourhood.
EUR0, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Santa Maria in Trastevere

Admire the beautiful mosaics in one of Rome’s oldest churches dating from the 3rd century.
EUR0, 0h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Da Enzo al 29

Experience authentic Roman cuisine with fresh pasta and local flavours in a lively trattoria.
EUR35, 1h30m

2:30pm

Janiculum Hill Walk

Climb to Janiculum Hill for panoramic views of Rome and relax in the surrounding gardens.
EUR0, 2h0m

5:00pm

Evening Aperitivo at Freni e Frizioni

Enjoy a vibrant aperitivo with cocktails and local snacks in this popular bar known for its terrace.
EUR15, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Tonnarello

Dine on traditional Roman pasta dishes in a friendly atmosphere in Trastevere open till late.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 4: Art & Gardens

Rome, Italy on May 3, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Regoli

Try famous maritozzi with cream along with morning coffee at this renowned bakery.
EUR8, 0h30m

9:30am

Galleria Borghese Visit

Book ahead to see the exquisite art collection including works by Bernini and Caravaggio in this beautiful villa and gardens.
EUR20, 2h0m

12:00pm

Picnic at Villa Borghese Gardens

Relax in Rome’s largest public park with a pre-packed picnic or grab snacks from nearby cafes.
EUR15, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Bioparco di Roma (Rome Zoo)

Explore this historical zoo set within Villa Borghese, great for nature lovers of all ages.
EUR16, 2h0m

4:00pm

Coffee at Casina Valadier

Enjoy a coffee or aperitivo with stunning views over Rome from this stylish café on Pincian Hill.
EUR10, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria dell’Ingegno

Taste contemporary Roman dishes in a chic setting near Piazza Navona, open 7pm to 11pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 5: Ostia Antica and Roman Evening

Rome, Italy on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or nearby café

Light breakfast before taking a short train ride out to the ancient harbour city of Ostia Antica.
EUR10, 0h30m

9:00am

Ostia Antica Archaeological Park

Explore well-preserved ruins of the ancient Roman port city, with buildings, mosaics, baths, and theatre.
EUR12, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Ristorante La Fraschetta di Ostia Antica

Enjoy fresh seafood and traditional Roman dishes near the archaeological site.
EUR30, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Rome and Rest

Travel back to Rome and relax before evening activities.
EUR5, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hostaria Romana

Classic Roman dishes, including carbonara and cacio e pepe, served in a bustling trattoria open until 11pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 6: Historic Squares & Markets

Rome, Italy on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè

Famous for its special coffee blend, enjoy a cappuccino and pastry to start your day.
EUR8, 0h30m

9:00am

Pantheon Visit

Explore the ancient Roman temple turned church, renowned for its massive dome and oculus.
EUR5, 1h0m

10:30am

Piazza Navona Wander

Enjoy the fountains, street artists, and surrounding baroque architecture in this lively square.
EUR0, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Cul de Sac

Taste a variety of Italian cheeses and wines along with well-prepared pasta dishes just off Piazza Navona.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Campo de' Fiori Market

Experience vibrant open-air market shopping for fresh produce, flowers, and souvenirs.
EUR0, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Museo di Roma

Explore this museum showcasing Rome’s history, art, and culture housed in Palazzo Braschi.
EUR8, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Enoteca Ferrara

Enjoy a refined dinner with excellent Italian wines in Trastevere, open till late evening.
EUR45, 1h30m
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Day 7: Catacombs & Appian Way

Rome, Italy on May 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Dagnini

Start early with delightful pastries and coffee in the city centre.
EUR8, 0h30m

9:00am

Appian Way & Catacombs Tour

Bike or walk along the historic Appian Way visiting ancient catacombs such as San Sebastiano and San Callisto.
EUR12, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Hostaria Antica Roma

Traditional Roman cuisine in a rustic setting near the Appian Way, serving until 3pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:30pm

Relax at Caffarella Park

Enjoy a peaceful afternoon in this large park adjacent to the Appian Way with scenic paths and historic ruins.
EUR0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Coffee and light snack at Bar Caffarella

Stop for refreshments before heading back to the city.
EUR8, 0h45m

8:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Aroma

Celebrate your last full evening with a gourmet dinner overlooking the Colosseum, open till 11pm.
EUR70, 2h0m
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Day 8: Testaccio & Modern Rome

Rome, Italy on May 7, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Testaccio

Enjoy fresh baked goods and coffee in Rome’s traditional working-class neighbourhood.
EUR8, 0h30m

9:30am

Testaccio Food Market Tour

Sample local produce, cheeses, and deli treats at this lively market area.
EUR0, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Macro Museum of Contemporary Art

Explore modern and contemporary art exhibits in this dynamic museum open from 11am to 7pm.
EUR12, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Flavio al Velavevodetto

Enjoy traditional Roman cuisine with fresh ingredients in a historic setting of the Testaccio hill.
EUR35, 1h30m

3:30pm

Shopping and Leisure in Via del Corso

Spend afternoon shopping and exploring boutiques along one of Rome’s main shopping streets.
EUR0, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria Barberini

Fine Roman cuisine near Piazza Barberini with an elegant ambience, open till 11pm.
EUR45, 1h30m
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Day 9: Farewell Rome

Rome, Italy on May 8, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Antico Caffè Greco

Historic café near Spanish Steps, perfect for a nostalgic final breakfast in Rome.
EUR15, 0h45m

9:30am

Leisurely walk Spanish Steps and Villa Medici

Enjoy peaceful gardens and iconic steps early before the crowds arrive.
EUR0, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Trevi Fountain and make a wish

Join locals and visitors tossing coins into this spectacular Baroque fountain.
EUR0, 0h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali

Enjoy your final Roman meal featuring traditional dishes just steps from the Forum.
EUR35, 1h30m

2:00pm

Last minute shopping or museum visit

Spend the afternoon revisiting favourite shops or popping into a nearby museum such as Capitoline Museums.
EUR15, 3h0m

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Il Margutta RistorArte

End your Roman adventure with a creative vegetarian dining experience in an artistic setting.
EUR50, 2h0m
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