15-Day Ultimate Rome Itinerary: Explore Ancient Ruins, Vatican Treasures & Culinary Delights

Day 1: Ancient Rome Highlights

Rome, Italy on May 3, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Roscioli Caffè

Enjoy a traditional Italian breakfast with excellent espresso and fresh pastries at Roscioli Caffè, conveniently located near Campo de' Fiori. Open from 7:30am.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:30am

Colosseum Tour

Explore the iconic Colosseum with a guided tour that delves into its ancient history and gladiatorial games. Book tickets in advance to skip queues. Opens at 8:30am.
EUR18, 2h0m

11:45am

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Walk through the heart of ancient Roman civic life, exploring ruins and panoramic views from Palatine Hill. Combination ticket with Colosseum included.
EUR18, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Luzzi

Enjoy authentic Roman cuisine, such as carbonara or amatriciana, at this casual eatery near the Colosseum. Open daily from 12:00pm.
EUR20, 1h0m

3:30pm

Capitoline Museums

Discover classical sculptures, Roman artifacts, and masterpieces in these museums on Capitoline Hill, offering insight into Rome's rich history. Open until 7:30pm.
EUR15, 1h30m

6:30pm

Stroll to Piazza Venezia

Walk and admire the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument and enjoy the atmosphere before dinner.
Free, 0h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Aroma

Dine with spectacular views of the Colosseum at Aroma, enjoying refined Italian dishes. Reservations recommended. Open from 7:00pm.
EUR90, 2h0m
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Day 2: Vatican City Exploration

Rome, Italy on May 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Pastificio Guerra

A quick breakfast spot serving fresh pastries and coffee, perfect before heading to Vatican City. Opens from 7:00am.
EUR5, 0h30m

8:30am

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Tour the extensive Vatican Museums culminating in Michelangelo’s breathtaking Sistine Chapel ceiling. Pre-book skip-the-line tickets. Opens at 9:00am.
EUR30, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Borgo Pio

Enjoy lunch at a cozy trattoria on Borgo Pio street, offering delicious Roman dishes in a charming setting. Open 12:00pm to 3:00pm.
EUR25, 1h0m

1:30pm

St. Peter's Basilica

Visit the world’s largest church with its impressive dome and artworks, including Michelangelo’s Pietà. Entrance is free; dome climb costs extra.
EUR10, 2h0m

4:00pm

Climb St. Peter’s Dome

Ascend to the top of the dome for panoramic views over Rome and Vatican Gardens. Opens until 6:00pm.
EUR12, 1h0m

6:00pm

Leisure walk along Tiber River

Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the riverbanks to absorb the evening atmosphere and views of the city.
Free, 0h45m

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria dell’Angelo

Dine in elegant but relaxed surroundings offering classic Roman recipes and excellent wine. Open from 7:00pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 3: Trastevere & Local Life

Rome, Italy on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bar San Calisto

Enjoy a traditional Roman espresso and cornetto in this popular local bar in Trastevere, open from early morning.
EUR4, 0h30m

9:00am

Wander Trastevere Streets

Explore the charming cobblestone streets of Trastevere, visiting squares such as Piazza Santa Maria and artisans’ shops.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere

Admire beautiful mosaics and architecture in one of Rome’s oldest churches, open from 9:00am to 7:00pm.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Antico Arco

Savour modern Italian dishes with a view over the Janiculum Hill, a short walk from Trastevere centre. Open 12:30pm to 3:00pm.
EUR35, 1h15m

2:30pm

Visit Villa Farnesina

Discover Renaissance masterpieces and frescoes in this exquisite villa nestled in Trastevere. Open 9:00am to 7:00pm.
EUR8, 1h30m

4:30pm

Gianicolo Hill Viewpoint

Enjoy panoramic views across Rome from this peaceful hill, ideal for photographs and a restful break.
Free, 0h45m

7:30pm

Dinner at Tonnarello

Taste beloved Roman pasta dishes like cacio e pepe in a lively, rustic setting. Reservations recommended. Open from 7:00pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 4: Art & Gardens Day

Rome, Italy on May 6, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Regoli

Start with delightful pastries and a cappuccino at this historic bakery in Esquilino, open from 7:00am.
EUR6, 0h45m

9:30am

Villa Borghese & Borghese Gallery

Explore the beautiful gardens and the Borghese Gallery with its impressive art collection including Bernini and Caravaggio. Gallery requires advance booking. Opens at 9:00am.
EUR20 + EUR13 gallery, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Casina Valadier

Dine with views over Piazza del Popolo in this elegant restaurant within Villa Borghese park. Open 12:30pm to 3:00pm.
EUR45, 1h0m

2:30pm

Pincian Hill Terrace

Relax at the terrace overlooking Rome, perfect for an afternoon coffee or stroll.
Free, 0h45m

3:30pm

National Gallery of Modern Art

Discover Italian modern art and sculpture, the gallery is open until 7:00pm. A short trip east of the park.
EUR10, 1h30m

6:00pm

Evening walk at Piazza del Popolo

Enjoy the lively square with fountains and churches as the sun sets.
Free, 0h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Il Gabriello

Savour traditional recipes and fine seafood in a refined setting near the Piazza Navona. Opens from 7:00pm.
EUR50, 1h30m
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