13-Day Comprehensive Cultural and Culinary Journey Through Rome, Italy

Day 1: Ancient Rome Introduction

Rome, Italy on May 13, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Panella - L'Arte del Pane

Start with traditional Roman pastries and excellent coffee at this historic bakery known for artisanal goods.
EUR10, 1h0m

9:45am

Colosseum and Roman Forum

Explore these iconic ancient Roman sites with skip-the-line tickets to deeply understand Rome’s imperial history.
EUR18, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Aromaticus

Enjoy garden-inspired Italian cuisine with fresh, healthy ingredients near the Pantheon.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Pantheon Visit

Visit the well-preserved ancient Roman temple known for its majestic dome and architectural marvel.
EUR5, 1h0m

4:00pm

Piazza Navona Stroll

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere with fountains, street artists, and charming cafes in the historic square.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria da Enzo al 29

Sample authentic Roman dishes like carbonara in this cozy Trastevere trattoria.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 2: Vatican City Exploration

Rome, Italy on May 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Roscioli Caffè

Gourmet coffee and pastries in a refined atmospheric café to fuel an early Vatican visit.
EUR12, 0h45m

8:30am

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Explore the world-renowned art collections and Michelangelo’s ceilings with prepaid tickets.
EUR25, 3h0m

12:00pm

St. Peter's Basilica

Admire art and architecture; optional dome climb offers panoramic city views, open until 6pm.
EUR12 (dome climb optional), 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Pizzeria La Montecarlo

Enjoy traditional Roman thin crust pizza near Piazza Navona.
EUR15, 1h0m

4:00pm

Castel Sant’Angelo

Visit the historic fortress with exhibitions and lovely views over the Tiber River.
EUR15, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria del Pegno

Traditional Roman cuisine with seasonal ingredients close to Piazza Navona.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 3: Historic Neighborhoods

Rome, Italy on May 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bar San Calisto

Local espresso and pastries amidst the heart of Trastevere.
EUR6, 0h45m

9:00am

Explore Trastevere

Wander cobblestone streets, visit Santa Maria in Trastevere, and explore artisan shops.
Free, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Da Enzo al 29

Authentic Roman recipes served in cozy Trastevere ambiance.
EUR30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Janiculum Hill (Gianicolo)

Panoramic views of Rome from one of its most beloved hills, perfect for photos.
Free, 1h0m

3:30pm

Shopping and Coffee at Monti

Discover boutiques, vintage shops, and artisan coffee at this hip Roman neighborhood.
EUR10, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali

Family-run trattoria near the Colosseum serving handmade pasta and traditional dishes.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 4: Art and Gardens

Rome, Italy on May 16, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Antico Caffè Greco

Historic café experience with classic Italian coffee culture and pastries.
EUR15, 1h0m

10:00am

Galleria Borghese

Masterpiece art collection in a stunning villa, timed entry requires pre-booking.
EUR20, 2h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Casina Valadier

Upscale dining with magnificent city views within Villa Borghese park.
EUR40, 1h30m

3:00pm

Villa Borghese Gardens

Leisure stroll, boat rowing, or bike rides through lush gardens and scenic spots.
EUR10, 2h0m

6:00pm

Piazza del Popolo

Historic square with fountains and twin churches, ideal for a relaxed evening walk.
Free, 0h45m

8:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Aroma

Michelin-starred dining with spectacular Colosseum views and refined dishes.
EUR100+, 2h0m
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Day 5: Capitoline & Markets

Rome, Italy on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Regoli

Known for maritozzi pastries and excellent fresh coffee.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:00am

Capitoline Museums

Explore Rome’s rich ancient art and collections on Capitoline Hill.
EUR15, 2h0m

11:30am

Piazza Venezia & Vittoriano Monument

Visit Italy’s monumental altar with terraces providing city views accessible by elevator.
EUR7, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Tonnarello

Classic Roman dishes including amatriciana in lively Campo de' Fiori vicinity.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Campo de' Fiori Market

Vibrant market atmosphere perfect for fresh produce shopping and people watching.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Tiber River Walk

Leisure stroll along the river with stops for gelato and local drinks.
EUR7, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Il Margutta RistorArte

Enjoy innovative vegetarian and vegan dishes in an artistic setting.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 6: Day Trip to Tivoli

Tivoli, Italy on May 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Light breakfast before heading out to Tivoli.
EUR8, 0h30m

8:30am

Travel to Tivoli

Train or guided tour (about 1 hour) to reach this nearby historic town.
EUR7, 1h0m

10:00am

Villa d'Este

Explore Renaissance gardens and magnificent fountains, open 9am-7pm.
EUR15, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Sibilla

Enjoy traditional Tivoli cuisine with scenic views near Villa Adriana.
EUR30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Villa Adriana

Tour the expansive ruins of Emperor Hadrian's villa, open until 7pm.
EUR12, 2h0m

4:30pm

Return to Rome

Travel back to Rome to relax and refresh after a full day exploring outside the city.
EUR7, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Cesare al Casaletto

Enjoy classic Roman dishes in an authentic setting, popular with locals.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 7: Hidden Rome & Food Experiences

Rome, Italy on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pastificio Guerra

Quick, fresh pasta snacks or coffee near Spanish Steps to start the day.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:00am

Basilica di San Clemente

Discover layered history from Roman era to Renaissance, open 9:30am–12:30pm, 3pm–6pm.
EUR10, 1h0m

10:30am

Catacombs on Appian Way

Visit ancient Christian burial sites like San Sebastiano, open 9am–12:30pm & 2–5pm.
EUR8, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Hostaria Antica Roma

Try Roman specialties in historic setting near Appian Way.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Cooking Class or Food Tour

Engage in hands-on cooking or guided food tasting tour focusing on Roman cuisine.
EUR65, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Roscioli

Upscale deli and restaurant with wine, Roman-style cured meats, and pasta specialties.
EUR50, 1h30m
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Day 8: Markets & Leisure

Rome, Italy on May 20, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Sant’Eustachio

Taste some of Rome’s best espresso and pastries near the Pantheon, open 7am-8pm.
EUR12, 1h0m

9:30am

Campo de’ Fiori Market

Vibrant open-air market with fresh produce, flowers, and local products.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Jewish Ghetto Exploration

Discover the history, architecture, and special cuisine in this unique quarter.
EUR12 for Jewish Museum, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Giggetto al Portico d’Ottavia

Sample Roman-Jewish specialties like fried artichokes in a bustling local spot.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Tiber Island

Explore the historic island in the Tiber River with quaint streets and churches.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Aperitivo at Freni e Frizioni

Enjoy pre-dinner drinks with snacks at a lively bar in Trastevere.
EUR15, 2h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Glass Hostaria

Michelin-starred contemporary Roman cuisine in a stylish Trastevere setting.
EUR75, 2h0m
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Day 9: Baroque and Religious Art

Rome, Italy on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at La Casa del Caffè Tazza d’Oro

Start your day with exceptional espresso and cornetti near the Pantheon.
EUR10, 0h45m

9:00am

San Luigi dei Francesi Church

View Caravaggio masterpieces, open mornings and afternoons (9am-12pm, 3pm-7pm).
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza

Admire Borromini’s Baroque architectural wonder with unique features.
EUR5, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Felice a Testaccio

Traditional Testaccio Roman pasta dishes in friendly, rustic ambiance.
EUR30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Testaccio Market

Explore local culinary delights and fresh market products.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Protestant Cemetery and Pyramid of Cestius

Visit the resting place of poets Keats and Shelley alongside a unique Roman pyramid.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at La Pergola

Indulge in Rome’s only 3-Michelin-star restaurant with breathtaking views and exquisite dining.
EUR200+, 2h0m
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Day 10: Ostia Antica Day Trip

Ostia Antica, Italy on May 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Eat a light breakfast before departure for Ostia Antica.
EUR8, 0h30m

8:30am

Travel to Ostia Antica

Catch the train to Ostia Antica (approx 45 min), the ancient Roman port city with impressive ruins.
EUR3.50, 0h45m

9:30am

Explore Ostia Antica

Walk through well-preserved ruins of Rome’s ancient harbor town, open 9am-7pm.
EUR12, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante La Bussola

Enjoy fresh seafood and Roman dishes at a nearby eatery in Ostia.
EUR30, 1h0m

2:30pm

Return to Rome

Travel back to Rome to continue relaxing and exploring the city.
EUR3.50, 0h45m

4:00pm

Rest or optional spa visit

Relax at your hotel or visit a city spa for some rejuvenation.
EUR50-80, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Il Bacaro

Enjoy Venetian-style cicchetti and wine for a light, casual dinner in Rome.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 11: Outdoor Rome & Piazzas

Rome, Italy on May 23, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at New York Bar

Enjoy American and Italian breakfast options near Piazza Barberini.
EUR15, 1h0m

9:30am

Piazza di Spagna & Spanish Steps

Visit iconic Spanish Steps and surrounding boutique shopping district early to avoid crowds.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Villa Medici

Tour this Renaissance villa and enjoy its gardens and art exhibitions, open 10am-6pm.
EUR10, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ginger Sapori e Salute

Healthy, modern lunch with options for dietary preferences near the Spanish Steps.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Walk via del Corso

Shopping and exploring Rome’s main shopping street with fashion and souvenirs.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Coffee break at Caffè Greco

Relax with coffee and enjoy the historic café ambiance.
EUR10, 0h45m

7:30pm

Dinner at La Matriciana

Classic Roman trattoria known for its amatriciana pasta and warm service.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 12: Cultural Exploration & Farewell Dinner

Rome, Italy on May 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Caffè Propaganda

Trendy café near the Colosseum offering delicious breakfast and coffee.
EUR15, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit MAXXI Museum

Contemporary art with innovative architecture, open 11am-7pm (closed Mon), visit morning for less crowd.
EUR12, 2h0m

11:30am

Explore Quartiere Coppedè

Hidden architectural gem district with an eclectic mix of styles and fairy tale buildings.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Mercato Centrale Roma

Sample a variety of Italian foods in a lively food hall near Termini Station.
EUR20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax in Parco degli Acquedotti

Unwind in this large park known for ancient Roman aqueduct ruins and open green space.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Il Sanlorenzo

Delight in fresh seafood and refined Roman dishes to conclude your Roman adventure.
EUR70, 2h0m
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Day 13: Departure Day

Rome, Italy on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè

Enjoy a final classic Roman espresso and pastry at this historic café.
EUR12, 1h0m

9:30am

Last Walk to Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps

Visit these iconic landmarks early to avoid crowds and savor final moments in Rome.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Shopping on Via del Corso

Grab final souvenirs and enjoy the heart of Rome’s shopping district.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Pastificio San Lorenzo

Enjoy a relaxed final lunch with fresh pasta and Italian classics.
EUR20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax at Villa Doria Pamphili

Spend your last afternoon relaxing in Rome’s largest landscaped park.
Free, 2h0m

5:30pm

Departure Preparations

Return to your accommodation to pack and prepare for your onward journey.
Free, Rest of day
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