5-Day Immersive Rome Itinerary: Ancient Ruins, Vatican Treasures & Italian Delights

Day 1: Ancient Rome Exploration

Rome, Italy on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pastificio Guerra

Start your day with freshly made pasta pastries and an espresso at this casual spot near the Spanish Steps, perfect for fueling a day of exploration.
EUR5, 0h30m

9:00am

Colosseum Visit

Explore the iconic Roman Colosseum, a marvel of ancient engineering and gladiatorial history. Arrive early to avoid crowds; open 8:30am to 7:00pm.
EUR16, 2h0m

11:30am

Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Walk through the heart of ancient Rome, visiting ruins of temples and marketplaces. The Palatine Hill offers incredible views over the Forum.
Included with Colosseum ticket, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali

Enjoy classic Roman dishes like carbonara in this cozy trattoria steps from the Forum, open 12pm to 3pm.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Piazza Venezia and Vittorio Emanuele II Monument

Walk to this grand piazza to view the monumental white Ara Pacis and the Vittorio Emanuele II monument, a symbol of Italian unification.
Free, 0h30m

3:15pm

Pantheon Visit

Visit the best-preserved ancient Roman building, noted for its spectacular dome and opening oculus; opens until 7:00pm.
EUR5, 0h45m

4:15pm

Piazza Navona Walk

Stroll through this lively square with stunning Baroque fountains and street performers.
Free, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Santa Cristina al Quirinale

Dine on authentic Roman cuisine with a cozy atmosphere near Quirinale Hill, open until 11pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Vatican & Trastevere

Rome, Italy on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Siciliana Regoli

Enjoy Sicilian pastries and cappuccino at this well-known bakery before your Vatican visit.
EUR7, 0h30m

9:00am

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Discover the vast museum collections including Raphael Rooms and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling; booking a skip-the-line ticket is advised. Open 9:00am - 6:00pm (last entry 4:00pm).
EUR25, 3h0m

12:30pm

St. Peter's Basilica

Visit one of the largest and most important churches in Christendom; climb to the dome for spectacular panoramic views (Open 7am to 7pm).
Free; Dome climb EUR10, 1h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Osteria dell'Angelo

Savor hearty Roman dishes such as amatriciana in this authentic restaurant in Trastevere, open 12pm-3pm.
EUR30, 1h0m

3:30pm

Explore Trastevere Neighborhood

Wander the charming cobblestone streets, visit Santa Maria in Trastevere church, and soak up local vibe and street art.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Gelato at Gelateria del Viale

Treat yourself to authentic Italian gelato in Trastevere to refresh before dinner.
EUR5, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Da Enzo al 29

Enjoy one of Rome’s most beloved trattorias with their famous cacio e pepe, reservations recommended; open until 11pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 3: Historic Roads & Baths

Rome, Italy on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Panella - L’Arte del Pane

Start with an artisanal bakery breakfast famous for creative pastries and excellent coffee.
EUR7, 0h30m

9:00am

Walk on the Appian Way (Via Appia Antica)

Explore one of the oldest Roman roads lined with ancient ruins, aqueducts, and catacombs; perfect for a morning bike or walk, open all day.
Free, 2h30m

11:45am

Visit Catacombs of San Sebastiano

Tour the fascinating underground Christian burial sites located just off the Appian Way; open 9am-12:30pm and 2pm-5pm.
EUR8, 0h45m

1:00pm

Lunch at Hostaria Antica Roma

Enjoy traditional Roman fare with dishes like supplì and lamb, located near the Appian Way, open 12pm-3pm.
EUR28, 1h0m

2:30pm

Baths of Caracalla

Visit the impressive ruins of one of Rome’s grandest ancient public baths, open daily 9am to 7:15pm.
EUR8, 1h30m

4:15pm

Relax at the Caffarella Park

Enjoy an afternoon break in this beautiful green space near Appian Way, perfect for a leisurely stroll or picnic.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Perilli

Savor classic Roman specialties in a lively neighborhood spot, open 7pm-11pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 4: Art & Gardens

Rome, Italy on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Caffè Greco

Experience one of Rome's oldest cafés with elegant atmospheres and top-quality coffee, opens 7:30am.
EUR10, 0h30m

9:00am

Galleria Borghese

Reserve tickets in advance to see masterpieces by Bernini, Caravaggio, and Canova in a stunning villa surrounded by gardens; open 9am-7pm.
EUR20, 2h0m

11:30am

Borghese Gardens Walk

Relax in the expansive landscaped gardens perfect for walking, biking, or renting a boat on the small lake.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Casina Valadier

Dine with panoramic views over Rome in this elegant restaurant inside the Borghese Gardens, open 12pm-3pm.
EUR45, 1h0m

2:30pm

Piazza del Popolo and Via del Corso

Stroll through Piazza del Popolo and shop or window-shop along Via del Corso, one of Rome’s main shopping streets.
Free, 1h30m

4:15pm

Trevi Fountain

Visit the iconic baroque fountain and toss a coin to ensure your return to Rome; best enjoyed mid-afternoon when crowds slightly thin.
Free, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Il Margutta RistorArte

Enjoy an upscale vegetarian meal paired with art gallery vibes; open 7pm-11pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 5: Markets & Departure

Rome, Italy on May 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Roscioli Caffè

Quick bite and excellent Italian coffee in a deli-style café near Campo de' Fiori.
EUR8, 0h30m

8:00am

Campo de' Fiori Market

Browse the lively morning market for fresh produce, flowers, and souvenirs; best early to avoid crowds, open till 2pm.
Free, 1h0m

9:15am

Jewish Ghetto & Portico d’Ottavia exploration

Discover this historic neighborhood's beautiful architecture, synagogues, and specialty shops.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Snack at Sora Margherita

Try traditional Roman Jewish cuisine such as carciofi alla giudia (fried artichokes) in this casual spot near the ghetto, open till 2pm.
EUR15, 0h45m

12:00pm

Final stroll to Piazza Venezia

Walk back through the historic center to soak in last views of iconic landmarks before departure.
Free, 0h45m
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