9-Day Cultural and Historic Journey from Lourdes to Rome

Day 1: Spiritual Lourdes

Lourdes, France on June 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Le Royalty

Start your day with a French breakfast in this cozy café offering fresh croissants and coffee, perfect to energize your day.
EUR12, 1h0m

9:30am

Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes

Explore this famous pilgrimage site featuring the Grotto, Basilicas, and the beautiful grounds where many come for spiritual solace. It opens early, allowing ample time for reflective visits.
Free, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at La Table d'Aranda

Enjoy traditional French cuisine with a focus on regional specialties in a charming restaurant close to the sanctuary.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:15pm

Château fort de Lourdes

Visit this medieval castle offering panoramic views of Lourdes and an interesting museum about the area's history.
EUR8, 1h30m

4:00pm

Rosary Basilica

Witness intricate mosaics and impressive architecture in this stunning basilica that forms part of the sanctuary complex.
Free, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Maximin Hellio

Dine on a mix of contemporary and classic French dishes in a refined setting to round out an inspiring day.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Lourdes Local Culture

Lourdes, France on June 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Les Terrasse

Enjoy a light French-style breakfast on a lovely terrace overlooking the town, perfect for people-watching and relaxing.
EUR10, 1h0m

9:00am

Le Pic du Jer Funicular

Ride the funicular railway to the summit for breathtaking views of the Pyrenees Mountains and Lourdes, open from morning until early evening.
EUR7, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Le Carrefour des Saveurs

Taste some local dishes, including delicious mountain trout or duck, at this cozy spot loved by locals.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Musee de Lourdes

Discover Lourdes history and artifacts, including religious art and local culture exhibits, open from morning to early evening.
EUR5, 2h0m

5:00pm

Walk along the Gave de Pau River

Enjoy a peaceful riverside stroll or rent a bike to explore the scenic paths, perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Lion d'Or

Savor French cuisine in a refined setting with excellent wine selections, finishing your day with great flavors.
EUR45, 2h0m
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Day 3: Travel to Rome

Lourdes, France to Rome, Italy on June 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a quick breakfast at your accommodation to prepare for your travel day.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel to Rome via Flight

Depart Lourdes TGV station and transfer to an airport (Toulouse or Tarbes) for your flight to Rome. Expect around 4-5 hours total travel including transit.
EUR120 (estimated flight cost), 5h0m

1:00pm

Check-in at Rome Hotel

Arrive at your centrally located hotel in Rome and take some time to refresh after your travels.
Varies, 1h0m

2:30pm

Light lunch at Pastaccio

Enjoy traditional Roman sandwiches and fresh ingredients at this iconic local spot with casual seating.
EUR15, 1h0m

4:00pm

Piazza Navona & Trevi Fountain

Visit two of Rome's most famous plazas and iconic fountains. Best enjoyed later in the day to avoid crowd heat and see them illuminated at dusk.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Al Moro

Taste authentic Roman cuisine with specialties like carbonara in this family-run trattoria near Trevi Fountain.
EUR35, 2h0m
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Day 4: Ancient Rome

Rome, Italy on June 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Roscioli Caffè

A great spot for rich Italian coffee and fresh pastries to start the day before sightseeing.
EUR12, 1h0m

9:00am

Colosseum & Roman Forum

Explore the iconic Colosseum and the adjacent Roman Forum ruins, open from 8:30am. Pre-book tickets to skip lines.
EUR18, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Aroma Restaurant

Dine with a view of the Colosseum enjoying modern Italian dishes; perfect for a special meal.
EUR50, 1h30m

2:30pm

Palatine Hill

Walk through the birthplace of Rome and enjoy panoramic views of the Forum and Circus Maximus.
Included with Colosseum ticket, 1h30m

4:30pm

Pantheon

Visit this remarkably preserved ancient Roman temple, free entry, open until early evening.
Free, 45m

6:00pm

Gelato break at Giolitti

Taste some of Rome’s best gelato near the Pantheon, a perfect treat before dinner.
EUR5, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria da Fortunata

Enjoy handmade fresh pasta dishes in a lively Roman osteria, popular with locals and tourists alike.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 5: Vatican City Visit

Rome, Italy on June 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Panella

Enjoy freshly baked goods and a strong Italian coffee at this historic bakery.
EUR10, 1h0m

8:30am

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Explore the vast Vatican Museums and marvel at Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling. Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended.
EUR30, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Borgo Pio Trattoria

Enjoy traditional Roman and Vatican area cuisine at this cozy trattoria just outside the Vatican walls.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:00pm

St. Peter’s Basilica

Visit this magnificent basilica, free to enter, allowing a contemplative afternoon exploring its chapels and statues.
Free, EUR10 for dome access, 2h0m

4:30pm

Climb St. Peter’s Dome

For panoramic views of Rome and Vatican Gardens, climb the dome (ticket required).
EUR10, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Aroma

Dine with a perfect view of the Colosseum again, enjoying Italian fine dining which is highly regarded.
EUR60, 2h0m
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Day 6: Historic Neighborhoods

Rome, Italy on June 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Greco

One of Rome’s oldest cafés, indulge in Italian espresso and pastries.
EUR14, 1h0m

9:00am

Campo de’ Fiori Market

Visit this lively open-air market in the historic center to see local foods and crafts.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Piazza Venezia and Capitoline Hill

Explore Rome’s central piazza and visit Capitoline Museums for art and city views; museums open 9:30am to 7:30pm.
EUR15, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina

Delight in cured meats, cheeses, and high-quality Roman dishes at this popular delicatessen restaurant.
EUR35, 1h30m

3:00pm

Jewish Ghetto and Portico of Octavia

Walk through the atmospheric Jewish Quarter and visit the ancient Portico ruins nearby.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax at Tiber River Via del Tevere

Stroll along the riverbank and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere with pop-up bars and vendors in the evening.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Pizzeria La Montecarlo

Finish your day with authentic Roman-style thin crust pizza at this local favorite pizzeria.
EUR20, 1h30m
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Day 7: Art & Gardens

Rome, Italy on June 9, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Antico Caffè d'Italia

Enjoy a classic Italian breakfast in this elegant cafe before your cultural day.
EUR12, 1h0m

9:30am

Galleria Borghese

Visit this renowned art gallery in Villa Borghese, featuring masterpieces by Bernini and Caravaggio. Tickets must be booked in advance.
EUR20, 2h30m

12:15pm

Walk in Villa Borghese Gardens

Relax in the expansive gardens surrounding the gallery, perfect for a peaceful stroll or boat ride on the small lake.
Free, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Casina Valadier

Enjoy dining with a panoramic view of Rome inside the Villa Borghese park, serving refined Italian cuisine.
EUR45, 1h30m

3:30pm

Spanish Steps & Via Condotti

Visit the famous Spanish Steps and nearby upscale shopping street Via Condotti for sightseeing and window shopping.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Aperitivo at Freni e Frizioni

Enjoy a classic Roman aperitivo with drinks and snacks in this trendy Trastevere bar.
EUR15, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Aroma

For a farewell dinner, experience one more exquisite meal with views of the Colosseum.
EUR60, 2h0m
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Day 8: Day Trip Tivoli

Tivoli, Italy on June 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Have an early breakfast before your day trip.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel to Tivoli

Bus or train to Tivoli, about 1 hour from Rome city center, preparing for an exploration of the famous villas.
EUR7, 1h0m

10:00am

Villa d’Este

Explore the Renaissance villa and its spectacular gardens with numerous fountains; open 9am to 7pm.
EUR15, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Sibilla Ristorante

Dine at this renowned restaurant overlooking the Aniene River, serving delightful Italian dishes.
EUR40, 1h30m

2:30pm

Villa Adriana (Hadrian’s Villa)

Tour the vast ruins of the ancient Roman Emperor Hadrian’s country retreat, open until 7pm.
EUR10, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to Rome

Travel back to Rome city center for your last evening in the city.
EUR7, 1h0m

7:30pm

Farewell dinner at Il Margutta RistorArte

Enjoy vegetarian and artistic cuisine in a stylish restaurant to end your trip on a contemporary note.
EUR50, 2h0m
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Day 9: Departure Day

Rome, Italy on June 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and check out

Have a relaxed breakfast at your hotel and prepare for departure.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Transfer to Airport

Head to Rome Fiumicino Airport for your flight home or next destination.
EUR30, 1h0m
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