7-Day Rome Itinerary with a Day Trip to Florence: Culture, Cuisine & History

Day 1: Ancient Rome Introduction

Rome, Italy on June 18, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Roscioli Caffè

Begin your Roman adventure with robust espresso and fresh pastries at this popular café near Campo de' Fiori, open from 7:30am.
EUR10, 1h

9:45am

Colosseum Visit

Explore the iconic Colosseum, experience the grandeur of ancient gladiatorial combat, open 8:30am to 7pm.
EUR16, 2h

12:00pm

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Stroll the sprawling ruins of ancient Rome's political and social heart, included in the Colosseum ticket; closes at 7pm.
Included, 2h

2:30pm

Lunch at La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali

Savour traditional Roman pasta dishes at this family-friendly trattoria near the Imperial Forums, open 12pm to 3pm.
EUR25, 1.5h

4:00pm

Piazza Venezia & Vittoriano Monument

Visit the majestic Vittoriano monument and enjoy panoramic city views from the terrace, open until 7:30pm.
EUR7, 1h

6:00pm

Walk through Piazza Navona and Pantheon

Explore the Baroque beauty of Piazza Navona's fountains and the awe-inspiring Pantheon, open until 7pm.
Free; Pantheon EUR5, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Armando al Pantheon

Dine on authentic Roman classics steps from the Pantheon. Open 7pm to 11pm; booking recommended.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 2: Vatican & Religious Art

Rome, Italy on June 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Siciliana

Indulge in Sicilian pastries and coffee near the Vatican; opens at 7am.
EUR8, 1h

8:30am

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Pass through pre-booked early access to view Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel and world-class art collections, open 9am to 6pm.
EUR30, 3h

12:00pm

St. Peter's Basilica

Tour the majestic basilica; optionally climb the dome for sweeping views (extra EUR10). Open 7am to 7pm.
Free or EUR10, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante Arlu

Enjoy hearty Roman cuisine in walking distance from the Vatican, open 12pm to 3pm.
EUR30, 1.5h

4:00pm

Castel Sant’Angelo

Explore the historic fortress with beautiful river vistas, open 9am to 7:30pm.
EUR15, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria dell’ Angelo

Savour traditional Roman dishes and wine in a cosy setting, open 7pm to 11pm.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 3: Baroque Rome & Art

Rome, Italy on June 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Panella – L’Arte del Pane

Enjoy expertly baked pastries and coffee at this historic bakery, open from 7am.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps

Admire Baroque masterpieces early to avoid crowds. Open all day.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Galleria Borghese

View exquisite Renaissance and Baroque artworks by Bernini and Caravaggio. Open 9am to 7pm (closed Mondays), pre-booking required.
EUR20, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Casina Valadier

Dine with panoramic views over Rome in elegant Villa Borghese, open 12pm to 3pm.
EUR45, 1.5h

3:00pm

Piazza del Popolo and Santa Maria del Popolo

Explore the vibrant square and see Caravaggio paintings inside the church, which closes at 6pm.
Free entry, donations appreciated, 1h

5:00pm

Shopping on Via del Corso

Browse boutiques and cafés on one of Rome’s main shopping streets open until 8pm.
Free, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Il Gabriello

Savour refined Roman dishes by the Piazza Navona area. Open 7pm to 11pm; book ahead.
EUR50, 2h
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Day 4: Day Trip to Florence

Florence, Italy on June 21, 2025

6:30am

Early train from Rome to Florence

Take a fast train from Rome Termini to Florence Santa Maria Novella station, journey approx 1.5 hours. Depart early to maximise your day.
EUR50-80 return round trip, 1.5h

8:30am

Breakfast at Ditta Artigianale

Enjoy exceptional coffee and pastries at this trendy Florence café near the station, opens at 8am.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Uffizi Gallery

Visit Florence’s premier art museum exhibiting Renaissance masterpieces including Botticelli, open 8:15am to 6:50pm (closed Mondays). Book skip-the-line tickets.
EUR20, 2.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria Mario

Savour authentic Tuscan dishes in this lively eatery, open 12pm to 3pm.
EUR30, 1.5h

2:00pm

Florence Cathedral (Duomo) and Baptistery

Explore the renowned Renaissance cathedral complex and climb the dome for city views. Open 10am to 5pm.
EUR18 combined ticket, 1.5h

4:00pm

Ponte Vecchio and Walk along Arno River

Stroll across the historic bridge lined with shops and enjoy riverside views.
Free, 1h

5:30pm

Return train to Rome

Take a relaxing evening train back to Rome, arriving approximately 7pm.
Included in round trip, 1.5h

8:30pm

Light Dinner near hotel

After your full day, enjoy a casual Italian dinner nearby; suggest local pizzeria or enoteca.
EUR20, 1.5h
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Day 5: Trastevere & Janiculum

Rome, Italy on June 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bar San Calisto

Enjoy a genuine Roman coffee in lively Trastevere, opens 7am.
EUR5, 45m

9:00am

Explore Trastevere Neighbourhood

Wander narrow cobblestone streets, artisan shops, and visit Santa Maria in Trastevere church, open till 7pm.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Janiculum Hill (Gianicolo)

Enjoy stunning panoramic views and see the Garibaldi Monument; accessible all day.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Osteria der Belli

Relish fresh seafood specialities in Trastevere, open 12pm to 3pm.
EUR30, 1.5h

3:00pm

Villa Farnesina

Visit this Renaissance villa decorated with Raphael frescoes, open 9am to 7pm (closed Mondays).
EUR12, 1h

5:00pm

Orto Botanico (Botanical Garden)

Relax in the peaceful botanical garden featuring exotic plants, open 9am to 7pm.
EUR8, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Da Enzo al 29

Finish the day with classic Roman cuisine at this beloved trattoria in Trastevere, open 7pm to 11pm; book ahead.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 6: Wine Tour & Appian Way

Rome & Frascati, Italy on June 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Caffè Propaganda

Enjoy a stylish breakfast near the Colosseum, opens 7am.
EUR15, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Frascati for Wine Tour

Take a 40-minute train or drive to Frascati, historic town famous for local wines and vineyards nearby.
EUR10 transport, 1h

10:00am

Guided Wine Tasting Tour

Enjoy a 3-hour tour sampling Frascati DOC wines paired with local snacks. Tours typically run 10am to 1pm; book in advance.
EUR60, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria in Frascati

Dine on regional specialties paired with Frascati wine, open 12pm to 3pm.
EUR35, 1.5h

3:00pm

Visit Catacombs of San Sebastiano

Back in Rome, tour these early Christian catacombs on the Appian Way, open 9am-12:30pm & 2pm-5pm.
EUR8, 1.5h

5:00pm

Walk or Bike Along Appian Way

Enjoy a picturesque, historic walk or bike ride on this iconic Roman road.
Bike rental EUR15 optional, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Perilli

Savour rustic Roman fare near the Appian Way, open evenings from 7pm.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 7: Leisure & Hidden Gems

Rome, Italy on June 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Panificio Bonci

Enjoy artisan breads and pastries at this famed bakery, opening at 7:30am.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Explore Quartiere Coppedè

Discover the whimsical, fairy-tale inspired architecture in this charming district; free to explore anytime.
Free, 1.5h

11:30am

Basilica di San Clemente

Visit three layered historic sites revealing Ancient Rome to medieval eras; open 9am to 7pm.
EUR10, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Pizzeria Emma

Enjoy some of Rome’s best pizza near Campo de' Fiori, open 12pm to 3pm.
EUR25, 1.5h

3:00pm

Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden)

Relax in this peaceful garden with panoramic views of the city, open during daylight hours.
Free, 1h

4:30pm

Gelato at Gelateria del Teatro

Treat yourself to some of Rome's finest gelato to sweeten your last afternoon.
EUR5, 30m

6:00pm

Evening Walk Along Tiber River

Enjoy a leisurely stroll beside the Tiber with views of historic bridges illuminated at dusk.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Aroma Restaurant

Celebrate your final evening with Michelin-starred dining overlooking the Colosseum; reservations essential.
EUR90, 2h
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