Rome itinerary — 2 days
Day 1 — Rome
5 stops · ≈ 7 h 21 minRome's most baroque square, stretched over Domitian's stadium — its shape still traces the 1st-century arena. Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers stands at the centre with allegories of the Nile, Ganges, Danube and Río de la Plata, facing the church of Sant'Agnese. Artists, cafés and gelato around the clock.
Hadrian's mausoleum (AD 139), which became a papal fortress over fifteen centuries: the secret Passetto di Borgo corridor runs here from the Vatican — Clement VII escaped along it in 1527. The angel on the terrace honours Archangel Michael's vision. Today a national museum with views of the Tiber and St Peter's.
The largest church in Christendom, raised over 120 years by Bramante, Michelangelo and Bernini. Inside: Michelangelo's Pietà behind glass, Bernini's baldachin over the altar, and the bronze St Peter with a toe worn smooth by kisses. The dome rises 136 metres — climbing its 551 steps rewards you with a view over all of Vatican City.
The papal chapel in the Vatican's Apostolic Palace where the College of Cardinals convenes to elect new popes. It is renowned for Michelangelo's monumental frescoes: the vaulted ceiling depicting Genesis and the iconic Creation of Adam (1508–1512), and the dramatic Last Judgment covering the altar wall (1536–1541). The side walls showcase Renaissance frescoes by Botticelli and Perugino. Entry is via the Vatican Museums route.
One of the world's great museums: the painting and tapestry galleries, the Borgia Apartments, Raphael's Rooms and, of course, the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo's ceiling. Papal collections assembled over five centuries range from Egyptian antiquities to modern religious art. The route ends at the spiral staircase.
Reserve
7If you have time left — worth it too.
One of Rome's oldest churches and the spiritual heart of the vibrant Trastevere neighborhood, founded in the 3rd century and rebuilt in the 12th century. The basilica is renowned for its dazzling 12th-century golden apse mosaics by Pietro Cavallini depicting the Coronation of the Virgin Mary. The nave is lined with twenty-two ancient Roman granite columns salvaged from the Baths of Caracalla, supporting an ornate coffered ceiling.
Rising above the Trastevere district, the Janiculum Hill offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic vistas of Rome, stretching from St. Peter's dome to the Vittoriano. The summit features the grand equestrian monument to Garibaldi and the magnificent 17th-century Fontana dell'Acqua Paola. Every day at noon sharp, a traditional blank cannon shot is fired, echoing across the rooftops of the Eternal City.
Rome's most elegant public park, landscaped in the early 17th century for Cardinal Scipione Borghese. Its 80 hectares offer umbrella pines, marble fountains, an artificial lake with the temple of Asclepius where rowboats drift, and the Pincio terrace overlooking Piazza del Popolo. Park admission is free, though the Galleria Borghese museum requires advance booking.
A monumental Baroque stairway of 135 steps built in 1725 to connect Piazza di Spagna with the church of Trinità dei Monti. Designed by Francesco de Sanctis, its sweeping terraces form an elegant butterfly shape. At its foot sits the Barcaccia boat fountain by Pietro Bernini, while the top offers scenic views over Rome's rooftops. Sitting on the steps is prohibited.
Via Appia is often mentioned by historians and Rome specialists as one of the city's most scenic and history-rich routes, making it a great addition to your itinerary. Surrounded by ruins, aqueducts, and quiet countryside, it offers a peaceful step into ancient Rome, away from the city's hustle and bustle. Dating from 312–264 BC, the Appian Way was Rome's first and most strategically important road. Used for military transport, this road also led to numerous conquests for the Roman Empire. Today, visiting the Appian Way is one of the most special and unique things to do in Rome!
With more than 900 churches, no other city in the world is as representative of the Catholic faith. Rome is home to four papal basilicas and seven pilgrimage churches. Each church is decorated more beautifully than the last, with works by great masters such as Bernini, Raphael, Caravaggio, and Michelangelo. Explore the ancient ruins of Largo di Torre Argentina, home to four Roman temples and the site where Caesar perished. Discover the rich history of this archaeological wonder in the heart of Rome.
Spanning around 180 hectares on the Janiculum hill, Villa Doria Pamphili is Rome's largest landscaped public park. Created in the 17th century for Camillo Pamphili, nephew of Pope Innocent X, the estate centers around the elegant Casino del Bel Respiro with its manicured parterre box hedges. Shaded by ancient umbrella pines, the grounds feature cascades, ruins of a Roman aqueduct, swans on the lake, and peaceful walking pathways.
- Purchase a Roma Pass for discounts on public transport and entry to museums.
- Keep an eye on pickpockets, especially in crowded areas.
- Try local cuisine at trattorias for an authentic experience.