Rome needs no grand introduction—the Eternal City has been seducing travelers since emperors paraded down the Via Sacra. Think layers: ancient forums beneath Renaissance palazzi, Baroque fountains in lively piazzas, and modern trattorie reimagining nonna’s recipes. SPQR still glints from manhole covers, and a thousand tiny “Nasoni” fountains keep you refreshed as you wander.

Highlights on this 5-day itinerary include the Colosseum and Roman Forum, the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, sunset across Trastevere, and a Mediterranean-flavored day out to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast. Between the headline sights, you’ll savor Roman cuisine—supplì, cacio e pepe, carciofi alla giudia—and sip espresso like a local.

Practical notes: book major attractions in advance, especially the Vatican and Borghese Gallery. Dress modestly for churches (shoulders/knees covered). Rome taxis from Fiumicino have a fixed city-center fare, and contactless payments are widely accepted. Pack comfortable shoes for cobblestones and carry a light scarf for basilica visits.

Rome

Rome is a city of neighborhoods. Trastevere’s ivy-draped alleys hum after dark. Monti serves indie boutiques and wine bars near ancient ruins. Testaccio remains Rome’s culinary heart, with a market bursting with fresh produce and Roman street food.

Iconic sights are delightfully walkable: toss a coin into Trevi Fountain, linger under the Pantheon’s perfect dome, and climb the Spanish Steps before shopping along Via dei Condotti. Save time for quieter gems: Aventine’s Orange Garden, Appian Way’s countryside lanes, and the Basilica of San Clemente’s archaeological time tunnel.

Where to stay (handpicked):

• Hotel de Russie, a Rocco Forte Hotel — Garden oasis between Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps; elegant rooms, superb spa, and a legendary courtyard bar.
• Hotel Eden, Dorchester Collection — Rooftop views to St. Peter’s, refined service, and sunset cocktails that redefine “dolce vita.”
• Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel — Resort-style stay above the city with a Michelin-starred restaurant and a remarkable art collection.
• Hotel Santa Maria — Intimate hideaway in Trastevere with citrus-filled courtyards; perfect for nightlife and riverside strolls.
• Kolbe Hotel Rome — Peaceful base by the Forum with leafy gardens and spacious rooms.
• Hotel Mascagni — Friendly boutique option near Via Veneto and Termini, great value and location.
• Prefer apartments? Search vetted stays on VRBO Rome or compare hotels on Hotels.com Rome.

Getting there and around:

• Flights: For international routes beyond Europe, check Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. For flights within/to/from Europe, compare on Omio Flights.
• Trains: High-speed Frecciarossa connects major cities (Milan–Rome ~3h; Florence–Rome ~1h30; Naples–Rome ~1h10, from ~€20–€80). Search and book on Omio Trains.
• Airport transfer: From Fiumicino (FCO), Leonardo Express to Termini (~32 min, ~€14), or fixed-rate taxi to the historic center (~€50). Ciampino (CIA) has shuttle buses to Termini (~40–50 min).
• Local tips: Walk as much as possible; supplement with Metro A/B and trams. Validate bus/tram tickets and keep small change for espresso bars.

Day 1: Arrival, Centro Storico Stroll, and Trastevere Tastes

Afternoon: Touch down and settle in. Start with an espresso at Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè (historic, creamy crema) or Tazza d’Oro by the Pantheon. Grab a quick slice at Forno Campo de’ Fiori—their pizza bianca stuffed with mortadella is a local ritual. Wander to Piazza Navona’s fountains, the Pantheon’s awe-inspiring oculus, and Trevi Fountain for your coin toss.

Evening: Cross the Tiber into Trastevere for a guided feast on a beloved food tour:

Winner 2025 Rome Twilight Trastevere Food Tour by Eating Europe

Expect tastings from family-run spots: Roman-style pizza, porchetta, silky amatriciana, and gelato. If you prefer a sit-down dinner, book Da Enzo al 29 (classic trattoria—carbonara and tiramisù worth the wait) or Taverna Trilussa (pastas served in pans). Nightcap options: Freni e Frizioni for aperitivo vibes or Enoteca Ferrara for wine lovers.

Day 2: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s

Morning: Beat the crowds with skip-the-line access and a top guide. Dress modestly (shoulders/knees covered).

Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour

Your guide threads you through the Raphael Rooms to Michelangelo’s ceiling—then into St. Peter’s, where Bernini’s baldachin rises over the tomb of St. Peter. Consider climbing the dome for sweeping city views.

Afternoon: Refuel in Prati. For a casual lunch, try Pizzarium Bonci (inventive pizza al taglio—potato and rosemary is a classic) or Il Sorpasso (salumi boards, tonnarelli cacio e pepe). Stroll Via Cola di Rienzo’s boutiques or relax at Castel Sant’Angelo’s bridge views.

Evening: Aperitivo at La Zanzara (spritz and small plates) before dinner at Rimessa Roscioli (wine-focused tasting menus) or Retrobottega (contemporary Roman—open kitchen energy). Gelato at Gelateria del Teatro—try sage and raspberry.

Day 3: Colosseum, Forum, Palatine—and Monti After Dark

Morning: Walk in gladiators’ footsteps with a guided visit that brings engineering and empire to life.

Rome: Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill Guided Tour

From the arena’s tiers to the birthplace of Rome on Palatine Hill, you’ll trace the city’s rise. Bring water and a hat—shade is scarce.

Afternoon: Lunch near Celio/Monti: Trattoria Luzzi (no-frills Roman staples) or La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali (family-run, great amatriciana). Continue to the Capitoline Museums for iconic statuary and Forum panoramas. Swing by Piazza Venezia and the Victor Emmanuel monument for sweeping terraces.

Evening: Explore Monti’s lanes. Sip at Ai Tre Scalini (historic wine bar) or Blackmarket Hall (cocktail lounge with retro flair). Dinner at SantoPalato (neo-trattoria known for rigatoni alla pajata and seasonal Roman fare) or Armando al Pantheon (book ahead; time-honored cucina romana). Finish with gelato at Fatamorgana (creative flavors, top ingredients).

Day 4: Full-Day Adventure to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast

Pompeii, Amalfi Coast and Positano Day Trip from Rome

This small-group experience typically runs ~13 hours with early departure. A specialist guide animates Pompeii’s frescoes and streets frozen by Vesuvius, then you’re whisked to coastal vistas and free time in Positano. Expect scenic roads, sea breezes, and lemon-scented everything. Alternative closer options: Tivoli’s Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este fountains, or the ancient Appian Way by bike.

Day 5: Borghese Art, Parks, and the Flavors of Testaccio

Morning: Reserve the Borghese Gallery (timed entry) to stand inches from Bernini’s Apollo and Daphne and Canova’s Pauline Bonaparte. Coffee afterward at Faro – Luminari del Caffè (third-wave roastery) or Pergamino Caffè near the Vatican if you’re in that area. Stroll the Villa Borghese gardens or row a boat on the small lake.

Afternoon: Head to Testaccio Market for a progressive lunch—try Le Mani in Pasta for fresh pasta stalls, Mordi & Vai for iconic panini (braised beef), and CasaManco for gourmet pizza by the slice. Walk the Non-Catholic Cemetery to see Keats’ grave and the Pyramid of Cestius, or rent bikes for the Appian Way—ancient paving stones, crumbling tombs, and pastoral calm.

Evening: Aperitivo at Salotto 42 overlooking the Temple of Hadrian or Il Goccetto (standing-room wine bar with chalkboard lists). For a final dinner: Felice a Testaccio (famed cacio e pepe tossed at the table), Roscioli Salumeria (carbonara and top-notch cured meats), or Emma Pizzeria (thin, crackly Roman pies). Wrap with gelato at Otaleg or a destination cocktail at Drink Kong (award-winning, futuristic bar).

Optional Add-On During Your Stay: Rome by Golf Cart

If you want to cover more ground with less walking, consider a small-group golf cart city overview with photo stops and a gelato break:

Rome Highlights City Tour by Golf Cart with Gelato

Note: This is a great orientation on arrival day or Day 5 if you skip the Appian Way.

Booking Reminder

For smooth travel into Rome, compare routes on Omio Trains and Omio Flights (Europe), or use Trip.com / Kiwi.com for long-haul. Browse stays via VRBO Rome and Hotels.com Rome. For your must-see tours, lock in the Vatican and Colosseum early.

At-a-Glance: Featured Tours Used in This Itinerary

• Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour
• Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Guided Tour
• Trastevere Food Tour
• Pompeii & Amalfi Coast Day Trip

Final Tips: Carry a refillable bottle (public fountain water is excellent), validate transit tickets, and keep small bills for cafés. For restaurants with cult status, reserve or arrive early; Romans dine late.

Summary: In five days, you’ll trace Rome from gladiators to the Renaissance, taste your way through its markets and trattorie, and sneak in a coastal escape. This itinerary balances blockbuster sights with local flavor, leaving you with the confidence—and appetite—to return.