Rome, the Eternal City, is a destination that offers an unparalleled blend of ancient history, stunning architecture, and vibrant street life. With five days and four nights to explore, you can immerse yourself in Rome’s rich past while enjoying its modern delights. Here’s a detailed itinerary to help you make the most of your visit.
We flew from Athens with ITA arriving in Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO). Please note there are 2 airports in Rome. Another one is called Ciampino-G. B. Pastine International Airport (CIA), located about 12 kilometers southeast of the city center. It mainly serves low-cost airlines and charter flights, with a focus on European destinations.
There are several ways to get to your hotel once you arrived in Rome Airport. If you have 2 to 3 pax, you might as well get a taxi. Taxi has fixed rate in Rome. There are lots of them outside the airport. Just be sure, asked the price again before you catch the taxi. The fixed rate to the Rome city is to the city center (within the Aurelian Walls) is €48 if you arrived in Fiumicino Airport. Outside Aurelian Walls can cost more.
If you arrived in Ciampino Airport, it cost (within the Aurelian Walls) is €31. Payment to taxi can be cash or cards. Some taxi don’t accept cards so prepare some Euro.
Alternatively, there is also train to the city.
Example Journey Cost:
- Leonardo Express to Roma Termini: €14
- Metro Ticket from Roma Termini: €1.50
Total cost for using Leonardo Express and then the metro: €15.50
Purchasing Metro Tickets:
- Locate Ticket Machines: Metro ticket machines are available throughout Roma Termini station, particularly near the entrances to the metro platforms.
- Ticket Options:
- BIT (Integrated Time Ticket): Valid for 100 minutes from validation on all public transport within Rome. Cost: €1.50.
- Roma 24H, 48H, 72H, and CIS (Weekly Ticket): Various passes for unlimited travel within their valid time period. Costs vary depending on the duration.
- How to Use the Machines: Select your preferred language, choose your ticket type, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete your purchase. Machines accept cash and cards.
- Validation: After purchasing your ticket, you must validate it using the machines located at the entrance to the metro platforms. If your ticket is not being validated in the machine, and once being caught, you will be fine. Please take note of that.
Personally, I suggest you grab a taxi if you have three people. It will save you a lot of hassle, especially after a long flight when you may not be alert enough to be aware of pickpockets.
Day 1 arriving in Rome at noon, check in my hotel at Hotel Tirreno. It was around 3pm when we arrived our hotel, we had a late lunch near our hotel with spaghetti, meat platter and tiramisu for dessert. Then we walked to check out the Colosseum, Piazza Venezia and Capitoline Hill.
Day 2
Begin your Roman adventure at the Colosseum, the largest amphitheater ever built and a marvel of ancient engineering. Arrive early to avoid long lines and take a guided tour to fully appreciate its history.
- Tip: Purchase a combined ticket for the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill to save time.
We booked our tickets online through Klook. You will need to select a time slot when booking. Upon arrival, go to the Touristation office to exchange your voucher for tickets. Please note that the Touristation office is a 15-minute walk from the Colosseum. It’s advisable to arrive early, as there is usually a line to exchange tickets.
There is a multimedia video at the Touristation Office, but it’s optional and might be redundant unless you have a lot of time to spare. Once you have your ticket, it takes about 15 to 20 minutes to walk to the Colosseum. You cannot enter too early, only 5 to 10 minutes before your tour starts. Once inside, look for your group, which will be identified by a number. The guide will provide each of you with a headset to listen to the explanations. My guide was very good and passionate about her job. Her tour was very interesting and kept you engaged. The total duration is about 1 hour.
Chinese Lunch
Midday: Palatine Hill
Continue your exploration at Palatine Hill, the legendary birthplace of Rome. Enjoy panoramic views of the city and the remnants of imperial palaces.
Afternoon: Area Sacra di Largo Argentina, The Portico Of Octavia
Evening: Trastevere for dinner
Day 3:
Morning: Castel Sant’Angelo
Purchase your ticket from the site if you arrive first thing in the morning. It opens at 9 am, but crowds start to arrive around 10 am onwards. You need about 1-2 hours here.
Have an early lunch near Vatican city. Restaurants here are like a scam. They charged 10% of service charge.
Midday Vatican City
Start with the Vatican Museums, where you can admire an extensive collection of art, including the masterpieces of Raphael and the breathtaking Sistine Chapel ceiling painted by Michelangelo.
- Tip: Book your tickets in advance to skip the long lines. It is best if you have a guided tour so guide can point to you important paintings and statues.
Evening: We have Chinese food right behind Tirreno Hotel.
Day 4:
Morning: Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps
There is a fine if you sit on the Spanish Steps so avoid sitting. The flowers along the steps are stunning. Lots of people at the Trevi Fountain and the wifi reception aren’t working properly.
We had Japanese noodles near Pantheon, not cheap at all.
Midday: Pantheon
Evening: Having Chinese food.
Day 5 to the airport by taxi.
Where to Stay? Tirreno Hotel
The location is good as it is within walking distance to the Colosseum. The hotel is not very large, and the breakfast spread is average. Everything at the hotel is quite basic, including the beds, which are not very large. However, there are many restaurants and grocery stores nearby, making it convenient to meet your basic needs. The hotel is quite old but still clean. You need to use keys to open the door and return them to the front desk every time you go out; they will keep the key for you. There is a lift available, so don’t worry if you have heavy luggage.
Final thoughts:
The Vatican Museums are a popular site, so book your ticket at least 3 months in advance if you want a good time slot. The queue can be insanely long, so don’t go without booking a ticket. We booked our Vatican Museums ticket from the official website.
For the Colosseum, it is also wise to book tickets in advance and consider getting a guided tour. We booked ours through Klook, where there are many different types of combinations available, so choose and plan ahead before you arrive.
Lots of Chinese food available with affordable price in case you are craving for some.
If you are dining in the Italian restaurant, usually there is no service tax but the water will be charged for about 1 to 2 euro per head.
I was here at the beginning of April. The mornings were still chilly, and it started to get warmer around 11 am, staying hot until 5 pm. Overall, it was still a good time to visit in spring. I couldn’t imagine how unbearable the summer would be.