Sacred Rome: A Journey Through History and Faiths

5 Day Tour of Rome

Destinations on this trip: Rome

Overview
Trip Map
Itinerary
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The Barcaccia Fountain and the Spanish Steps in the background

How Long Is the Rome in Five Days Trip and What Does It Cost?

Churches & Sacred SitesHistory Buffs

Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Best time
Jan-Dec
From
$1399 / person (Flights not included)

Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Rome with our 5-day tour highlighting the city's most sacred and historic sites. You'll visit the awe-inspiring Vatican City and the ancient Pantheon, and explore the rich history of the Jewish Ghetto. The journey offers a perfect blend of inspiring religious architecture and cultural exploration. Wander through Rome’s glorious piazzas, marvel at its stunning fountains, and discover the vibrant food culture that thrives in this ancient city. With private guided tours, insider tips through our mobile app, and detailed travel guidance, you’ll experience Rome like never before.

Explore Vatican City, home to St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Pope.
Discover the ancient splendor of the Pantheon, a pagan temple converted into a Christian church.
Wander the narrow streets of Rome's Jewish Ghetto, discovering its rich history and culture.
Stroll through Piazza Venezia, admire the monument to King Victor Emmanuel, & visit Trajan's Market.
Relax in the beautiful Villa Borghese Gardens and enjoy the world-class art at Galleria Borghese.

Explore Vatican City, home to St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Pope.
Discover the ancient splendor of the Pantheon, a pagan temple converted into a Christian church.
Wander the narrow streets of Rome's Jewish Ghetto, discovering its rich history and culture.
Stroll through Piazza Venezia, admire the monument to King Victor Emmanuel, & visit Trajan's Market.
Relax in the beautiful Villa Borghese Gardens and enjoy the world-class art at Galleria Borghese.

Colosseum

Historic Landmarks

Vatican City

Churches & Monasteries

Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Historic Landmarks

Castel Sant'Angelo

Historic Landmarks

Piazza Venezia & Trajan's Market

Historic Landmarks

Pantheon

Historic Landmarks

Trevi Fountain

Historic Landmarks

Circus Maximus

Historic Landmarks

Must see sights

Colosseum

Historic Landmarks

Vatican City

Churches & Monasteries

Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Historic Landmarks

Castel Sant'Angelo

Historic Landmarks

Piazza Venezia & Trajan's Market

Historic Landmarks

Pantheon

Historic Landmarks

Trevi Fountain

Historic Landmarks

Circus Maximus

Historic Landmarks

Starting from

$1399

per person

Not included

Price varies by group size, hotel selection, and travel season.

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Where Does the Rome in Five Days Trip Trip Go?

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Rome in Five Days Trip Timeline

Arrival

4 nights

Rome

Italy

Departure

What Does the Rome in Five Days Trip Itinerary Look Like?

Day 1

Arrive Rome

Day 1

Arrive Rome

11:30 AM

Private Transfer to your Hotel

For your arrival in Rome, we will provide information on the customs and passport procedures. We will schedule a pick up for your flight's arrival time. You will be met at arrivals inside the terminal by a driver holding a sign with your name on it. The transfer is for your party only - you will not be sharing a vehicle. The cost of the ride will be included in your itinerary package and you will be taken directly to your hotel. IMPORTANT NOTE: Please be aware the car service can fit up to 1 checked item of luggage and 1 personal item per person, such as a purse or small backpack. If you think you will have more baggage, please inform your travel consultant as this may result in an additional fee.

Private Transfer from Rome Fiumicino to Hotel

11:30 AM — Private Transfer to your Hotel

Mid-Day/Afternoon — Rome's Historic Center

Rome's tangled historical center is packed full of some of the most fascinating and incredible sights. Explore elegant squares and piazzas, centuries-year-old churches, and baroque fountains and wander at leisure the labyrinth of ancient Roman cobbled lanes. Highlights include the Baroque grandeur of Piazza Navona and the great and endlessly copied Roman Pantheon.

Piazza Navona

Stand in one of the most beautiful squares in Rome, home to the famous Fontana dei Fiumi Fountain by Bernini.

A Roman rendezvous, Piazza Navona is, for many people, the most beautiful square in the world. Like many of Rome's landmarks, Piazza Navona is located over the foundations of an ancient monument, a 30,000 seat stadium of Domitian. The former tiers of seats have since made way for ornate fountains, exuberant baroque palazzi, and bustling pavement cafes. The square has long been the hub for local life, hosting Rome's main market for over 300 years. Today it attracts a colorful circus of tourists, performers, hawkers, street artists, and pigeons. The first visit to Piazza Navona might well result in a stiff neck from gazing up at all the sumptuous Baroque beauty.

Pantheon

Visit this iconic former pagan temple converted into a Christian church.

This sanctuary of impressive dimensions is one of the best-preserved buildings of ancient Rome. Erected on the foundations of an earlier temple dating back to 27 BC, its construction was ordered by the Emporer Hadrian in the second century AD. The Pantheon was originally a Pagan temple dedidated to all of the gods. The building's consecration as a church in 609 AD saved it from the abandonment, destruction, and the worst of the spoliation that befell the majority of ancient Rome's buildings during the early medieval period. Its greying exterior may look its age, but inside, a spectacular experience awaits. With light streaming through its oculus, the marble-clad interior seems vast. The Pantheon is home to some notable tombs, including those of painters Annibale Carracci and Raphael and King Vittorio Emanuele II.

Column of Marcus Aurelius

Column formerly dedicated to Emperor Marcus Aurelius; a statue of St. Paul now stands in place of his.

If you turn left at the far end of the Temple of Adrian, you'll arrive at the Column of Marcus Aurelius (Colonna di Marco Aurelio). The column located on Piazza Colonna commemorates the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius and his victories over the Germanic tribes in Danubian and Marcomannic wars. It was modeled on Trajan's Column (which is located in Trajan's Forum). The column consists of 27 or 28 blocks of Carrara marble, each of 3.7 meters (12 ft) diameter, and was nicknamed the Centenaria, "hundred-footer" because it was 100 Roman feet or 29.60 meters high. On the top of the column was a statue of Marcus Aurelius; today, the apostle Paul stands there.

Via del Corso

One of the main streets in Rome.

The main street running alongside the Piazza Colonna is one of the main streets in Rome, called the Via del Corso. It is remarkable for being absolutely straight in an area characterized by narrow meandering alleys and small piazzas. Its runs 1.5km from Piazza del Popolo all the way to Piazza Venezia and is one of the busiest shopping streets in Rome. You’ll find lots of large international stores all over the street including major retailers such as Nike and Zara, as well as smaller Italian retailers where bargains on boutique pieces of Italian clothing and souvenirs can be found.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening — Spanish Steps

The streets spreading out from grand Piazza del Popolo (People's Square) form a trident that hosts some of the most popular shopping and tourist sights in Rome. These include the Spanish Steps, the adjacent Keats-Shelley House where Keats died of tuberculosis in 1821, Trevi Fountain where Anita Ekberg jumped into the water in the famous scene from Frederico Fellini's La Dolce Vita, and the Mausoleum of Emperor Augustus.

Spanish Steps

Take a scenic walk up the 18th-century stairway where Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck set out on their Roman Holiday.

The majestically balustraded Spanish Steps were built in 1723-6 to connect the piazza with the church of the Trinita dei Monti and the Pincio. It quickly became a favorite spot of poets, artists, and writers who gathered on its 137 steps, and it's now a favorite stop for tourists from all over the world. Yet this highly attractive stairway still somehow manages to retain a sense of romance even at the height of the tourist season, and if you happen to get there at the beginning of May you’ll find it laden with tubs of magnificent azaleas. A masterpiece of 18th-century town planning, the steps actually contain a religious message – the three flights and three landings are an allusion to the Holy Trinity.

Keats-Shelly House

Visit the last residence of poet John Keats, now a memorial museum.

The Keats-Shelley House at the foot of the Spanish Steps to the right contains the apartment where the poet John Keats spent the last three months of his life. The House is essentially an archive of English-language literary and historical works and a museum of manuscripts and literary mementoes relating to the Keats circle of the early 19th century, i.e. Keats himself, Percy and Mary Shelley and Byron (who at one time lived across the square).

The Trevi Fountain

Admire one of the most iconic sights in Rome, made famous by Anita Ekberg in La Dolce Vita.

The Trevi Fountain is one of the most iconic sights in Rome thanks to the antics of the shapely Anita Ekberg casting herself into its waters in Frederico Fellini’s cinematic masterpiece, La Dolce Vita. The fountain curiously seems to appear out of virtually nowhere within a warren of backstreets but is nevertheless discovered reasonably early each day by endless crowds of tourists looking to ensure their future return to Rome by tossing a coin back over their should into its crystal clear water (the coins are raked up each morning and donated to the Church organization Caritas). 

Mausoleum of Augustus

Visit the tomb of the first Roman Emperor and his family, which is finally being restored after more than a millenium of neglect.

The huge circular Mausoleum of Augustus, holding the tomb of the Emperor and the principal members of his family was one of the most sacred monuments of the ancient city, but has been somewhat neglected in recent decades, though it has undergone recent restoration. Erected in 28 BC and originally surrounded by a huge public park, it has a diameter of 87m (330 Roman feet), the largest circular mausoleum in the world. 

Piazza del Popolo

Take some time to admire this elegant square that once served as an impressive main entry point into the city of Rome.

The Piazza del Popolo was created in 1538 for Paul III in strict alignment with the three long straight streets which penetrate the city here as a trident. The piazza once acted as one the primary entrances into Rome, and many travelers recorded their first arrival in Rome through the monumental Porta del Popolo, which may have been designed by Michelangelo. An obelisk, 24m high, rises in the center and on the side of the piazza opposite the porta are the twin decorative 17th-century Baroque churches, Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto.

Day 1

Arrive Rome

11:30 AM:

Private Transfer to your Hotel

Mid-Day/Afternoon:

Rome's Historic Center

Late Afternoon/Early Evening:

Spanish Steps

Private Transfer to your Hotel

Overview

Private Transfer to your Hotel

Overview

Private Transfer to your Hotel

Overview

Private Transfer to your Hotel

Overview

Private Transfer to your Hotel

Overview

Private Transfer to your Hotel

11:30 AM — Private Transfer to your Hotel

Mid-Day/Afternoon — Rome's Historic Center

Piazza Navona

Stand in one of the most beautiful squares in Rome, home to the famous Fontana dei Fiumi Fountain by Bernini.

Pantheon

Visit this iconic former pagan temple converted into a Christian church.

Column of Marcus Aurelius

Column formerly dedicated to Emperor Marcus Aurelius; a statue of St. Paul now stands in place of his.

Via del Corso

One of the main streets in Rome.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening — Spanish Steps

Spanish Steps

Take a scenic walk up the 18th-century stairway where Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck set out on their Roman Holiday.

Keats-Shelly House

Visit the last residence of poet John Keats, now a memorial museum.

The Trevi Fountain

Admire one of the most iconic sights in Rome, made famous by Anita Ekberg in La Dolce Vita.

Mausoleum of Augustus

Visit the tomb of the first Roman Emperor and his family, which is finally being restored after more than a millenium of neglect.

Piazza del Popolo

Take some time to admire this elegant square that once served as an impressive main entry point into the city of Rome.

Day 2

Rome

Day 2

Rome

9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Ancient Rome Guided Walk

On this 3-hour private guided tour, you will explore the imposing remains of ancient Rome. Your guide will explain the extraordinary history of the birth of Rome, life in the city and everything about the fall of the Empire. Visit the Colosseum, the monumental ruins of the Roman Forum, and end the tour on the Capitoline Hill, the smallest and most important of the seven hills of Ancient Rome.

Heart of the Empire - Private Tour of Ancient Rome & the Colosseum

Browse the gallery to see some of the highlights

Colosseum

Ancient Roman Ampitheater

Heart of the Empire - Private Tour of Ancient Rome & the Colosseum

Browse the gallery to see some of the highlights

Colosseum

Ancient Roman Ampitheater

Heart of the Empire - Private Tour of Ancient Rome & the Colosseum

Browse the gallery to see some of the highlights

Colosseum

Ancient Roman Ampitheater

9:30 AM - 12:30 PM — Ancient Rome Guided Walk

Colosseum

Ancient Roman Ampitheater

Monumental Roman amphitheater once used for gladiatorial games

Afternoon — Piazza Venezia

The Piazza Venezia is not only the central hub of Rome, but is also located at the foot of the Capitoline Hill, which is the ancient heart of Rome. Thus it was chosen as a fitting space for a memorial to the first king of modern Italy, Victor Emmanuel II, who led the unification of the Italian states in the 1860s. The gigantic monument now overlooks the Piazza Venezia in overwhelming marble glory, standing as an unmissable symbol of Italian unity. The open space and dramatic setting were used to great effect by Mussolini, who staged rallies here. However, the monument is just one of the several sights that can be found around Piazza Venezia, an area often overlooked by tourists who pass from the historic center directly to the Colosseum further down the street. For instance, just below it you'll find Trajan's Forum, containing some of Rome's most notable ruins, and just above it on the Capitoline Hill, an elegant square designed by Michelangelo.

Vittorio Emanuele II Monument

Visit this grand monument and ascend to the roof through an elevator at the back for the wonderful views of the Roman Forum and Colosseum.

Standing grand and mighty on Capitoline Hill overlooking Piazza Venezia, the monumental marble temple honouring Italy's first king Vittorio Emanuele II is a sight often overlooked by tourists. The impressive wedding cake-like building is home to one of the best views in Rome. Ascend to its rooftop and you can enjoy amazing views over the Roman Forum and Colosseum.  The monument is also the sight of the Altar of the Fatherland (Altare della Patria), which includes an altar to the goddess Rome, and a shrine to the Italian Unknown Soldier, thus making the monument a sort of secular temple dedicated to the country. However, it's unlikely the relatively modest and unassuming Vittorio would have appreciated this massive monument built to his legacy. Inaugurated in 1911 to symbolize the achievement of Italian unity, it irrevocably changed the aspect of the city, throwing out of scale the Capitoline hill itself and causing indiscriminate damage. Familiarly known as ‘Mussolini’s typewriter’ (it was finished during his regime in 1937), it is thought by some locals to be a colossal monstrosity, although for others its symbolic importance makes it a place of reverence, regardless of any architectural criticism.

Capitoline Square & Capitoline Museums

See the square Michelangelo designed to mark the spot of Rome's legendary origins.

This square at the top of the Capitoline Hill, Piazza del Campidoglio, is a lovely piece of town planning designed by Michelangelo. It is surrounded on three sides by stately palaces and an open-end featuring a balustrade. This is the historical center of ancient Rome, and to reflect this fact, Pope Paul III ordered that the famous gilded bronze equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius be moved here from the Lateran hill.  Off of one corner of the square you will find a reproduction of the famous Lupa Capitolina, that is, the statue of the she-wolf that suckled the legendary founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus. Wander just a bit further and you will be rewarded with an amazing view over the Forum. You'll also find the Capitoline Museums in one of the 15th century palaces fronting the square. These are some of the oldest collections in Rome, containing Classical Roman, Greek, and Egyptian sculptures, as well as Renaissance art.

Markets of Trajan

Take a look around the world's first shopping mall.

Trajan's Forum was the last great forum built in Rome and rivaled the original Forum in scale and grandiosity. However, the only significant structure that remains now is the semicircular ruins of the Trajan Markets, which are often described as the world's first shopping mall. Arcaded passageways led to offices, shops, and apartments, situated in a multi-story structure. It is still possible to visit some of these levels. Within Trajan's Market you will find the Museum of Imperial Fora, one of the best interactive museums covering Ancient Rome. The labeling in English is unsurpassed and the exhibition rooms both in the museum and the rooms of the markets provide a superb introduction to Roman life and the architecture and building methods that were lost for centuries after the fall of the Roman Empire. Two or three hours spent here is time well invested.

Trajan's Column

Relive a saga of war and conquest on this carved frieze as it winds its way up a 140-foot high ancient column.

Built in 113 AD out of 18 massive blocks of marble, the column is decorated with exquisitely executed reliefs which spiral up around it. There are over 2,500 carved figures, and the column tells a detailed and highly visual tale of the Emperor Trajan’s Dacian wars. At the top of the column once stood a statue of the victorious Emperor (replaced by St Peter in 1588), and a spiral stone staircase inside led to a platform from which extensive views could be enjoyed over the rooftops of the city. Today the column is visible from the Piazza Venezia without a ticket, but those with a particular interest in Roman history might consider hiring a private guide who can explain the story depicted by the column in more detail.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening — Villa Borghese Gardens

The Villa Borghese Park acts as the main respite and sanctuary for Romans and tourists alike away from the din of central Rome. Overlooking Piazza del Popolo and only a stone's throw from the Spanish Steps, the area was a district of market gardens, olive groves, and patrician villas until taken over as summer estates by the city's wealthy during the Renaissance. The most notable is Villa Borghese, which now houses one of the city's best non-Vatican art collections. The adjacent Pincio Gardens offer a grand vista over Rome.

Medici Villa

Take a peak at a 16th-century cardinal's villa that was once considered one of the grandest residences in the city.

Built-in 1564-74 and bought by Cardinal Ferdinando de'Medici in 1576, who further enlarged it, the Medici Villa was considered one of the grandest residences in the city. Galileo was held under house arrest here by the Inquisition in 1630-3. In 1801, the villa was bought by Napoleon and the French Academy was transferred here where it has remained to this day, meaning it is closed to the general public. French students who win the Prix de Rome are sent to study here for periods of six months to two years at the expense of the French government. Well-known scholars include Berlioz, Debussy, and Ingres. It remains one of the most important cultural institutions in Europe and the most beautiful villas to have preserved its garden in the center of Rome.

Galleria Borghese

Visit Rome's most famous art gallery outside of the Vatican Museums.

The gallery started out as the private family collection of the powerful Borghese family, who poured much of their wealth into the patronage of the best Renaissance-era artists. It contains masterpieces not only by Bernini and Caravaggio, but also Raphael, Rubens, and Titian. Don't miss in particular Caravaggio's David with the Head of Goliath - the head is said to be a self-portrait. It's obligatory to book your visit in advance, you'll need a printable confirmation and a booking number.

National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art

See the most important collection in existence of Italian modern art.

The gallery was founded in 1883, although the current museum building was purpose-built for it in 1911. It displays paintings and sculptures of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and is the largest such collection in Italy. In addition to Italian artists such as Giorgio de Chirico and Giorgio Morandi, you'll find works from non-Italian artists including Degas, Monet, and Jackson Pollock.

Day 2

Rome

Day 3

Rome

Day 3

Rome

Early Morning to Late Afternoon

Vatican City

Rome is unique in the world in that it contains an independent country within its city limits - the Vatican City, from where the Pope administers the Catholic Church. The symbolic center of Catholicism is St Peter's Basilica, the second-largest Catholic church in the world and among the most beautiful. The Vatican Museum contains one of the greatest collections of art in existence, including Michelangelo's jaw-dropping Sistine Chapel. The popes had a bigger influence on Rome than just the collection of art. The Pope's title is actually Bishop of Rome, and popes administed the city for centuries, shaping its architecture & public spaces. Rome was re-built to be an example of urban beauty, and the Vatican was meant to be the showcase within the showcase. Their success is evident from the throngs of visitors who flock here even today.

Vatican Museums

Book early if you want to see the Vatican Museum's monumental works of art from the greatest Italian artists of the Renaissance.

St Peter’s Basilica

Explore the gigantic and incredibly beautiful church known as "the greatest of all churches of Christendom".

Vatican Gardens

Escape the crowds in this oasis of green hidden behind the walls of the Vatican.

Explore the Vatican City's Many Wonders

Browse the gallery to see some of the highlights

St Peter's Square

Stand in the middle of this famous square in which the faithful gather to hear the Pope give audiences and celebrate mass.

Sistine Chapel

Gaze up at the world's most famous ceiling, the masterpiece of Michelangelo.

Vatican Museums

Book early if you want to see the Vatican Museum's monumental works of art from the greatest Italian artists of the Renaissance.

St Peter’s Basilica

Explore the gigantic and incredibly beautiful church known as "the greatest of all churches of Christendom".

Vatican Gardens

Escape the crowds in this oasis of green hidden behind the walls of the Vatican.

Explore the Vatican City's Many Wonders

Browse the gallery to see some of the highlights

St Peter's Square

Stand in the middle of this famous square in which the faithful gather to hear the Pope give audiences and celebrate mass.

Sistine Chapel

Gaze up at the world's most famous ceiling, the masterpiece of Michelangelo.

Early Morning to Late Afternoon — Vatican City

St Peter's Square

Stand in the middle of this famous square in which the faithful gather to hear the Pope give audiences and celebrate mass.

As one of the most superb conceptions of its kind in civic architecture, St Peter’s Square is the masterpiece of Gian Lorenzo Bernini and makes a wonderful approach to one of the world’s most magnificent churches, St Peter's Basilica. An oval rather than an actual square, the piazza, laid out in 1656-67, is partially enclosed by two semi-circular colonnades on which stand 96 statues of saints and martyrs. At the center of the oval stands an 84-foot (26m) tall Egyptian obelisk of red granite.

Sistine Chapel

Gaze up at the world's most famous ceiling, the masterpiece of Michelangelo.

This famous chapel inside the Vatican Museums is best known for Michelangelo's 16th-century painted ceiling of "The Creation of Adam" and "The Last Judgement" fresco that covers the whole altar wall of the chapel. The jaw-dropping sight is not to be missed, considered one of the top highlights of visiting the Vatican Museums and one of the top artistic wonders of the world. 

Vatican Museums

Book early if you want to see the Vatican Museum's monumental works of art from the greatest Italian artists of the Renaissance.

The Vatican Museum is actually 26 different museums, which include not only exhibitions but chapels, apartments, and other rooms of the Vatican palace, covering a huge range of fine and applied arts patronized by the popes. There's also an outstanding collection of ancient antiquities (including even the Emperor Nero's red stone bathtub), a gallery of hand-painted maps, and whole rooms turned into works of art. In addition to ancient and medieval works of art, you'll see masterpieces by the "who's who" of the Italian Renaissance, including Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, and Caravaggio. Other highlights include panels by the brilliant monk-artist Fra Angelico, works from the Venetian school, including Vavarini, and much, much more.  Booking in advance is highly recommended as otherwise you can wait for hours or not even be able to get in at all.

St Peter’s Basilica

Explore the gigantic and incredibly beautiful church known as "the greatest of all churches of Christendom".

The basilica is one of the chief pilgrimage sites in the Christian world, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Rome. The basilica is the symbolic center of the church not only because the Pope frequently celebrates Mass there, but because it is believed that the apostle St. Peter is buried beneath it. Catholics consider Peter as the first Bishop of Rome and "the rock" upon which the Catholic Church was built, in accordance with Christ's instructions. Inside you can admire sculptures by Bernini as well as Michelangelo's famous sculpture of the Virgin Mary holding the crucified Jesus, known as The Pietà. The church's elaborate and impressive golden interior is a sight to behold. Other sights include St Peter's tomb, the Papal crypts in the necropolis under the basilica, as well as the dome, which rewards visitors with views over Rome.  Entry is free, but queues to visit the Basilica can be lengthy, so it is highly advised to either get there early or to purchase a skip the line entrance. The dome is also paid entry. 

Vatican Gardens

Escape the crowds in this oasis of green hidden behind the walls of the Vatican.

Accessible only via a guided tour, the gardens are definitely worth a visit. Just as the Popes have for hundreds of years, you can stroll the gardens and relax amidst the greenery, while taking in the perfect view of St. Peter's. 

Late Afternoon/Early Evening — Castel Sant'Angelo

Designed and built by Emperor Hadrian as his own mausoleum, the great circular hulk of Castel Sant'Angelo provides one of the best routes to the Vatican and St Peter's via the Ponte Sant'Angelo bridge. Appropriated by the popes, the mausoleum was turned into a fortress and attached to the Vatican with a passageway for the popes to use as a refuge in times of siege or invasion - this is where Pope Clement VII sheltered during the Sack of Rome in 1527.

Mausoleum of Hadrian

Visit this iconic 2nd Century Castle built as the Mausoleum For Emperor Hadrian.

Known as Hadrian's Tomb, the Castel Sant'Angelo is a fortress on the banks of the River Tiber. Originally built as a tomb for the Emperor, it has evolved over the centuries and today it is one of Rome's most underrated museums. Inside you can see the historic Papal apartments, decorated with frescoes from the Renaissance period. Outside you can admire the castle's bastion and rooftop with beautiful views over the river and the Vatican. 

Ponte Sant'Angelo

Walk across this pedestrian bridge that was built in 134 A.D. by Emperor Hadrian.

Hadrian had the bridge built as an approach to his mausoleum, but it didn't gain its magnificent angel statues by Bernini until late in the 17th century. Spanning the River Tiber, it is completely pedestrianised, which allows for great photo opportunities of the castle and St Peter's Basilica in the near distance. 

Day 3

Rome

Day 4

Rome

Day 4

Rome

Morning/Mid-Day

Esquilino District

Upon first glance, this urban neighborhood of Rome may seem busy and overwhelming, but hidden among its traffic-noisy streets are some of Rome's most beautiful churches, artistic treasures, and cultural museums, including the Baths of Diocletian.

Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli

See a Michelangelo-designed church built within the former Baths of Diocletian.

Palazzo Massimo alle Terme

Visit one of Rome's greatest but most unheralded museums of antiquity.

Visit Rome's Esquilino District

Browse the gallery to see some of the highlights

Baths of Diocletian

Walk the ruins of what was once the largest themal baths in the ancient Roman world.

Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli

See a Michelangelo-designed church built within the former Baths of Diocletian.

Palazzo Massimo alle Terme

Visit one of Rome's greatest but most unheralded museums of antiquity.

Visit Rome's Esquilino District

Browse the gallery to see some of the highlights

Baths of Diocletian

Walk the ruins of what was once the largest themal baths in the ancient Roman world.

Morning/Mid-Day — Esquilino District

Baths of Diocletian

Walk the ruins of what was once the largest themal baths in the ancient Roman world.

Covering an area of more than 13 hectares (some 32 acres), the bath complex was commissioned by Emperor Diocletian in 298 AD, with a capacity to host over 3,000 people (twice as many as the Baths of Caracalla). The baths were made of bricks, coated in marble and decorated with mosaics and sculptures. The complex included a gymnasium, a library, a large outdoor swimming pool and cold, hot, and tepid public baths. They remained open until 537 when the Goths cut off the aqueducts in an attempt to conquer Rome. After they fell into disrepair and were left abandoned. Even though only a small part of the public bath complex can be seen and visited, it is extremely impressive, with the possibility to see at some points the high ceilings the baths possessed. The interior includes part of the National Museum of Rome and a permanent exhibition on pre-historic populations of the area. In the outdoor part of the baths, it is possible to stroll through a sixteenth-century garden with nearly 400 works of art, including statues, sarcophagi and reliefs. 

Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli

See a Michelangelo-designed church built within the former Baths of Diocletian.

In 1561, almost 1000 years after the baths of Diocletian fell into disuse, Pope Pius IV decided to build a basilica consecrated to Our Lady of the Angels within the baths. He commisioned the 86-year-old Michelangelo to plan the church, making use of some of the existing structures of the baths. Today a visit to the basilica gives you an idea of the enormous size of the baths. The church was constructed at the site of the former frigidarium (a large cold pool which would be used to close the pores after using the hot baths) and incorporates several elements of the former thermae. The vestibule occupies the former tepidarium (a Roman-style relaxation room) and the imposing entrance is an exedra of the caldarium (a room with a hot plunge bath). Other highlights include the meridian solar line running across the floor, which still accurately calculates the length of the year and the summer and winter solstices. There is also an impressive organ with 5,400 tubes. It is capable of leaving those visitors lucky enough to hear it spellbound.

Palazzo Massimo alle Terme

Visit one of Rome's greatest but most unheralded museums of antiquity.

This light-filled museum holds one of the best classical art collections in the world. The ground and first-floor feature famous Greek and Roman sculptures, mosaics and statues, as well as impressive sarcophagi and high reliefs. The second floor showcases the best preserved Roman frescoes in the world, which are considered the highlight of the museum. Originally located in Villa of Livia (the wife of Augustus) and Villa Farnesina, these colourful frescoes, sometimes covering an entire room, offer a unique view into life in ancient Rome and the critical importance of gardens, nature, and the villa atmosphere to upper echelon Romans. A must visit room is the painted garden room of Villa Livia. There is also a cinema room with a video showing a 3D reconstruction of the Villa Farnesina as it would have been, showing the layout of the rooms in the villa and the frescoes you had seen just moments before. 

Afternoon — Jewish Ghetto

The Ghetto is an area of confusing switchback streets and alleys which is currently undergoing a resurgence with lots of kosher cafes and restaurants. The highlight is the huge synagogue built in 1904, which includes the Museo Ebriaca recounting the history of Roman Jews, many of whom died in the Holocaust. Immediately across the road is the Teatro di Marcello built by Julius Caesar and Augustus. The remains of the first Roman bridge to cross the Tiber are also nearby.

Theater of Marcellus

Walk around this ancient Roman amphitheatre that could once hold over 15,000 spectators.

The Theater of Marcellus (Teatro di Marcello) is an ancient Roman theater that has been partly rebuilt and partly restored. Begun by Julius Caesar and finished in A.D. 13 by Augustus, who demolished several temples for the purpose, the theater was dedicated to the son of Augustus's sister Octavia, who died as a young man. While the theater is closed to the public, you can see the 16th-century palazzo that was constructed in part of its huge cavea and admire the theater from three sides as you walk around its arches towards the Portico of Octavia. 

Early Evening to Late Evening — Trastevere

Stroll around Trastevere, a formerly working-class district which has now been transformed into one of its hippest neighborhoods. You'll discover a heady nightlife mostly free of the tourist traps which mar other parts of the center, and you'll discover hidden corners beloved by locals and visitors alike. We highly recommend dining out in one of the district's top-rated restaurants or cafes, but beware, this is Rome's most popular spot for dinner, so booking ahead or dining early is highly advised. If you don't make a reservation, here's one tip for finding a restaurant: if someone is standing outside trying to convince you to come in, it's not popular with the locals.

Basilica di Santa Maria

Step inside this mosaic-covered gem of Rome, and then linger for a while to people watch on the square its located on.

Said to be the oldest church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in Rome, it dates back to the 3rd Century. Despite being located on the central square of one of Rome's most popular neighborhoods for dining and nightlife, the Basilica di Santa Maria is often missed by visitors. Most just stop outside to admire its 12th-century facade and its glittering mosaic depicting Mary feeding Jesus. Its interior though is the true draw, as it is home to impressive golden mosaics from the 13th century by Pietro Cavallini, and its nave is held up by 21 ancient Roman columns pillaged from the Baths of Caracalla.  After visiting the church, be sure to hang out for a little while on the square to appreciate the lively vibe of the Trastevere neighborhood.

Day 4

Rome

Day 5

Depart Rome

Day 5

Depart Rome

Morning/Mid-Day

South of Center

While most tourists stick to the Vatican and historic center of Rome, just south of the Palatine Hill lay several attractions that are definitely worth seeing. Start with a quick visit to the Circus Maximus, where chariot races were held in ancient Rome, and then make your way further south for a look at the fascinating pyramid tomb of Caius Cestius, one of classical Rome's best preserved ruins. It was built for a Roman aristocrat during a time when all things Egyptian were the rage. Just next to pyramid is the Protestant Cemetery, holding the earthly remains of Rome's non-Catholic residents, locals and foreigners alike, and not just Protestants. Within this beautiful cemetery, you will find the graves of the poets Keats and Shelley and Gregory Corso, as well as the Italian Marxist philosopher Antonio Gramsci. Farther up the road are the huge Baths of Caracalla - named after one of classical Rome's cruelest emperors.

Baths of Caracalla

Walk around one of the few lasting physical legacies of Emperor Caracalla and admire the structures and well-preserved mosaics of the baths and gyms.

Protestant Cemetery

Visit the lovely final resting place of many famous non-Catholics who died in Rome.

Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls

Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls

Venture even further south to discover this magnificent and usually missed basilica which holds the tomb of St. Paul and dates back to 324 AD.

Go South of the Center & Get Off the Beaten Path

Browse the gallery to see some of the highlights

Circus Maximus

Watch the locals go for a jog or walk their dogs through what was once the most illustrious sporting venue in the ancient world, where frenzied crowds cheered on their favored team of charioteers in dramatic and sometimes deadly races.

Baths of Caracalla

Walk around one of the few lasting physical legacies of Emperor Caracalla and admire the structures and well-preserved mosaics of the baths and gyms.

Protestant Cemetery

Visit the lovely final resting place of many famous non-Catholics who died in Rome.

Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls

Venture even further south to discover this magnificent and usually missed basilica which holds the tomb of St. Paul and dates back to 324 AD.

Go South of the Center & Get Off the Beaten Path

Browse the gallery to see some of the highlights

Circus Maximus

Baths of Caracalla

Walk around one of the few lasting physical legacies of Emperor Caracalla and admire the structures and well-preserved mosaics of the baths and gyms.

Morning/Mid-Day — South of Center

Circus Maximus

The Circus Maximus lies in the valley between the Palatine and Aventine hills and is the largest uninterrupted open space in the city. It was the first and largest chariot racing circus in Rome, with the first factual reference to it dating from 328 BC. In the days of ancient Rome, the circus was the scene of great entertainment and chariot races and games were held here. Not much remains of it today, but the form of it can still be imagined. 

Baths of Caracalla

Walk around one of the few lasting physical legacies of Emperor Caracalla and admire the structures and well-preserved mosaics of the baths and gyms.

The huge baths are now the best-preserved and most splendid Imperial-era baths in Rome. Built between the years 212 and 216, the baths are one of the most impressive thermae that remains, a site that in its heyday could accommodate 1,600 bathers at a time. As you walk around the imposing walls of the bathhouse you can easily imagine what it would have been like in its glory and splendour. The mosaics on the ground floor are very well preserved and in some places you can even see remnants of games that were carved into the marble of the pool. 

Protestant Cemetery

Visit the lovely final resting place of many famous non-Catholics who died in Rome.

It may not look it from outside the cemetery walls, but it's actually a very romantic setting with tall cypresses and pine trees, and it's beautifully maintained and inhabited by numerous cats. The cemetery was created due to the fact that non-Catholics were not allowed to be buried in Rome's Catholic cemeteries. Since the earliest recorded grave dating from 1738, some 4,000 people have been buried here. The cemetery famously contains the mortal remains of the English romantic poets Johns Keats and Percy Shelley. Other famous tombs in the cemetery include those of the Italian Marxist philosopher Antonio Gramsci, the son of Goethe, and the American Beat poet Gregory Corso, who was buried here in 2001 at his request next to Shelley.

Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls

Venture even further south to discover this magnificent and usually missed basilica which holds the tomb of St. Paul and dates back to 324 AD.

Founded by the Emperor Constantine over the tomb of St. Paul, the church is one of Rome's four major papal basilicas. Well off the beaten path, those who do visit it are often surprised to have never heard of such a beautiful and impressive church. Decorated with mosaic tile, the interior is breathtaking. Visitors can also find portraits of every pope from St. Peter to Pope Francis.

To Be Determined — Private Transfer to Rome Fiumicino or Ciampino Airport

A car service will pick you up from your hotel and take you directly to Rome Fiumicino Airport. This is a private transfer for you and your travel party. You do not need to pay the driver as the cost of the private transfer is included in your itinerary. IMPORTANT NOTE: Please be aware the car service can fit up to 1 checked item of luggage and 1 personal item per person, such as a purse or small backpack. If you think you will have more baggage, please inform your travel consultant as this may result in an additional fee.

Day 5

Depart Rome

What's Included in the Rome in Five Days Trip Trip?

Pre-Paid Tours and Activities:

Heart of the Empire - Private Tour of Ancient Rome & the Colosseum
City Card for Rome, including discounts to many popular attractions

Pre-Paid Transportation:

Public Transport Tickets for Rome
Private Transfer from Rome Fiumicino to Hotel
Private Transfer to Rome Fiumicino or Ciampino Airport

Accommodation:

4 nights at a hotel of your choice in Rome

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Explore cities in more detail

Rome

One of the must-sees of Italy, and indeed all of Europe, Rome is a city with history flowing through its veins. There is an endless amount to see, do, and learn here, with something for every taste and disposition. Rome was the center of Western civilization for a Millenium and during that time, accumulated a list of historical and cultural treasures that no other destination can truly match. The Pantheon, Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Cirus of Maxentius are just a few examples of what can be seen and experienced in Rome, which at times feels more like a giant outdoor museum than a city. At Rome’s heart, you’ll find the Vatican, home of the Roman Catholic Church and the Pope. Here visitors can see the legendary Sistine Chapel. Transcending a mere building, the chapel is a walk-in work of art. Although historical sights can be found on just about every corner, it’s entirely possible to fill a day just wandering around Rome. The city’s charming streets and open Piazzas are filled with beautiful sights and places to sit, grab the best Cappuccino in the world, and enjoy the view.

Learn About Rome

Venice

Venice is a city with no equal. Built on a series of islands on a lagoon, it was once a powerful city-state. Echoes of that old magnificence can be seen everywhere here, from the stunning buildings that rise out of the canals, to the bridges that arc across them. Take a Gondola ride through the canals that form the city’s veins, or wander through the winding streets drinking in the sights. You’ll see Venice attracts tourists in huge numbers, and that’s with good reason. It’s home to a seemingly limitless amount of art, culture, history, and architecture. St Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Campanile di San Marco just barely scratch the surface. There’s a 700-year-old market, Rialto, which is still open today. The Ponte di Rialto bridge connects the neighborhoods of San Marco and San Polo, stretching across the Grand Canal. Venice has weathered the last several centuries with elegance and pride, a place that will surpass even your highest expectations.

Learn About Venice

Florence

Culture and history are thick in the air in Florence. Located on the banks of the Arno River in Tuscany, Florence’s past is deeply compelling. The birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is where innovators like Dante, Machiavelli, Michelangelo, and Da Vinci made their fortunes. Centuries of art, politics, and commerce have left their mark on every stone in this Northern Italian city. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Florentine banks funded new enterprises that went on to change the history of the world. Powerful families like the Medici’s financed some of the finest art in history and pioneered new ways of doing statecraft and politics. As you stand in the Piazzale Michelangelo and gaze upon the city below it’s hard to take it all in at once. It feels like behind every door in Florence might hide a work of genius. Michelangelo’s David and Botticelli’s Primavera can be found just a short walk away. After a long day wandering the streets and gazing at art, fueled by exquisite coffee and gelato, relax like the locals do: with a glass of some of the best wine in the world.

Learn About Florence

Milan

Milan is Italy’s most forward-looking city. An international center for fashion, fine dining, and design, it seems as though Milanese people breathe style. From the gleam on your wine glass to the twists of its cathedral’s spires, everything in Milan is finished to perfection. Home to the Italian stock exchange, a world-famous fashion industry, and a frantic business district, Milan is fast-paced and commercially minded. The shopping in Milan is second to none. At the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world’s oldest shopping malls, a glass-iron ceiling soars over brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Massimo Dutti, and Amani. Along with the fashion, Milan’s cathedral, castle, and canals are also must-sees. But to view the city’s most prized possession - Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, you must make an appointment. Tickets to view this mural sell out weeks in advance. It is truly a bucket-list worthy work of art. After a day taking in all the glamor and culture, take a seat in one of Milan’s well-appointed eateries. The Navigli Quarter is packed with restaurants, bars, and cafes, perfect for a relaxed Aperol spritz or pizza along the city’s canals.

Learn About Milan

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre, a string of five fishing villages in the Liguria region of Italy, is a rare snapshot of a traditional way of life. Rustic and charming, these clusters of pastel houses clinging to steep Mediterranean cliffs hold a special allure. Hiking between the five villages is a popular way to experience the rugged Mediterranean landscape close up. There are no roads here — the only other way to get between the villages is by boat or train. Seafood, hauled in from the azure waters of the sea that laps against the rocky shore, is abundant and delicious here. It pairs well with the local wine, and perhaps a plate of olives. Cinque Terre is a place to take it slow, to breathe in the fresh sea air and bask in the balmy climate, many miles from the chaos and frenzy of the modern world.

Learn About Cinque Terre

Naples

Gritty and chaotic Naples calls to travelers who want to experience the real Italy. Pressed along the coast of Campania, hilly Naples is jammed with maze-like streets, strung with outdoor clotheslines, descending toward the sea below. A much deserved UNESCO World Heritage site, Naples is famous for its churches, museums, castles, and catacombs. As you navigate the city, you’ll find yourself immersed by its culture and history. You can easily occupy a full day gazing at churches like the Naples Cathedral, San Francesco di Paola, and Cappella Sansevero. If you cast your eyes toward the Gulf of Naples, you’ll see Mount Vesuvius looming over the harbor. This foreboding volcano erupted in AD 79. Not far from the inner city — less than an hour by train — you’ll find the ancient town of Pompeii, its dramatic ruins still preserved in ash from the eruption. One of the best things you can do in Naples is to eat. This is the city where pizza was born. Propped up by its ripe tomatoes, local cheeses, and fresh fish, food from Naples has come to define what many see as the height of Italian cuisine. Everything you taste in Naples seems like a delicacy. Authentic and vivid, Naples is a true Italian city where the ancient world meets the modern-day with a bang.

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Sacred Rome: A Journey Through History and Faiths

5 Day Tour of Rome

How Long Is the Rome in Five Days Trip and What Does It Cost?

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Where Does the Rome in Five Days Trip Trip Go?

Rome in Five Days Trip Timeline

What Does the Rome in Five Days Trip Itinerary Look Like?

Private Transfer to your Hotel

11:30 AM — Private Transfer to your Hotel

Mid-Day/Afternoon — Rome's Historic Center

Piazza Navona

Pantheon

Column of Marcus Aurelius

Via del Corso

Late Afternoon/Early Evening — Spanish Steps

Spanish Steps

Keats-Shelly House

The Trevi Fountain

Mausoleum of Augustus

Piazza del Popolo

11:30 AM — Private Transfer to your Hotel

Mid-Day/Afternoon — Rome's Historic Center

Piazza Navona

Pantheon

Column of Marcus Aurelius

Via del Corso

Late Afternoon/Early Evening — Spanish Steps

Spanish Steps

Keats-Shelly House

The Trevi Fountain

Mausoleum of Augustus

Piazza del Popolo

Ancient Rome Guided Walk

9:30 AM - 12:30 PM — Ancient Rome Guided Walk

Colosseum

Afternoon — Piazza Venezia

Vittorio Emanuele II Monument

Capitoline Square & Capitoline Museums

Markets of Trajan

Trajan's Column

Late Afternoon/Early Evening — Villa Borghese Gardens

Medici Villa

Galleria Borghese

National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art

Vatican City

Early Morning to Late Afternoon — Vatican City

St Peter's Square

Sistine Chapel

Vatican Museums

St Peter’s Basilica

Vatican Gardens

Late Afternoon/Early Evening — Castel Sant'Angelo

Mausoleum of Hadrian

Ponte Sant'Angelo

Esquilino District

Morning/Mid-Day — Esquilino District

Baths of Diocletian

Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli

Palazzo Massimo alle Terme

Afternoon — Jewish Ghetto

Theater of Marcellus

Early Evening to Late Evening — Trastevere

Basilica di Santa Maria

South of Center

Morning/Mid-Day — South of Center

Circus Maximus

Baths of Caracalla

Protestant Cemetery

Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls

To Be Determined — Private Transfer to Rome Fiumicino or Ciampino Airport

What's Included in the Rome in Five Days Trip Trip?

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Secure Your Customizable Trip
Enter your details to embark on a journey that can be tailored just for you.

Craft Your Own Itinerary
Select your interests and destinations for a trip plan inspired by you.