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Rome in 4 Days

A balanced first-timer plan: the ancient city, the Vatican, baroque Rome and a slow Trastevere finale.

4 daysFirst-timer classicEst. $950 / person

Estimated daily costs

Day 1

$110

Day 2

$130

Day 3

$120

Day 4

$95

The plan

1

Day 1

Rome city

Arrival into Fiumicino, train to Termini, drop bags and head straight to the Colosseum for the earliest available slot, then end the day on Palatine Hill.

Activities

  • Colosseum
  • Roman Forum
  • Palatine Hill

Where to eat

  • Pizza near Monti
  • Gelato on the walk back
Stay: Centro Storico or near TerminiGetting around: Airport rail + metroEst. cost: $110
2

Day 2

Vatican / Prati

Morning at the Vatican: dome climb first, then the basilica and the Museums for the Sistine Chapel.

Activities

  • St Peter's dome
  • St Peter's Basilica
  • Vatican Museums

Where to eat

  • Pasta at lunch near the Vatican
  • Roman-style pizzeria
Stay: Centro StoricoGetting around: Metro line AEst. cost: $130
3

Day 3

Rome city

The baroque walking day: Pantheon, Piazza Navona, early Trevi and the Spanish Steps before a late Ghetto lunch.

Activities

  • Pantheon
  • Piazza Navona
  • Trevi Fountain
  • Spanish Steps

Where to eat

  • Jewish Ghetto lunch
  • Campo de' Fiori market snacks
Stay: Centro StoricoGetting around: WalkingEst. cost: $120
4

Day 4

Rome city

Slow goodbye: Trastevere morning, Testaccio or Campo market, then train back to the airport in the afternoon.

Activities

  • Trastevere wander
  • Testaccio market

Where to eat

  • Trattoria in Trastevere
Stay: -Getting around: Metro + airport railEst. cost: $95

Where to stay

Recommended places to base yourself during this trip.

Hotel Artemide

Rome

$$$

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