Ancient Rome, the Vatican, and the fountains: 2,000 years in three perfect days.
Rome is an open-air museum where every corner turns up another ruin, fountain or piazza. Three days let you walk through ancient Rome, the Vatican, and the Baroque heart of the city, all close enough to explore on foot, gelato in hand. Book the big sights ahead to skip the queues.
The mighty amphitheater, book a timed ticket (or guided tour) to skip the line.
The ruined heart of the empire, included with most Colosseum tickets.
The best-preserved ancient building in Rome, free to enter.
An evening passeggiata among Baroque fountains and street artists.
Michelangelo's ceiling and miles of art, reserve the earliest entry you can.
The vast basilica and, for the energetic, the dome climb.
Hadrian's mausoleum-turned-fortress on the Tiber.
Cobbled lanes and trattorias for a classic Roman dinner.
Toss a coin at Rome's most theatrical fountain, go early to beat crowds.
The famous staircase and the boutiques of the surrounding streets.
Bernini and Caravaggio in a garden villa, timed tickets required.
A morning market square that becomes a lively aperitivo spot by night.
Yes, three days cover ancient Rome, the Vatican and the Baroque center at a good pace. A fourth day lets you add the catacombs, Ostia Antica or a slower lunch culture.
Strongly recommended, the Vatican Museums queue can run hours. Reserve a timed entry, ideally first thing in the morning.
If you'll visit several paid sites and use public transport, the Roma Pass can save money and time with skip-the-line entry at the first sites.