One Week Itinerary to Rome, Italy

Welcome to Rome, the eternal city of history, culture, and delicious food! Whether you're here for a week-long vacation or just passing through, there's no shortage of things to see and do in this ancient metropolis. In this post, we'll take you on a whirlwind tour of some of the most popular and interesting sights in Rome, as well as some lesser-known gems that you won't want to miss. We'll also give you some tips on where to eat, both on a budget and in style.

Here's a Google Spreadsheet of this exact itinerary to get you started!

Start your day with a visit to the Vatican City, the world's smallest country and home to the Pope. The Vatican Museums are a must-see, with a collection of art and artifacts spanning thousands of years. The highlight of the museums is the Sistine Chapel, where you can see Michelangelo's famous frescoes up close. From the Vatican, it's a short walk to St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world and a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture.

After lunch, head over to the Colosseum, one of the most famous symbols of Rome. This massive amphitheater was built almost 2,000 years ago and could hold up to 50,000 spectators. Imagine the gladiatorial battles and public spectacles that took place here in ancient times.

For dinner, try a budget-friendly option like Trattoria Da Enzo al 29, where you can enjoy traditional Roman dishes like spaghetti alla carbonara and saltimbocca alla romana at affordable prices.

Begin your day with a visit to the Pantheon, one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in Rome. This 2,000-year-old temple is famous for its dome, which is still the largest unsupported dome in the world. From the Pantheon, walk to the Trevi Fountain, where you can make a wish and toss a coin over your shoulder. Tradition says that if you throw a coin into the fountain, you'll return to Rome.

After lunch, take a stroll to Piazza del Popolo, one of the most beautiful squares in Rome. The piazza is surrounded by elegant buildings and two twin churches, the Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Miracoli and the Chiesa di Santa Maria in Montesanto.

For dinner, try a nice option like Osteria del Pegno, where you can enjoy a contemporary twist on traditional Roman dishes, such as tonnarelli cacio e pepe with truffle.

Today, you will discover the lesser-known side of Rome. Start your day with a visit to the Supreme Court of Italy, a beautiful 19th-century palace that houses the highest court of the Italian legal system. After that, visit the Globe Theater, a replica of Shakespeare's famous theater, where you can attend a performance or take a guided tour.

In the afternoon, take a trip to the Castles of Rome. The medieval fortress Castello Sant'Angelo, also known as Hadrian's Tomb, and the Castello di Giulio II, also known as the Castle of St. Angelo, are two of the most important castles in Rome. The Castello Sant'Angelo offers a beautiful panoramic view of Rome from the top of the castle.

For dinner, try a budget-friendly option like Pizzeria La Montecarlo, where you can enjoy a delicious pizza and a glass of wine.

Today, you'll learn about the engineering marvels of ancient Rome. Start your day with a visit to the Aqua Claudia and Aqua Anio Novus aqueducts, two of the 11 aqueducts that supplied water to Rome. These ancient structures are an impressive sight and give you an idea of the ingenuity of the Roman engineers.

After that, take a stroll through the city and admire the beautiful water fountains. Some of the most famous ones are the Fontana di Trevi, the Fontana di Piazza Navona and the Fontana di Piazza Barberini. 

For lunch, try a budget-friendly option like Ristorante Da Pancrazio. This family-run restaurant is known for its traditional Roman dishes, such as spaghetti alla carbonara and saltimbocca alla romana.

Begin your day with a visit to Saint Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world and a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. The highlight of the basilica is Michelangelo's famous statue of "La Pieta" and the beautiful dome.

After that, head over to the Sistine Chapel, where you can see Michelangelo's famous frescoes up close. Take your time to admire the incredible details and the skill of the artist.

In the afternoon, take a stroll to Piazza Navona, one of the most beautiful squares in Rome. The piazza is surrounded by elegant buildings and three beautiful fountains: the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, the Fontana del Nettuno and the Fontana del Moro.

Today, you'll immerse yourself in the history of ancient Rome. Start your day with a visit to the Roman Forum, the political and commercial center of ancient Rome. Here, you'll see the remains of temples, basilicas, and government buildings that were once the heart of the Roman Empire.

After that, take a walk up Palatine Hill, one of the seven hills of Rome. The hill offers a beautiful panoramic view of the city and is home to the remains of some of the oldest and most important buildings of ancient Rome.

On your last day in Rome, take some time to shop and relax. The city is famous for its leather goods, fashion, and jewelry. Some of the best places to shop are the markets of Piazza Navona, Campo de' Fiori, and the streets around the Pantheon.

In the evening, dine in style and try Ristorante L'Arcangelo. This Michelin-starred restaurant serves contemporary Roman and Mediterranean dishes with a beautiful terrace with views of the city.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Rome is a city that will leave you in awe, with its rich history, art, and culture. We hope this week-long itinerary has given you a taste of what this amazing city has to offer. From the grandeur of the Vatican City and the Colosseum, to the beauty of the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain, there's something for everyone in Rome. Don't forget to explore the lesser-known gems like the Supreme Court of Italy, the Globe Theater, and the aqueducts and water fountains.

And of course, let's not forget about the food! Rome is home to some of the best food in the world, from traditional Roman dishes like spaghetti alla carbonara and saltimbocca alla romana, to contemporary twists on classic favorites. Whether you're on a budget or looking to splurge, you'll find plenty of delicious options to choose from.

So pack your bags and head to Rome, the eternal city of history, culture, and delicious food. You won't regret it!

Don't forget to check out the spreadsheet version of this blog post here to get you started on your trip to Rome!