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Rome in Three: Classics, Food & Finds

Map
A relaxed 3-day walking itinerary from a city-center base for two adults focusing on Rome’s top attractions and local food, with curated shopping/souvenir stops.
Day 1: Centro Classics & Evening Stroll
09:00
Spanish Steps & window-shopping
10:15
Trevi Fountain visit
11:10
Pantheon & Piazza della Rotonda
12:30
Lunch near Campo de' Fiori
14:00
Piazza Navona, artists, and light shopping
16:30
Rest at accommodation / optional museum
19:00
Dinner and evening walk (Campo de' Fiori / Jewish Ghetto)

  • Pane e Salame - Near Campo de' Fiori
    Casual Roman cicchetti & sandwiches.
  • Da Baffetto - Piazza de' Ricci
    Classic thin-crust Roman pizza.

  • Pastificio Guerra - Via della Croce
    Pre-packed fresh pasta to take home.
  • Antico Forno Roscioli (shop) - Near Campo de' Fiori
    Baked goods and pantry items.
Day 2: Colosseum, Forum & Trastevere
08:30
Colosseum tour (pre-booked)
11:00
Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
13:00
Lunch near the Forum/Fori Imperiali
15:00
Capitoline Hill & museums or viewpoint
18:00
Dinner in Trastevere and wander

  • La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali - Near Colosseum
    Family-run Roman dishes.
  • Osteria Pizzeria Da Fortunata - Trastevere
    Fresh pasta & wood-fired pizza.

  • Mercato Monti - Monti district (weekend stalls)
    Independent designers & vintage finds.
  • Via Madonna dei Monti shops - Monti
    Boutiques, artisan jewelry.
Day 3: Vatican, Riverside & Shopping
08:30
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel (timed entry)
12:00
St. Peter's Basilica & dome (optional climb)
13:30
Lunch in Prati district
15:30
Castel Sant'Angelo and Tiber walk
17:30
Shopping on Via del Corso / Via Condotti
19:30
Final dinner near lodging / Monti

  • Pizzarium Bonci - Near Vatican (Grezzo area)
    Famous gourmet pizza by the slice.
  • Trattoria Vecchia Roma - Prati area
    Classic Roman comfort food.

  • Via Condotti boutiques - Near Spanish Steps
    High-end fashion and accessories.
  • Bazaar/shops along Via del Corso - Via del Corso
    Mid-range stores and souvenir options.

All times approximate; walking between most sites is 5–25 minutes. Reserve Colosseum and Vatican tickets in advance.

Day 1 — Classic Centro

Morning

Start at your city-center lodging. Walk to the Spanish Steps and enjoy the view. Continue (10–15 min) to the Trevi Fountain — toss a coin. Stroll to the Pantheon and linger in Piazza della Rotonda.

Afternoon

Lunch near Campo de' Fiori. After, explore Piazza Navona and its fountains; street artists and light shopping. Optional short rest back at your accommodation.

Evening

A relaxed dinner in the Jewish Ghetto or around Campo de' Fiori. Finish with an evening passeggiata (walk) through illuminated streets.

Tips

  • Many central sites are pedestrian-friendly; expect cobblestones—comfortable shoes recommended.
  • Carry water and a small refillable bottle (public fountains—nasoni—are common). Reserve major-site tickets in advance if desired.

Day 2 — Imperial Rome

Morning

Early start to the Colosseum (pre-book skip-the-line recommended). Cross to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill — allow time for archaeological exploration and views.

Afternoon

Lunch near the Forum/Colosseo. Walk up to Capitoline Hill for city panoramas and visit Capitoline Museums if interested. Leisurely stroll toward Piazza Venezia and Via dei Fori Imperiali.

Evening

Head to Trastevere for dinner — vibrant streets and authentic Roman trattorie. Option: evening gelato or a wine bar.

Tips

  • Colosseum/Forum areas have steps and uneven paths; consider light pacing and shade breaks.
  • Trastevere has lively evenings; check for quieter trattorie if you prefer calm.

Day 3 — Vatican & Riverside

Morning

Cross the river early to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel (book timed entry). Visit St. Peter's Basilica and climb the dome if you want panoramic views.

Afternoon

Lunch in the Prati neighborhood. Walk along the Tiber to Castel Sant'Angelo and then toward Piazza del Popolo. Spend late afternoon shopping along Via del Corso / Via Condotti for fashion and souvenirs.

Evening

Final dinner near your lodging or in Monti for a modern Roman meal. Wrap up souvenir shopping and enjoy an evening stroll.

Tips

  • Vatican security queues can be long; timed tickets are strongly recommended. Dress respectfully for basilicas (shoulders/knees covered).
  • Many souvenir shops close by 7–8pm; buy key mementos earlier in the day if needed.

Practical Recommendations

  • Pace: Designed for walking between nearby sites — daily distances manageable for two adults with rest stops.
  • Booking: Pre-book Colosseum and Vatican timed entries to save waiting time.
  • Payments: Many places accept cards, but small cash is handy for markets, cafés, and tips.

Short suggestions for souvenirs

  • Food: canned artichokes, cantucci, local olive oil (check customs rules).
  • Crafts: hand-painted ceramics, leather goods, religious medals and rosaries, prints of classical art.
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