What to do in Rome - Bella Familia Trip 3, 4, or 5 days

Roma

Benvenuti to our Roman romp, where the past is so present, you'd think we time-traveled! We're about to embark on a Roman holiday like no other. Here, we'll navigate through history with the finesse of gladiators, indulge in pasta like true connoisseurs, and get lost in the two thousand years of history, art, and food that makes Rome the Eternal City. With a mix of ancient ruins and modern thrills, where every gelato stop is a strategic move, we'll dive into the heart of Rome. So, join us as we explore, learn, and create our own Roman tales, one cobblestone at a time.

Day 1: Ancient Rome Adventures

• Morning:  Explore the area around the Colosseum including Circus Maximus. Visit the Colosseum (book in advance), there's an option for a VR experience for history to come alive. This iconic amphitheater epitomizes the grandeur of the Roman Empire, where gladiatorial contests and public spectacles entertained thousands.

  

• Afternoon: Explore the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill, where you can learn about the daily life of ancient Romans through interactive tours. The Roman Forum served as the bustling hub of ancient Rome's political and social activities, and adjacent Palatine Hill, with its imperial residences and mythical origin stories, showcases Rome's aristocratic and legendary beginnings, together creating a rich archaeological tapestry. Don't miss the amazing Vista points.

  

  
  

• Evening: Walk past the grandiose Monument to Victor Emmanuel II, the first King of a united Italy, Palazzo Bonaparte, and Palazzo di Venezia.  Arrive at Campo de' Fiori for its lively atmosphere, and kid-friendly restaurant. Perhaps catch a performance.

  

  Monument to Victor Emmanuel II

Day 2: Beautiful Rome

• Morning: Start early by going to the Pantheon an architectural marvel and one of the best-preserved buildings from ancient Rome, (book in advance to avoid lines).

  

  Pantheon

  Walk over to the Trevi Fountain, one of Rome's most famous landmarks, celebrated for its Baroque art; toss a coin to ensure a return visit to Rome.

  

  Trevi Fountain

• Afternoon: Take Via del Corso or Via Condotti to the Spanish Steps, while doing some souvenir and window shopping. Have some pizza and gelato nearby.

  

  The Spanish Steps

• Evening: Explore the Trastevere neighborhood, known for its charm and family-friendly eateries for dinner. See Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of the oldest churches in Rome. Perhaps, do the Street Food Tour or a cooking class here, tasting or making local specialties.

  

  Trastevere Square

Day 3: The Vatican

• Morning: The Vatican, officially known as Vatican City, is an independent city-state enclaved within Rome, Italy. Early visit to Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel for less crowds. Enjoy all the amazing art. Maybe see the Vatican Gardens.

  

  Sistine Chapel

• Afternoon: Visit St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world and a central site for Roman Catholicism. It's free and there will be a long line. If you are short on time, consider Skip-the-Line Tour. Climb the dome for panoramic views of Rome.

  

  The Vatican

• Late Afternoon: If you have the energy and time, walk Via della Conciliazione to Castel Sant'Angelo. See the Tiber River and perhaps the sunset. Explore this fortress, which offers more views of Rome and historical insights, and for amazing photos especially when lit up.

  

  Castel Sant'Angelo

• Evening:  Head to the beautiful Piazza Navona. Enjoy the atmosphere and street performers, but venture into the side streets for dinner (better quality and value).

  

  
  

Day 4: Parks and Piazzas

• Morning: Explore the Jewish Ghetto, Capitoline Museums for some of Renaissance art, or Museo Nazionale Romano for Roman artifacts.

• Afternoon: Explore some of Villa Borghese one of Rome's largest public parks. Perhaps visit the Galleria Borghese (make sure to book in advance)

  

  Villa Borghese

• Evening: Head over to Piazza del Popolo and step inside Santa Maria in Montesanto Basilica. Perhaps enjoy treats at a rooftop lounge.

  

  Roof Tops in Rome

• Evening: Experience Rome by night and revisit the Colosseum area all lit up. Go up the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II (Vittoriano). Enjoy a stroll in Monti, a hip area close to the Colosseum with family-friendly eateries.

  

  Rome at Night

Day 5: Day Trip

• Option 1: If not traveling to Florence, take this day to visit this magic city. It's the birthplace of the Renaissance, with art, architecture, and the iconic Duomo. To get there take a 1.5h train ride from Termini Station.

• Option 2: Take the train to Tivoli (40 min from Termini). Home to home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites Villa d'Este, renowned for its spectacular fountains, and Hadrian's Villa, an extensive ancient Roman complex.

  

  Tivoli

• Option 3: Perched on a volcanic plateau, Orvieto is famous for its stunning Gothic cathedral, underground caves, and medieval charm. The town offers panoramic views and a taste of Umbrian culture. It is one hour away from Termini.

• Option 4: Often likened to a more accessible version of Pompeii, Ostia Antica offers a well-preserved snapshot of Roman life with its ancient port ruins, mosaics, and amphitheater.

  
  

Info:

• Background: Rome, is a profound testament to human history, art, and culture. Believed to have been established in 753 BC by the legendary twins Romulus and Remus, it evolved from a modest settlement by the Tiber River into the core of the expansive Roman Empire, which left an indelible mark on law, governance, architecture, language, and religion. Now visitors can traverse through time by exploring the ancient ruins of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, the Vatican's artistic treasures, and see the baroque beauty of the Trevi Fountain. Rome's layered history is evident in every corner, from its ancient cobblestone streets to its modern-day vibrancy, making it a living museum of human achievement and cultural evolution.

  

  Colosseum

• Accommodation: Choose a family-friendly hotel in the city center to minimize travel time. Consider areas like Centro Storico or near Termini for convenience.

• Transportation: Much of Rome is walkable, but for longer distances, use buses or the metro and Uber if in a rush.

• Budget: Consider a Roma Pass for transport and attraction discounts.

• Weather: Rome can be hot in summer; plan indoor activities for midday or find shady spots in parks. In the winter, Rome's weather is pretty mild but could be rainy.

• Safety: Keep an eye on belongings in crowded areas.

• Food: Avoid Tourist Traps! Be wary of restaurants with menus in multiple languages or overly aggressive staff outside. These are often signs of tourist traps.