Welcome to !

Rome is a fantastic city and it has something for everyone from history buffs, to food lovers, to wine lovers, to art lovers, to fashion lovers…. You get the point. But because of that, it is SO EASY to get overwhelmed especially if you only have a short time in the city. Take it from us, we lived there and there are still things we didn’t get a chance to see!

But we are here to help you! Planning a Rome itinerary is a balancing act. You want to make sure that you see everything but you still want to experience the city like a local. We took our experience from living in Rome but also Ashley’s experience as a tour guide to curate the perfect Rome itinerary. These itineraries will help you plan out the perfect days in Rome so that you can see most of the major sights and also experience Rome as a local!

2 Day Itinerary

Two days in Rome is doable but be prepared to hit the ground running. There is a lot to see, do and eat (!) and just 48 hours to accomplish it in. In two days in Rome we are going to be hitting the highlights, the things you absolutely can’t miss, when in Rome. So buckle up and let’s explore the Eternal City!

Day 1 Grab a Cappuccino and Let’s Go!

Heart of

This morning we are going to tackle the heart of Ancient Rome with a tour of the Coliseum, , and the . You can choose to either take a tour (we would suggest a tour with Dark Rome - the tour is 3 hours and covers all three sights) or you can do it on your own. If you decide to go on your own be sure to pick up tickets beforehand online so you don’t have to wait in line. If for some reason you can’t get tickets ahead of time, purchase them at either the Palatine Hill or the Forum to skip the line at the Coliseum. The tickets are good for all three sights so take advantage of the shorter lines and avoid the Coliseum lines!

Book a Dark Rome Tour Here!

Buy Your Coliseum Tickets Here! Lunch in Jewish Ghetto at Sora Margherita 30 Piazza delle Cinque Scole

The Jewish Ghetto was officially abolished in 1888, making it the last remaining Jewish Ghetto in Europe until the 1930s, however, it is is still a heavily Jewish neighborhood with their own culture, cuisine and even dialect (Giudeo-Romanesco). But we are here for one reason only, the Jewish artichoke. The Jewish artichoke is a delectable dish of fried artichoke and our favorite is at Sora Margherita.

Sora Margherita is a restaurant that exemplifies what we love about Rome. It is loud, brusque, chaotic, filled to the brims, and serves up delicious food. They do not speak English here and the menu is all in Italian so look carefully for “Carciofi all Guidia” aka our Jewish artichoke. The artichoke is served up fried and you must eat it with your hands if you don’t want to be chastised.

This restaurant has more than just their artichokes, though. Their menu is filled with classic dishes like cacio e pepe (pasta with cheese and pepper), polpette al sugo (meatballs in sauce), and pasta carbonara. Expect to wait as this place is always packed!

*You can get two types of artichokes in Rome - the Roman artichoke which is braised in white wine and the Jewish artichoke which is fried.

Afternoon to explore Centro Storico

After all that delicious food, it is time for a walk through the Centro Storico or the Historical Center (not like all of Rome isn’t historical…). From Sora Margherita, cross into Campo dei Fiori. If you are early, the daily farmers’ market may still be going on or take in the statue of Giordano Bruno who scowls at the Vatican (since they were the ones responsible for executing him on that spot).

After the bustling Campo dei Fiori and maybe a coffee at Bar Farnese (106 Via Dei Baullari) head to , perhaps the most famous plaza in the world. After marveling at the intricate artistry of Bernini and studying all the art for sale, be sure to head to the back of the Piazza on Piazza di Tor Sanguigna to catch a glimpse of the Roman ruins beneath the piazza. Piazza Navona was originally the , constructed for foot races in Ancient Rome, and the stadium gave Piazza Navona its oval shape.

Your final stop will be at the Pantheon, my favorite building probably anywhere…. The building you see now was built by Emperor Hadrian in 126CE however, there was an earlier temple on the spot built by Marcus Agrippa which is what you see on the dedication on the front. The Pantheon is most known for its dome and oculus. The

IN PURSUIT OF ADVENTURE Pantheon’s dome is the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world and even Michelangelo decided not to out do it with the dome of Saint Peter’s.

Then on top of it, the dome has a giant hole in it, the oculus. To this day, archaeologists still do not know how the dome was constructed. So not only is the Pantheon one of the best-preserved buildings in all of Ancient Rome but we have no idea how they did it!

All you have to do is enter the building and take it all in!

If you happen to be in Rome during Pentecost make sure you head to the Pentecost Mass (as the Pantheon is now a church). Even if you aren’t religious it is worth a visit as at the end of mass they throw red rose petals from the oculus!

Grab a Glass of Wine at Bar del Fico

Bar del Fico is a calming oasis near Piazza Navona which will welcome you in after a day of sightseeing. There is a lovely patio outside tucked away in a medieval alley with fig trees and a circus themed interior that still has a shabby chic feel (but not trying too hard). The bar has recently undergone a revival but still maintains its effortless cool that it has always had. Join the locals for an afternoon glass of wine or cocktail and embrace !

Dinner at Pizzeria da Baffetto or Osteria del Pegno

Depending on what you are feeling for dinner, there are a few different options close to each other.

Pizzeria Baffetto 114 Via del Governo Vecchio

For something casual and typically Roman we would suggest Pizzeria Baffetto. This is a very popular pizza place and exemplifies loud and chaotic Romans. Plus it has some of the best pizza in Rome. There is usually a line outside but the wait is not that long as the restaurant is three stories tall and everyone is sat family style. My personal favorite pizza is the pizza ai fagioli, pizza with white beans. It sounds weird but it is delicious!

IN PURSUIT OF ADVENTURE Osteria del Pegno 8 Vicolo di Montevecchio

For a more upscale night out I would suggest Osteria del Pegno. Located around the corner from Pizzeria Baffetto this restaurant specializes in Roman cuisine and is amazing! This is the one restaurant we tell everyone to go to. It is a perfect place for a romantic evening out but it is still casual. The restaurant has a casual elegance and it is really the cuisine that is the star.

We would suggest the sea bass pasta with cherry tomatoes if it is in season or the ravioli with zucchini flowers in an orange cream saffron sauce. For the mains, the sea bass topped with thin layers of potatoes and then roasted in the oven is sublime or opt for the hearty and savory rabbit in a tomato sauce. Really anything you get here will be unbelievable. Top off the meal with a fantastic bottle of wine and you just had a perfect Roman meal!

*One thing to note is that they can be very busy and I would make reservations beforehand!

Drinks at the Jerry Thomas Project 30 Vicolo Cellini

If there is a phenomenal speakeasy in Rome then you know we are going to recommend it and the Jerry Thomas Project fits that bill. This is a true speakeasy where you have to discover their password on their website (and we aren’t telling) and make a reservation. But it is well worth it. This 1920s themed bar is hidden by a door down an alleyway in Central Rome and once you are inside you are transported back in time. Their cocktails are sublime by the way and so don’t come here just for the atmosphere!

Just don’t stay up too late, even though they are open until 4 am, you have a busy day tomorrow!

It is time to explore Rome! Day 2 Vatican Museum and St. Peter’s Basilica

It is time to tackle the Vatican today! You can go two routes: Either book your tickets online or book a tour. I would highly recommend booking your tickets in advance so you do not have to wait in the interminable line and be hassled to book a tour. And whatever you do DO NOT BOOK a tour from the people who hassle you in line. It is not worth it.

IN PURSUIT OF ADVENTURE If you decide to book a tour, you will have the benefit of both skipping the line for the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. There is a special entrance to the Basilica from the that is only open to tour groups.

If you do not book a tour, you will have to leave the Vatican Museums and then hop in line for St. Peter’s Basilica. The best way to avoid this is to head to the Basilica before the museum opens at 9 am. The basilica opens up generally at 7 am so if you are up nice and early you can beat the crowds!

Either way, you go, you shouldn’t miss the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. They are so important to the city of Rome and in general as not only are they home to the Pope and the Catholic Church but it was also the seat of power in Rome and Italy from the fall of the Roman Empire in 476CE to the unification of Italy in 1871.

Book a Dark Rome Vatican Tour!

Buy Your Vatican Tickets Here!

Lunch at Hostaria dei Bastioni 29 Via Leone IV

While the Vatican is utterly fascinating, it is surrounded by subpar restaurants except for this gem. Located just outside the Vatican walls, Hostaria dei Bastioni is a small simple restaurant serving up unbelievable pasta that is relatively inexpensive to boot! Our personal favorite pasta is the fettuccine al bastioni, fettuccine pasta in an orange cream sauce. It may sound weird but the orange cream sauce is delectable! Do yourself a favor and eat here!

*Note if you are pressed for time and think you do not have time for a full meal head to Fa’Bio, an organic sandwich shop doing things a little different such as quinoa salads, healthy wraps and a salmon, wasabi paste and avocado sandwiches on freshly made focaccia. They also make amazing smoothies if you are needing an infusion of Vitamin C.

Fa’Bio - 43 Via dei Germanica

Borghese Gallery

After lunch, we are going to cross town and visit one of the best museums in the city, the Borghese Gallery. This museum was created by Cardinal Scipione Borghese (who was, in fact, the very definition of nepotism - as he was appointed cardinal by his uncle the Pope) and is a fascinating collection of Baroque, Renaissance and Ancient Roman, Greek, and Egyptian art.

IN PURSUIT OF ADVENTURE To visit this museum you do need to book tickets in advance and select a time to visit. They do this in order to cap the number of people in the museum and believe me, it makes it that much more of a pleasant visit. You are given two hours to visit the collection which includes four early sculptures by Bernini including the Rape of Persephone, several paintings by Caravaggio and paintings by and Titan just to name a few!

Book a Tour of the Borghese Gallery with Secrets of a City!

Buy Your Tickets to the Museum Here!

Wander the Centro Storico

After visiting the museum it is time to get outside and explore another side of the Centro Storico. Start by wandering the gardens of the Villa Borghese. The park was once the private land attached to the museum and was used by Scipione Borghese for entertaining and even for hunts. End your walk at the top of the and then wander down them doing your best to channel a la “Roman Holiday.”

From the Spanish Steps, you can then head down the chaotic , the main shopping road in Rome, or take the back alleys to the . If you are in need of a snack, stop in at San Crispino (Via della Panetteria, 42) for some of the best seasonal gelato in the city!

Once you have thrown your coin the fountain continue down to . This monument to the first king of Italy, Vittorio Emmanuelle, is a touchy subject in Rome and is often referred to as “the wedding cake” because of it's over the top layers of white marble.

From the wedding cake, head into the Jewish Ghetto and then cross over the Isola Tiberina ( Island) into the medieval neighborhood of Trastevere. Trastevere literally means beyond the Tiber and has been inhabited since before the Romans, by the Etruscans. Today the neighborhood is a fantastic intersection of young Italians and students from all over the world as there are several international universities located here.

While in Trastevere be sure to visit Santa Maria in Trastevere and the piazza. The church is a lovely example of medieval architecture and is still very much a church for the locals. Also if you enjoy churches you can visit the lovely and tucked away Basilica di Santa Cecilia, where St. Cecilia is buried.

IN PURSUIT OF ADVENTURE Coffee or Prosecco at Bar San Callisto Piazza San Callisto

Bar San Callisto is reputedly the oldest cafe in Rome still in operations. Whether this is true or not, you never know in Rome, this is our favorite place to get a cappuccino. If you are looking for a classic, no frills, Italian cappuccino then you need to pop into San Callisto for one. especially after a full day of museums and sightseeing. Grab a table outside and enjoy the people watching! Watch the old men play scopa, a traditional Italian card game, or maybe pick up a pack of cards at any tabacci and learn to play!

If you need something a little stronger, why not indulge in a glass or two of prosecco? Depending on what time you get here, the older men playing scopa may be replaced by young hip Italians congregating on the outdoor patio and even more lingering around Piazza San Callisto lounging on their motorinos chatting and smoking like they are out of a Fellini film. Grab a glass of prosecco and join in the fun!

Dinner at Spirito di Vino or Carlo Menta

There are so many options for fantastic Italian and Roman cuisine in Trastevere that we are hard pressed just to offer you two options but if we HAD to choose, these are the two we would choose. They are different styles of restaurants but both are phenomenal.

Carlo Menta 101 Via della Lungaretta

Carlo Menta is a place that is always jammed packed with locals! And if you are looking for a budget friendly restaurant than this is the place for you. Their pizza margherita is just 3euros! On top of that, this is the only place where we would recommend getting the tourist menu. Here you get three courses for around 8euros and everything here is good. Carlo Menta is known for high quality (without the high prices) traditional Italian cuisine; think pizzas, pasta, bruschetta, and roasted chicken.

Spirito di Vino 31 Via dei Genovesi

Spirito di Vino is another fantastic restaurant in Trastevere. It is a bit different than Carlo Menta. For starters, it is not packed to the gills with tables in every conceivable place and the pace is a lot slower. In fact, the owners have really embraced the slow food movement here and focus on bringing together historical influences and ancient recipes with fresh and seasonal products.

IN PURSUIT OF ADVENTURE Spirito di Vino is one of our favorite places to see how history intersects with modern Rome. They are serving up a dish from the ancient roman times, a reputed favorite of Julius Caesar, of lean mazio style pork with an apple puree cooked in red wine. In addition to this dish, their wine cellar is also an Ancient Roman synagogue. In Roman times, Trastevere was inhabited by a large Jewish community and their legacy is seen in the ruins of this synagogue turned wine cellar. Even if you don’t drink wine make sure to visit their wine cellar! It is amazing that this structure from 80BC (100 years older than the Coliseum) is still in use, even if it’s a bit different from its original purpose.

3 Day Itinerary

With 3 days in Rome, you are going to have more time to relax and soak up la dolce vita a little more. Linger over a meal, take time in the afternoon to have a long coffee break and really embrace the Roman life!

See Above for Details! Day 1: Heart of Ancient Rome Lunch in Jewish Ghetto at Sora Margarita Afternoon to explore Centro Storico Aperitivo at Bar del Fico Dinner at Pizzeria da Baffetto or Osteria del Pegno Drinks at the Jerry Thomas Project

Day 2: Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica Lunch at Hosteria dei Bastioni Explore a Different Side of the Centro Storico *Save Borghese Gallery for Day 3 Coffee or Prosecco at Bar San Callisto Dinner at Spirito di Vino or Carlo Menta

Day 3 Today embrace Roman life!

Explore Campo de’ Fiori Market

This morning stop and linger over a cappuccino and then take a leisurely walk over the Campo de’ Fiori. Campo de’ Fiori hosts a daily farmers’ market in its square. This is a fantastic chance to explore and see what seasonal goodies Rome has to offer. It is also a great place to pick up some food souvenirs. There are a few campy stalls

IN PURSUIT OF ADVENTURE but it is still worth visiting the markets to see local Romans go about their daily shopping!

Lunch at Obicà 16 Piazza Campo de’ Fiori

Love mozzarella? Silly question, who doesn’t! And this restaurant is made for mozzarella lovers. Located in the heart of Campo de’ Fiori, this modern restaurant is based around this one delectable ingredient. The mozzarella arrives fresh everyday from Naples (the home of mozzarella) and it is incorporated into a variety of dishes including pizzas and pasta. Or you can order a plate of just mozzarella from regular mozzarella, smoked mozzarella or burrata. Accompany all this cheese with some prosciutto di parma and some white wine and you have a perfect afternoon lunch in Rome!

Borghese Gallery

After lunch, we are going to cross town and visit one of the best museums in the city, the Borghese Gallery. This museum was created by Cardinal Scipione Borghese (who was, in fact, the very definition of nepotism - as he was appointed cardinal by his uncle the Pope) and is a fascinating collection of Baroque, Renaissance and Ancient Roman, Greek, and Egyptian art.

To visit this museum you do need to book tickets in advance and select a time to visit*. They do this in order to cap the number of people in the museum and believe me, it makes it that much more of a pleasant visit. You are given two hours to visit the collection which includes four early sculptures by Bernini including the Rape of Persephone, several paintings by Caravaggio and paintings by Raphael and Titan just to name a few.

After visiting the museum it is time to get outside and explore the gardens. The park was once the private land attached to the museum and was used by Scipione Borghese for entertaining and even for hunts. There are all kinds of hidden treasures in the park including a water clock, a zoo, and even a foot racing stadium. As you are winding down your tour of the garden, head to the Pincio Terrace for a fantastic view overlooking and the Vatican.

*See Day 2 for Booking Information

IN PURSUIT OF ADVENTURE Piazza del Popolo

After the Pincio Terrace head down the stairs and enter Piazza del Popolo. This piazza is the farthest northern point of the Ancient Roman walls and was the main point of entering the city for pilgrims coming from Northern Europe. The piazza was was used for public executions as well (like Campo de’ Fiori). Today, it is known for its twin churches and also which houses a Caravaggio painting. Explore the square and then take the left-hand fork to head down Via .

Wander Via Margutta

Just off of Via Babuino is the street Via Margutta. If you love the movie “Roman Holiday” this street may sound familiar as this is where Joe Bradley had his apartment. While the apartment doesn’t actually exist, this street is picture perfect. There are art workshops here; the ivy drips from the perfect Roman apartments, and Fellini used to have his studio here. This street is a quiet oasis in the chaotic city and is made for dreamers and artists!

Gelato at San Crispino 3 Piazza della Maddalena

After a nice break from the chaos, walk down to the Pantheon and stop for some gelato. You deserve it, after all! Gelateria di San Crispino is located just behind the Pantheon (along with its other location near the Trevi Fountain) and is known for its seasonal gelato. Once you have your gelato, grab a seat at the fountain outside the Pantheon and enjoy the view!

Dinner at Osteria da Fortunata 12A Via del Pellegrino

It is your final night in Rome and that means you deserve some fresh homemade pasta. Head over to Osteria da Fortunata, just off Campo de’ Fiori, to fulfill all your pasta dreams. Once a small, nine-table restaurant, this place has exploded in popularity with locals and tourists alike and has expanded accordingly. This has not diminished the quality, though. You can still see the owner’s grandmother making the pasta by hand when you enter. The only thing that has changed is that the price has gone up a bit but it is worth every penny. There is nothing like fresh homemade pasta! Plus their sauces are incredibly rich and flavorful!

IN PURSUIT OF ADVENTURE Wine at Il Vinaietto 38 Via del Monte della Farina

If you are still craving some traditional Roman life, then head over to Il Vinaietto (at least until 11:30 pm!) near Largo Argentina. This is a classic Roman wine bar and should not be missed if you are a wine lover. Choose from a myriad of bottles that line their shelves or pick one of the many wines they offer by the glass. You can try to grab a table inside or be like the Romans and take your wine outside (even if you don’t have a motorino to rest your glass on!)

5 Day Itinerary

5 days in Rome is going to be perfect. You will be able to see what you want but still, take the time to live la dolce vita. On top of that, you will be able to take a day trip to the seaside town of Ostia to visit Roman ruins that are on par with Pompeii!

See Above for Details! Day 1: Heart of Ancient Rome Lunch in Jewish Ghetto at Sora Margarita Afternoon to explore Centro Storico Aperitivo at Bar del Fico Dinner at Pizzeria da Baffetto Drinks at the Jerry Thomas Project

Day 2: Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica Lunch at Hosteria dei Bastioni Explore a Different Side of the Centro Storico Coffee or Prosecco at Bar San Callisto Dinner at Spirito di Vino or Carlo Menta

Day 3: Explore Campo dei Fiori Market Lunch at Obicà in Campo dei Fiori Borghese Gallery/Villa Borghese/Piazza del Popolo Wander Via Margutta Gelato at San Crispino Dinner at Osteria da Fortunata

IN PURSUIT OF ADVENTURE Today we are going to explore the ruins of outside the Day 4 city of Rome. These ruins rival Pompeii in terms of preservation (without the volcano!) but have far fewer crowds. Then we are going to indulge in a little shopping Roman style!

Morning at Ostia Antica

Located a quick metro ride outside the city of Rome is Ostia Antica. Ostia was the ancient port city of Rome although today it is located inland from the sea. These ruins are absolutely fascinating to explore because you can really get a sense of how Roman cities were run, from the markets to the public theater, to the amphitheater and even the apartment complexes. The best part is if you go around 9-10am you will have the place mostly to yourself!

This is a fantastic option if you don’t have the opportunity to see Pompeii but honestly, these ruins stand on their own and are well worth the visit!

To get here - Take Metro Line B to Piramide. When you get off the train do not leave the metro but instead follow the signs to the Ostia-Lido station. Then hop on the metro and get off at Ostia Antica. You do not need to buy an extra ticket for this. One metro ticket will work for this entire journey. Once you arrive cross over the road with the staircase just outside the metro and keep walking until you run into it!

Lunch at Trapizzino 88 Via Giovanni Branca

Take the Metro back to Piramide for lunch in Testaccio at Trapizzino. Testaccio is one of the few areas in the center of the Rome that is still very residential and not too full of tourists. Although that is changing with the increase in food tours to the neighborhood. Trappezino is a fantastic little local lunch spot. This is a quick lunch made up of little cones of piazza bianca which are hollowed out and then stuffed with your choice of fillings like chicken cacciatore, eggplant parmesan, Roman tripe or chicken with peppers.

Trapizzino is part of what Italians call “lo street food.” It is basically a casual take on Italian cuisine since food trucks don’t really work in streets with space for only the tiniest car!

Explore Testaccio Market and Volpetti Via Beniamino Franklin

If you have time before 2 pm head on over to the Testaccio Market to peruse the local seasonal offerings. If you are a tomato lover be sure to visit Carmello whose tomato

IN PURSUIT OF ADVENTURE stand reputedly sells the largest selection and variety of tomatoes in Rome. Otherwise, browse the different selections and don’t be shy about picking up something else to snack on!

If it is after 2 pm you can always pop into Volpetti. Volpetti is your one stop shop for all your traditional and artisanal Roman alimentari (deli) needs. This is a fantastic stop to pick up wonderful cured meats, cheeses, olive oil, olives, bread, wine and much more!

Shop in Centro Storico

Via dei Coronari is the perfect street to stroll looking for artisans goods. While people may deride hipsters, there is no denying that thanks to their influence there has been a rise in demand for handmade and artisanal products. Via dei Coronari is chock full of lovely small shops including one of our favorite, Il Fornace which specializes in handmade jewelry from hand blown glass. The shop was originally owned by the father and now his daughter has taken over and is responsible for the creation of the art and the jewelry. It is little shops like this that make shopping on Via Coronari special.

Grab Gelato at Gelateria del Teatro 65 Via dei Coronari

Shopping is always made better with gelato and a stop at Gelateria del Teatro is a must! They have some really interesting and unique seasonal flavors including Amalfi lemon, lavender and white peach, and rosemary, honey, and lemon. Grab a gelato here and sit on the steps for an Instagram-worthy gelato experience!

Drinks at Casa & Bottega

Between shopping and gelato, it can be exhausting; so pull up a chair at Casa & Bottega. This little restaurant and wine bar is a wonderful respite after a day of sightseeing and shopping. Snag one of the two tables outside if you can or pop inside and enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail and relax!

Dinner at Cul de Sac

Cul de Sac is a lovely little enotecca with a wine list the size of a book and a fantastic dinner menu. This small restaurant is always packed with locals and you may have to

IN PURSUIT OF ADVENTURE wait but it is worth it. They are known for their house made paté, fresh pasta (We would suggest the Pasta Amatriciana which is a typical Roman pasta dish) and their polpette or meatballs in a red wine sauce (note that meatballs in Italy do not come with pasta - they are always served as two different dishes).

So grab your table, indulge in some amazing Italian wine. and soak up the atmosphere of Cul de Sac. You may never want to leave!

Day 5 Today is all about the unique side of Rome. You have tackled the main sights and now it is time for something a little different!

Scarlet Ladies Tour

So far in Rome, we have learned about all the powerful men from Emperors to Popes who have shaped the history of the city, but what about the women? Women are not much talked about when it comes to their role in shaping history but Massimo, the founder of Storytelling Rome, has put in years of research to discover these “scarlet ladies” and their contribution to Renaissance Rome. Discover the women who influenced Rome and struggled to survive by using their bodies and minds as their tools. Learn about the women who become the courtesans of princes, cardinals, and popes to escape the narrow confines of life as a woman in Renaissance Rome (where wives weren’t even allowed to learn to read!) and used their power to shape the political realm!

This is an absolutely fascinating tour that takes you through the heart of Rome and sheds light on a side of history that has been left in the shadows!

The Scarlet Ladies Tour runs every day at 9:30 am with groups no larger than 18 people.

Book Your Tour Here!

Lunch at Forno Campo de’ Fiori 14 Vicolo del Gallo

After learning about all the promiscuous and intelligent women with Massimo it is time for lunch. Your tour will end near Campo de’ Fiori and this is the perfect place to stop and grab some panini on pizza bianca or some pizza rosso from Forno Campo de’ Fiori. Their panini are made from pizza bianca, plain pizza dough, cut in half and then stuffed with a variety of ingredients not limited to nutella or mortadella. They also have a series of pizza rosso which are pizzas with tomato sauce. Oh, and did we

IN PURSUIT OF ADVENTURE mention all the cakes and pastries they have?? This bakery has been here for 30 years and have been serving up quality from the beginning.

Grab your lunch and then take it into Campo de’ Fiori where you can grab a seat around the fountain and enjoy the people watching.

Lazy Afternoon Wander

This afternoon take the opportunity to stroll the city with no fixed destination. It is amazing what you discover when you are just wandering from tiny little alleys, to surprise Roman ruins, to picture perfect cafes. Rome has secrets around every corner!

If you are looking for some more sightseeing this would be a great time to wander to something unique. Fan of the macabre? Why not visit the Crypt of the Capuchin Monks just off Piazza Barberini on Via . These five crypts are adorned with the bones of over 3,700 bodies and it is not just that there are bones everywhere. No, they actually used them for decoration so if you have ever wanted to see chandeliers made out of bones, this is your place!

If you want to truly immerse yourself in the layers of Roman history then you have to visit Basilica di San Clemente. This church off Via Labicana near the Coliseum is the literal definition of the layers of Roman history. You start off by descending to the 12th-century to visit the Basilica and then you can head even lower. Take the stairs down to another manifestation of the church built in the 4th-century. Here you can see the earliest example of written Italian on one of the frescoes. (It says “Pull you, sons of bitches, pull” by the way) and then descend to the 2nd century. The 2nd- century layer is home to the Mithraeum, a Roman mystery cult dedicated to the god Mithra. Descend the stairs again and reach the bottom layer which is from the 1st- century. This level is a series of Roman buildings and you can actually even cross an ancient Roman road.

Rome is literally built on top of its history and there is no better way to discover this than at the Basilica di San Clemente.

Drinks at Il Vinaietto 38 Via del Monte della Farina

If you didn’t get a chance to grab some wine at Vinaietto on Day 3 or just need some wine head back to this wine bar! We never get tired of the ambiance here and you can always use a nice glass of wine after a busy day. After all when in Rome!

IN PURSUIT OF ADVENTURE Sunset at the Pincio Terrace

After a few fortifying glasses of wine, head to the Pincio Terrace in Villa Borghese for the sunset. This is one of our favorite places for sunset in the city because you can watch the sunset over Piazza del Popolo, the Tiber, and the Vatican. It is definitely an iconic sunset spot!

OR

Sunset at the Orange Gardens

If you would rather head south, head to the just up from the Circo Massimo to watch the sunset. The Orange Gardens is a lovely little garden full of bitter orange trees (don’t eat the oranges off the trees in Rome, almost all of them are bitter oranges) and locals. Take a seat on the balustrade and watch the sunset over the city! Also don’t forget to pop by the unassuming Keyhole for a perfectly framed view of the Vatican dome!

Dinner at Osteria del Pegno

It is your last night in Rome and we are going to end it with the best meal in town, Osteria del Pegno. This is seriously our favorite restaurant and contemplated sharing it because we love it so much. We want to be able to get a table next time we go!

But honestly, make reservations here for your last night and indulge in the best food in Rome. From their sea bass pasta with blistered cherry tomatoes to their rabbit in a tomato basil sauce and then their desserts… And don’t discount their wine list either. This restaurant embodies everything we love about Roman cuisine!

IN PURSUIT OF ADVENTURE We hope that these itineraries help you to plan your perfect trip to Rome! If you want more information about the restaurants, bars, markets and cafes of Rome be sure to check out our “Eat Local in Rome” restaurant guide. This guide is broken down by neighborhood so no matter where you are in Rome you will be able to find something delicious!

Eat Local in Rome

OUT SOON!

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IN PURSUIT OF ADVENTURE