Table of Contents
Looking for an amazing Rome weekend trip? You’ve come to the right place for the best itinerary and unique travel tips to visit this amazing city!
Day 1 – Rome Weekend Trip, Arrival in Rome via Train
Leaving Positano on the Amalfi Coast we decided to take the train next to Rome, Italy. Using our travel points, we found a hotel near the main attractions that was a good launching point to avoid long Uber or bus rides. Since we only planned for two days, we needed to make the most of our time and spend it commuting to and from locations. I highly recommend staying near the sights you plan to spend the most time. On a side note, they do have a great tram system and cost is minimal.
Caesar Shuffle
On our first full day, do what they call the “Caesar Shuffle” from the Colosseum to the Forum, then over Capitoline Hill to the Pantheon. I recommend buying tickets for all 3 at the Forum to avoid the long lines at the Coliseum. These tree locations are connected to each other. It took us about 3-4 hours or so to visit all 3 places. The cost of the ticket for Forum, Palatine Hill, and Coliseum was 12 euros total per person when we visited. Pricing varies, of course, please see their website for more information. The photo is of the Arch of Titus in the Roman Forum.
Join the locals and sightseers alike strolling from Piazza del Popolo to the Spanish Steps. The movie, “Roman Holiday” with Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn is one of my favorite movies. The Spanish Steps was one of my must-dos since seeing this film. Don’t miss the Fountain of Baraccia (Bernini: Fountain of the Boat) & Piazza di Spagna nearby.
On the way back to our hotel, we stopped to see the Pantheon. The cost to enter is free. It was one of our favorite spots – the impressive architecture and the open ceiling are spectacular.
Then, we decided to stroll the streets in the evening after dinner enjoying sights such as the Column of Marcus Aurelius, and the iconic Trevi Fountain. Keeping up the tradition, I tossed a few coins in to ensure that, one day, I would return again. The Trevi fountain is most beautiful in the evening light.
If time allows, check out Via Veneto, one of the most famous, elegant, and expensive streets of Rome, Italy.
Rome Weekend Trip – Vatican City
We decided to do an early tour of Vatican City. I highly recommend booking in advance and arriving early. It was extremely crowded when entering Vatican City. We skipped a long line because we had bought tour tickets.
Coming by mass transit: Located from Termini Station Metro Line A, Direction Battistini, Stations: Ottaviano-S. Pietro-Musei Vaticani; Cipro (from both stations 10 minutes walk).
While in Vatican City, see St. Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel, and Vatican Museum. There is some of the best sculptures in the world here, such as the Pieta inside St. Peter’s Basilica.
After lunch, we headed to the medieval neighborhood of Trastevere (means across the Tiber River), where you can find lots of excellent restaurants. I often look over their reviews prior to eating to avoid tourist traps with mediocre food. I also tend to avoid restaurants next door to major sites that bring in floods of people. When in Rome, eat like a Roman!
After lunch in Trastevere, we continued our walking journey to Aventine Hill. Enjoy one of the seven hills in Rome and see the relaxing orange tree and rose gardens with beautiful panoramic views of Rome. Check out the Knights of Malta gate (St. Peter’s Secret View) which is noticeable by the line of people waiting to peer into a keyhole.
Borghese Gallery
We booked a 5 pm-7 pm time slot at the Borghese Gallery. Book tickets in advance via the website link provided.
We enjoyed the art and park, which provided a leisurely end to our busy Rome weekend trip.
Hope you found some helpful tips for a Rome Weekend Trip! If you are looking for a Rome day trip to a beautiful hillside town, see my trip itinerary to Civita di Bagnoregio and Orvieto. These hillside towns will take your breath away with their unique charm.
