Rome in 4 Days — Ancient to Trastevere

Day 1 — Ancient core

Book Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill on one timed entry window via official Parco archeologico channels. Start at Colosseum, continue through Forum toward Palatine exits.

Afternoon: Capitoline Museums or Marcello theater exterior walk if energy remains—avoid scheduling Borghese same day.

Evening: Monti district dinner—short walk from Colosseum area.

Day 2 — Vatican City

Morning: St. Peter's Basilica security line early; dome climb optional with separate ticket—verify official Vatican sites.

Midday: Vatican Museums timed entry (Sistine Chapel exit routing varies—follow staff directions).

Afternoon: Castel Sant'Angelo river walk or Prati gelato stop. Evening rest—Vatican day is long.

Day 3 — Baroque centro

Walk Pantheon to Piazza Navona to Campo de' Fiori market (morning produce focus). Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps cluster—go early or late for thinner crowds.

Afternoon: Villa Borghese gallery if pre-booked, or Janiculum Hill viewpoint.

Evening: Trastevere lanes across Tiber for trattoria dinner.

Day 4 — Layers and departure buffer

Morning: Appian Way catacombs tour (book licensed operators) or Testaccio Market food walk.

Afternoon buffer for missed sights, last-minute Galleria Doria Pamphilj, or Ostia Antica half-day if departure allows—train from Porta San Paolo area.

Keep luggage storage near Termini if late flight—use official left-luggage facilities.

Official sources

• Parco archeologico del Colosseo
• Vatican Museums official