Rome In Depth and the Two Villas of Tivoli in
Four days in the city exploring ancient sites, the Vatican and the Baroque old town, plus a day at the two UNESCO World Heritage villas in Tivoli.
Compared with a first visit, this itinerary adds Trajan's Market, Campo de' Fiori, the Galleria Borghese and the Pincio Terrace, at a more relaxed pace. On Day 4, go to Tivoli, about 30 km east of the city: in the morning, Hadrian's Villa, and in the afternoon, the Villa d'Este fountain gardens. Stay in Monti, close to the ancient Roman sites and Termini station, and eat dinner at a local trattoria in the evening. Suited to couples or repeat visitors who want to see more museums and neighborhoods.
The fountain gardens of Tivoli are best in spring and autumn. Hadrian's Villa lacks shade in summer.
Day by day
Day 1 · The Colosseum and the Imperial Forums
Rome（Colosseum、Roman Forum / Palatine Hill、Trajan's Market & Imperial Fora）
Take the airport train to Termini station, then walk about 15 minutes to Monti. In the afternoon, walk to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Trajan's Market.
Book Colosseum timed tickets in advance. The afternoon session is less crowded.
Stay: Monti
Day 2 · The Vatican and Castel Sant'Angelo
Rome（Vatican Museums、St. Peter's Basilica、Castel Sant'Angelo）
Take Metro Line A from Repubblica to Ottaviano station, about 15 minutes. From the Vatican to Castel Sant'Angelo is about a 15-minute walk.
The museums are closed on Sundays, except the last Sunday of each month. Book an entry time around 8 a.m.
Stay: Monti
Day 3 · From Baroque Rome to Trastevere
Rome（Pantheon、Piazza Navona、Campo de' Fiori、Trastevere）
Take a bus or walk to the Pantheon, then walk past Piazza Navona and Campo de' Fiori, cross Ponte Sisto into Trastevere, about 4 km in total.
Stay: Monti
Day 4 · Hadrian's Villa and Villa d'Este in Tivoli
Rome（Hadrian's Villa、Villa d'Este (Tivoli)）
Take Metro Line B to Ponte Mammolo and transfer to a Cotral bus, about 1 hour, to Hadrian's Villa. Then take a bus about 4 km up the hill to old Tivoli.
See Hadrian's Villa at the foot of the hill before climbing up. Villa d'Este opens only on Monday afternoons.
Stay: Monti
Day 5 · Galleria Borghese and the Trevi Fountain
Rome（Galleria Borghese、Villa Borghese Gardens & Pincio Terrace、Spanish Steps、Trevi Fountain）
Take a bus about 20 minutes to the Galleria Borghese, then walk through the park to the Pincio Terrace. Go down the steps and walk to the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. In the evening, go to the airport.
The Galleria Borghese requires a 2-hour timed reservation and is closed on Mondays.