Rome

A 9-day trip to Rome sounds fantastic, especially with a focus on the Jubilee Basilicas. Since you’ve been before, we can mix in some lesser-known gems along with the iconic sites. Let’s dive into your itinerary!

Day 1: Arrival and Trastevere

• Morning: Arrive in Rome! Settle into your accommodation. If you’re staying in Trastevere, you’re in for a treat!
• Afternoon: Stroll through the charming streets of Trastevere. Visit the beautiful Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of the oldest churches in Rome.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local trattoria. Try some classic Roman dishes like Cacio e Pepe or Saltimbocca. Don’t forget to grab a gelato for dessert!

Day 2: Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica

• Morning: Head to the Vatican. Start with a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica (make sure to check out the dome for stunning views of the city!).
• Afternoon: Explore the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. Pre-book your tickets to avoid long lines!
• Evening: Have dinner in the Vatican area. Consider a rooftop restaurant for a view of the basilica lit up at night.

Day 3: Jubilee Basilicas - St. John Lateran and Holy Stairs

• Morning: Visit Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano (St. John Lateran), the oldest basilica in Rome and the cathedral of the Pope.
• Afternoon: Don’t miss the Holy Stairs (Scala Santa) nearby. Climb the stairs on your knees for a unique experience!
• Evening: Explore the nearby neighborhood of San Giovanni. Enjoy a casual dinner at a local pizzeria.

Day 4: Ancient Rome

• Morning: Visit the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Again, pre-book your tickets to skip the lines!
• Afternoon: Wander through the ruins and imagine life in ancient Rome. Don’t forget to check out the Palatine Hill for some beautiful views.
• Evening: Head to the Monti district for dinner. It’s a trendy area with lots of great restaurants and bars.

Day 5: Jubilee Basilicas - St. Mary Major and St. Paul Outside the Walls

• Morning: Visit Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. The mosaics are breathtaking!
• Afternoon: Head to Basilica di San Paolo Fuori le Mura (St. Paul Outside the Walls). It’s a bit further out but worth the trip for its stunning architecture.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner in the Testaccio neighborhood, known for its authentic Roman cuisine.

Day 6: Day Trip to Tivoli

• Morning: Take a day trip to Tivoli. Visit the stunning Villa d’Este with its beautiful gardens and fountains.
• Afternoon: Explore Hadrian’s Villa (Villa Adriana), a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Evening: Return to Rome and have a relaxed dinner. Maybe try a wine bar for a cozy atmosphere.

Day 7: Jubilee Basilicas - St. Lawrence Outside the Walls and St. Peter in Chains

• Morning: Visit Basilica di San Lorenzo Fuori le Mura (St. Lawrence Outside the Walls). It’s a bit off the beaten path but has a rich history.
• Afternoon: Head to Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli (St. Peter in Chains) to see Michelangelo’s famous statue of Moses.
• Evening: Explore the Jewish Ghetto for dinner. Try some Roman-Jewish specialties like Carciofi alla Giudia (fried artichokes).

Day 8: Art and Culture

• Morning: Visit the Galleria Borghese. Make sure to book your tickets in advance!
• Afternoon: Stroll through the beautiful Villa Borghese gardens. You can rent a bike or a rowboat for some fun!
• Evening: Head to the Spanish Steps and enjoy dinner in the area. It’s a great spot for people-watching!

Day 9: Departure Day

• Morning: Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance for some last-minute shopping or a visit to a café for a final cappuccino.
• Afternoon: Head to the airport, reminiscing about your wonderful Roman adventure!

Tips:

• Transportation: Consider getting a Roma Pass for public transport and discounts on museums.
• Dining: Make reservations for popular restaurants, especially for dinner.
• Dress Code: Remember to dress modestly when visiting churches (shoulders and knees covered).

I hope this itinerary gives you a delightful mix of the sacred and the secular, the famous and the hidden! Enjoy your trip to the Eternal City! 🌟