[{"type":"headerText","header":null,"order":0,"text":"A week in Rome provides the perfect timeframe to experience the Eternal City without feeling rushed. Seven days allows you to explore major attractions thoroughly, discover hidden neighborhood gems, enjoy leisurely meals at authentic trattorias, and even take a day trip to nearby destinations. Unlike a whirlwind 3-day visit that leaves you exhausted from racing between the Colosseum, Vatican, and Trevi Fountain, a full week lets you absorb Rome's rhythm, linger at cafes, and develop a genuine feel for different neighborhoods. This comprehensive guide provides a day-by-day itinerary balancing iconic sites with local experiences, practical timing advice, and flexibility for your interests whether you're passionate about ancient history, Renaissance art, culinary adventures, or simply soaking in the Italian lifestyle."},{"type":"headerText","header":"Day 1: Ancient Rome - Colosseum, Forum & Palatine Hill","order":2,"text":"Start your Roman week with the city's most iconic ancient monuments. Book a morning tour (9:00-9:30 AM start) to beat afternoon heat and crowds.\n\nBegin at the Colosseum with a guided tour that includes arena floor and underground access. Understanding the gladiatorial history and ingenious Roman engineering enhances the experience dramatically compared to wandering alone. Allocate 2-2.5 hours.\n\nMove next door to the Roman Forum, once the heart of ancient Roman public life. Walk the Via Sacra where triumphal processions passed, stand in the Senate House where Julius Caesar was assassinated, and imagine the bustling markets and temples. The ruins require context to appreciate - audio guides or tours help tremendously. Allow 1.5-2 hours.\n\nClimb Palatine Hill, legendary birthplace of Rome and location of emperors' palaces. The Farnese Gardens offer spectacular views over the Forum. This quieter site provides welcome respite from Colosseum crowds. Spend 1-1.5 hours.\n\nAfter lunch, explore the nearby neighborhood of Monti, Rome's first residential district. This bohemian area features boutique shops, artisan studios, and excellent wine bars. Rest your feet at a cafe on Via dei Serpenti.\n\nEvening: Dine in Monti or nearby Celio neighborhood at family-run trattorias serving classic Roman pasta dishes. Try cacio e pepe or amatriciana. End your first day with a sunset walk to Circus Maximus, the ancient chariot racing stadium."},{"type":"map","order":3,"location":"Colosseum, Rome","description":"Ancient Rome: Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill","embedCode":""},{"type":"expertQuote","order":4,"quote":"Never try to see the Colosseum, Forum, AND Palatine Hill after 2 PM in summer - you'll be exhausted and miserable in the heat. Book morning tours, then spend afternoons in air-conditioned museums or shaded neighborhoods. Rome rewards the early riser.","author":"Giulia Martini","title":"Licensed Rome Tour Guide, 15 years experience"},{"type":"headerText","header":"Day 2: Vatican City - Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peters","order":5,"text":"Dedicate your second day to Vatican City, the world's smallest country containing some of humanity's greatest art.\n\nBook an early morning Vatican Museums tour (8:00-8:30 AM entry if possible, or first standard entry at 9:00 AM). The museums span 7 kilometers of corridors filled with masterpieces - Egyptian mummies, Greek sculptures, Renaissance paintings, and the stunning Raphael Rooms. A guided tour helps navigate the overwhelming collection. Allow 3-4 hours minimum.\n\nThe Sistine Chapel crowns the museum visit. Michelangelo's ceiling and Last Judgment leave visitors speechless despite the crowds. Arrive early for a quieter experience. Photography is prohibited - simply absorb the magnificence.\n\nExit into St. Peter's Basilica (free entry, separate from museum ticket). This Renaissance masterpiece houses Michelangelo's Pietà, Bernini's bronze baldachin over the papal altar, and the stunning dome designed by Michelangelo. Climb the dome (551 steps total, 320 if you take the elevator partway) for panoramic Rome views. Allow 2-3 hours for the basilica.\n\nAfternoon: Explore the Borgo and Prati neighborhoods surrounding Vatican. These residential areas offer authentic Roman life away from tourist chaos. Lunch at local spots on Via Candia or Via Cola di Rienzo.\n\nEvening: Cross the Tiber River to Castel Sant'Angelo, originally Emperor Hadrian's mausoleum. The rooftop terrace provides sunset views over Rome. Then walk to Piazza Navona for dinner at one of the surrounding restaurants - avoid those directly on the piazza which charge premium prices for the view."},{"type":"headerText","header":"Day 3: Trastevere, Jewish Ghetto & Campo de Fiori","order":6,"text":"Experience Rome's most charming neighborhoods and best culinary traditions on your third day.\n\nMorning: Explore the Jewish Ghetto, Rome's oldest continuously inhabited Jewish community outside Israel. Visit the Great Synagogue and Jewish Museum to understand the 2,000-year history of Roman Jews. Sample Jewish-Roman specialties like carciofi alla giudia (fried artichokes) and baccalà (cod) at historic restaurants.\n\nWalk to Campo de' Fiori for the morning market (closes at 2 PM). This lively piazza fills with vegetable stands, spice vendors, and flower sellers. It's tourist-oriented but still authentic. The surrounding streets hide artisan shops and bakeries. Grab pizza bianca (white pizza with olive oil and salt) from Forno Campo de' Fiori.\n\nAfternoon: Cross Ponte Sisto bridge into Trastevere, Rome's most atmospheric neighborhood. Get lost in narrow cobblestone lanes lined with ivy-covered buildings, small piazzas, and neighborhood restaurants. Visit Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of Rome's oldest churches with stunning medieval mosaics. Climb Janiculum Hill for the best panoramic view of Rome (better than any paid viewpoint).\n\nEvening: Trastevere comes alive at night. Book dinner at a traditional trattoria (reserve 2-3 days ahead for popular spots like Da Enzo al 29 or Flavio al Velavevodetto). After dinner, join the evening passeggiata as locals and visitors stroll the piazzas. Sample gelato from a neighborhood gelateria - avoid anywhere with artificially bright colors or mountains of gelato, signs of inferior quality."},{"type":"headerText","header":"Day 4: Borghese Gallery, Spanish Steps & Trevi Fountain","order":7,"text":"Focus on Renaissance and Baroque art plus Rome's most famous fountains and squares.\n\nMorning: Visit the Borghese Gallery (requires advance booking, limited daily visitors). This former cardinal's villa houses extraordinary sculptures by Bernini and paintings by Caravaggio, Raphael, and Titian. The collection is manageable (2 hours) but world-class. Your timed entry ticket allows 2 hours in the gallery.\n\nAfter the gallery, explore Villa Borghese park. Rent bicycles or simply stroll through Rome's most beautiful gardens. Visit the Pincio Terrace for views over Piazza del Popolo.\n\nAfternoon: Descend to Piazza del Popolo and walk up Via del Corso, Rome's main shopping street. Turn onto Via dei Condotti for luxury boutiques leading to the Spanish Steps. Climb the 135 steps (or take the metro to Spagna station) to Trinità dei Monti church at the top.\n\nWalk to the Trevi Fountain (10 minutes from Spanish Steps). This Baroque masterpiece is Rome's largest fountain and probably most photographed monument. Tradition says tossing a coin over your shoulder into the fountain ensures your return to Rome. Visit early morning or late evening for fewer crowds - midday sees thousands of visitors.\n\nEvening: Explore the Tridente neighborhood (triangle formed by three streets radiating from Piazza del Popolo). This elegant area offers upscale dining and shopping. Alternatively, walk to the Pantheon area for dinner - the Pantheon is spectacular illuminated at night and now offers free entry."},{"type":"expertQuote","order":8,"quote":"The Borghese Gallery books out weeks in advance in peak season. If you can't get tickets, don't skip Villa Borghese park entirely - it's Rome's most beautiful green space with multiple museums, gardens, and the best people-watching in the city.","author":"Alessandro Conti","title":"Roman Art Historian"},{"type":"headerText","header":"Day 5: Day Trip Options - Tivoli, Ostia Antica, or Orvieto","order":9,"text":"Use your fifth day for a rewarding day trip from Rome. Choose based on your interests.\n\nTivoli (45 minutes by train): Visit two UNESCO World Heritage sites. Villa d'Este features spectacular Renaissance gardens with hundreds of fountains cascading down hillsides. Hadrian's Villa, ruins of a vast imperial palace, showcases Roman architectural genius. Both sites are walkable from Tivoli town center. Take the regional train from Roma Tiburtina station (€2.60 each way). Allow full day.\n\nOstia Antica (30 minutes by train): Rome's ancient port offers remarkably preserved ruins rivaling Pompeii without the crowds. Walk ancient streets, enter houses with intact mosaics, see the amphitheater and baths. More atmospheric than Roman Forum for many visitors. Take Metro Line B to Piramide, then Lido train to Ostia Antica (€1.50 each way). Perfect half-day trip; return for afternoon gelato at the beach in Ostia Lido.\n\nOrvieto (1 hour by train): Medieval hilltop town in Umbria features one of Italy's most stunning Gothic cathedrals. The dramatic cliff-top setting, underground cave network, and delicious white wine make this a memorable escape. Trains run frequently from Roma Termini. Full day recommended.\n\nCastelli Romani (30-45 minutes by train): Volcanic hills southeast of Rome dotted with charming towns like Frascati and Castel Gandolfo (Pope's summer residence). Known for white wine, porchetta, and lake views. Easiest by car but possible by train. Good half-day option.\n\nIf you prefer staying in Rome: Explore neighborhoods you've missed - Aventine Hill for the famous keyhole view, Protestant Cemetery where Keats is buried, Testaccio for authentic food culture, or Via Appia Antica (ancient Roman road) by bicycle."},{"type":"headerText","header":"Day 6: Capitoline Museums, Aventine Hill & Testaccio","order":10,"text":"Discover lesser-visited gems and authentic neighborhood culture on your sixth day.\n\nMorning: Visit the Capitoline Museums on Capitoline Hill, the world's oldest public museum (1471). The collection includes the iconic bronze she-wolf symbol of Rome, Marcus Aurelius equestrian statue, and masterpieces by Caravaggio and Titian. The Tabularium corridor offers spectacular elevated views over the Roman Forum. Allow 2-3 hours. Michelangelo designed the beautiful Piazza del Campidoglio surrounding the museums.\n\nWalk down to the Roman Forum area, then head south toward Aventine Hill. Stop at Santa Maria in Cosmedin to see the Bocca della Verità (Mouth of Truth), where legend says the mouth bites off the hand of liars.\n\nAfternoon: Climb quiet Aventine Hill, one of Rome's seven hills. Visit the Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci) for peaceful views over Rome. Then find the famous Knights of Malta keyhole on Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta - peek through to see a perfectly framed view of St. Peter's dome through a tree-lined alley.\n\nDescend into Testaccio, Rome's most authentic food neighborhood. This working-class district hosts the Testaccio Market, where Romans shop for produce, meat, and fish. The market also has excellent casual lunch spots. Testaccio is the birthplace of Roman cucina povera (poor cuisine) - offal dishes like coda alla vaccinara (oxtail) and pajata (intestines). Adventurous eaters should try these at traditional trattorias.\n\nEvening: Monte Testaccio, an artificial hill made of ancient Roman pottery shards, houses nightclubs and restaurants in caves at its base. Testaccio offers Rome's most authentic nightlife - locals rather than tourists. Sample supplì (fried rice balls) from a neighborhood pizza al taglio shop."},{"type":"headerText","header":"Day 7: Flexible Day - Markets, Museums & Neighborhoods","order":11,"text":"Use your final day to revisit favorites, explore missed neighborhoods, or simply relax into Roman life.\n\nMorning Market Options: If visiting Sunday, the Porta Portese flea market in Trastevere (6 AM-2 PM) offers vintage clothing, antiques, and local color. Watch your belongings in the crowds. Alternatively, visit the Mercato Monti vintage and artisan market (weekends only) in the Monti neighborhood for unique souvenirs.\n\nMuseum Options if you haven't visited: Palazzo Massimo alle Terme houses Rome's finest collection of ancient Roman frescoes, mosaics, and sculptures including the famous Boxer at Rest statue. Palazzo Altemps displays Greek and Roman sculpture in a beautiful Renaissance palace. Both are covered by the Roma Pass if you purchased one.\n\nNeighborhood Exploration: San Lorenzo, a university district with street art, vintage shops, and affordable restaurants. EUR, Mussolini's planned city showcasing Fascist architecture. Pigneto, an up-and-coming area with bars and restaurants favored by young Romans.\n\nAfternoon: Shopping for souvenirs - avoid tourist traps near major monuments. Better options: Via del Governo Vecchio for vintage clothing, Via Margutta for art galleries, Campo Marzio for stationery, Volpetti in Testaccio for gourmet Italian food products. Book lovers should visit the Anglo American Bookshop near Spanish Steps.\n\nEvening: For your final dinner, return to your favorite neighborhood or try something new. Consider booking ahead at a special restaurant you've been saving - perhaps one with a Michelin star like Flavio al Velavevodetto or Glass Hostaria in Trastevere. Toast your week in Rome with a final gelato and evening stroll past illuminated monuments - the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Colosseum are all spectacular after dark.\n\nEnd with an Aperitivo: Join Romans for an evening aperitivo (pre-dinner drinks with snacks) at a wine bar in Monti, Campo de' Fiori, or Trastevere. This is peak people-watching time when the city transitions from day to evening."},{"type":"headerText","header":"Practical Tips for Your Week in Rome","order":12,"text":"Transportation: Buy a weekly public transport pass (€24) for unlimited metro, bus, and tram travel. Central Rome is very walkable - you'll likely use transport 1-2 times daily at most. Download the Citymapper or Moovit app for navigation.\n\nBooking Strategy: Reserve in advance for Borghese Gallery (required), Colosseum underground tours, Vatican early entry, and popular restaurants. Other major sites can be booked 1-2 weeks ahead. Last-minute skip-the-line tickets are available but cost more.\n\nDining Schedule: Lunch 12:30-2:30 PM, dinner 7:30-10 PM. Many restaurants close 3-7 PM. Avoid restaurants with picture menus near tourist sites - these are tourist traps with inflated prices. Walk 5 minutes away for better food and value.\n\nHeat Management in Summer: Visit major outdoor sites before 10 AM or after 4 PM. Spend midday hours in air-conditioned museums, churches, or having a long lunch. Carry water (Rome has free drinking fountains throughout the city). Wear sun protection.\n\nChurch Dress Code: Cover shoulders and knees. Carry a light scarf to wrap around shoulders or legs when entering churches. Major churches like St. Peter's enforce this strictly.\n\nMoney: Carry €50-100 cash for small purchases, markets, and churches (many don't accept cards). ATMs are abundant. Notify your bank before traveling. Avoid currency exchange booths near tourist sites with poor rates.\n\nSafety: Rome is generally safe, but pickpockets target tourists at major sites, on crowded buses/metros, and at Termini station. Keep valuables in front pockets or cross-body bags. Don't engage with people trying to sell you things near monuments.\n\nRest Days: If weather is poor or you're exhausted, it's fine to have a lazy day. Spend a morning at a cafe with cappuccino and cornetto, then explore a quiet museum or neighborhood. Rome rewards those who slow down and observe daily life rather than racing through a checklist."},{"type":"internalLink","header":"Recommended Tours & Activities","links":[{"title":" Full Day Civitavecchia Shore Private Excursion of Rome Highlights & Colosseum ","url":"https://www.viator.com/tours/Rome/Civitavecchia-Shore-Excursion-Rome-Highlights-and-Colosseum-Skip-The-Line/d511-85611P10?mcid=42383&pid=P00038036&medium=api&api_version=2.0","description":"Full Day • 5★","image":"https://visitrome.b-cdn.net/tours/full-day-civitavecchia-shore-private-excursion-of-rome-highlights-and-colosseum.jpg","metadata":{"duration":"Full Day","rating":5,"price":"€352.98","category":"tour"}},{"title":"Rome from Port Private Tour: Colosseum & Vatican, Lunch and De-lux Car included","url":"https://www.viator.com/tours/Rome/Shore-Excursion-from-Civitavecchia-to-Rome-Colosseum-and-Vatican-Lunch-included/d511-86375P7?mcid=42383&pid=P00038036&medium=api&api_version=2.0","description":"Full Day • 5★","image":"https://visitrome.b-cdn.net/tours/rome-from-port-private-tour-colosseum-and-vatican-lunch-and-de-lux-car-included.jpg","metadata":{"duration":"Full Day","rating":5,"price":"€1060.11","category":"tour"}},{"title":"Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour","url":"https://www.viator.com/tours/Vatican-City/Vatican-and-Sistine-chapel-and-optional-basilica-Tour/d60477-5487868P11?mcid=42383&pid=P00038036&medium=api&api_version=2.0","description":"2h • 5★","image":"https://visitrome.b-cdn.net/tours/vatican-museums-and-sistine-chapel-guided-tour.jpg","metadata":{"duration":"2h","rating":5,"price":"€128.68","category":"tour"}},{"title":"Rome: Neapolitan Pizza Cooking Class in Front of the Vatican","url":"https://www.viator.com/tours/Rome/Rome-Neapolitan-Pizza-Cooking-Class-in-Front-of-the-Vatican/d511-479712P3?mcid=42383&pid=P00038036&medium=api&api_version=2.0","description":"1h • 5★","image":"https://visitrome.b-cdn.net/tours/rome-neapolitan-pizza-cooking-class-in-front-of-the-vatican.jpg","metadata":{"duration":"1h","rating":5,"price":"€76.73","category":"tour"}},{"title":"Unexpected Rome by e-bike: Villa Borghese, Villa Ada and Coppedè ","url":"https://www.viator.com/tours/Rome/The-Villas-of-Rome-Villa-Borghese-Villa-Ada-e-Bike-Tour-with-Catacombs-optional/d511-133210P20?mcid=42383&pid=P00038036&medium=api&api_version=2.0","description":"3h 30m • 5★","image":"https://visitrome.b-cdn.net/tours/unexpected-rome-by-e-bike-villa-borghese-villa-ada-and-copped.jpg","metadata":{"duration":"3h 30m","rating":5,"price":"€76.73","category":"tour"}},{"title":"Castel Gandolfo tour with wine tasting","url":"https://www.viator.com/tours/Rome/Small-group-tour-to-Castel-Gandolfo-with-wine-tasting/d511-5532546P22?mcid=42383&pid=P00038036&medium=api&api_version=2.0","description":"Full Day • 5★","image":"https://visitrome.b-cdn.net/tours/castel-gandolfo-tour-with-wine-tasting.jpg","metadata":{"duration":"Full Day","rating":5,"price":"€315.2","category":"tour"}},{"title":"Rome: Castelli Romani Day Trip by Train and E-Bike","url":"https://www.viator.com/tours/Rome/Wine-Tour-on-Appian-Way-in-e-bike-6-hours/d511-133210P11?mcid=42383&pid=P00038036&medium=api&api_version=2.0","description":"Full Day • 5★","image":"https://visitrome.b-cdn.net/tours/rome-castelli-romani-day-trip-by-train-and-e-bike.jpg","metadata":{"duration":"Full Day","rating":5,"price":"€105.07","category":"tour"}},{"title":"Private 3 hours Walking Tour of Rome","url":"https://www.viator.com/tours/Rome/Private-3-hour-Walking-Tour-of-Rome-with-optional-Skip-the-line-tickets/d511-8647P483?mcid=42383&pid=P00038036&medium=api&api_version=2.0","description":"3h • 5★","image":"https://visitrome.b-cdn.net/tours/private-3-hours-walking-tour-of-rome.jpg","metadata":{"duration":"3h","rating":5,"price":"€271.05","category":"tour"}}],"order":13},{"type":"faq","order":14,"faqs":[{"question":"Is one week enough time to see Rome properly?","answer":"One week is the ideal timeframe for Rome. It allows you to see all major attractions without rushing, explore 3-4 neighborhoods in depth, take a day trip, and enjoy leisurely meals and evening strolls. You'll leave feeling you experienced Rome rather than just checked boxes. Three days feels rushed; two weeks allows deep exploration but isn't necessary for most first-time visitors. Seven days strikes the perfect balance."},{"question":"Should I buy the Roma Pass for a week in Rome?","answer":"The Roma Pass makes sense if you're visiting multiple paid attractions. The 72-hour pass (€52) includes 2 free museums plus discounts and unlimited transport. However, for a full week, you'll need to supplement with additional transport passes. Calculate your planned attractions - if visiting Colosseum (€18), Borghese Gallery (€15), and Capitoline Museums (€16), the pass pays for itself. Skip it if you're mainly visiting free sites like the Pantheon, churches, and piazzas."},{"question":"What is the best day to take a day trip from Rome?","answer":"Wednesday through Friday work best for day trips. Mondays many museums close (including those in nearby towns). Weekends bring Italian tourists to popular destinations like Tivoli and the beach. Mid-week you'll find fewer crowds and better availability at restaurants. Consider weather too - save your day trip for a predicted rain day in Rome, spending sunny days exploring the city's outdoor monuments."},{"question":"How much walking should I expect during a week in Rome?","answer":"Expect to walk 10-15 kilometers (6-9 miles) daily if following this itinerary. Rome is a walking city - many attractions are close together and the narrow streets make taxis impractical. Wear comfortable, broken-in walking shoes (not new shoes). Take afternoon breaks to rest your feet. Use public transport strategically to avoid exhaustion. Many visitors find a weekly metro pass unnecessary as walking is often faster than waiting for buses."},{"question":"Can I visit both Vatican Museums and Colosseum in one day?","answer":"Technically possible but not recommended. Vatican Museums require 3-4 hours minimum, Colosseum/Forum another 3-4 hours, plus travel time between them. You'll be exhausted and won't enjoy either properly. Better to dedicate full days to each, allowing afternoon exploration of surrounding neighborhoods. Quality over quantity - deeply experiencing fewer sites is more memorable than rushing through many."},{"question":"What neighborhoods should I stay in for a week in Rome?","answer":"Best neighborhoods for a week-long stay: Monti (central, authentic, good restaurants), Trastevere (charming, atmospheric, excellent dining), Prati (near Vatican, residential, less touristy), or Testaccio (authentic food scene, local atmosphere). Avoid staying near Termini station (sketchy at night) or directly on tourist piazzas (loud, expensive). Good metro access helps but isn't essential - most central neighborhoods are walkable to major sites."},{"question":"Should I book restaurants in advance or find them spontaneously?","answer":"Book ahead for highly-rated restaurants (2-3 days minimum, 1-2 weeks for famous spots like Da Enzo al 29). However, leave 2-3 nights unplanned for spontaneous discoveries and flexibility. Neighborhood trattorias often have availability, especially weekday lunches. Avoid restaurants with aggressive touts outside - good restaurants don't need to solicit customers. Early dinners (7:30 PM) are easier to get without reservations than peak times (8:30-9 PM)."},{"question":"What if weather is bad during my week in Rome?","answer":"Rome offers countless indoor attractions for rainy days. Spend time in Vatican Museums, Capitoline Museums, Borghese Gallery, or Palazzo Massimo. Visit the Pantheon (now free) where rain through the oculus is spectacular. Explore covered food markets like Testaccio Market. Take cooking classes or wine tastings. Visit underground sites like San Clemente or the Capuchin Crypt. Browse bookshops, boutiques, and antique stores. Have long lunches at traditional trattorias. Rome's museums and churches provide days of indoor exploration if needed."}]},{"type":"externalLinks","order":15,"header":"Useful Resources","links":[{"url":"https://www.coopculture.it/en/","title":"CoopCulture - Official Colosseum & Museum Tickets","description":"Official booking for Colosseum, Forum, and state museums"},{"url":"https://www.turismoroma.it/en","title":"Rome Official Tourism Website","description":"Current events, transportation info, and city resources"},{"url":"https://www.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani/en.html","title":"Vatican Museums Official Site","description":"Official tickets and information for Vatican Museums"}]}]