Rome in 4 days: an itinerary with the Appian Way

Four days let you see Rome's essentials without rushing and add an outing few visitors make: the Via Appia Antica, the Roman road lined with tombs, pines and catacombs. You end the trip with dinner in Trastevere.

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Day 1. Ancient Rome and the Mouth of Truth

  1. Colosseo

    Combined ticket with the Forum and Palatine, with a booked time. Go first thing or late in the day.

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  2. Foro Romano

    The political heart of ancient Rome: temples, basilicas and the Via Sacra.

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  3. Palatino

    The emperors' hill, with views over the Forum and the Circus Maximus.

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  4. Circo Massimo

    Rome's great chariot-racing track is now a long park; it impresses with its size more than its ruins.

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  5. Bocca della Verità

    Put your hand in the famous marble mask in the portico of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. There's a queue, but it moves fast.

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Day 2. The Vatican

  1. Musei Vaticani

    Book ahead and arrive at opening. The Sistine Chapel is at the end of the route. Closed on Sundays except the last of the month.

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  2. Basilica di San Pietro

    Free entry after a security check. Climbing the dome is worth it. Shoulders and knees covered.

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  3. Castel Sant'Angelo

    Hadrian's mausoleum turned papal fortress; its terrace looks onto St Peter's. Then cross the bridge of angels.

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Day 3. Squares and fountains of the centre

  1. Pantheon

    The best-preserved Roman temple, its dome open to the sky. Entry with a cheap ticket.

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  2. Piazza Navona

    A Baroque square with Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers, built over an ancient stadium.

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  3. Fontana di Trevi

    Go very early or at night to see it with fewer people. Toss the coin over your shoulder.

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  4. Piazza di Spagna

    Climb the steps to Trinità dei Monti to watch the sunset over the rooftops.

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Day 4. Appian Way, catacombs and Trastevere

  1. Via Appia Antica

    Rent a bike at the visitor centre and ride the original paving between tombs and pines. On Sundays it's closed to traffic.

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  2. Catacombe di San Callisto

    Miles of early Christian burial galleries, visited only with a guide (included in the ticket). Bring a layer.

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  3. Trastevere

    Head back to the centre and end the trip with dinner in Trastevere's lanes.

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💡 To reach the Appian Way, bus 118 leaves near the Circus Maximus; bus 660 serves the prettiest stretch of tombs.

Practical tips

  • Always book the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums: tickets sell out.
  • Drink and refill your bottle at the nasoni, the public drinking fountains.
  • For churches, cover shoulders and knees.
  • Many catacombs close one day a week and for part of the winter: check opening times.

Frequently asked questions

What does a fourth day in Rome add?

Time to see the essentials calmly, plus a different day on the Via Appia Antica and the catacombs on the edge of the city.

How do you visit the Appian Way?

By bike is easiest, rented at the visitor centre. Buses from the centre take about 20–30 minutes.

Can you visit the catacombs without booking?

Usually yes, as guided tours leave often, but in high season it's worth booking.

Make it yours

Plannit builds an itinerary around your interests and dates, with a map, photos and transport between stops.

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Opening hours and rules can change: check the official websites before you go.