4 Days in Rome - an Itinerary

Based on my post about an Italian Holiday: Milan, skiing in Madonna di Campiglio, Venice, Florence and Rome, I thought I would summarize with suggested itineraries for each city.
Here is a suggested itinerary for 4 Days in Rome:

Day 1:

• Explore! Walk through the plaza around the Pantheon and head to the Spanish Steps, then the Trevi Fountain
• Lunch: sandwiches at All’antico Vinaio 
• Afternoon: Castel Sant’Angelo
• Dinner: Rimessa Roscioli.
• Bonus: Highly recommend a Roma football game in the evening if they are at home!

Day 2:

• Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
• Grab lunch at one of the lovely cafes in the Monti neighborhood.
• Church of St. Lawrence and the Scala Sancta (Holy Steps)
• Church of San Pietro in Vincoli to see one of the most famous sculptures from Michaelangelo, the Moses of Pope Julius II’s tomb. Aim to be there for sunset to see the rays of sunset come through the transept windows and brilliantly illuminate the sculpture.
• Dinner at Il Chianti Vineria

Day 3:

• The Vatican, St. Peter’s Cathedral, Sistine Chapel, Vatican City, plus the Scavi Tour if possible.
• Lunch at All’antico Vinaio (famous for their sandwiches)
• Visit the Piazza della Minerva
• Largo di Torre Argentina (cats!)
• Dinner near the Pantheon at Napoletano’s Pantheon.

Day 4:

• Walk through the Campitelli neighborhood to the Santa Maria in Cosmedin church and the Mouth of Truth.
• Head to the Jewish Neighborhood for lunch at Nonna Betta, or head to Tiberino Ristorante. Don’t miss the artichokes.
• Catacombe di San Callisto
• Dinner at: Ristorante Velavevodetto

BTW - before your trip, be sure to visit my list of Top 10 Travel Essentials.

Hotel recommendation: Hotel Abruzzi
 
Restaurant list for Rome:

Takeaway / grab and go sndwiches at  All’antico Vinaio
Salumeria Roscioli
 
note: They also have Rimessa Roscioli next door – same food, more casual setup.  (This was our favorite restaurant of the whole trip. SO good! We eeven signed uo for the wine club while we were there and it’s been great.)
 
Il Chianti Vineria
Definitely have the puntartelle salad….wow! 
 
Piato Romano
 
La Gattabuia
 
Nannarella

If you have time, definitely go to the Jewish Ghetto for the artichokes alla giudia…but Roman style artichokes are also really delicious.
 
Giggeto al Portico Di’Ottavia
 
Nonna Betta is really good

Ristorante Velavevodetto
 *****This place is cool because it is built into a cliff that was basically a garbage heap for ancient people to dump their jugs and broken pottery. There are glass panels in the walls for you to see piled up ancient shards of pottery. (This recommendation came from my cousin while she was there on sabbatical.  They loved it, and it sounds cool but without a car it’s a bit far. Just something to keep in mind).