Destination Italy: The Eternal City of Rome, Gaeta, Vatican, Nemi and Tivoli – Day 3

Get ready early in the morning and go visit the Vatican city and its museums. In the first part of the day we propose a visit to the papal city and to Castel Sant’Angelo. Then we will take you to Giardini Borghese, Rome Pyramid of Cestius, the Aventine Hill and conclude with dinner by the Colosseum.

Morning in the Vatican: Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica & City Walls

Take the metro from Roma Termini Station to Ottaviano Station – 10 minutes (6 stops) – line A direction Battistini.

Hotel

Hotels Near the Vatican

If you’re planning to spend a full day exploring Vatican City, staying nearby can save you time and let you enjoy the area before and after the crowds.


Check Availability

Breakfast Options Near the Vatican City

Once you get off at Ottaviano you can grab something to eat from:

  • Dolce Maniera – located by the metro stop, in the opposite direction of the Vatican, open non-stop, offering pastries, salads, etc. at very reasonable prices.
  • Parenti – pastries and coffee shop located conveniently on the way to the Vatican as coming from the metro stop. They open as early as 7.30 am. They have good sfollitelia and very reasonable prices.
  • Panino Divino – nice sandwiches shop, approximately across the street from Parenti. They have good prices and very good paninis. Unfortunately they open late, at 10 am.

Stylish restaurant interior for an Italian dining experience

Discover Restaurants in Rome

Planning a trip to Rome? Discover local restaurants, traditional Italian trattorias, authentic Roman cuisine, and charming places for a memorable meal.

Explore restaurants, browse available offers, and reserve your table before discovering the Eternal City.

Explore Restaurants in Rome ?

Disclosure: This post contains an affiliate link. I may earn a commission if you make a qualifying booking through this link, at no additional cost to you.

Visiting the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

The Vatican Museums ( I Musei Vaticani) are one of the largest and most impressive art collections in the world, housing masterpieces from ancient Egypt to the Renaissance, including Michelangelo’s breathtaking ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. The Vatican Museums preserve centuries of art and history, offering visitors an extraordinary journey through some of the most famous masterpieces in the world.

If you want to do the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel tour you will need half a day or more to do it. The Vatican Museums open at 8.30 am. You can skip it, or not. People do the Vatican Museums tour especially to be able to see the Sistine Chapel, famous for its Michelangelo’s 16th-century painted ceiling.

Inside Vatican Museums, Vatican City - Photo by Cosmin Paduraru on Pexels.com
Inside Vatican Museums, Vatican City – Photo by Cosmin Paduraru on Pexels.com

From Ottaviano metro station go south on Via Ottaviano and at the 4th intersection (big one – Piazza del Risorgimento) keep forward towards south o.n Via di Porta Angelica. At the 4th intersection, the one with Borgo Pio arrive at the Vatican gate Porta Sant’Anna on the right. This is the north gate where you have to pay the entrance, 17 euros per person, and visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.

Tours & Activities

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Skip-the-Line Tours

The Vatican Museums are one of Rome’s most visited attractions, so booking skip-the-line tickets in advance can save you hours of waiting.


Explore Tours

Vatican Sistine Chapel, Vatican City - Photo by Mike Tyurin on Pexels.com
Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums at Vatican City – Photo by Mike Tyurin on Pexels.com

Exploring St. Peter’s Basilica and Vatican City for Free

If you choose to skip the paid tour of the Vatican Museums and visit only Piazza San Pietro and St. Peter’s Basilica you keep forward. From Vatican gate Porta Sant’Anna, continue straight on Via di Porta Angelica. At the second intersection, you will see the Vatican city walls in front. Go slightly left along the city walls on Largo del Colonnato. Follow the walls. Arrive in Piazza Papa Pio XII. Then continue right along the City walls on Via Paolo VI. At the first intersection go right and arrive at the Gate.

Largo del Colonnato, Piazza San Pietro Vatican - Photo by Joe Ambrogio on Pexels.com
Largo del Colonnato, Vatican City – Photo by Joe Ambrogio on Pexels.com

St. Peter’s Basilica: Dome Climb and Interior Tour

St. Peter’s Square and St. Peter’s Basilica can be visited for free, daily between 7 am and 10 pm. You will want to visit the cupola; it costs 10 euros to take the elevator. You can visit daily between 7.30 am and 6 pm (last admission before 5 pm).

St. Peter's Basilica Vatican - Photo by Kai Pilger on Pexels.com
St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City – Photo by Kai Pilger on Pexels.com

Go straight to St Peter’s square, pass the security check. You will see the sign “Cupola” and go to the ticket counter on the right side of the façade. You’ll start with the visit of the dome. You will take the elevator and then you will still need to climb 320 steps. You will reach an interior balcony from where you can admire the inside of the church from above.

Inside St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican - Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
Inside St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City – Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Then you will climb a spiral staircase and get to the top of the dome. Afterwards, follow the exit signs, descend some steps which lead to a terrace. From there you can see the square and the upper statues. Then you exit into the nave and visit the basilica.

St. Peter's Square, Vatican - Photo by Aliona & Pasha on Pexels.com
St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City – Photo by Aliona & Pasha on Pexels.com

Tours & Activities

Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour

Explore the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel without spending hours in line on this comprehensive tour, which includes skip-the-line entry and visits to the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica.


Explore Tours

Photography Spots at Vatican City: Piazza San Pietro, Obelisk & Fountains

Take beautiful pictures of the colonnade and the piazza from up the terrace of St. Peter’s Basilica overlooking the statues of the façade. 

Back down in the piazza, take photos of the colonnade of St. Peter’s Basilica from the middle of the Piazza. Capture images near the Vatican Obelisk. It dates to Ancient Egyptian times. Also take photos along the columns and by the Bernini fountains.

Piazza San Pietro - Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
Piazza San Pietro, Vatican City – Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Fun Extras: Swiss Guards, Postcards & Rare Vatican City Coins

Nice for pictures: Swiss Papal Guards (Corpo della Guardia Svizzera). They stand at entrances to the Vatican City. Their role is to provide security and protect the Pope. They wear very colorful clothing.

Mail a letter – Vatican City is a separate sovereign state. It has its own postal system. This system is generally considered to be a bit more reliable than that of Italy. Send a postcard and it will be postmarked from the Vatican City. Change some paper euros when mailing the postcard and get some euro coins as change. The Vatican euro coins are the rarest in circulation among the European countries, so don’t spend them! They are worth a lot more than their face value.

Vatican view from Via della Conciliazione - Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
Vatican view from Via della Conciliazione, Vatican City – Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Exit Vatican City Through Via della Conciliazione for Iconic Views

Get out of the Vatican on the same gate, the one in Via Paolo VI. Take a left on Via Paolo VI along the Vatican walls. Arrive in Piazza Papa Pio XII. Then, go right on Via della Conciliazione. Take photos of the Basilica S. Pietro from Via della Conciliazione, there is a perfect geometry of the street and the basilica in the background. Drink some cold water from the Fontanelle del Palazzo dei Penitenzieri on the right.

Castel Sant’Angelo, Tiber Walk & Lunch Stops with Vatican City views

If hungry after the visit at the Vatican, stop for lunch at il Baretto Rome. Their prices are good: pizza around 10 euros, pasta 12 – 18 euros.

Castel Sant'Angelo, Rome - Photo by Maximilian K on Pexels.com
Castel Sant’Angelo – Photo by Maximilian K on Pexels.com

Go straight ahead and reach an intersection. There is a green zone on the left. The Tiber River is on the right. That is a square called Lungotevere Castello. Go forward along the Tiber. Find Castel Sant’Angelo on the left. It is a circular, 2nd-century castle. The castle houses furniture and paintings collections in beautiful Renaissance apartments. See the Sant’Angelo Bridge on the right. It is a pedestrian bridge, built in 134 A.D. over the River Tiber, with travertine marble fascias. Just before the castle, you can see Monumento di Santa Caterina on the left. Take pictures of Via della Conciliazione and St. Peter’s Basilica in the back. Visit Castel Sant’Angelo, a ticket costs 13 euros (included in the Roma Pass). It’s open daily between 9 am and 7.30 pm (last admission at 6.30 pm).

Travel Essentials

You’ll spend several hours walking around Vatican City, so comfortable shoes, a reusable water bottle and a portable charger are worth bringing.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses

Protect your eyes from the bright Mediterranean sun while exploring outdoors.

View on Amazon

Refillable Water Bottle

Refillable Water Bottle

Stay hydrated throughout the day while reducing the need to buy single-use plastic bottles.

View on Amazon

Comfortable Trainers

Comfortable Trainers

A comfortable pair of walking shoes is essential for exploring historic streets and sightseeing on foot.

View on Amazon

Portable Charger

Portable Charger

Keep your phone charged for maps, photos, tickets, and other travel essentials throughout the day.

View on Amazon

Crossbody Bag

Crossbody Bag

A lightweight crossbody bag keeps your phone, wallet, and other small essentials close and easy to access.

View on Amazon

Foldable Daypack

Foldable Daypack

A lightweight daypack that folds away easily and is handy for carrying essentials during sightseeing.

View on Amazon

Portable Fan

Portable Fan

A compact portable fan provides a refreshing breeze on hot summer days while exploring Vatican City and Rome.

View on Amazon

Plan Your Trip

Budget Travel Accessories

Everything you need to organize your perfect trip in one place. Browse budget travel accessories on AliExpress.

Start Shopping

Sant'Angelo Bridge, Rome - Photo by u0420u0443u0441u043bu0430u043d u041au0430u043bu044cu043du0438u0446u043au0438u0439 on Pexels.com
Sant’Angelo Bridge – Photo by u0420u0443u0441u043bu0430u043d u041au0430u043bu044cu043du0438u0446u043au0438u0439 on Pexels.com

Take photos of Rome from the terrace of the Castle and take photos of the Castle from the bridge. Have a cappuccino or something to drink at Minuetto bar within the castle. From the terrace you can have amazing views of St. Peter’s Basilica. You can also have a meal there, they serve some paninis and other food.

Piazza del Popolo & Villa Borghese Gradens

From Castel Sant’Angelo to Piazza del Popolo

From Castel Sant’Angelo go left on Lungotevere Castello. Then keep left at the intersection in Piazza Adriana and arrive in a parking lot. Continue forward at Piazza Adriana and at the intersection go on the diagonal and get to Piazza Cavour where is a nice park. You will notice Corte Suprema di Cassazione, an impressive building.

Cross Piazza Cavour and you can take the 301 bus in the direction Augusto Imperatore and get off at the 5th stop called Maria Adelaide. It is a 5-minutes bus ride. Then eventually walk to Piazza del Popolo – from the bus station go left on Via Ferdinando di Savoia and arrive in the piazza. It is a vast landmark square with Rome’s oldest obelisk in its center – Obelisco Flaminio, completed by Pharaoh Ramses II; has ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs.

Piazza del Popolo, Rome, near Villa Borghese Gardens - Photo by Leeloo Thefirst on Pexels.com
Piazza del Popolo – Photo by Leeloo Thefirst on Pexels.com

Or walk from Piazza Cavour: cross the park on the diagonal, see Chiesa Valdese on the right, then go on the diagonal street Via Federico Corsi. Then continue forward on the street and at the 4th intersection there is a park, cross it on diagonal and head right on Ponte Regina Margherita over the Tiber. Go forward on Via Ferdinando di Savoia and finally arrive in Piazza del Popolo. Take photos from the middle of the piazza, by the obelisk and the Fountain of the Lions (suggestion: take a close up photo of the lion caught between the 2 churches and with the water of the fountain below).

Lunch Options Around Piazza Cavour and Piazza del Popolo

If you didn’t have lunch, eat at Camillo B Roma restaurant in Piazza Cavour – prices 10 – 20 euros a course, or continue the walk to Piazza del Popolo and have a slice of pizza at Miss Pizza Forno a Legna Prati/Centro, but keep in mind that this place is only opened by 3 pm for lunch. Other food options in the area are: Pizza Rustica, also serving pizza by the slice at very good prices, frequented by locals which is a good sign; and Mondo arancina Flaminia – Sicilian restaurant with prices between 13 and 20 euros.

Exploring Villa Borghese Gardens from Terrazza del Pincio

From Piazza del Popolo you can visit Villa Borghese Gardens starting with Terrazza del Pincio. It is a lavish villa with formally landscaped gardens. From the piazza climb the stairs that get to Viale Gabriele d’Annunzio and then on the alley Salita del Pincio that gets to Terrazza del Pincio – historic promenade featuring more than 200 busts of prominent figures.

Piazza del Popolo view from Terrazza del Pincio, Villa Borghese Gardens in Rome - Photo by Leeloo Thefirst on Pexels.com
Piazza del Popolo view from Terrazza del Pincio at Giardini Borghese in Rome – Photo by Leeloo Thefirst on Pexels.com

From Terrazza del Pincio within Villa Borghese Gardens you can take nice pictures of Piazza del Popolo. From there go right on Pincio Promenade and arrive at The ‘Pinciano’ Obelisk, from the Obelisk you can walk a little to the right and then arrive at Casina Valadier, an elegant Italian fine dining restaurant offering views of city rooftops from its terrace.

lawn outside of la casina di raffaello, villa borghese gardens rome
Villa Borghese Gardens – Photo by Matteo Basile on Pexels.com

Giardini Borghese: Water Clock at Pincio & Temple of Asclepius

Return to the obelisk and afterwards continue east. Before arriving at a wider street and an intersection, turn left on an alley and find the Water clock at Pincio. From there go back right and then left and arrive at the intersection also mentioned before. From there go right on Via delle Magnolie. Go left on the second alley called Viale Tarragona, at the intersection with a wider road go left on Viale Fiorello la Guardia and at the roundabout go right on Viale Esculapio. Continue until arriving at a lake from where you can see the Temple of Asclepius.

Temple of Asclepius, Villa Borghese Gardens in Rome - Photo by Marina Gr on Pexels.com
Temple of Asclepius, Villa Borghese Gardens in Rome – Photo by Marina Gr on Pexels.com

Go right on Viale dell’Aranciera and then go left on Viale del Lago and surround the lake until you arrive in the middle, in front of the temple. Then turn right and continue on Viale de Lago until you arrive on a perpendicular street, Viale Pietro Canonica, and then go left. Keep moving forward and at the next intersection also keep forward and arrive at the Temple of Antonio and Faustina.

Temple of Diana, Villa Borghese Gardens in Rome - Photo by Piotr Arnoldes on Pexels.com
Temple of Diana, Villa Borghese Gardens in Rome – Photo by Piotr Arnoldes on Pexels.com

As facing the temple from Via Canonica, go right on Viale Antonio e Faustina and at the next intersection go left on Viale delle due Piramidi. At the big crossroads in front turn right and go on Viale dell’ Uccelliera and arrive at Museo e Galleria Borghese, villa housing 15th- to 18th-century artworks with pieces by Bernini and Caravaggio. From Galleria Borghese, as facing the museum, go back, towards west on Viale del Museo Borghese that is an alley. Keep forward at all the intersections with other alleys and at the intersection with the main road go left and finally arrive at Porta Pinciana, an arched gate built in the 5th century.

umbrella pines in Villa Borghese Gardens in rome
Villa Borghese Gardens – Photo by Jovan Vasiljevi? on Pexels.com

Getting to Flaminio Metro Station

To get back to Flaminio metro station you can take bus 61 or bus 161 from bus stop Veneto/Sardegna and get off at the 4th stop called Villa Borghese/Washington. Buses depart every 15 minutes.

So, go through Porta Pinciana, cross the big intersection and get on the street in the middle, Via Vittorio Veneto. After the first intersection with a street on the left, arrive at the bus station which is also on the left. The bus you need will get you back to Porta Pinciana, cross Villa Borghese Gardens and then arrive at Borghese/Washington bus stop. Continue forward and finally arrive at Flaminio Metro Station which is on the right.

Other Sites Inside Villa Borghese Gardens

Moreover, don’t forget to take a photo of Porta del Popolo from outside of Piazza del Popolo. It is a 16th-century gate with marble columns, statues of saints and also a papal coat of arms.

Within the Villa Borghese Gardens there is also Bioparco di Roma zoo. The entrance ticket costs 9 – 19 euros. There is also Villa Medici which can be visited at the price of 10 euros. But, if you want to visit Villa Medici you have to arrive on Via Trinita dei Monti, from Piazza di Spagna.

Hotel

Find the Perfect Hotel

If you’re planning several days in Rome, booking your accommodation early—especially around the Vatican and the historic centre—can help you find the best prices.


Check Availability

Rome Pyramid

Then out of Villa Borghese Gardens and back to Flaminio Metro Station get on line MEA for 4 stops to Termini, change line at Termini and continue for 4 stops on line MEB1, direction Laurentina. Finally, get off at Rome Pyramid Metro Station – 26-minutes metro ride. Before heading to the Aventine Hill you can have a look at the Rome Pyramid and the surrounding area.

Get out of Rome Pyramid Metro Station towards Piazzale Ostiense. Cross the street to the left and finally arrive at Rome Pyramid of Cestius, a pyramid built in the Egyptian style, with a frescoed interior, to serve as a tomb for a rich magistrate of ancient Rome. To be more specific, the Pyramid of Cestius in Rome is an ancient Roman tomb built around 18–12 BCE for the magistrate Gaius Cestius. The pyramid is remarkable for its sharp Egyptian-inspired shape and for being one of the best-preserved ancient structures in Rome.

There may be some cats around the pyramid because there is a cat shelter in the back called the Cats of the Pyramid in Rome. Also, see Porta San Polo to the right of the pyramid, a well preserved 3rd-century city gate, part of the Aurelian wall of Rome.

If hungry, you can eat at Taverna Cestia Roma, if opened at that hour.

Explore Italy Your Way

Planning your Italian adventure? Arrange a taxi transfer or rent a car to explore Rome, Gaeta, Nemi and Tivoli at your own pace.

Car ready for your Italian journey

Taxi Transfers

Make airport arrivals and journeys between destinations easier. Explore transfer options for a more convenient trip.

Explore Taxi Options →
Car for exploring the Italian countryside

Car Rental

Discover the freedom of an Italian road trip. Compare rental options for Gaeta, Nemi, Tivoli and the countryside around Rome.

Compare Rental Cars →

Travel tip: Check parking regulations, restricted traffic zones (ZTL), tolls and rental conditions before driving in Italy. This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn a commission from qualifying bookings at no extra cost to you.

Heading to the Aventine Hill for views of St Peter’s at Vatican City

From the pyramid go north on Via Marmorata, head towards the Aventine Hill, which is one of the 7 hills of ancient Rome, popular for its view of Saint Peter’s dome through a keyhole, the Aventine Keyhole. At the first intersection on the left cross the street and go left, north on Via Asinio Pollione. At the crossroads go left on the first street Via di Porta Lavernale.

Visiting the Aventine Hill Keyhole & Orange Garden

Continue forward until the street ends, and you will arrive in a square – Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta. Go left and find the Aventine Hill Keyhole (Buco della Serratura). You can look through this keyhole to enjoy a spectacularly framed view of St Peter’s.

Aventine Hill Keyhole, Rome - Photo by Alex Does Pictures on Pexels.com
Aventine Hill Keyhole, Rome – Photo by Alex Does Pictures on Pexels.com

The Aventine Hill today is a quiet, elegant district of Rome, where ancient ruins, medieval churches, and lush gardens blend harmoniously with stunning views over the Tiber River. You have to explore the Aventine Hill further. So, if you go east on Via di Santa Sabina and forward on Via di S. Alessio, you will arrive at a parking lot and a piazzetta called Piazza Pietro D’Illiria and you will find Fontana del Mascherone di Santa Sabina. Then continue on the alley to the right Viale Michele Galdieri and at the crossroads go left on the alley Viale Nino Manfredi and arrive at Giardino degli Aranci – orange trees botanical garden, a hidden gem of the Aventine hill. Wander through the garden and arrive at a belvedere spot, offering views over the city and the Tiber River.

Viewpoint Over Circus Maximus

Go back to Fontana del Mascherone di Santa Sabina and get to Via di Santa Sabina and go left and continue until the third intersection. Walk on the alley in the middle called Via di Viale Murcia and enter the Roseto di Roma, the last stop on the Aventine hill. From there you can see Circus Maximus, where the Romans held chariot races in ancient times. Get out of the Rose Garden on the south-east exit and arrive in Via del Circo Massimo. Cross the street to see Circus Maximus from Belvedere Romolo e Remo point.

From there continue right on Via del Circo Massimo and arrive at Circo Massimo Metro Station at the big intersection. Circo Massimo Metro Station – Colosseo Metro Station is a 2-minutes metro ride – 1 stop on line B, direction Rebibbia.

Evening & Dinner Options near the Colosseum

Now you can admire the Colosseum at night. You can have dinner near Colosseum or back at Termini.

If not crowded, have dinner at Ristoro Della Salute, sometimes with a 40% discount on The Fork app. Or simply get some take away pizza from Come Una Volta.. small pizzeria.

From Colosseo Metro Station board line B metro, direction Rebibbia and get off at the second stop, Termini and finally get to the hotel.

Plan Your Rome & Surroundings Trip

Planning a trip to Rome? From the Colosseum and the ancient Roman Forum to Vatican City, the charming town of Nemi, the gardens of Tivoli and the coastal town of Gaeta, the region offers history, culture, beautiful landscapes and unforgettable experiences. Here are some travel resources and practical essentials to help you plan your own adventure in Rome and Lazio.

Accommodation and hotels in Rome Italy

Find the Best Area to Stay in Rome

Choosing the right area can make your visit to Rome much easier. The city is large, and your accommodation location can affect how much time you spend travelling between attractions.

Staying near Roma Termini can be convenient if you plan to use trains, buses or the metro, especially if you are arriving by train or planning day trips outside the city.

Alternatively, explore accommodation in the historic centre, near the Vatican, around Trastevere or in other neighbourhoods that suit your itinerary and budget.

Check Hotels Near Roma Termini

Explore Accommodation in Other Areas of Rome

The Colosseum and ancient Rome

Discover the Colosseum and Ancient Rome

The Colosseum is one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks and a fascinating place to begin exploring the city’s ancient past. Nearby, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill reveal the remains of the political, religious and social heart of ancient Rome.

Allow enough time to explore the archaeological area. A guided tour can help bring the ruins to life and explain the history behind the monuments.

Booking tickets in advance can be helpful, particularly during busy travel periods. Check official ticket conditions, entry times and inclusions before booking.

Explore Colosseum Tours and Tickets

St Peter's Basilica and Vatican City in Rome

Visit Vatican City and St Peter’s Basilica

Vatican City is one of the most remarkable places to visit during a stay in Rome. St Peter’s Basilica, St Peter’s Square and the Vatican Museums offer an extraordinary combination of architecture, art and history.

If you want to see the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums, plan your visit carefully and check ticket availability ahead of time. A guided tour may help you understand the artworks and the history of the collections.

Remember to check current visitor rules and dress requirements before visiting religious sites.

Explore Vatican Tours and Tickets

Walking through the historic streets of Rome

Explore Rome on a Walking Tour

Walking is one of the best ways to experience Rome. Explore historic squares, impressive fountains, picturesque streets and beautiful churches while discovering the stories behind the city’s most famous landmarks.

Depending on your interests, choose a general introduction to Rome, an ancient history tour, a food walk or an evening tour through the historic centre.

A guided walk can be particularly useful if you have limited time and want to understand more about the places you see.

Explore Rome Walking Tours

Historic gardens and villas in Tivoli near Rome

Take a Day Trip to Tivoli

Tivoli is a rewarding day trip from Rome, known for its historic villas, gardens and beautiful surroundings. It offers a change of pace from the busy streets of the capital.

Villa d’Este is famous for its gardens and fountains, while Hadrian’s Villa offers a fascinating look at the extensive ancient residence built for Emperor Hadrian.

Check opening times, ticket requirements and transport options before setting out. Depending on your plans, you may want to focus on one villa or make a longer day of your visit.

Explore Tivoli Tours and Experiences

Lake Nemi and the town of Nemi in Lazio Italy

Discover Nemi and the Castelli Romani

For a different perspective on Lazio, consider visiting Nemi, a small town overlooking Lake Nemi in the Castelli Romani area. Its scenic setting makes it a lovely place to slow down and enjoy a break from the city.

The area is also known for its local food traditions and strawberries. You can combine a visit to Nemi with other towns in the Castelli Romani, depending on the time available.

Check public transport connections or consider a guided excursion if you prefer not to organise the journey yourself.

Explore Nemi and Castelli Romani Trips

Coastal views and historic town of Gaeta in Lazio Italy

VisitGaeta and the Riviera di Ulisse

Gaeta combines a historic old town, coastal scenery and Mediterranean atmosphere. It can be a lovely addition to a wider Lazio itinerary if you want to experience more than the main attractions of Rome.

Explore the historic centre, enjoy the sea views and leave time to discover the area’s beaches and local cuisine. The best plan will depend on the season and your transport arrangements.

If you are travelling from Rome, check journey times and connections in advance. A day trip may be possible, but an overnight stay can give you more time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Explore Gaeta and Coastal Experiences

Public transport and travel connections in Rome Italy

Plan Transport Around Rome and Lazio

Rome has public transport connections including metro lines, buses and trams. For many central attractions, walking is also a practical way to get around, although distances can add up.

If you plan to visit places such as Tivoli, Nemi or Gaeta, check the relevant train and bus connections before travelling. Some destinations may require transfers or additional local transport.

For airport transfers, day trips or journeys with several stops, compare the available options and allow extra time for connections.

Explore Transfers and Transport Options

Italian food and restaurants in Rome

Find Restaurants in Rome

Rome is a wonderful city for discovering Italian food, from traditional Roman pasta dishes to neighbourhood trattorias, pizzerias and restaurants serving seasonal specialities.

Use TheFork to explore restaurants, compare reviews and check available reservation times. Booking ahead can be useful for popular restaurants, particularly during busy periods.

Explore Restaurants in Rome

Travel Essentials for Rome and Lazio

A few practical travel essentials can make exploring Rome and the surrounding region more comfortable. These suggestions may be useful for long sightseeing days, museums, day trips and journeys between destinations.

Comfortable walking shoes for exploring Rome

Comfortable Walking Shoes

Rome’s historic streets and archaeological sites involve plenty of walking. Comfortable shoes can make long sightseeing days easier.

View on Amazon

Lightweight day backpack for travelling in Italy

Lightweight Day Backpack

A small backpack is useful for carrying water, a camera, a light layer and other essentials while exploring the city or heading out on a day trip.

View on Amazon

Reusable water bottle for sightseeing in Rome

Reusable Water Bottle

Carrying a reusable water bottle can be handy during sightseeing, especially in warmer weather. Check local guidance about where water can be safely refilled.

View on Amazon

Portable power bank for travel

Portable Power Bank

A power bank can help keep your phone charged while using maps, digital tickets, transport apps and your camera throughout the day.

View on Amazon

Travel power adapter for charging devices in Italy

Travel Power Adapter

If your devices use different plugs, check that you have a compatible adapter for Italy. Confirm your devices’ voltage requirements before travelling.

View on Amazon

Small crossbody bag for city sightseeing

Small Crossbody Bag

A compact bag can keep everyday essentials close at hand while leaving you comfortable as you walk around museums, squares and historic streets.

View on Amazon

Compact travel umbrella for visiting Rome

Compact Travel Umbrella

Weather can change, so a small umbrella or lightweight rain jacket may be useful when exploring Rome and taking trips around Lazio.

View on Amazon

Travel organiser for documents and tickets

Travel Document Organiser

Keep important travel documents, booking details and other essentials organised in one place. Keep valuables secure and follow normal precautions in crowded areas.

View on Amazon

Packing cubes for organising luggage

Packing Cubes

Packing cubes can help organise clothes and accessories, particularly if your Rome visit is part of a longer trip around Italy.

View on Amazon

Sun protection sunscreen for sightseeing in Rome

Travel Sunscreen SPF 50

Protect your skin while exploring Rome’s historic streets, archaeological sites and outdoor attractions. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen and reapply as directed, especially during long days outdoors.

View on Amazon

Lightweight sun hat for travelling in Italy

Lightweight Sun Hat

A comfortable sun hat can help shade your face and head while visiting the Colosseum, walking around the Roman Forum or enjoying a day trip to Tivoli. Choose a breathable, packable design that is easy to carry in your day bag.

View on Amazon

Quick-drying cooling towel for summer travel

Cooling Travel Towel

A lightweight cooling towel can be useful during hot summer sightseeing days. It is easy to carry in a backpack and can help you feel more comfortable while exploring Rome, visiting outdoor monuments or taking day trips around Lazio.

View on Amazon

Rome and Lazio travel guide ebook

Plan Your Rome and Lazio Adventure

Want to organise your visit more easily? Use our Rome and Lazio travel guide to help plan your sightseeing days, choose places to visit and make the most of your time in the region.

Explore Rome’s historic landmarks and discover destinations beyond the capital, including Tivoli, Nemi and Gaeta.

Discover the Rome Travel Guide

Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book or purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. We only share travel resources and products that may be useful when planning a trip. Prices, availability and booking conditions can change, so please check the details on the provider’s website before making a reservation or purchase.

Read On

Be sure to check out our Day 4 itinerary to continue exploring — from hidden corners to grand vistas, there’s much more to discover. You can find all our posts about Rome on this page. For more inspiration and practical tips on visiting Italy, grab our maps and travel guides and head over to our Italy Travel Hub and Italy Bucket List — your starting point for all things Italian! Want to discover more? Don’t miss our posts on Naples, and also our day trips to the Amalfi Coast, Capri and Pompeii.

Thanks for reading!

Home » Destination Italy: The Eternal City of Rome, Gaeta, Vatican, Nemi and Tivoli – Day 3

Related:

Have questions or want to connect?

Scroll to Top