Destination Italy: The Eternal City of Rome, Gaeta, Vatican, Nemi and Tivoli – Day 5

Before starting your exploration, have breakfast near the hotel, maybe at Ghezzi Alessandro salumeria which opens at 9 am. In the first half of the day we propose some more Rome sightseeing: Piazza Spagna, Piazza Navona, Fontana di Trevi, the Pantheon, and then take the train to Tivoli and visit the old town and the Giardini di Villa d’Este with their amazing fountains.

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Morning in Rome: Walking Through Historic Streets

Walk on Via Montebello and continue until the street ends. Then turn left on Via Volturno and then right on Viale Enrico de Nicola. Arrive at Terme di Diocleziano –  Roman Baths and Cratere Colossale. An entrance ticket costs 12 euros. But if you don’t have enough time, better skip the visit, there are more important sights to see.

Piazza della Repubblica

So, continue on Viale Enrico de Nicola. Turn right on Viale Luigi Einaudi. See the Obelisk of Dogali on the left, just after entering Viale Luigi Einaudi. You arrived at Piazza della Repubblica. See the interesting shaped Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri church on the right.

Go slightly right on the narrow street Via Giuseppe Romita that goes round with the piazza. See Aula Ottagona on the right. Continue then forward north on Via Giuseppe Romita and at the intersection go left on Via Parigi and at the next intersection don’t cross the street and head right on Via Vittorio Emanuele Orlando.

Fontana dell’Acqua Felice & Piazza Barberini

Find Fontana dell’Acqua Felice (del Mose) on the right. Also see Chiesa di Santa Maria della Vittoria on the right across the street – a flamboyant 17th-century church housing Bernini’s carving “The Ecstasy of Teresa.”

Cross the street to the left and arrive in Piazza di San Bernardo and go left on Via Venti Settembre. Continue also forward and at the second intersection find the Crossing of Quattro Fontane (Incrocio delle Quattro Fontane) and Chiesa di San Carlino alle Quattro Fontane on the left.

At the intersection head north on Via delle Quattro Fontane. See Palazzo Barberini and its beautiful gardens on the right. It is a Baroque style palace with a collection of artworks by Tintoretto, El Greco, Caravaggio, among others. Continue ahead and reach Piazza Barberini.

Piazza Barberini to Piazza Spagna is a 10-minutes walk. From Piazza Barberini go left on Via del Tritone. After the Sephora store turn right on Via Francesco Crispi.

Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps

At the intersection go on the street in the middle towards north west on Via Gregoriana. Then continue forward and by the end of the street you will find Palazzo Zuccari on the right. It has its front door and windows shaped like heads of monsters. At the intersection continue forward and see Trinita dei Monti church on the right and Sallustiano obelisk on the left. Finally, go left and climb down the Spanish Steps and arrive in Piazza di Spagna, with is Fontana della Barcaccia at the bottom of the stairs.

Turn south and arrive at the Column of the Immaculate Conception and then go a little left and arrive in Piazza Mignanelli. There is also an interesting decorated McDonalds, you should pay a look inside.

Rome Shopping Streets, Hidden Landmarks, and the Tiber

Afterwards, go back to Piazza di Spagna and go west on any of the shopping streets you want (south to north): Via Frattina, Via Borgognona, Via dei Condotti, and arrive in Via del Corso. 

If you have time, from Via del Corso you can get to Museo Napoleonico in 10 minutes, or you can skip this visit.

On Via del Corso go at the intersection with Via Frattina and turn right, just after passing a Polo store, cross the street and pass by a Ray ban store, go on Piazza di San Lorenzo in Lucina. Turn left on Via di Campo Marzio. Find the Meridiana Di Augusto on the left. It can’t be seen because it is an inscription on the floor in the basement on an abandoned building on the right at number 48.

Just after the intersection is Da Gino al Parlamento restaurant on the right. Go back at the intersection and go left on Via dei Prefetti. Then go forward and the street will end when intersected with Via della Scrofa. Go left on this street and at the intersection go right on Via dei Portoghesi. At the intersection see Torre della Scimmia and pass by it on the right street, Via dei Portoghesi and then on Via dell’Orso. Continue forward and when the street ends, go right, cross the street and climb down the stairs and arrive at Museo Napoleonico. The museum is open Tuesday – Sunday, between 10 am and 6 pm (last admission at 5.30 pm). The entry is free of charge. See Ponte Umberto I across the Tiber River and Corte Suprema di Cassazione.

Piazza Navona

From Museo Napoleonico go left, towards south on Via Giuseppe Zanardelli. Keep forward and when the street ends in an intersection turn left and then right on Via Agonale. Arrive in Piazza Navona.

Exit the piazza towards east by the street in the middle – Corsia Agonale. Head right on Corso del Rinascimento and then go left on Via degli Staderari where you can see Fontana dei Libri (Fountain of the Books) on the right. Continue forward and see another fountain on the left.

Rome Pantheon

At the intersection turn right through the parking lot and go left on Piazza di S. Eustachio. At the second intersection, which is very close, turn right on a narrow street Via della Palombella and arrive at the Pantheon, on the south side where is Basilica di Nettuno. Go inside the Pantheon to take pictures when the light enters the roof.

If hungry, have lunch at Miscellanea, restaurant and pub with reasonable prices, 8 – 20 euros a course.

A Roman Walk: Temples, Chocolate, and the Trevi Fountain

Go in front of the Pantheon and go east on Via del Seminario, at the first intersection go left on Via delle Paste and then right on Via dei Pastini, keep right on Via dei Pastini, arrive in Piazza Pietra and see Tempio di Adriano on the right. Continue forward on Via di Pietra and arrive at Vinci chocolates shop which is on the left. At the intersection with Via Corso keep forward on Via delle Muratte, continue forward until you arrive in Piazza di Trevi and see again Fontana di Trevi. 

Quirinale, Crossing of Quattro Fontane and Termini

From Fontana di Trevi to Termini is a 25-minute walk. Starting from Piazza di Trevi, after passing the United Colors of Benetton store, continue straight on Via del Lavatore. Then, at the first small intersection, turn right onto Vicolo Scanderbeg, which will lead you to Piazza Scanderbeg.Continue forward on Vicolo Scanderbeg and then go left on Scalinata Via della Panetteria to take some nice pictures. Go back and continue ahead on Vicolo Scanderbeg and at the end of the street turn left on Via della Dataria. Take the stairs on the left and arrive in Piazza del Quirinale. See Palazzo del Quirinale and the Quirinale obelisk.

Continue forward east on Via del Quirinale, arrive at the Crossing of Quattro Fontane and continue forward on Via Venti Settembre until you get to a big intersection, Piazza di San Bernardo, where the Fontana dell’Acqua Felice is. From the fountain go right on Via Vittorio Emanuele Orlando and arrive at Piazza della Repubblica. Continue on the left street Viale Luigi Einaudi and arrive at Termini.

Alternative: If you want do some shopping around Piazza di Spagna, or you are tired, skip the visits to Museo Napoleonico and Piazza Navona, visit the Pantheon, and from Via del Corso go to Trevi Fountain and then to Termini. Go to the hotel and then back to Rome Termini to take the train to Tivoli, or go directly to the train station without shopping by the hotel.

Or you can reserve another day for the train trip Rome – Tivoli. There are enough sights to see there and you can enjoy a full day in Tivoli.

Hotels in Tivoli

If you’re planning to explore Tivoli at a relaxed pace, consider spending a night here to fully enjoy its historic villas and gardens.

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From Rome to Tivoli: Train & First Glimpse

Take the train from Rome Termini to Tivoli train station – 2.6 – 3 euros a ticket. The trip can last between 30 minutes and 1 hour and 30 minutes (different routes). Check the schedule on Trenitalia website or on Trainline app.

When you leave the train station, head west through the parking lot. Then, from Staz. Tivoli, go north on Via Sant’Agnese, and at the intersection, keep going straight onto the wider Viale Giuseppe Mazzini.At the intersection surround the roundabout and go left, towards west, and then continue left on Via Ponte Gregoriano. Pass by a parking lot on the left and arrive at the bridge over the Aniene small river called Ponte Gregoriano. Cross the bridge. From this point you can see on the right side in the distance Cascata di Tivoli, Aniene Falls, the Circular Temple of Vesta, the Temple of Sibilla, Villa of Manlio Vopisco and Villa Gregoriana – gardens with paths to caves, grottoes, waterfalls and some Roman ruins.

Rome to Tivoli Trip: Tivoli Old Town & Historic Sites

From Ponte Gregoriano go left on Piazza Rivarola and enter Via S. Valerio by passing by a white tower. Continue forward until arriving in a piazza, an intersection with a few streets, where you can see on the left the tower of the Duomo, go forward on Via del Colle and then go left through a tunnel and arrive in Piazza del Duomo. Find the the Cathedral S. Lorenzo Martire. The entry is free.

From the Cathedral S. Lorenzo Martire go back through the tunnel to Via del Colle and then go left through an archway. Go forward on Via del Colle and at the first intersection on the left turn left on Via Campitelli. Via Campitelli has some stairs. Continue then on Via Campitelli and at the first intersection go forward and pass by Casa Gotica just after passing the intersection.

From Casa Gotica continue your way forward on Via Campitelli until the street turns left, then go left and up the stairs, and then turn right and there are also stairs. Climb the stairs and arrive at Scuola Taddei and in a piazzetta where is the church of San Pietro alla Carita. There are also some stairs; climb those on the left and turn left on the street called Via Campitelli also.

At the intersection you will arrive at Taverna di Dracula. Return to the intersection and go forward west on Via della Missione. Continue on this street and just after passing by La Fraschetta di Neno restaurant, turn right on Via Santa Maria Maggiore and arrive at Santa Maria Maggiore church. From there go left on Via Boselli and arrive in Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi.

Villa d’Este & Hadrian’s Villa Tours

Villa d’Este is one of the most popular day trips from Rome. Booking a guided tour is a great option if you don’t have a rental car.

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Tivoli Trip from Rome Highlights: Villa d’Este Gardens & Fountains

Next to Santa Maria Maggiore is the entrance to Villa d’Este Tivoli, grand 16th-century villa with beautiful gardens and elaborate fountains. Take your time and visit the most beautiful villa in Tivoli and its gardens full or fountains. Use the map of the Gardens of Villa d’Este they give you with the ticket. An entry ticket costs 13 euros. Villa d’Este Gardens can be visited Monday between 2 pm and 6.45 pm, and Tuesday – Sunday between 8.30 am and 6.45 pm.

Villa d’Este Rooms

• The ground floor with its beautifully frescoed rooms. The Apartments of the Cardinal: the Salon – the first room to enter from the courtyard. It offers views of the garden and beyond.
• The ground floor – The Apartments of the Cardinal: the central room – the Throne room – opens on to the terrace from where you can have breathtaking views of Tivoli Villa d’Este Gardens and also of its fountains.
• The lower floor: beautifully frescoed rooms.

Villa d’Este Gardens

• Pegasus Fountain
• Fontana di Nettuno
• Cypress Rotunda
• Fontana dell’Organo – you can hear music at 4.30 pm and 6.30 pm
• Goddess of Nature Fountain
• Mete Fountains
• Ariadne Fountain
• Fish Ponds
• Dragon Fountain
• Bollori Steps
• Owl Fountain – you can hear music at 4 pm and 6 pm
• Proserpina Fountain
• Fontana della Rometta
• The Hundred Fountains
• Oval fountain (dell Ovato or Tivoli)
• Great Chalice Fountain
• Diana’s Grotto

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Have a proper meal before or after visiting Villa d’Este Gardens, better before, at Taverna di Dracula. If crowded, eat at La Fraschetta da Neno instead. Taverna di Dracula is a restaurant serving traditional Romanian food, at reasonable prices: 10 – 15 euros a course. La Fraschetta da Neno is an Italian restaurant serving paninis, porchetta and other food, at prices between 5 and 10 euros.

The Route Back to Tivoli Station & Train Back to Rome

From Villa d’Este Gardens back to the train station, Staz. Tivoli, we propose a different route; it is a 16-minutes walk. From Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi go on the street in the middle, Via Vincenzo Pacifici, and then continue forward on Piazza Santa Croce and then forward on Via Trevio. Arrive in a piazzetta called Largo Cesare Battisti (there you will see a pharmacy called Conti Dei Dott.) and go forward, but on the street in the middle, called also Via Trevio.

At the next intersection turn right on Via dei Sosii. Before going on Via dei Sosii, from the crossroads, you can take a photo of Parrocchia San Biagio. Then continue on Via dei Sosii. At the intersection go forward, pass by the Fontana di Gemma. Don’t turn right, nor left, but go forward on Vicolo dei Sosii, through a tiny tunnel with steps that is under a staircase that is on the right. Go down the steps of Vicolo dei Sosii.

Arrive at a parking lot and see Ponte dei Sepolcri on the right. Go left on Viale Roma. Then, at the intersection turn right on Viale Giuseppe Mazzini. At the next intersection turn right on Via Sant’Agnese. Continue forward and finally arrive at the parking lot and train station Staz. Tivoli and take the train back to Rome Termini. A ticket Tivoli – Rome can cost between 2.6 and 3 euros.

Returning from Tivoli: Train Tips and Dinner Options in Rome

As the trip can last between 30 minutes and 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on the trains available (sometimes you have to change trains), you can get to Rome in time for dinner or very late. Check the schedule on Trenitalia website, also on Trainline app.

If your train from Tivoli arrives late back to Rome, you can eat at Florian’s Cafe on your way to the hotel, or have some pasta from La Pasta Fresca Egidio Michelis, located inside Termini station. This is a fast-food, but with pasta. It is open daily between 11.30 am and 12 pm. The average price for a plate of pasta is 9 euros, which is very reasonable.

If you catch a fast train from Tivoli back to Rome, you can go to the hotel and then get out for dinner at one of the restaurants nearby. You can go just across the street at Steak House cucina tipica romana dal 1932, open 6–11 PM. The inside ambiance is nice, also the food and the prices are ok, 10 – 20 euros per person. Or, eventually, have dinner at Ristorante Pizzeria Il Cuore di Napoli which is also located near Virginia Hotel, open for dinner between 6:30 PM–12 AM. Sometimes they offer a 20% discount on The Fork app. They serve good Neapolitan pizza with fresh ingredients, and good seafood at reasonable prices, 10 – 20 euros per person.

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Tips for a Perfect Tivoli – Rome Day Trip

• Check the train schedules in advance (especially for return), so you don’t miss the last connection.
• Start early in Rome so you get enough time in both the city and Tivoli.
• Buy entrance for Villa d’Este early or ensure you arrive before peak hours.
• Wear comfortable shoes — lots of walking, stairs, and uneven paths in Tivoli.
• Carry water and snacks, particularly for the garden walk.
• Be flexible: if time is tight in Rome, consider skipping less essential stops to preserve energy for Tivoli.
• Watch the fountain music times for Fontana dell’Organo and Owl Fountain — plan to be there at those times if possible.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Read On

Make sure to check out our Day 6 itinerary to continue exploring — from hidden corners to grand vistas, there’s much more to discover. Also, 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! And if you’re looking to expand your itinerary, don’t miss our posts on Naples, and also our day trips to the Amalfi Coast, Capri and Pompeii.

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Related:

• Italy Travel — All Our Posts and Guides for Italy
• Maps and Travel Guides
• Our Eternal City of Rome, Gaeta, Vatican, Nemi and Tivoli Italy Visit: Day 5 and 6
• Destination Italy: The Eternal City of Rome, Gaeta, Vatican, Nemi and Tivoli – Day 1
• Rome

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