by Ryan Taylor

Created on: January 08, 2009

Here is a 5-day suggested itinerary to help maximize your time and get the most out of your vacation in the Eternal City.

Day One. Orientation Day

Learn the ropes. With map in hand, take a scenic walk downtown and visit Rome's most celebrated fountains and monuments. This walk should take 3 -4 hours and include a visit to the Trevi Fountain, Piazza di Spagna & the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, Piazza del Popolo, Piazza Navona, and Campo de' Fiori.

Day Two. Vatican Museums, St Peter's Basilica, Castel Sant'Angelo

Spend the morning at the Vatican Museums and St Peter's Basilica. A highlighted tour inside the Vatican Museums takes about 3 hours, and includes the Pinacoteca (Picture Gallery), the Tapestries and the Hall of Maps room, the Raphael Rooms, and the Sistine Chapel. As for St. Peter's Basilica, a 2-3 hour visit is recommended and should include the Tombs of the Popes, the Piet (Michelangelo), the Baldachino or Bronze Altar (Bernini), and the Dome (Michelangelo).

The Vatican Museums are closed on Sunday (expect on the last Sunday of every month; free entrance.) For additional information, you can visit the official Vatican website: www.vatican.va.

Helpful tips: Want to avoid the cue at the Vatican Museums? Book a guided tour with an official Vatican tour guide (details available on their website.)

Next stop, Castel Sant' Angelo and the Sant'Angelo Bridge (Bernini). Spot here for great pictures taking along the Tiber River, then head down to Via del Governo Vecchio for great boutique shopping, local pizzerias, and traditional restaurants. Discover new places and visit anything you missed on your first day.

Day Three. Papal Audience

Send a fax (at least 2 weeks in advance) and reserve free tickets to attend the Papal Audience, held every Wednesday morning. It is a once in a lifetime event that shouldn't be missed. If you didn't get a chance to reserve tickets, that's fine, you can just show up and stand in the square among the crowds.

Helpful Tip: During the summer months, the Papal Audience is held at the Pope's summer residence in Castelgandolfo, Italy (40 minutes drive outside Rome.)

Day Four. Galleria Borghese, Via Veneto

Galleria Borghese. A must-see; it houses a collection of works by Antonio Canova, Caravaggio, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, and other notable artists. Reserve your tickets in advance to secure an entrance time. Reservations can be made on-line at the museum's official website: www.galleriaborghese.it.

Via Veneto. This street, made famous in the 1960's, was established as the epicenter for upscale cafe's, expensive hotels and luxury shopping.

It is also known for the church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappucini. Beneath the church you can view the Capuchin Crypt that is comprised of 6 small chapels reconstructed from the human remains of the Capuchin monks.

Day Five. San Clemente & Ancient Rome

The Basilica of San Clemente dates back to the 4th century, and offers you a glimpse at 12th century mosaics and well-preserved frescoes. In the underground levels of the church, for a small fee, you can pay a visit to a pagan temple.

From San Clemente, you can reach Ancient Rome by foot; it is located just 5 minutes from the basilica. For a complete visit, check out the Roman Forum, Coliseum, and Palatine Hill. A single ticket is required for entrance into all 3 sites and can be purchased at any of these locations.

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