Tour Rome in 2-5 Days

Colosseum

The Colosseum is your first stop and we have written in detail about the ways to From Stazione Termini
Take Linea B (blue line) in direction Laurentina to stop Colosseo. From Termini it is the second stop.
From any stop on Linea A (red line)
Take the underground to arrive at Termini station. Switch over to Metro B and take the underground in direction Laurentina to Colosseo. You do not need to exit the station to do this. Simply turn left at the top of the second flight of steps after you have gotten off of the train of Line A.
From Largo Argentina or Piazza Venezia
Take Bus no. 87 or 571 and get off at stop Fori Imperiali. Don't worry you will see the Colosseum looming above you as you approach the correct stop. arrive there. In this case unlike, a one day trip I definately advise going inside. To skip the lines buy your tickets from the museum at the Roman Forum which gives you entry to both the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill. There will certainly be a line to enter the Colosseum, but it moves quickly.

Palatine Hill

The Palantine Hill and Roman Forum are adjacent to the Colosseum and offer a rare perspective into the day to the day governing of an enormous machine like the Roman empire. During the summer heat because the majority of the forum is uncovered, it is advisable to try to see this before 10:30 as any time after that,  can be a bit trying.

San Pietro in Vicoli

San Pietro in Vincoli is an excellent place to begin your adventure into the wondrous world of churches. It has been chosen not because of its illustrious history or grandeur, but because of In front of the Colosseum a few meters from the underground station there is a staircase.
When you arrive at the top of the staircase there will be two streets in front of you.
Take the street to the left called Via del Fagutale.
Take the first right and you will see two streets in front of you.
Take the street on the left called Via della Polveriera. Follow the street to the end and turn left.
The church is at the end of this street.  its proximity to the aforementioned sites and its surprisingly intimate nature. As its name suggests this church  houses the chains which were used to bind Saint Peter, during his captivity in the Mamertime Prison in Rome. The great statue of Moses, lovingly crafted by Michelangelo enduringly protects the tomb of Pope Julius II. Many churches have a dress code which in some cases is strictly adhered to.

Lunch

If you are visiting during the summer months, the Roman sun is legendary for its harshness. After lunch we highly recommend returning to the air conditioned comfort of your hotel room and resting for a few hours. Should you be concerned that you are missing out on some important event, we assure you that the locals themselves, sensibly, are doing the same thing. In fact many stores close around 1 pm reopening at 3:30 pm to facilitate this all important ritual. Places of interest, however remain open.
By the time you have rested, taken a quick shower and readjusted the settings on your camera, the stores would have reopened. We can’t think of a better way to start your afternoon than with 'gelato.' Here are our best picks so feel free to indulge.

Piazza del Popolo

Piazza del Popolo can be reached in many ways, the two more commons ones are by Take Linea A (red line) in the direction of BATTISTINI until you reach FLAMINIO - 4 stops from Termini station. Those who take Linea A after FLAMINIO must take the train in the direction of ANAGNINA. In the station follow the signs to Piazza del Popolo.  Metro or by Walk the entire length of Via del Corso in a northernly direction. Via del Corso If you decide upon the Metro, upon exiting the first thing to greet you besides the frenzy of activity, is the ominous Porta del Popolo, the official entrance into the city of Rome for centuries. Passing under its huge arch, spread out unapologetically before you, is an immense square, with an imposing Egyptian obelisk in the centre. Directly on your immediate left, is the small church of Santa Maria del Popolo. What this church lacks in size, it makes up for in treasured works. It boasts pieces by Caravaggio, Raphael and Bernini.
This large square is the site of many public concerts, rallies and expositions throughout the year, always under the watchful eyes of the twin churches infront of you – Santa Maria in MonteSanto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli.

Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps are a hop, skip and a jump away from Piazza del Popolo. But don’t take the well-worn path of Via del Corso to arrive there. Instead, with the twin churches in front of you, the first street to the left is the one to take – Via del Babbuino. The reason we encourage you to take this street, besides its old world charm, is to discover Via Margutta which should be the second street on the left once on Via del Babbuino. There is a lovely quaint shop at the end of the street which inscribes words of your choosing into marble slabs. This makes a unique and imaginative gift for friends. You usually can pick it up the next day and payment is based on the weight of the marble chosen. Returning to Via del Babbuino, proceed straight on until you arrive in Piazza di Spagna, named after the Spanish Embassy which is still based here. The fountain at the base of the steps was made by the father of Bernini with help from the master himself. Much has been written about these steps and therefore I will add no more, except to say, that eating is not allowed on the steps.

Babbington’s Tea House is located at the foot of the Spanish Steps and serves delicious English teas and fresh sandwiches in a typical British decor. Antico Caffè Greco is located on Via Condotti which is the street directly in front of the Spanish Steps. Via dei Condotti is the most exclusive street in Rome with brands from Valentino to Prada housed there. It is usually a hive of activity and you can take this opportunity to browse or shop for some of the most notable designer labels in the world.

From Via dei Condotti you should arrive on Via del Corso, continuing left in the direction of Piazza Venezia (right takes you back to Piazza del Popolo). Walk along Via del Corso until you arrive at a large cobble stoned square on your right and ZARA on your left. Crossing over to this square, will put you face to face with the seat of Italian government. Unfortunately you are not allowed to enter any of the two buildings. By now, you should be making your way towards the right side of the square towards a tiny street which houses world-famous 'gelateria' Giolitti.

Pantheon – St. Mary of the Martyrs

The Pantheon is the best way to conclude Day 1 of your stay in Rome. From Giolitti it is very simple The first left after Giolitti on Via della Maddelana. Follow the street until the end and you will see the Pantheon.to arrive at the Pantheon. It is formidable and imposing as it swamps the tiny square surrounding it. I have never encountered a line to enter, but once inside you may find yourself jarring for space with all the other people, eyes intently fixed in one direction-upwards towards the oculus. This is actually a church, St. Mary of the Martyrs, and the sheer size of this building is breathtaking, its dome actually being larger than St. Peters. The basin and obelisk outside in the square enhance the beauty of this enchanting ‘piazza’ and hundreds of people and pigeons congregate here.

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