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Visiting Rome: My Suggested 2-4 Day Rome Itinerary
Rome is a massive city with endless opportunities for exploration. With its ancient ruins and centuries of history around every corner, planning the perfect Rome itinerary can feel overwhelming, especially if you only have a few days to explore. During my visit to Rome, I spent several days wandering the historic streets, visiting known landmarks, and seeing as much of the city as I could. With so much to do and see in Rome, having a well planned itinerary makes all the difference. In this guide, I’ll share my suggested 2-4 day Rome itinerary based on my trip. Whether you are spending a long weekend in Rome or visiting for multiple days, this itinerary covers must-see attractions, hidden gems, food experiences, and tours. ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Quick Rome Itinerary (2-4 Days) Day 1: Ancient Rome Explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill The Colosseum and Underground Day 2: Vatican City Tour the Vatican Museums See the Sistine Chapel Visit St. Peter’s Basilica Day 3: Famous Landmarks Capuchin Friar Crypt Spanish Steps Piazza del Popolo Trevi Fountain The Pantheon Largo di Torre Argentina Day 4: Day Trip from Rome Hadrian’s Villa & Villa d’Este Tuscany Day Tour Tips for Planning Your Rome Itinerary ✅ Book Major Attractions Well in AdvanceRome is one of the most popular tourist destinations and its famous landmarks do sell out quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. If you plan to visit places like the Vatican or Colosseum, it’s best to book skip-the-line tickets in advance. Check available tours on Viator, Get Your Guide, or Klook. ✅ Start Sightseeing EarlyRome’s top attractions become extremely crowded as the day goes on. Arriving early at places like the Trevi Fountain or Colosseum allows you to enjoy the attractions before the crowds arrive. Plus, earlier in the day or in the evening are great times of day to take photos. ✅ Plan Your Attractions by AreaRome is huge and spread out. Many attractions are located in different parts of the city yet other attractions are grouped in specific areas. For instance, the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill can easily be seen in one day. The Vatican is in a different area and can be toured along with sites like Castel Sant’Angelo. ✅ Take a Day TourIf you are visiting Rome more for multiple days, don’t be afraid to get out and see more of Italy. I took a tour to see Hadrian’s Villa and learned even more about Roman history. ✅Wear Comfortable Shoes and ClothesExploring Rome means a lot of walking. Not just walking but the surface can consist of cobblestone streets and uneven surfaces. Some of the attractions like the Vatican involve a lot of walking around as well. Make sure to wear clothing that is suitable for the weather as well and is comfortable. ✅Keep Dress Codes in Mind for Religious AttractionsYour Rome Itinerary probably includes a day tour to the Vatican or possibly venturing into other churches. Always keep in mind that religious sites do require shoulders and knees to be covered. ✅ Allow Enough TimeIn all honesty, you won’t see all of Rome in one trip. Don’t underestimate how much there is to see and do in Rome. Major attractions can take several hours to explore and Rome is a massive city. Take your time and plan wisely without exhausting yourself. ✅ Beware of PickpocketsIt’s a thing! I saw several warning signs at businesses and popular attractions to be aware of petty crime including pickpockets. I had no issues and never felt in danger. But like anywhere else in the world, be mindful of your belongings and use common sense. Where to Stay in Rome Choosing the right area or neighborhood in Rome can make a big difference when planning your Rome itinerary. The best places to stay in Rome might depend on your travel style, budget, and what you want to see and do in Rome. For my personal Rome itinerary, I stayed in two separate locations based on what I wanted to in Rome and access to tours that I booked. I opted to stay near the Spanish steps because it was within walking distance to the Vatican City and Piazza del Popolo, where my Tuscany Day Tour started. The second location I stayed at was within walking distance to Ancient Rome, where the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill are located. Below are the hotels that I booked with in Rome and can recommend based on location, customer service, cleanliness, and breakfast. Hotel GregorianaVia Gregoriana, 18, 00187 Roma RM, Italy Aenea Superior InnVia Urbana, 156, 00184 Roma RM, Italy Feel free to scan the map below for your desired area and hotel. 2-4 Day Rome Itinerary We spent about 4 full days in Rome and had a jam-packed schedule each and every day. Rome is one of those cities where it’s impossible to see everything in a short period of time. There are must-see attractions and historical landmarks in Rome that are a must, especially for first time visitors. That is exactly what I was, a first-time visitor to Rome. Below you can find my Rome itinerary. I cover everything from what we did that day to places we ate and Rome tours we booked. Feel free to follow my Rome itinerary or mix and match based on your interests and time. Day 1 – Ancient Rome If you only have one day in Rome, I highly recommend spending the majority of the day in Ancient Rome. Here you can find the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and the Colosseum. Roman Forum and Palatine Hill When visiting Ancient Rome, I highly recommend booking a guided tour. A guided tour of Ancient Rome will usually include a package of the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and the Colosseum. If going this route, I highly recommend booking this Roman Forum and Colosseum Underground Tour. The guided tour started at the Roman Forum. The Roman Forum used to be the center of the political, social, and economic life of ancient Rome. We walked around the remnants of temples, government buildings, and famous arches. We then made our way up to Palatine Hill which was home to emperors and Roman elites, you get great views of Rome from Palatine Hill. Roman Colosseum One of the most famous landmarks in the world, the Roman Colosseum is as impressive in person as you could imagine. This massive amphitheater once hosted gladiator matches, public spectacles, and other events attended by thousands! Again, I highly recommend booking a skip-the-line tour of the Colosseum with underground access. I booked this Roman Forum and Colosseum Underground Tour. Seeing the Colosseum is amazing but the getting a chance to visit the underground portion really made visiting the Colosseum worth it. The Colosseum underground consisted of passageways, holding areas, and a lot of cool archaeological finds from artifacts left behind from the audience to unique animal bones. If you are short on time and only have a day in Rome, make the Colosseum priority, it truly is an amazing landmark that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime. 👉 To learn more about the Roman Colosseum and how I got tickets to the Colosseum Underground, feel free to read my post: Is the Colosseum Underground Tour Worth It. Day 2 – Vatican City I booked a Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Basilica Tour months in advance prior to my trip to Rome. Reading online, I knew that the Vatican was one of the most popular attractions, therefore busy and tickets sell out quick. The Vatican is huge and deserves almost a full day to explore. If you want to get the most out of your day at the Vatican, I recommend booking a tour that covers the Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Basilica, most include skip the line options. Trapizzino Our guided tour of the Vatican started shortly before noon, so we were looking for somewhere to grab an early lunch. Nearby, I found a restaurant called Be.Re. + Trapizzino. This restaurant had great Italian craft beers on tap and a variety of Trapizzinos. Trapizzinos might be my favorite food, at least snack food in Italy. They are little triangular pockets of dough filled with classic Italian food like chicken cacciatore or meatballs. Do yourself a favor and stop at Be.Re. + Trapizzino for lunch or dinner when visiting the Vatican City. Be.Re. + TrapizzinoPiazza del Risorgimento, 7/A, 00192 Roma RM, Italy Vatican Museums The Vatican City is one of the most important religious sites in the world and no Rome itinerary is complete without a visit to the Vatican. I recommend booking tickets in advance and plan for crowds of people. Our Vatican City tour was a guided tour that included skip the line access to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Basilica. The Vatican Museums is home to one of the most impressive art collections. You can find beautiful artwork, sculptures, and artifacts here. Thankfully, our guide was able to explain everything to us. Sistine Chapel The Sistine Chapel was amazing to see in person. Seeing the famous ceiling painted by Michelangelo especially seeing the famous The Creation of Adam was a once in a lifetime experience for me. Remember, photos are not allowed in the Sistine Chapel. I watched so many people try to be sneaky and take a photo and were quickly yelled at. Don’t be that tourist! St. Peter’s Basilica St. Peter’s Basilica was the final attraction on my Vatican City tour. St. Peter’s Basilica is one if not the largest and most important churches in the world. Visitors can freely enter and walk around St. Peter’s Basilica. I was amazed by the stunning dome design and architecture. 👉 Planning your trip to the Vatican City? Feel free to read my post on visiting the Vatican City: best Tours, Tickets, and Tips. Day 3 – Rome’s Iconic Landmarks Outside of visiting the famous Colosseum and Vatican City, what else is there to do? No Rome itinerary is complete without visiting the following landmarks and attractions. You really do need an extra day to see these iconic landmarks. Or you can mix in one or two of these attractions with a day trip to Ancient Rome or the Vatican City. For instance, you can stop by Castel Sant’Angelo while on the way to the Vatican. Regardless, I think day 3 in Rome is best to just take your time and see as much of the other sites as possible. We walked from our hotel to the Spanish Steps to Trevi Fountain and everywhere in between. Santa Maria Della Concezione dei Cappuccini On day 3 of our Rome itinerary, we started the day off with a somewhat dark attraction, the Santa Maria Della Concezione dei Cappuccini. I’m drawn to dark tourism sites and learned about the catacombs with the remains of 4,000 Capuchin Friars. The Santa Maria Della Concezione dei Cappuccini has an interesting museum on the Capuchin Friars and allows visitors to see the crypt. Spanish Steps My hotel was near the Spanish Steps, so I ended up walking up and down this famous staircase at least a dozen times. For visitors, I highly recommend visiting the Spanish Steps early in the day before the crowds come. The best time to visit the Spanish Steps at least for us was early morning before one of our tours, it was still somewhat dark out but there were only a couple people at the bottom of the stairs. The Spanish Steps is simply a beautiful staircase that connects Piazza di Spagna with the Trinita dei Monti Church. You get incredible views of Rome with St. Peter’s Basilica off in the distance. 👉

The Best Things to do in Rome: Plan Your Eternal City Itinerary
Few cities in the world compare to the history, culture, and sights of Rome. From ancient ruins and Renaissance masterpieces to the lively piazzas and incredible food, the Eternal City is a must visit and deserves plenty of time to explore. While on my trip to Rome, I realized that while there are countless things to do, there are a few iconic attractions and landmarks that truly stand out. In this guide, I am sharing the must-see attractions and top things to do in Rome, including world-famous sites like the Colosseum but I’ll also cover food, tips, and so much more to help plan your Rome itinerary. ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Quick Rome Travel Tips ✅ Book Major Attractions Well in AdvanceRome is one of the most popular tourist destinations and its famous landmarks do sell out quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. If you plan to visit places like the Vatican or Colosseum, it’s best to book skip-the-line tickets in advance. Check available tours on Viator, Get Your Guide, or Klook. ✅ Start Sightseeing EarlyRome’s top attractions become extremely crowded as the day goes on. Arriving early at places like the Trevi Fountain or Colosseum allows you to enjoy the attractions before the crowds arrive. Plus, earlier in the day or in the evening are great times of day to take photos. ✅ Plan Your Attractions by AreaRome is huge and spread out. Many attractions are located in different parts of the city yet other attractions are grouped in specific areas. For instance, the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill can easily be seen in one day. The Vatican is in a different area and can be toured along with sites like Castel Sant’Angelo. ✅ Take a Day TourIf you are visiting Rome more for multiple days, don’t be afraid to get out and see more of Italy. I took a tour to see Hadrian’s Villa and learned even more about Roman history. ✅Wear Comfortable Shoes and ClothesExploring Rome means a lot of walking. Not just walking but the surface can consist of cobblestone streets and uneven surfaces. Some of the attractions like the Vatican involve a lot of walking around as well. Make sure to wear clothing that is suitable for the weather as well and is comfortable. ✅Keep Dress Codes in Mind for Religious AttractionsYour Rome Itinerary probably includes a day tour to the Vatican or possibly venturing into other churches. Always keep in mind that religious sites do require shoulders and knees to be covered. ✅ Allow Enough TimeIn all honesty, you won’t see all of Rome in one trip. Don’t underestimate how much there is to see and do in Rome. Major attractions can take several hours to explore and Rome is a massive city. Take your time and plan wisely without exhausting yourself. ✅ Beware of PickpocketsIt’s a thing! I saw several warning signs at businesses and popular attractions to be aware of petty crime including pickpockets. I had no issues and never felt in danger. But like anywhere else in the world, be mindful of your belongings and use common sense. Must-See Attractions in Rome I spent about five days in Rome, including a few day trips. It’s safe to say that you can’t see all of Rome in a few days or even weeks. We all know or at least heard of famous landmarks like the Colosseum or the Vatican City in Rome. These are absolute must visit attractions in Rome but there is so much more to the Eternal City. To better help you plan your Rome itinerary, I have a few must-see attractions and things to do in Rome that I personally recommend. Below are in my opinion must-see attractions in Rome. The Colosseum No visit to Rome is complete without visiting the Colosseum. Built in 80AD, the Colosseum is a massive amphitheater that once hosted gladiator battles and public spectacles for tens of thousands of people. If you get a chance, I highly recommend visiting the Colosseum underground. Visiting the underground portion of the Colosseum is a guided experience that gives visitors exclusive access to restricted areas beneath the arena. 👉 If looking for tours of the Colosseum Underground, I highly recommend this Roman and Colosseum Underground Exclusive Tour. Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Located next to the famous Colosseum are the ruins of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Here you get a fascinating look into the political and social center of ancient Rome. You can spend an entire day at the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and Colosseum. Here you can explore ancient ruins of temples, basilicas, government buildings, all while enjoying panoramic views over the city. To get the most out of a trip to visiting the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, I recommend a guided tour. I booked this Roman Forum and Colosseum Underground Exclusive Tour, it combined the Forum, Palatine Hill, and the underground portion of the Colosseum. Vatican City Visiting the Vatican City is an obvious must when you are in Rome and honestly, I’d prepare for a fully day at the Vatican City. It’s small, but there is so much to see and learn here you really need to take your time. When visiting Vatican City, I highly recommend booking a tour that includes the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. A lot of Vatican City tours include a skip-the-line option which really saves time where you can maximize your day in Rome. The Vatican Museums are full of galleries, famous sculptures and paintings, and historical artifacts. Visit the Sistine Chapel to see Michelangelo’s legendary ceiling, and St. Peter’s Basilica once of the most important religious sites in the world. 👉 Booking tours to the Vatican City in advanced is recommended. I booked this Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, & St. Peter’s Basilica Tour, and highly recommend it! The Pantheon The Pantheon is one of the best-preserved buildings from Ancient Rome and a highlight of any Rome bucket list itinerary. The Pantheon was originally built as a Roman temple, and the original dome and structure still stand nearly 2,000 years later. The Pantheon is located in Rome’s historic center, it’s an easy stop while exploring the city. I visited The Pantheon at night, although it was closed, the structure was lit up and looking stunning! 👉 If interested in visiting the interior of the Pantheon, I recommend booking this Guided Tour with Entry Ticket and Skip-the-Line access. Trevi Fountain The Trevi Fountain is one of the most beautiful fountains in the world and a must-visit attraction in Rome. Trevi Fountain is truly impressive measuring nearly 50 meters wide and 26 meters high. It was completed by the architect Giuseppe Pannini in 1762. Because of its popularity, this baroque masterpiece can be incredibly crowded. I visited the Trevi Fountain twice, once during the day and once at night, it was shoulder to shoulder traffic both times. It is recommended to visit the Trevi Fountain early in the morning or late at night. Perhaps start your Rome itinerary at the Trevi Fountain to avoid the crowds. Spanish Steps I read an article recently that said to skip the Spanish Steps, because you can’t eat here and it’s crowded but I highly disagree. I stayed near the Spanish Steps and went up and down the steps numerous times. The Spanish Steps connect Piazza di Spagna with the Trinita dei Monti Church and they are absolutely stunning not to mention the views are incredible from the top. Of course, the Spanish Steps can get crowded, but I never felt overwhelmed. I recommend visiting the Spanish Steps first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds. Castel Sant’Angelo I walked from the Spanish Steps to the Vatican City and passed the Castel Sant’Angelo along the way. Castel Sant’Angelo was originally built as a mausoleum or Emperor Hadrian but later became a fortress and papal residence. You can visit Castel Sant’Angelo but I just walked across Ponte Sant’Angelo (bridge build in 134 AD) and enjoyed Castel Sant’Angelo from the outside. Santa Maria Della Concezione dei Cappuccini If you like dark tourism sites and have a little bit of morbid curiosity like me, then I highly recommend visiting the Catacombs at Santa Maria Della Concezione dei Cappuccini. Santa Maria Della Concezione dei Cappuccini is the site of the Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars. The crypt is decorated with the skeletal remains of 4,000 Capuchin Friars. Interestingly enough, the whole crypt is full of bones from the chandeliers hanging from the ceiling to the wall decorations. 👉 Interested in Dark Tourism? I have a whole post on Dark Tourist sites around the World. Piazza del Popolo Piazza del Popolo was my favorite Piazza in Rome. It’s located at the northern entrance to the historic center of Rome. Known for its grand architecture, twin churches, and Egyptian obelisk, Piazza del Popolo is often a gathering spot for day tours from Rome. Largo di Torre Argentina Largo di Torre Argentina is a sunken square that contains the ruins of Ancient Roman temples and is famous because it is the location where Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44BC. Today, visitors can view the ruins from above or walk along the designated paths amongst the ruins. Largo di Torre Argentina is also a cat sanctuary which is the main reason for our visit. We visited in the evening and unfortunately only saw one cat. Maybe you’ll have better luck then we did spotting kitties. Other Things to do in Rome I covered must-visit attractions in Rome. I stated earlier, Rome needs a lot of attention, you simply can’t do it all in one go. I spent about 5 days in Rome and want to share more things to do in Rome outside of the typical attractions and must-visit sites. Below you can find some of my recommended things to do in Rome from eating Gelato to day trips from Rome. Try Gelato In my opinion, no visit to Rome is complete without trying authentic Italian gelato. Gelato is abundant in Rome and you can find great gelaterias throughout the city. No matter what time of day or my mood, I am always down for gelato and I found a few good places in Rome that served great gelato. Here are a few of my recommended Gelaterias to try in Rome. ✅ Gelateria Della PalmaVia della Maddalena, 19-23, 00186 Roma RM, Italy ✅Gelateria MadamePiazza del Viminale, 18, 00184 Roma RM, Italy ✅ FrigidariumV. del Governo Vecchio, 112, 00186 Roma RM, Italy Trapizzino: Beloved Street Food I’d hate to say it, but the most memorable food I had in Rome was a Trapizzino. I mean, not like that is a bad thing because a Trapizzino is absolutely delicious! What is a Trapizzino? It’s known as a street food in Rome but served in specific restaurants so I am not sure how it related to street food but that is beside the point. It’s a Triangular pocket of thick dough filled with classic dishes like chicken cacciatore or meatballs. A Trapizzino is both cheap and delicious so it’s great if you are traveling Rome on a budget. I would usually order three at a time and it would be quite filling. The Chicken Cacciatore was my favorite but you can’t go wrong with any of the flavors. If you are looking to try an amazing Trapizzino and sample delicious local Italian beers, I highly recommend Be.Re. + Trapizzino, near the Vatican City. ✅ Be.Re. + TrapizzinoPiazza del Risorgimento, 7/A, 00192 Roma RM, Italy Roman Dishes For food lovers, trying authentic Roman cuisine is one of the top things to do in Rome. For beginners, try

Is the Colosseum Underground Tour Worth it? My Honest Review
Visiting the Colosseum is one of the top things to do in Rome, if you really want to experience the Colosseum on another level, the Colosseum underground tour brings you on a personal level with the gladiators that fell or stood champion at the arena. On my trip to Rome, it was a no brainer that I wanted to visit the Colosseum but I felt the tour wouldn’t be complete without exploring the underground portion beneath the sands of the arena. If you are wondering, “Is the Colosseum Underground Tour even worth it?” My short answer is yes! The underground portion offers access to restricted areas and smaller groups. In this post, I’ll share my honest Underground tour review, what to expect, and why I believe it’s absolutely worth booking this tour in advance. ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Summary Why Visit the Colosseum Underground: Visiting the underground of the Colosseum lets you walk through the tunnels where gladiators and animals once waited before entering the arena. Booking an Underground Colosseum Tour: Booking a Colosseum Underground tour is a must but trying to do it through the official Archeologico Del Colosseo website is near impossible. I booked this Roman Forum and Colosseum Underground Tour and highly recommend it if wanting to explore beneath the sands of the arena. The tour can be booked through trusted sites like Get Your Guide, here. Rome’s Colosseum Rome’s most popular attraction and perhaps one of the world’s most known historical sites, is the mighty Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre. Rome’s Colosseum was completed in 80 AD under Emperor Titus, although construction began earlier under his father, Emperor Vespasian. The Colosseum was built next to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. It was built as a grand symbol to show power and provide entertainment, such as gladiator contests, wild animal hunts, and even public executions. According to information learned while visiting the Colosseum, the original height of the Colosseum was 52 meters and was built out of travertine blocks. The interior of the Colosseum consists of 80 entrances, 76 were for the spectators and 4 were reserved for the Emperor and other ranking authorities. The arena itself was a wooden platform that was covered in sand. The Colosseum could hold anywhere from 40,000 to 70,000 spectators. Throughout history the usage of the Colosseum changed. In the 6th century it was under the property of the Ecclesiastical Institutions. Portions or rooms of the Colosseum were used as warehouses or purposed for other needs. If you look at the Colosseum today, you’ll notice it’s not perfectly symmetrical anymore and portions of it lie in ruins. This is due to damage done by earthquakes and it’s materials being removed to use elsewhere. 👉 For more information on Ancient Rome and how to best plan your trip, I have this suggested Rome Itinerary. What is the Colosseum Underground Tour? The Colosseum Underground Tour is a guided experience that gives visitors exclusive access to the restricted area beneath the arena floor of the Colosseum. Unlike the standard Colosseum ticket, the underground tour allows you to explore the hypogeum. The hypogeum is the underground network of tunnels, chambers, and passageways where gladiators awaited their brutal battles and wild animals were held before entering the arena. The underground portion is not open to general admission ticket holders, so booking a guided Colosseum underground tour is the only way to see this must visit attraction. The underground tours typically also include access to the arena floor, multiple levels of the Colosseum, and even the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. In my opinion, it’s highly recommended and you get so much more out of your Colosseum visit. Booking the Underground Tour Booking a Colosseum Underground Tour is actually kind of frustrating if you are trying to book through the Archeologico Del Colosseo website. The Archeologico Del Colosseo is the official website and they offer the perfect Full Experience – Underground and Arena tour for €32. It includes admission to the Colosseum, Underground Levels, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and all other Exhibits. The problem is, it’s almost impossible to get tickets through the website. Unless you are refreshing the page when they open for that day at lightning speeds, you’ll miss out. I did everything right, and still couldn’t get a ticket. I searched online hoping that I could at least get a tour booked through Get Your Guide and thankfully, I was able to book this Roman Forum and Colosseum Underground Exclusive Tour. The tour is more expensive then booking through the official website, but it guaranteed me a ticket to the underground portion of the Colosseum. Not only did I have access to the underground, but the tour included a guided tour of the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and access to the Colosseum where we could explore on our own once the tour concluded. 👉 Don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit the Colosseum Underground, check availability here. My Experience: What It’s Like Beneath the Arena After taking the underground Colosseum tour, I am glad I was able to get access to the underground portion of the arena. I feel like general tickets to the Colosseum just are not complete without seeing the underground. For me, I am obsessed with the show Spartacus, so I was able to imagine Gladiators awaiting their turn beneath the arena, and being there in person was surreal. I could almost hear the crowds from the arena! The Colosseum is busy, so right when you enter, you feel like overwhelmed and honestly tired of people. But as soon as our guide led us down into the hypogeum, the atmosphere shifted. The underground was much quieter and felt more intimate. We watched a brief film about the underground which explained the Ludus Magnus and how gladiators would walk from there through a tunnel to the Colosseum. A Ludus is a gladiator training school and Ludus Magnus was the largest in the Republic. While touring the Colosseum’s underground we walked on boardwalks throughout the network of passage ways, tunnels, and entered rooms passing by stone corridors, reconstructed wooden lifts, and holding areas where gladiators waited. Instead of being a spectator in the crowd, I saw the arena through the eyes of a gladiator. The underground provided a lot more information then I would have gathered had I just done the general admission. I learned about artifacts found in the drain systems, that she light on the life of the spectators. Archaeologists found evidence of women weaving during the spectacles or men playing board games with dice. Fans also got board and would carve drawings in their seats. There are even displays of actual graffiti carved into the seat on display. We learned more about the hunts that would take place in the arena. It seems like the movies glorified the Beast vs. Man combat. In fact, most animals in the arena were slaughtered during wild animal hunts. Sometimes tens of thousands of animals were slaughtered at the arena in a single day. They found evidence of bones to suggest this. After getting a chance to explore the Colosseum’s underground, we then made our way to the arena floor. From this vantage point, looking up at the towering walls of the Colosseum, it was crazy to grasp the true scale of the Colosseum. The Colosseum Underground Tours include smaller group sizes, so the whole time, I was able to hear the guide, ask questions, and take photos without feeling rushed. The Colosseum Underground Tour truly felt like an exclusive tour and I wouldn’t book a tour to the Colosseum any other way. Why the Underground Tour is Worth it If you are debating booking the general access Colosseum tour or the package that includes the underground tour, I’ve outlined a few reasons why I think spending the extra money on the underground tour is genuinely worth it. ✅ Exclusive Access That You Can’t Get with General AdmissionThe underground portion of the Colosseum is closed to those that have general admission. The only way to see beneath the arena is by booking a Colosseum Underground Tour. ✅ There is More Information You Don’t Read About on the Upper LevelsI Found there was quite a bit of additional information I learned about the Colosseum that I didn’t read when touring the Arena. ✅ Arena Floor AccessYou get to stand on the arena floor from a different perspective then others with a general admission ticket. ✅ Smaller Groups = Better ExperienceCompared to the crowded general areas, the underground tour felt more intimate and structured. The guide was easy to understand, I was able to ask questions, and take photos at my leisure. ✅ Skip-the-Line EntryIn Rome, any skip-the-line entry is a huge time saver. Rome is one of the world’s most visited cities and the Colosseum is one of the most popular attractions in the world. We avoided all long queues and had more time to explore the arena. ✅ The History Felt RealI stated earlier, I am a huge Spartacus (tv show) fan and being in the same space where gladiators once stood was a remarkable experience. I felt the crowds in the arena saw the dark passage ways, the same ones famous gladiators walked through. Know Before You Go! ✅ You Might Need to Buy Tickets Through Third-Party SitesI found it impossible to book tickets through the Archeologico Del Colosseo website. Instead, I had luck booking this Roman Forum and Colosseum Underground Exclusive Tour through Get Your Guide. ✅ Book in AdvanceColosseum Underground Tickets are limited each day. Tours often sell out days, weeks, even months in advance. ✅ Arrive EarlyEven if you have a tour, there is still security screenings you need to go through to access the inside of the Colosseum. Plus it can be confusing navigating to the meeting spot, especially since it can be so crowded. ✅ Wear Appropriate Shoes and ClothingWhen visiting the Colosseum and Rome in general, there is a lot of walking involved. The underground of the Colosseum does include uneven stone floors and historic walkways. There are stairs throughout the arena as well. ✅ Photos are AllowedTake as many photos as you want of the Colosseum. Photos are also allowed during the underground tour. ✅ Bring Your IDNames on the tickets are checked against identification. Our tour specifically told us to bring our passports because of this and yes, we did need to show our identification. 👉 Looking for other things to do and must-see attractions in Rome? I have a dedicated post on the Best Things to do in Rome. Conclusion One of the main reasons I visited Rome was to see the Colosseum. For me, if you are traveling all the way to Rome, upgrading to the Colosseum Underground Tour is absolutely worth it. Tickets are limited each day and sell out very fast. Make sure to book your tour well in advance. I hope this post helped sway you in the right direction of booking an underground Colosseum tour. If you’ve been on the tour or plan on doing it, let me know! Safe travels! Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺 ✈️ 🇮🇹 Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖 🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗 🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.

How to Visit Vatican City: Best Tours, Tickets, & Insider Tips
When visiting Rome, a visit to Vatican City is an absolute must. The Vatican City is stunning, historical, and important but it also felt overwhelming. Between the crowds, long security lines, and sheer size of the Vatican Museums, I realized this isn’t an attraction you just “wing it,” if you want to appreciate the art, learn about the history, and get a sense of the iconic sites. Before my visit to the Vatican City, I debated whether to book a guided Vatican tour or to do it on my own. In the end, I am glad I decided to book a tour. The tour was a skip-the-line type tour and the guide explained everything thoroughly. In this post, I’m sharing what tours to book to get the most out of your Vatican City visit, whether it’s worth even booking a tour, the highlights included in the Vatican City tour, and some general tips and information. ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Why I Chose to Take a Vatican Tour I visited Rome and right away, I wanted to visit the Vatican City. For several reasons, It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a sovereign city-state, and I’ve always been interested in the history of the Vatican and events that take place there. I spent some time researching, prior to my trip to Rome and decided it was best to take a guided tour. I figured I’d get more out of the tour then doing in on my own. Plus, the skip-the-line was a major selling point for me. In the end, I am glad I went with a Vatican tour. The tour guide was able to explain nearly everything and answer any questions I had. If I were to visit the Vatican on my own, I definitely would have missed a few important features and descriptions. After taking the Vatican City tour, I was amazed by how easy it was for us to enter the museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Reasons Booking a Vatican City Tour is Worth Considering You can certainly visit the Vatican City on your own. I was considering it but ended up booking a guided tour of the Vatican. I read online that lines can be long and you might miss out on important details. The Guided Tours I found and booked, claimed to skip-the-line (which they did) but also explained a lot of information and detail. I’d say, if you want to maximized your time at the Vatican without feeling overwhelmed, book a tour! If you are considering booking a Vatican City Tour, I’ve outline a few reasons below why a tour is well worth it. ✅ Skip the ticket line to access the Vatican Museums. ✅ Skip the line to access the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. ✅ Tickets for certain sites can sell out. ✅ The Vatican Museum is overwhelming. A guided tour guarantees the most important details and information. ✅ The Vatican City guided tour includes the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. 👉 Check availability for Vatican City tours here. The Tour I Booked My goal was to see as much of the Vatican as I could in a half day. This Vatican tour I booked online through Get Your Guide offered everything I had included on my Vatican itinerary with skip the line access. The Vatican City tour included a visit to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. The tour consisted of a knowledgeable guide, headsets, and skip the line access to the attractions and ticket line. Although some lines were unavoidable, due to the amount of visitors, we managed to save a lot of time with the skip the line access to the Sistine Chapel and ST. Peter’s Basilica. When booking this tour, just make sure to pay attention to the Meeting Point. Attractions and Sites Inside the Vatican Most tours that visit the Vatican will provide a similar itinerary, a visit to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and finish at St. Peter’s Basilica. After taking a tour and visiting the main attractions within the Vatican City, these are must-see sites and I highly recommend not missing out on any of these sites. Below you can find more information on each site. The Vatican Museums I didn’t know what to expect when visiting the Vatican Museums but it was like stepping into one of the most impressive art collections I’ve ever been to. There were galleries, famous sculptures, beautiful rooms, and one of my favorites as a geographer, historical maps of the area. The Vatican Museums are definitely overwhelming. Having a guided tour helped navigate the highlights efficiently and I was able to understand and appreciate what I was looking at. The Sistine Chapel In my opinion, visiting the Sistine Chapel was the highlight just because how familiar I am with Michelangelo’s famous painted ceiling at the Sistine Chapel and seeing the Last Judgement and The Creation of Adam in person was powerful. The Sistine Chapel was very crowded and you cannot take photos inside. There are guards here and people monitoring the area. I saw quite a few visitors try and snap a photo and were quickly withheld from doing so. Don’t be that guy! St. Peter’s Basilica The grand finale of our Vatican City tour was going inside St. Peter’s Basilica. St. Peter’s Basilica is considered one of the largest churches in the world and it’s impressive. I felt like I walked around the inside with my jaw open in awe. Every corner within the Basilica reflects centuries of history and beautiful art. I spent easily an hour inside St. Peter’s Basilica. I even got to walk through the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica as it was during a Jubilee year. Additional Tips and Information Below you can find a few helpful tips and additional information for visiting the Vatican City. ✅ Book Your Tickets or Tours in AdvanceVatican City is one of the most visited places in the world. Tickets to certain attractions within the Vatican can sell out. ✅ Book Skip-the-Line ToursLines at the Vatican can be very long, although you will still find yourself in some lines, a skip-the-line Vatican Tour will save a lot of time. ✅ Go EarlyI think morning is the best time to visit the Vatican. There will be less crowds and the experience will feel a bit more relaxed. ✅ Dress AppropiatelyRemember where you are. The Vatican City is a religious site. Cover up and make sure the shoulders and knees are covered. ✅ Expect Security ChecksThere was at least one airport-style security check I went through at the entrance. ✅ Plan at least 2-4 hours minimumThe Vatican City is huge, the Museums alone can take a few hours to cover. Between getting there and seeing the sites, plan for a half day. ✅ Sundays are LimitedParts of the Vatican are closed Sundays. St. Peter’s Basilica and the Square are open but the Vatican Museums are closed, except for the last Sunday of the month. ✅ Vatican Post OfficeDon’t forget to visit the Vatican Post Office and send out a post card to friends and family. It’s a unique experience, you can purchase a post card, get as stamp, and drop it in the yellow Poste Vaticane bins outside. Conclusion Visiting Vatican City was easily one of my highlights from my time in Rome, Italy. I am glad I went with booking a Vatican Highlights tour as it’s not a place you want to approach without a plan because of the crowds and sheer size of the Vatican. It was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity being able to stand inside the Sistine Chapel and see St. Peter’s Basilica, booking this tour definitely made all the difference for me. If you are looking to skip the long lines, better understand what you are seeing, and want to make the most of your limited time in Rome, I highly recommend reserving your Vatican tour in advance. If you’ve been to the Vatican City and have other tour recommendations or personal experiences, let me know so we can all learn on our next experience, safe travels! Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺 ✈️ 🇮🇹 Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖 🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗 🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.

Visiting Hadrian’s Villa from Rome: Day Trip Guide to Tivoli
One of the easiest and best day trips from Rome is visiting Hadrian’s Villa. It’s the perfect opportunity to escape the tourists in Rome without sacrificing history and sightseeing. When I was deciding on day trips and attractions to book beyond the Colosseum and Vatican, Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli stood out as one of the more interesting ancient sites near Rome. Hadrian’s Villa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers visitors a peaceful, open-air experience with Roman baths, ruins, museums, and beautiful landscapes. I booked a guided tour from Rome paired with Villa d’Este and want to share my experience, what tour I booked, and if it’s worth a day trip from Rome. If you’re short on time, booking a guided day tour from Rome is the easiest way to visit Hadrian’s Villa without worrying about navigating on your own. ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Why I Chose Hadrian’s Villa from Rome I was looking for day tours from Rome just to see as much of Italy as I could in the limited time I was there. I was looking for additional Roman sites around the city that were less crowded and touristy. I’ve heard of Hadrian, the Roman emperor. Honestly, I knew more about Hadrian’s Wall in England then I did his Villa just outside of Rome. I was curious and wanted to learn more about Hadrian’s life outside of Rome and visit the beautiful villa. Booking this full day tour to Hadrian’s Villa from Rome just made sense to me. It was close enough to Rome for an easy day trip and offered plenty of experiences, insights, and things to see. What is Hadrian’s Villa Hadrian’s Villa (Villa Adriana in Italian) is a vast ancient Roman Palace that was built as a retreat for Emperor Hadrian around the 2nd century AD. The Villa is located in the town of Tivoli, about 30 km (20 miles) from Rome. Hadrian’s Villa is the largest and most complex known to date. Although most of it lies in ruins today, at the time of Hadrian, it was expansive, at least a square kilometer big. The site has sprawling ruins, temples, baths, libraries, gardens, reflecting pools, and so much more. On our tour, I was told that Hadrian built this Villa because he grew tired of the palace at Palatine Hill, new the Colosseum in Rome. Meant for rest and leisure, Emperor Hadrian, most likely did a good amount of work at the Villa as well. Today, Hadrian’s Villa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 1999. It is one of the most impressive ancient sites you can visit on a day trip from Rome. Booking a Tour to see Hadrian’s Villa After visiting Hadrian’s Villa, I can honestly say that booking a guided day tour from Rome made this trip much easier and informative. Especially because I didn’t have to figure out transport and I was short on time. While it is absolutely possible to visit Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli independently, getting to Hadrian’s Villa from Rome does take longer then expected and a day tour did simplify everything. When booking a Hadrian’s Villa day trip from Rome, transportation, tickets, food, and times are all handled for you through the tour company. Why Book a Hadrian’s Villa Day Tour? Based on my experience, I found that a guided tour is ideal if you: ✅ Want direct transportation from Rome. ✅ Prefer skip-the-line entry. ✅ Are interested in learning as much as possible and asking questions. ✅ Are combining Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este in one day (highly recommended) ✅ Don’t want to navigate Tivoli on your own. Hadrian’s Villa is massive, and having a tour guide who knows the area and its history makes for a more pleasant journey. Recommended Tours to Hadrian’s Villa from Rome If you are considering booking a day tour to Hadrian’s Villa from Rome, here are some of the more popular tours: ✅ Tivoli Full Day Trip from Rome: Hadrian’s Villa and Villa D’EsteThis is the tour I took and really enjoyed it. I highly recommend visiting Villa d’Este. ✅ From Rome: Villa D’Este and Hadrian’s Villa Tivoli Day TourThis tour covers both Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este. Hadrian’s Villa Itinerary: What to See If you are visiting Hadrian’s Villa with a guided tour, you get anywhere from 1 to 2 hours to explore the Villa. I honestly think you could spend more time here just because the area is so massive. There is a little walking involved when visiting Hadrian’s Villa. After entering, you walk up a hill prior to entering the Villa. Our first stop on our itinerary included the Maritime Theatre, this was actually my favorite part of the tour. The Maritime Theatre is a circular shape with an island in the center surrounded by water. The island includes a domus (residence). We visited the Philosophers Hall which is a huge rectangular shape with columns. This Hall did house statues of seven philosophers. The Hundred Chambers, this was a section of the Villa that was potentially used to house the staff and storing goods. Smaller Baths, these were luxurious baths that were decorated with marble. Larger Baths, was another bath house that were used by a high number of users. The Canopus and Serapeum, this was one of my favorite areas to explore around Hadrian’s Villa. This was an elongated pool of water. Our guide mentioned this was created to honor his son who died. We then visited the Museum. The museum housed artifacts, a lot of which had to do with Egyptian artifacts and monuments. Other Must See Sites in Tivoli A day trip to Tivoli from Rome deserves a day trip. You could easily spend upwards to several hours at Hadrian’s Villa, but there is more to see in Tivoli that I feel you would not want to miss. Our Tivoli day tour, included a visit to Hadrian’s Villa, but we also had time for lunch, to walk around the historic city center, and visit Villa d’Este, another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tivoli. Villa d’Este Villa d’Este is a beautiful Renaissance villa in Tivoli, famous for its spectacular fountains and terraced gardens. A visit to Villa d’Este is often combined with Hadrian’s Villa on a day trip from Rome. Villa d’Este is much different then Hadrian’s Villa. It’s elegant and feels more like a palace then anything. Make sure to stop and listed to the Fountain of the Organ, it’s rather underwhelming but it’s fun. While exploring the villa and gardens, make sure to get photos by Neptune’s Fountain, walk the terraces, and stop to enjoy the beautiful views. Explore Tivoli Our day tour to Tivoli gave us free time to explore the town of Tivoli and grab lunch. I think Tivoli itself is worth a quick walkthrough. I found the Piazza del Plebiscito to be nice and the narrow streets were fun to navigate. When in Italy, you have to visit a Gelateria for some amazing gelato. Right at the main Piazza, there was a place called Bar Gelateria da Maurizio, we were able to grab fresh gelato and enjoy being in the moment. Conclusion Taking a day trip to Hadrian’s Villa and Tivoli from Rome ended up being one of my most memorable experiences from my time spent in Italy. Walking through the impressive ruins of this UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tivoli felt completely different then Rome, it was quieter, more open, and I learned so much! Visiting Hadrian’s Villa is a must and booking a tour is a hassle free option. Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺 ✈️ 🇮🇹 Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖 🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗 🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.

Tuscany Day Tour from Rome: Montepulciano & Pienza
Rolling hills, medieval towns, great food, and some of Italy’s best wines. A Tuscany day tour from Rome is the perfect way to spend a day and see the picturesque Italian countryside. I’ve always wanted to see those medieval towns in Italy perched on a hilltop that you see in travel guides. With limited time in Rome, I wanted to experience a little bit of Tuscany without changing hotels or renting a car. This Rome to Tuscany day trip turned out to be the perfect solution. I visited two charming hill towns, Montepulciano and Pienza which gave me a true taste of Tuscany in one day. If you are staying in Rome and share similar interests to see Tuscany in a day, I wrote this post to provide you with all the information you need to book a day tour and what to expect. ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Why Take a Tuscany Day Tour from Rome? If you are in Rome and your dream has been to visit Tuscany or the Italian countryside, then a Tuscany day tour is easily achievable and very doable in a day. Instead of navigating train schedules or worrying about car rentals, let a guided tour transport you and explain the history of the two towns, Montepulciano and Pienza. In just one day, you’ll get the chance to visit two iconic towns in Tuscany, Montepulciano and Pienza. Soak in the views of the rolling hills of the Val d’Orcia, sample local wines, try Tuscan cuisine, and visit famous historic sites. For travelers who want a true taste of Tuscany but are short on time or just want to get outside of Rome for the day, a Tuscany day tour is perfect and a well planned experience. Overview of Our Tuscany Day Tour Itinerary I spent nearly a week in Rome and had a few free days on my Rome itinerary, and decided to book a day trip to see Tuscany. I’ve always wanted to see the medieval towns perched on the hilltops of the Italian countryside. Researching tours through Viator, I found this tour:Rome: Tuscany & Montepulciano Day Trip with Lunch& Wine Tasting. The itinerary for my interests were perfect, it included two towns in the Val d’Orcia region of Tuscany: Montepulciano and Pienza, an authentic Tuscan lunch with wine tastings from a local winery. The Tuscany day tour to Montepulciano was a full day tour, so it started early. We met the tour guide at Piazza del Popolo in Rome, hopped on a bus, and began the tour to Tuscany. There was a lot of driving, but there were breaks in between at local souvenir shops. For this tour, our Tuscany itinerary was as followed. ✅ From Rome, drive through the Val d’Orcia region. ✅ Montepulciano: A Renaissance hill town known for its wine, cobblestone streets, and beautiful views of the Italian countryside. ✅ Tempio di San Biagio: A brief stop at St. Biagio’s Church. ✅ Pienza: One of Italy’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. ✅ Ride back to Rome We booked this Tuscany day tour: Rome: Tuscany & Montepulciano Day Trip with Lunch & Wine Tasting. Exploring Montepulciano On our Tuscany day tour from Rome, our first stop was Montepulciano. Honestly, this was one of my favorite places in Italy and deserves a full day of exploration. Arriving in town, we met our tour guide who stopped us at the entrance, the views from the walled city looking out at the Tuscan countryside were enough to stop me in my tracks. Walking through the historic center and narrow cobblestone streets of Montepulciano, I loved the blend of Renaissance architecture and laid-back local atmosphere. A little background about Montepulciano. It’s a medieval and Renaissance hilltop town. It has a rich history dating back to the 3rd century BC. We visited the Piazza Grande, explored many of the narrow streets, shopped, and sampled food along the way. Though visiting Montepulciano from Rome was just a short stop on a day trip, Montepulciano made me want to come back on my own to explore more. San Biagio of Montepulciano After visiting Montepulciano, we went to the base of the town and spend a brief moment at San Biagio Church. The church was built between 1518 and 1540 and is an example of a Renaissance Greek cross central plan. Although visitors can’t access the church with the exception of certain times and days, it’s worth visiting in order to see the church and the beautiful Tuscan landscape. Tuscan Wine and Lunch at Ristorante Pulcino When you think of Tuscany, you probably think of wine. I personally am not a huge wine drinker, but I really enjoyed the wine from this region of Italy, in particular the Montepulciano wine. Our tour included a stop or lunch and wine tasting at a family owned vineyard and restaurant called Ristorante Pulcino. The staff gave us a brief tour of the restaurant to include the wine cellar. We then were served local Tuscan cuisine in the restaurant area with a wine pairing. Visiting Pienza We visited the historic centre of the city of Pienza, one of the region’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. According to UNESCO, Pienza was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1996. It was here where the Renaissance town-planning concepts were put into practice by Pope Pius II in 1459. He wanted to change the look of Pienza, his birthplace. Pienza was completely different then Montepulciano so I was glad that we were able to spend time in each town. The day we visited Pienza, it was much quieter then Montepulciano but it’s also much smaller. We enjoyed the peaceful streets, the architecture, and viewpoints. When walking around Pienza, we visited the Piazza Pio II, the Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta, explored almost every narrow street, and gazed out over the Tuscany countryside from the Belvedere Via Gozzante. You’ve seen the movie Gladiator right? From the Belvedere Via Gozzante, you can see the famous Gladiator Homecoming Scene. The building and path that you see from the walls at Pienza was used as a filming location in the movie the Gladiator. Being a day tour to Tuscany from Rome, I felt our time was limited but our short stop at Pienza felt like a perfect snapshot of what I envisioned Tuscany to be like. Is a Tuscany Tour Even Worth it from Rome? If you are staying in Rome for more the two days, I feel like a Tuscany tour from Rome is absolutely worth it. Especially if you are short on time but still want to experience the classic Tuscan countryside. Seeing the historic towns of Montepulciano and Pienza on a Tuscany day tour from Rome gives you access to two of Tuscany’s most beautiful hill towns without the stress of renting a car and navigating the rural roads. Montepulciano was my favorite of the two towns and was worth it alone. You even get to try Tuscan wines and cuisine on this day trip from Rome. A day tour through the Tuscany countryside makes for a long day, but it is so worth it. The journey of driving through Tuscany is part of the experience. While you won’t see everything in one day, the our does provide a well balanced taste of Tuscany, it really does feel like an authentic, scenic, and worthwhile day trip from Rome. Conclusion After my Tuscany day tour from Rome, I couldn’t have asked for a better way to experience the Tuscan countryside in such a short amount of time. We got to visit two beautiful towns: Montepulciano and Pienza, and got to eat Tuscan cuisine and sample local wines. It has always been a dream of mine to see historic hill top towns in the Tuscan countryside, finally that dream came true. After scratching the surface, I feel the need to come back to explore more. If you are based in Rome, and like me dreaming of seeing the Italian countryside, booking a Rome to Tuscany day tour is one of the easiest ways to do it. If you’ve taken a day trip from Rome or have been to other historic hill top towns in Tuscany, let me and others know in the comments section. Safe Travels! Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺 ✈️ 🇮🇹 Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖 🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗 🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.

Taking the High-Speed Train in Italy: Between Rome and Milan
Traveling between Rome and Milan is one of the most popular train journeys in Italy, and taking the Frecciarossa, Italy’s high-speed train, is in my opinion the best way to travel between the two cities. The journey with the high-speed train in Italy between Rome and Milan is just a few hours and offers speed, comfort, and convenience without the stress of flying or driving yourself. I wrote this post to help you travel within Italy using the high-speed train. I’ll go over how we purchased train tickets, how to navigate the stations, and what to expect on Italy’s high-speed trains between Rome and Milan. ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Booking Tickets for the High-Speed Train in Italy There are two websites that are most popular to book tickets, they are ItaliaRail and italotreno. Personally, I found the ItaliaRail website to be much more user friendly and easier to navigate. When accessing the ItaliaRail website, you can search for train tickets by entering in your From and To locations, number of passengers, and date. You can filter by the classes (2nd Class, Premium, 1st Class, etc.) and Features (High-Speed Direct, Overnight, etc.). Afterwards, you can choose the best time that works for your travel schedule. For my personal trip between Rome and Milan, the travel time was around 3 hours on the Frecciarossa. You can then choose your class, flexibility, enter in your passenger details, select your seat, before purchasing tickets. Once the tickets are purchased, IntraRail will send a confirmation email with the train tickets information and e-Tickets with a QR Code. Why Take the Frecciarossa High-Speed Train in Italy Taking the Frecciarossa high-speed train in Italy is by far one of the most efficient, relaxing, and enjoyable ways to travel within Italy and between major cities like Rome and Milan. The Frecciarossa can reach speeds of up to 300 km/h and has an extensive network that connects to major cities and towns throughout Italy. If you are traveling within Italy, taking the high-speed rail is much more convenient and cheaper then flying and more relaxing then driving a car. The cabins are modern, the seats are comfortable, and there is Wi-Fi on board. The Frecciarossa high-speed rail offers a smooth, reliable, and stress-free travel experience. It’s the perfect mode of transportation in Italy to save time, avoid traffic, and just relax and look out the window at the Italian countryside, stress free. Rome to Milan by Frecciarossa: Our Experience Our Italy itinerary included a week in Rome and another week in northern Italy to include Milan. We booked our train-tickets from Rome to Milan then Milan back to Rome, a few months before our trip to Italy via the ItaliaRail website. Based on the length of the train ride (around 3-hours) from Rome to Milan and the price we decided to purchase 1st class tickets. Honestly, it was only about $100 extra, so well worth it. Honestly, the most and only frustrating aspect of our journey was at the beginning of our trip at the Rome Main Train Station (Roma Termini). We arrived at the train station early and could not figure out which platform our train was on. Of course, no one was very helpful, even the information staff wasn’t much help. We found out, there are electronic signs placed throughout the gates that update with the train number and platform about 15-20 minutes before the train arrival. So, it’s actually pointless to arrive at the Roma Termini early. When we finally boarded the Frecciarossa we had a train cart practically to ourselves. The first-class cabin was spacious, quiet, comfortable, and there was even a small meal service. The seats were spacious, comfortable, and reclined. There was an outlet at each chair, we were able to charge all our devices. There was a complimentary food and drink service in first-class. It included a sandwich, coffee, and water. Overall, I felt the high-speed Frecciarossa in Italy was an amazing journey, I highly recommend booking 1st class. It was such a relaxing journey. I can’t wait to explore more of Italy by train. Frecciarossa First Class: Is it Worth it and What to Expect The 1st class experience on Italy’s high-speed train, the Frecciarossa is well worth the extra cost. It’s not as expensive as booking first class on an airline, in fact it’s quite affordable. In my opinion, first-class on Italy’s high-speed train is 100% worth it. It’s worth spending a little more for extra comfort and being able to relax the entire journey. Expect comfort, decent service, and of course Wi-Fi on board. In 1st class, there is assigned seats and the environment is quieter, less crowded, and more peaceful. Travel Tips for Taking the High-Speed Trains in Italy For someone who took rode on the trains in Italy for the very first time, I made mistakes. So that you can learn from my mistakes and have a smoother ride, here are some travel tips for taking Italy’s high-speed train. ✅ Book your train tickets early. You might get a better deal on your train ticket. ✅ Don’t arrive at the train station to early, especially at Roma Termini. ✅ Do pay attention to how long security lines and crowds are though at Roma Termini or Milan Main Station. We had to run a bit to our gate in Milan, mainly because it was late at night and the only open gate was a few platforms away. ✅Choose the right class for your trip. We went with 1st class just to experience it and relax. But price out the classes to see what is right for you. ✅ There was plenty of luggage storage on board the Frecciarossa. ✅ There is Wi-Fi on board the Frecciarossa. ✅ The bathrooms on board the Frecciarossa were as expected. They were spacious and clean. ✅ Power Sockets and USB Ports were also included with every seat/table. ✅Choose a window seat if possible. The scenery between Rome and Milan was beautiful. Conclusion Prior to our trip to Italy, we were unaware of how easy, convenient, and quick the high-speed train was. Taking the Frecciarossa between Rome and Milan was easily the best way to travel between the two cities. Booking train tickets through the IntraRail website was easy and in my opinion cheap for what you get. I was surprised by the first class cabins and thoroughly enjoyed the journey throughout Italy on the Frecciarossa high-speed rail. Think about this, with so much to see and do in Italy, why waste your time navigating around taking the long route to get somewhere, when you could just hop on the Frecciarossa train and maximize your sightseeing opportunities in places like Rome. Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺 ✈️ 🇮🇹 Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖 🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗 🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.

Scaligero Castle, Sirmione: One of Lake Garda’s Must-See Sights
Scaligero Castle or Castello Scaligero in the town of Sirmione, is one of the most iconic sights around Lake Garda and a must visit for anyone exploring northern Italy. Guarding the entrance to the historic old town of Sirmione, this preserved medieval fortress is famous for it’s high towers, stone walls, and unique lakeside walled harbor. In this post, find out how to visit Scaligero Castle, where to get some of the best panoramic views over Lake Garda, and explore the charming streets of Sirmione afterwards. ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Where is Scaligero Castle Scaligero Castle is at the very entrance of Sirmione’s historic old town. The castle and old town are positioned on a narrow peninsula that extends into Lake Garda. The natural moat surrounds the castle on all sides. Its strategic lakeside location makes Scaligero Castle one of the most photographed landmarks on Lake Garda and an easy stop while exploring the town on foot. We made a brief half day pit stop in Sirmione while on a road trip through the Dolomites to Milan. It was the perfect midway point that allowed us to explore one of the coolest castles in Italy. I don’t think car traffic is allowed beyond the castle gates into Sirmione’s historic town center. There is plenty of paid parking in designated parking lots on the peninsula leading up to Scaligero Castle. A Brief History of Scaligero Castle Scaligero Castle was built in the 14th century by the Della Scala family also known as the Scaligeri Family. The Scaligeri family ruled Verona and a lot of the surrounding area from the mid 1200’s to the late 1300’s. Castello Scaligero was initially built as a defensive stronghold and fortified port to control access to the peninsula. In the late 15th century, the castle was passed on to the Republic of Venice. Over the years the castle served many purposes by different families and regions. Today, it’s enjoyed by the public and offers the chance for visitors to check out the museum and see one of Italy’s best preserved lakeside fortifications. Visiting Scaligero Castle A visit to Scaligero Castle is a must when traveling around Northern Italy. It’s such a unique castle. Not only is the castle a great representation of a medieval castle, but the views of Lake Garda are stunning and Sirmione is a town worth exploring. I’d recommend a full day here on Lake Garda. But if you only have a few hours or a half day like we did, Scaligero Castle is a must. Below you can find information to help plan your perfect travel itinerary to Lake Garda’s fortress and the surrounding area. Admission and Hours It’s not necessary to book tickets in advance to visit Castello Scaligero. We simply showed up to the ticket office and purchased tickets. Below you can find more information on the admission and hours. For updated information, I recommend visiting the Tourism website for Sirmione. Admission Per Person: € 8.00 Hours Closed: Sunday & Monday Open: Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 – 19:15 What to See Inside the Castle When visiting Scaligero Castle, there is not a whole lot on display or museums to visit. You simply walk around the castle, check out the harbor, and climb the tower for impressive views of Sirmione’s old town and Lake Garda. The mix of medieval architecture and amazing viewpoints make visiting the inside of the castle well worth it. Highlights include the preserved castle walls, towers, historic drawbridge, and the harbor. You can walk up the towers of Castello Scaligero, which I highly recommend doing. The views are stunning, you get a 360° view of the surrounding area. The other highlight for me was the dock and harbor area. I think this is what Scaligero Castle is mostly known for anyway. The day I was there, the water was a turquoise blue, it was beautiful! When visiting Castello Scaligero, allow at least 1 hour to explore the castle. Panoramic Views Over Lake Garda The panoramic views from Castello Scaligero were one of the highlights of visiting the castle. From the castle walls to the high tower, you get incredible views of Sirmione’s historic old town, Lake Garda, and the Alps in the background. The elevated viewpoints make Scaligero Castle one of the best places in Sirmione and Lake Garda for photos. This alone make visiting Castello Scaligero worth it! Other Things to do Near Scaligero Castle Visiting the medieval fortress was not the only highlight of our trip to Sirmione. We had the chance to walk the historic town all the way to the Grotte di Catullo and Archaeology site. The area is more of a summer destination. Vacationers can spend the weekend on Lake Garda enjoying water sports, sightseeing, and just enjoying the atmosphere. We visited Sirmione for a few hours, I’d love to come back to see more, but here is our itinerary. Walk Sirmione’s Old Historic Town Sirmione Old Town is a charming area past the castle. It’s full of cobblestone streets, pastel-colored buildings, and lively shops and restaurants. While walking around the old town, you can find fun boutique shops, cafes, dessert shops, and so much more. When exploring the historic old town, take your time and enjoy the relaxed lakeside atmosphere. Chiesa di San Pietro in Mavino Just up the hill from the historic old town is the peaceful Romanesque church, Chiesa di San Pietro in Mavino. The church is open to the public during the day. It dates back to the 11th century and you can see remnants of the original church. There are memorials around the church and nice areas to relax and take in the beauty of Sirmione. Try Local Food Like anywhere else in Italy, you can find great food in Sirmione. In the old historic district you can find a wide variety of restaurants, dessert shops, gelaterias, and bars. I stopped by a restaurants right near Castello Scaligero called Pizzeria Scaligeri’s. They had nice outside seating with views of the castle. Is Scaligero Castle Worth Visiting? While on our road trip around Northern Italy, we debated if it was worth it to visit Scaligero Castle or just continue on to Milan. After visiting the castle and spending an afternoon in Sirmione, I am so glad we stopped here. So yes, Scaligero Castle is well worth visiting. It’s one of the best preserved castles in Italy and certainly one of the most unique castles. The views from the castle walls and towers alone make a visit worth it. I would honestly, go out of my way to visit Castello Scaligero and highly recommend it. Conclusion If you are driving around Northern Italy whether it be to and from Milan or around the Dolomites, I highly recommend adding Scaligero Castle to your Northern Italy itinerary. Visiting Scaligero Castle was well worth visiting and one of the most unique fortifications I’ve seen. You get a nice mix of medieval history and stunning views of Lake Garda and the surrounds Alps. After a visit to Scaligero Castle, wander the charming streets of Sirmione’s historic old town for a perfect blend of sightseeing and relaxing. Have you visited Scaligero Castle and Sirmione’s old town? If so, what did you think? Any recommendations in the area? Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺 ✈️ 🇮🇹 Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖 🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗 🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.

South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology: Visiting Ötzi the Iceman
Visiting Ötzi the Iceman at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano, Italy is one of the most fascinating museums I’ve been to and a lifelong dream of mine. Home to Europe’s oldest mummy, this world-class museum offers visitors a rare chance to see the preserved body of Ötzi the Iceman along with weapons, tools, clothing, and other artifacts, that belonged to him. Whether you are planning a Bolzano itinerary, traveling through the Dolomites, or have somewhat of a morbid curiosity like me, then a visit to the South Tyrol Museum of Archeology to see Ötzi the Iceman is an absolute must! In this post, you can learn about Ötzi the Iceman, plan your visit to the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, and explore more of what Bolzano has to offer. ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Who was Ötzi the Iceman? Who was Ötzi the Iceman? This question is still being debated even today. Was he a person on the run? Was he a shaman? No one really know who Ötzi really was, where he came from, or how he ended up where he was. There are speculations and theories about who he was. I’ll cover everything I’ve learned and read about throughout the years. There are some known facts about Ötzi the Iceman. ✅ Based on Radio Carbon Dating, Ötzi the Iceman is around 4,000 – 5,000 years old. ✅ The name Ötzi was coined by journalist Karl Wendl. Ötzi is in reference to the Ötz Valley. ✅ Ötzi the Iceman has many names, he’s also known as the “Glacier Mummy,” “The Man from Hauslabjoch,” “The Man from Tisenjoch,” “Similaun Man,” “Homo Tirolensis,” and the “Man in the Ice.” ✅ Based on bone structure and characteristic changes, he was potentially around 45 years old at the time of his death. ✅ After examining his body, researches think Ötzi has around 61 tattoos. These tattoos were different then what we think of today. They were maybe done as a means of painkilling like acupuncture. Instead of using needles incisions were made in the skin and charcoal was rubbed within the cuts. ✅ Ötzi most likely died of a wound caused by an arrow. Was he on the run? ✅ It’s not 100% certain where Ötzi the Iceman comes from, but it’s possible that he’s from the first independent Alpine culture group. He potentially lived or came from the Eisack Valley in today’s South Tyrol, Italy. ✅ Ötzi the Iceman was around 160cm tall and weighed around 61 kg. Apparently, two of his ribs were missing as well, he was probably born that way. Discovering Ötzi I’ve always been fascinated with the discovery of Ötzi in 1991. What fascinates me the most is these human remains are upwards to 5,000 years old and when first discovered, they thought he was a victim of a mountaineering incident. Ötzi was discovered by two German hikers, Erika and Helmut Simon on Thursday, September 19, 1991. The hikers were in the Ötztal Alps descending from Finail Peak. I read that they veered off the marked trail and passed a rocky gully. There they saw the body of a human laying against a rock. They had no idea they just discovered one of the most significant archaeological finds in Europe. The two hikers quickly informed a landlord at a nearby mountain refuge and he notified authorities in both Austria and Italy, since the find was close to the border of the two countries. Several attempts were made to recover the body and other hikers did interfere with the body before professionals and archaeologists were involved to remove the body and relocate it to the Institute for Forensic Medicine in Innsbruck, Austria. Visiting the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology When visiting Bolzano or anywhere in the Dolomites, visiting the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology is a must! It’s home to Ötzi the Iceman. You can see his mummified body on display along with his belongings that were found. To make your trip easier and hassle free, I’ve done the planning, research, and spent time at the museum. Below you can find information on tickets and hours and learn about Ötzi himself. Tickets and Hours Below you can find updated information on the ticket fees and hours for the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology. I found their hours to be a bit confusing, mainly because I was in Bolzano on a Monday in December. They were open but usually closed. So it’s best to double check the official website for updated hours and times. Admission Single Ticket: 13€Children under 6: FreeDiscount Ticket: 10€ For more information and updates, please look at the official South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology website. Hours Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00 (Last Admission is 17:30) Monday: Closed** Monday Closed except if Monday is a holiday, and in July and August the museum is open on Mondays. Ötzi’s Preserved Body When visiting the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology most visitors including myself are looking for the opportunity to see the actual mummy remains of Ötzi the Iceman. Ötzi is on display at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology. He’s kept in a permanent “Icebox” and can be seen by visitors through a tempered glass window. According to what I learned at the museum, his body is housed in a unique room with two cold chambers. One cell has a temperature of -6°C with humidity of 99%. For us visitors, there is a 40×40 cm window so we can look at the mummy. Fortunately, when I was there the museum was not crowded so I was able to view the mummy without rushing. On busy days, there is a line. Artifacts and Tools One of the more interesting exhibits at the museum were the displays of all Ötzi’s weapons, tools, artifacts, and clothing materials. Most of his possessions were either on him or scattered around the archaeological site of discovery. At the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, you can view articles of clothing worn by Ötzi, equipment he used, weapons, first-aid supplies, and even his backpack. In terms of clothing, items that were preserved or found include a cap, garments, leggings, his belt, loin cloth, a cape, and pair of shoes. Most of the clothing was made of animal skins, tanned hides, and grasses. The coat was made of goatskin, the leggings were also made of goatskin, his belt was made of calf leather, and his fur cap was primarily made of bear fur. Regarding the equipment and weapons found at the discovery site, there was a axe made of copper. I read that it is the only intact prehistoric axe in the world. He had a dagger and sheath on his person, a retoucheur, which is an instrument to sharpen flint blades. One of the most important weapons he had was his longbow. It was a 1.82 m longbow that was made of yew. A quiver and arrow were also discovered. Ötzi the Iceman also carried a backpack. The backpack is on display at the museum as well. It was made of a U-shaped wood rod with wooden boards. Hide was used as a pouch to carry his goods. Ötzi also had a container made of birchwood. He had various wood pieces on him and minerals, meaning he probably was handy and could make tools and other resources by himself. Ötzi also had a first-aid kit. In the first-aid kit there was birch fungus which was most likely therapeutic. Gift Shop Make sure to stop in the gift shop at the exit of the museum. There are a lot of great finds here to include books, post cards, and fun souvenirs. The books come in various languages. What’s my Fascination with Ötzi the Iceman? I’ve been fascinated with Ötzi the Iceman for as long as I can remember. I’ve always had a morbid curiosity and enjoy dark tourism sites, which I think this classifies as one. His story has interested me and I still have so many questions about his life. I am always wondering why he’s the only mummy discovered? Are there more out there? Once glaciers melt, will we discover more? Visiting Bolzano? Other Things to do near the Museum Bolzano is one of the best places to visit in Northern Italy. I only had the opportunity to spend a day here during the Christmas holiday. Other then visiting the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, top things to do in Bolzano include strolling the historic old town and Piazza Walther. If you have a day or two in Bolzano, here are some top listed things to do that I recommend. Piazza Walther Piazza Walther is the heart of Bolzano and a must visit attraction. Piazza Walther is surrounded by historical buildings, cafes, restaurants, and right next to the Bolzano Cathedral. If you are visiting around Christmas time, the bulk of the Christmas Market is here. Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta The Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta or Bolzano Cathedral is a beautiful cathedral located near the Piazza Walther. The cathedrals history dates back to the late 1100’s. It’s known for its beautiful glazed roof tiles, high altar, and treasury. Obstmarkt (Local Produce Market) The obstmarkt or local produce market, or farmers market, is a must when visiting Bolzano. It’s a large market on Piazza delle Erbe extending several blocks. You can find everything here from fresh fruit and smoothies, to cheeses and meats. The produce market is open Monday through Saturday, closed Sundays. Shopping Bolzano is a great place for shopping. Almost all the roads leading to and from Piazza Walther are lined with shops. We spent hours popping into random shops from shoe stores to shops selling outdoor gear. But you can find stores for children, souvenirs, clothes, from budget shops to high end stores. Bolzano Christmas Market The Bozner Christkindlmarkt or Bolzano Christmas Market is a magical time of year to spend in Bolzano. We were here for the Christmas Market and for being Italy, it was just as good as some of the large ones in Germany. Bolzano is surrounded by the Alps, the town has it’s charm, and Piazza Walther is surrounded by stunning architectural buildings, so it’s the perfect setting for a Christmas Market. I had Glühwein, Knödel suppe, a Bratwurst, and a few local craft beers from the area. The Christmas Market was set up traditionally with small wooden booths selling food, Christmas decorations, and local products. Conclusion Visiting the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano, Italy and getting a chance to see the mummy of Ötzi the Iceman has always been a travel bucket-list item of mine. Seeing Ötzi the Iceman up close was a memorable moment and seeing all his tools, equipment, and clothing was fascinating. I learned so much while visiting the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology and am happy to share my experience with you guys! Have you been to the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano? If so, leave a comment, let me know what you thought or if you have other similar recommendations. Safe travels! Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺 ✈️ 🇮🇹 Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖 🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗 🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.

How to Visit the Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano): Travel Guide
Planning to visit the Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano)? Unlike other cathedrals in Europe, you can’t simply walk in and explore Milan’s famous Gothic cathedral. Visitors wanting to access the Duomo must purchase tickets to enter. Fortunately for you, I’ll cover how to purchase your tickets to the Duomo di Milano and what to expect. In all honesty, the Milan Cathedral is a must-visit landmark in Milan and visiting the rooftop terrace is a unique experience. ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Where is the Milan Cathedral The Milan Cathedral or Duomo di Milano in Italian is located in Piazza del Duomo, in Milan’s historic center. The Milan Cathedral sits at the heart of the city and is directly accessible via the Duomo metro station. The Duomo di Milano is the easiest and most central landmark to visit in Milan. Being accessible by metro, it’s within walking distance to many other notable Milan attractions like the Galleria, Castello Sforzesco, and numerous shopping districts. Brief History of the Duomo di Milano The history of the Duomo di Milano dates back to 1386. Like many historical buildings, the Milan Cathedral did not start out like the cathedral you see today. It took many centuries to built the magnificent Gothic cathedral we see today. Earlier on, there was St. Ambrose Basilica, then the Basilica of St. Tecla was added on. Over the course of many centuries, different architects and artists made their contributions to the cathedral. The final touches of the cathedral weren’t actually completed until 1965. Parts of the cathedral were damaged during WWII which did affect the completion date. Today, the Milan Cathedral is under constant renovations. When I visited in December of 2025, parts of the terrace were being cleaned and of course, like many famous buildings in Europe, there was scaffolding, which is always an eye sore. Visiting the Milan Cathedral When visiting Milan, the Duomo di Milano is an absolute must. If you don’t visit the Duomo, can you really say you’ve been to Milan? Word of advice, the Milan Cathedral and the whole Piazza del Duomo gets crowded, I mean very crowded! You can’t just walk inside the cathedral. Unfortunately, you need to buy tickets to enter. I had no idea, you needed tickets, so I wanted to write this post to help you better prepare for your visit to the Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano). Below you can find information on getting tickets to visit the Duomo di Milano, visiting the Rooftop Terraces, and more. Tickets If you don’t plan ahead, you can buy tickets for the Duomo di Milano at the Piazza del Duomo. There are various entrances to the cathedral that are guarded. You can scan a QR Code near the gates and purchase the tickets using your mobile device. Or you can head to the Duomo Shop near the Palazzo Reale di Milano and buy tickets there. I purchased my tickets at the Duomo Shop without issues. You are given a number and have to wait until one of the registers opens up to your number. Duomo Shop Address: P.za del Duomo, 14a, 20122 Milano MI, Italy You can also buy tickets online ahead of time on through the Duomo Di Milano website. There are different tickets you can purchase. I highly recommend the ticket with access to the Rooftop Terraces. This is your chance to walk on the roof of a cathedral! There is a Fast Track Pass, a Combo Lift, Combo Stairs, and a Culture Pass. I went with the Combo Stairs. If you are a budget traveler or just love to exercise, then go with the Combo Stairs deal, you get to access the Terraces by climbing around 250 – 300 stairs. Through my website, you can also purchase tickets through online travel sites like Get Your Guide, Viator, and Klook. Below are a few recommend tours: ✅ Milan: Cathedral and Duomo’s Terraces Entrance Ticket ✅ Milan Duomo Cathedral and Rooftop Terrace Guided Tour ✅ Milan Super Saver: Skip the Line Duomo and Rooftop Guided Tour ✅ Milan Cathedral Ticket Visiting the Rooftop Terraces When purchasing my ticket to the Duomo di Milano with the Rooftop Terrace I had no idea what to expect, I certainly didn’t expect that I would be walking on top of the roof of a giant Cathedral! I’ve never seen this before but it was incredible and I highly recommend the Rooftop Terrace as part of your ticket or tour. There are several levels to the Rooftop Terraces, you get a chance to walk amongst the beautiful and intricate spires before gaining access to the actual roof where you get amazing views over the city of Milan. You can gain access to the Terraces by elevator or stairs, depending on the ticket type you purchased. I took the stairs and found it to be pretty quick and easy. I worked hard for that unbelievable view! Explore the Interior Every ticket to visit the Duomo di Milano will include a visit to the inside of the cathedral. I did the Rooftop Terrace first then found myself inside the cathedral. The Milan Cathedral is huge and the sheer scale of the interior is just as stunning as the exterior with its towering marble columns, vaulted ceilings, and colorful stained-glass. Within the interior of the Duomo di Milano, you can visit the Archaeological Area and the St. Charles Crypt. I enjoyed myself just walking around, being fascinated by the artwork, sculptures, and just massive size of the cathedral. Nearby Things to do After Your Visit The Duomo di Milano is just one of many attractions within walking distance of Piazza del Duomo. You can easily spend an entire day in the area visiting sites like the Galleria or Castello Sforzesco. Honestly, you can spend a whole day just shopping! Whether you are here to shop, eat, or check out some sites, here are a few things to do around the Duomo di Milano. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II Just steps from the Duomo di Milano, is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Although, I am not big into shopping, it’s well worth walking through. For someone that like high end shops, then this is a dream come true! Actually, all of Milan is a shopping paradise! The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a historic shopping arcade that is famous for its glass dome, elegant architecture, and luxury shops. Be warned, this attraction can get crowded! I visited twice and one time it was basically shoulder to shoulder traffic. Sforzesco Castle Another short walk from the Duomo di Milano, is the Sforzesco Castle or Castello Sforzesco. It’s an important historical landmark and the grounds are free to visitors. Besides walking the grounds, there are museums, art galleries, and a few historical artifacts and rooms linked to Leonardo da Vinci. The castle is also the gateway to the Parco Sempione, a huge urban park. A word of caution, there are several people from Africa that hang out here and try to give you a free bracelet. They basically harass tourists and locals alike. Simply ignore them and walk right by, don’t take the bracelets they try to offer you. Shopping Milan is known for fashion and shopping and there are shopping areas around the Duomo di Milano that put you in the heart of Milan’s fashion scene. Every street leading to and from the Duomo, there are shops. You can find everything from luxury brands to local Italian shops. Even if you are like me and not big into shopping, there is something for everyone. If not, the people watching is great! Conclusion Visiting the Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano) is a must and needs to be added to any Milan itinerary. It’s the heart of the city and it’s most well known landmark. Milan does get crowded, so to make the most of your visit, arrive early, book tickets to Duomo di Milano in advance, and allow plenty of time to explore the interior, museums, and rooftop terraces. The Duomo di Milano is a world-famous landmark and remains one of the best things to do in Milan. I hope this post helps with planning and you find the Milan Cathedral as beautiful and unique as I did. Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺 ✈️ 🇮🇹 Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖 🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗 🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.