Day one belongs to ancient Rome. Book timed entry for the Colosseum and Roman Forum combo, then wander Monti for lunch. Afternoon: Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Evening aperitivo in Trastevere followed by cacio e pepe at a neighbourhood trattoria — reservations help on weekends.
Day two: Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica early (or after 2 p.m. when morning tours thin). Cross the river to Castel Sant'Angelo and stroll Via del Corso for shopping. Sunset from Gianicolo Hill rewards with panoramic views most first-timers miss.
Rome rewards walkers. Wear comfortable shoes on cobblestones, carry a refillable bottle — nasoni fountains are free — and validate transit tickets if you use buses or metro.
Ciampino and Fiumicino both serve the city; compare on SnagAFlight with Friday evening out and Sunday night back for classic weekend timing from across Europe.
