Mediterranean Traveller Bonus: €10 credit on 2+ art prints in my shop
Rome in Ten Days Complete Itinerary
Follow this ten-day Rome itinerary with a Mediterranean-inspired artist, uncovering both the classics and hidden gems, with day trips from Rome to Tivoli and Ostia Antica.
by sonjatravelartist | Artist & MA Interior Architecture
5 minute read
30.4.26
| Updated
Created 18.1.26
© 2026 Sonja Travel Artist
The Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy, at sunset
As an artist inspired by Italy, Rome keeps shaping my Mediterranean paintings. Over the years, I’ve visited Italy many times, but the Eternal City holds a special place in my heart. Seeing the Colosseum had been a life-long dream of mine, and when I finally had the chance to spend ten days exploring Rome, I was able to go far beyond the main sights. I discovered museums and nearby hidden gems that are just as stunning and memorable as the Eternal City itself. What started as a simple city trip turned into a travel adventure full of depth and personal inspiration. Read on to explore Rome in this ten-day itinerary with a Mediterranean-inspired artist!
1. Arrival and Orientation in Rome
Rome highlights
Airport transfer
When you arrive at the airport in Rome, either take a taxi or the Leonardo Express from Fiumicino Airport to Roma Termini to reach your accommodation. If you choose a taxi, simply follow the official airport signs to the taxi stand, where staff will assign you a car. Official taxis in Rome are white, with a visible Taxi sign on the roof, the Rome city emblem (“Comune di Roma”) on the front doors, and a licence number. Show your address on your phone if needed, and avoid offers from unofficial drivers inside the terminal.
Once you’ve arrived, focus on settling in and gathering your first impressions of Rome. Those impressions will form the foundation for the rest of your trip. Explore the historic heart of Italy's capital through its ancient ruins and stunning Baroque architecture.
Day 1 – Colosseum and Roman Forum
Stroll through Monti, home to the Colosseum and Roman Forum.
Visit the Colosseum. Book tickets in advance to avoid crowds.
Explore Palatine Hill and wander the Roman Forum.
Day 2 – Italian Baroque Architecture
Discover historic piazzas: Piazza Navona, Piazza di Spagna, Piazza del Popolo.
Admire the stunning Trevi Fountain.
Visit Castel Sant’Angelo and take in the terrace view.
Bonus stop nearby: Marvel at the cupola of the Roman Pantheon. It’s free to enter!
Day 3 – Capitoline Museums & Orange Garden
Explore the artistic treasures of the Capitoline Museums. Check the Roman Forum view from the Tabularium.
Walk around Circo Massimo, exploring the historic arena of Roman chariot races.
End with sunset at Orange Garden / Giardino degli Aranci on the Aventine.
2. Rome Off the Beaten Path
Rome hidden gems
Art museums
After exploring Rome’s historic centre, allow yourself a break on day four. When I travel, my artist’s heart is usually driven to explore every corner of new places, but I’ve learned it’s important to take breaks during travel too! Just allow yourself to pause and soak up the atmosphere for a while. Then, dive deeper into the art and history of Rome, venturing out for day trips to the Vatican and nearby Tivoli, as well as exploring hidden gems in Rome such as Villa Borghese and the mesmerizing Roman Baths.
Day 4 – Dolce Far Niente (The Art of Doing Nothing ♡)
Enjoy gelato. Pistachio ice cream is incredible in Italy.
Visit a café or restaurant and soak in the atmosphere.
Try pizza al taglio with your favourite Italian drink, like wine or Aperol.
Day 5 – Visiting the Vatican
Start the day with an espresso and a cornetto.
Guided tour of the Vatican Museums. It’s especially helpful for first-timers.
Visit St Peter’s Basilica and admire its stunning historic architecture and interior.
Day 6 – Roman Art Museums
Visit Villa Borghese to see Bernini’s Baroque sculptures. Booking tickets in advance is essential.
Stroll through Villa Borghese Gardens, a peaceful park dotted with temples and pavilions.
Explore Galleria Spada and experience Borromini’s mind-bending Prospettiva. It’s a quiet, hidden gem.
Day 7 – Tivoli Day Trip
Take the train to Tivoli from Roma Termini.
Walk to Villa d’Este, a Renaissance UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore the palace and gardens with stunning fountains and waterfalls. It’s unforgettable — thank me later!
Day 8 – Roman Baths
Visit the Baths of Caracalla, one of Rome’s grandest ancient bath complexes.
Explore the Baths of Trajan, imagining daily life as a Roman.
Mediterranean Traveller Newsletter
Join the mailing list and be the first to discover the following highlights:
my latest inspiring travel stories
new Mediterranean art for your home
limited editions & travel journals
3. Ending Your Rome Journey
Day trips from Rome
Ostia Antica
After more than a week of exploring Rome, it’s time to wrap up your journey. Visit one last extraordinary archaeological site to finish your ten-day itinerary on a high note. The following hidden gem might be one of my favourites and left me completely in awe: Ostia Antica. This ancient port city rivals a day trip to Pompeii from Naples in character and charm, home to incredible mosaics, well-preserved temples, and a theatre.
Day 9 – Ostia Antica
Take the train to Ostia Antica, Rome’s ancient port city.
Explore the well-preserved ruins, including mosaics, temples, and the theatre.
Wander through the ancient streets, picturing the bustling port town as it once was.
Day 10 – Farewell to Rome
Enjoy a final cappuccino at a local café.
Take a last stroll through your favourite neighbourhood or piazza.
Say arrivederci to the Eternal City.
Rome Deserves More Than a Weekend
Rome is a city full of character, charm, and countless artistic treasures. Spending ten days here is truly worthwhile, as it allows you to form a genuine connection with Italy’s capital. You also have the chance to explore nearby gems like Tivoli and Ostia Antica, which are no less valuable than Rome itself, just lesser known. Plus, if it rains, you stay flexible – a full week of rain is highly unlikely.
Even after ten days in Rome, I felt there was still so much more to discover. As an artist with a deep passion for Italy, I returned two years after my first visit to seek fresh inspiration for my Mediterranean paintings. This time, I focused my trip on walking the Appian Way. Rome is eternal not only in its monuments – it’s the soul of the city and the lasting impression it leaves in your memory.
Practical Tips for Rome — FAQ
1. What’s the best way to explore Rome?
The best way to experience Rome is a mix of walking and public transport. Strolling through the streets lets you discover all the sights at your own pace, while the metro is easy to navigate, eco-friendly, and offers affordable tickets. You can also take the tram to reach neighbourhoods like Trastevere from the historic centre. Just make sure to travel light so you don’t inconvenience the locals.
2. When is the best time to visit Rome?
Rome in spring is wonderful. The city blooms, the meadows are green, and the crowds are still manageable, making it a delightful season to explore. The atmosphere moved me so much that I created a series of Rome-inspired oil paintings for my Mediterranean art gallery. Under the title Primavera a Roma, I capture the spring fever my first trip to Rome in March evoked in me.
3. Where can you leave your luggage in Rome?
The easiest option is at Roma Termini. Just follow the signs for "deposito bagagli", where you can securely drop off your luggage at the counters. This worked well for me when my flight was in the evening and I wanted to spend the rest of the day exploring Rome. Keep in mind, however, that you’re not the only traveller with this idea, so you may need to wait 30 to 60 minutes at the counter during busy periods, such as in the morning.
About Me
I'm Sonja – Mediterranean-inspired artist, curious traveller, and sensitive soul. My evocative paintings take you on a journey through the most beautiful landscapes of Italy and beyond.
See all Mediterranean travel guides