Rome was not built in a day and you can’t tour the entire Italian capital in a day’s time either. But if your schedule is tight, take out only four days and explore it.Here’s how you can make the most of your trip
Day 1
A tour around the city on a scooter is one of the perfect ways to start the trip. Go around and enjoy various tourist spots like the St. Peter's Basilica, the chapel is surrounded by domes.
Start from the Baptistery and moving clockwise appreciate the Chapel of the Presentation of the Virgin, the larger Choir Chapel, the Clementine Chapel with the altar of Saint Gregory, the Sacristy Entrance. At the heart of the basilica is the Confessio or Chapel of the Confession. The Michelangelo’s Pietà is a world-famous work of Renaissance sculpture. The suggested next stop should be St. Peter's square, check out the Vatican Museums.
Prove your love through the test of ‘Bocca della Verità’ or the Mouth of Truth.
Stop by at Gelato café for a post-lunch dessert, their gelato is in top 5 in the world. Enjoy the local flavor from over 100 flavors including 20 different variations of chocolate, brie, ginger and ricotta, cream, pistachio and chocolate.
Post lunch, start towards the Colosseum, the huge amphitheater, which was built in between 70 and 82 AD for gladiatorial and wild animal fights.
Catch the sunset at the right side of the central building on Piazza del Campidoglio where you're treated to a surprise panorama of the Forum from above, with the Palatine Hill and the Colosseum as a backdrop.
Enjoy your dinner at the TramJazz, a vintage cable car converted into a restaurant and cozy concert hall. The amazing journey starts at piazza di Porta Maggiore with a glass of wine and amazing starters. While the car is moving and the music repertoire starts, along the journey you get to see the San Lorenzo fuori porta, viale Regina Margherita, Valle Giulia, Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, San Giovanni Laterano, Foro Romano and the journey ends at the Park of the Celio in front of the Colosseum.
Day 2
Spend the day exploring the heart of the city, the Tiber Bend area, the Tridente/Spanish Steps, and Villa Borghese park.
Rome is well known for its statues, particularly, the talking statues of Rome. Two main talking statues, Pasquino and the Marforio, are a must visit and do check out il Babuino, Madama Lucrezia, il Facchino and Abbot Luigi.
Take out time in the afternoon and walk along Via del Corso, the main shopping street. It is one of the most enjoyable window shopping places and is best experienced afternoon.
Try some street food for lunch, from epic pizza strips to delicious arancini (fried rice balls).
Follow it to the beautiful Spanish Steps and take a table at one of the rooftop hotels that has a good view of the Gianicolo. Watch the city turn gold during sunset from ‘The Hassler’ that offers a good view from atop the Spanish steps. You might need to book a table with a view in advance.
Walk or take a ride to the Trevi Fountain, the largest Baroque fountain in the city. Follow the tradition of throwing a coin into the fountain to ensure you visit Rome again.
Set on a romantic cruise on the Tiber River, surrounded by the unparalleled views of some of the city’s most famous monuments, such as Castel Saint ‘Angelo, illuminated against the inky Roman sky. Indulge in fine Italian wine along with gourmet dinner.
Day 3
Next day, book a beautiful rail trip to Venice early in the morning.
Reach Venice and take a gondola ride for two. There’s nothing more romantic than punting slowly past beautiful baroque and Renaissance buildings. Pick up a gondola at any of the main bridges – the Rialto or Accademia. Just look out for the driver’s boater hat and striped shirt.
Next to the Grand Canal in the Dorsoduro district, the canals and streets narrow and the city becomes a village. Shop in quiet alleys for romantic gifts like Venetian masks and Murano glass.
Catch the sunset at St Mark’s Square and wander between the arcades past street orchestras to Caffè Florian for tea on the terrace.
Wandering just as dawn breaks in the beautiful and quiet ambience of Venice.
Have a leisurely drink in Piazza San Marco while listening to the music, and ask your partner for slow dance in the piazza by the water.
Day 4
Head to San Marco early in the morning when it is still pretty quiet with the sounds of the Duomo's bells ringing. Sit outside and enjoy with a cup of coffee.
There is a legend of Sotoportego dei Preti, a small passageway between two houses where the magical heart is carved just above the low arched entryway. From Campo de la Bragora off the Riva degli Schiavoni head up Calle del Dose, to Via Salizada del Pignater and here you’ll find Sotoportego dei Preti. If you are in a relationship, touch the heart together and your love will be eternal. If you are single touch the heart alone and you will find love within one year, as the legends have it.
For passionate, religious masterpieces by Venetian painter Titian head to Church of the Frari. This old Gothic church in the low-key San Polo district is a Renaissance art gallery. Stroll hand-in-hand with your lover through hidden alleyways and quiet squares on the way.
Take a motorboat a few miles across the Venetian lagoon to the un-spoilt islands nearby. Wander Burano’s streets of pastel houses and bargain with lace sellers or shop for signature coloured glass ornaments on Murano.
Make sure you’re back in time to catch the Grand Canal light up at sunset from the majestic, 16th century Rialto Bridge. Meander past its archway shops selling handmade gifts. Walk over the wooden Accademia Bridge for a romantic afternoon’s browsing of contemporary art at the Peggy Guggenheim museum.
Stroll around the back alleys and side canals of Dorsoduro or Santa Croce after dinner.
(The article has been authored by Manmeet Ahluwalia, Marketing Head, Expedia India)