One Day In Rome: A Complete Itinerary

Rome, the capital of Italy, was founded in 753 B.C. Today, the Eternal City is renowned for its cuisine based around fresh ingredients like olive oil, vibrant streets filled with art, entertainment and culture and centuries-old landmarks of the Roman Empire.

Also known as the City of Seven Hills, this popular destination is home to famous sites and historic streets lined with adventures. This includes the more than 1,900-year-old Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Vatican City (the seat of Roman Catholicism) and plenty of romantic piazzas and parks to enjoy sunny days. We’ve rounded up several quintessential experiences that you can experience before or after your Royal Caribbean cruise from this iconic city.

Explore what to do in Rome in one day.

Key Takeaways: One Day in Rome

● Rome day trips offer a rich mix of history, culture and cuisine, from ancient gladiator arenas to bustling markets.

● Enjoy pizza-making classes, gelato stops and even olive oil tastings in the Tuscan countryside.

● Explore the Colosseum, Roman Forum, St. Peter’s Square and Villa Borghese, all with guided insights.

● Climb St. Peter’s Basilica dome, parasail over the coast or take a tuk-tuk through the city.

● To experience the city for yourself, explore cruises from Rome with Royal Caribbean today.

1. If You Want To Try New Food And Drink …

Partake in a Pizza-making Class

Time it takes: It depends on the class.

Recommendation: Wear clothes that can withstand stray pizza sauce.

Roman-style pizza is known for its distinctive thin, crunchy crust. It’s served by the pie or the slice in restaurants and cafes throughout Rome. If you’ve ever wished you could bring a taste of your vacation home with you, a pizza-making class hosted by Italian chefs in the heart of the Eternal City is your chance. 

You can even attend a class geared toward the whole family and bring back a new recipe that will wow your friends at home. Some classes include wine for the adults and appetizers like arancini (also known as fried risotto balls). 

Taste the Flavors of Testaccio Market

Time it takes: As long as you want.

Recommendation: Pace yourself.

If you want a glimpse of life as a local, stop by one of the most popular food markets in Rome. Testaccio Market has about 100 stalls, many of which have been passed down through the same families for generations. The bustling spot is known for gems like:

● Da Artenio: Known for its baked goods like “pizzette” (small pizza), “panzerotti” and turnovers stuffed with Nutella or sour cherry filling.

● Chicchi e Lettere: A counter where you can rest and order a glass of wine, or buy gifts like tea, jam or chocolate to take home.

Testaccio, the neighborhood where the market is located, is also a popular destination for food. This includes spots like Giolitti, famous for its gelato, along with some of the best bars and nightlife around. On Royal Caribbean, you can even round out Rome day trips with hand-tossed pizza, fresh pasta and wine at Giovanni’s℠  Italian Kitchen.

Visit the Italian Countryside and Go Olive Oil Tasting

Time it takes: Four hours.

Recommendation: Enjoy the peppery flavor that Tuscan olive oil is known for.

Take in the Tuscan countryside on a drive out of the city for an olive oil tasting. Like wine, olive oil is a staple of the local cuisine, and its origins are steeped in tradition and history. Every region in Italy’s olive oil, from Tuscany and Sicily to Puglia, has its own character and distinct flavors based on the species of trees, weather and soil.

Olive oil tasting often brings you to the countryside or a family-owned farmhouse, where you’ll sample varieties of Tuscan olive oil paired with different types of:

● Bread.

● Tomatoes.

● Jams.

● Local wines.

Learn about the history of this beloved Italian food and its production one bite at a time.

2. If You Want To Experience The Culture …

Time it takes: 10.5 hours.

Recommendation: Wear comfortable shoes and arrive well-rested.

If you love history, Rome is the destination for you. Here, you’ll find the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum — once the heart of day-to-day life in the Roman Empire — and the Colosseum, where gladiators battled before cheering crowds.

You can go on a tour of Imperial Rome to see the highlights of Rome in one day. It’s perfect for first-timers to catch a glimpse of the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum, the Colosseum and St. Peter’s Square.

Traverse Rome by Tuk-Tuk (Ape Calessino)

Time it takes: Nine hours.

Recommendation: Bring a camera.

Buckle up! One of the most popular adventures in Rome is a trip on an Ape Calessino, also known as a tuk-tuk. This is a unique three-wheeled vehicle that seats four people (a driver and three passengers), and it’s become an icon of Italian transportation. Invented in 1948, the tuk-tuk immediately became a stylish way to get around because of its charming look, versatility and efficiency. It’s also comfortable, with a shaded awning and padded seats.

Take a trip across the city on Rome day tours with a knowledgeable guide. You’ll cover a lot of ground in a tuk-tuk, including:

● St. Peter’s Square.

● The Imperial Forum series.

● The Arch of Constantine.

● Tiber Island.

● Gianicolo Hill (also known as Janiculum Hill).

Visit Villa Borghese

Time it takes: It’s up to you.

Recommendation: Save time to explore the rest of the Borghese Gardens.

At nearly 200 acres, the Borghese Gardens area is one of the largest parks in Rome — filled with museums, experiences and its namesake, the 17th-century Villa Borghese. Today, the villa has been transformed into the Borghese Gallery and Museum, home to a well-known collection of works. 

This includes several Gian Lorenzo Bernini sculptures commissioned by the Borghese family (once a family of nobles that rose to prominence in the 13th century). Bernini is one of the many Italian artists who made a stamp on the world, credited as a leading artist of his age for developing the Baroque style of sculpture.

3. If You’re Seeking Adventure …

Time it takes: It depends on the day..

Recommendation: Take the elevator if the stairs feel overwhelming.

Vatican City, the seat of the Roman Catholic Church, is the world’s smallest sovereign state. It’s also home to St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world. Inside, you’ll find marvels like:

● Michelangelo’s Pieta: A 6,700-pound marble sculpture.

● The baldachin: A 95-foot-tall bronze canopy.

● The dome: A 448-foot-high dome embellished with mosaic and stucco ornaments.

The dome’s first level, 231 steps up (or one elevator ride), is a balcony inside with colorful mosaics and access to a rooftop terrace. The terrace is a beautiful spot, and you can continue climbing up about 320 more steps to the top of the dome for a breathtaking view of Vatican City. 

Go Parasailing

Time it takes: It’s up to you.

Recommendation: Improve your aerodynamics by wearing fitted, athletic clothing.

On Rome day trips, sometimes the best way to see the sights is to take to the sky. Parasailing over the coast or even the countryside is a unique chance to see the green hills, farms and wineries around Rome. With an experienced instructor, you could get high enough to see:

● The Apennine mountains of central Italy.

● The Mediterranean coast.

● Archaeological sites like the ruins of a former Roman settlement, Norba.

● Your Royal Caribbean ship in the harbor.

Pro tip: If you feel like flying even while you’re at sea, Oasis Class ships have zip lines, so you can keep the adventure going.

Learn About Gladiators on a Visit to the Colosseum

Time it takes: Nine and a half hours.

Recommendation: Stick close to your guide for the best historical insights and hidden details.

Gladiators (celebrities of the Roman Empire) were professional fighters who battled in front of crowds at venues like the Colosseum. Whether you’re traveling with kids or simply young at heart, consider a full-day inside the Colosseum for an unforgettable journey through ancient history. 

Step onto the grounds of the Colosseum and walk in the footsteps of gladiators as your guide brings the roaring crowds and epic battles to life. You’ll follow the storied paths of the Roman Forum before continuing to Piazza Navona, known for its striking Baroque fountains. There are few better, more interactive ways to learn about ancient Roman history.

Rome One Day Itinerary For Cruisers

If you’re trying to visit Rome in a day at port, you can fit in a surprising amount of history, food and sightseeing. Here’s a sample itinerary to help you make the most of your time in the Eternal City:

● Morning – Colosseum and Roman Forum: Step inside the Colosseum to walk in the footsteps of gladiators, then explore the nearby Forum’s ancient temples and marketplaces.

● Late morning – Piazza Navona: Stroll to Piazza Navona to admire its Baroque fountains, browse local artists’ stalls and enjoy a quick espresso or gelato in the square.

● Lunch – classic Roman flavors: Try “cacio e pepe,” “pizza al taglio” or fresh pasta at a “trattoria” near the historic center. 

●Afternoon – St. Peter’s Square: Walk or take a short taxi ride to St. Peter’s Square to take in the sweeping colonnades and grand basilica exterior.

● Late afternoon – shopping or relaxing: Browse small boutiques near Via del Governo Vecchio, pick up souvenirs around Castel Sant’Angelo or unwind with a final gelato.

● Evening – return to cruise: Head back to your Royal Caribbean ship with unforgettable highlights from a day spent exploring Rome’s iconic history and lively streets.

Experience The Highlights Of Rome On A Cruise

From ancient gladiator arenas and the bustling Roman Forum to St. Peter’s Square and charming piazzas, Rome day trips offer a perfect blend of history, culture, cuisine and adventure. Exploring the city from the comfort of a Royal Caribbean cruise makes it easy to see these iconic sights while also giving you the chance to visit other incredible destinations nearby.