Introduction Visit Rome Day 3
In December 2021 we made a 5 days trip to Rome, the Italian capital. With this we had quite enough time to visit most of the main landmarks of Rome and got to do more than enough things to do in Rome.
In 5 days, we actually spent 4 nights there and had a total of 4 days of visiting as we needed one day to travel there. We arrived in the late afternoon the first day and left in the evening the last day. We stayed in the city center near Campo de’ Fiori which was perfect as we could reach everything walking. Vatican was up north 25min, Coliseum was south, 20min and so on.
This day, we will visit the historical center and Castel Gandolfo
We tried making sense of this itinerary in order to avoid going back and forth. This guide is based mostly on how we did it with a few corrections to improve it.
If you need more detail about Rome, you can read our ultimate guide.
Table of Contents
Mapping the day
How to visit Rome Day 3
Pantheon
Let’s start this 3rd day by heading to the Pantheon. Be there 20min after its opening time to avoid the line. If you want to be the first in it, you will need to arrive at least 20min earlier.
At this hour it will also be quite empty. In the weekend, you need to reserve a spot (free). It says to do it 1-day in advance, but we did it in front and it was Ok.
Trevi Fountain
From the Pantheon, head to the Trevi fountains to admire the most famous fountains of Rome and maybe the World.
Within the fountains, numerous statues are representing an allegory of the Sea with the god Neptune in its center. Tradition has it that you should throw 2 coins in the fountain: one to make a wish and the other one to be sure to return to Rome.
As it is still early in the morning, it will also not be too crowded. Which is perfect to take a nice picture with it.
Quirinal Palace
Time to go to the train station. On your way pop by the Quirinal Palace which is one of the three current official residences of the President of the Italian Republic. You can just walk by it.
Castel Gandolfo
Take a train end of the morning. You have one at 10h28 and it last 53min or 12h21 which last 41min. From the train station of Castel Gandolfo, you will have 10min walk uphill to reach the village. Once there you will get an amazing view of the lake.
We found this place AMAZING and worth spending time there even though it is quite small. Once in the village, visit its main streets, stop at some shops and then go for lunch in on the restaurants there.
To book a train ticket, you can go on Trenitalia (Roma to Castel Gandolfo)
Papal Garden
Open since 2015, it is now possible to visit the Papal Gardens at Castel Gandolfo. It is there that the pope rest but also work when staying in its summer residence. The garden is also the place where all the food for the Vatican is produced.
The garden can only be visited by walking tour or golf car tour. We opted for the walking tour. The guide was super friendly and made the tour really nice. The garden itself is of course stunning.
We visited them at 15h but depending on the season it could also be only in the morning. In this case, you will have to switch this guide.
You can book your ticket there under Castel Gandolfo Residence.
Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo
Once out of the garden, you can visit the huge 17th century villa that was used as a summer residence and vacation retreat for the pope. It is interesting to do but there is a lot to listen from the included audio guide. As you can get to know each pope! And there wasn’t only a few of them.
Then you walk by lots of different room within the villa. Once out, simply walk back to the train station to go back to Rome.
Where to Stay
Finché C’È Vita C’È Speranza – “While There’s Life, There’s Hope”
