Rome doesn’t simply welcome you—it overwhelms you, softly and suddenly. In 2025, with fewer crowds and brighter monuments, the Eternal City offers itself with rare generosity. Two days here aren’t enough to know it fully. But they are enough to fall in love.

Day 1 in Rome: Itinerary for ancient wonders and iconic streets

The journey begins early, in silence. As the city still sleeps, dawn settles on the Colosseum, its arches brushed in amber light. By 2025, thanks to recent restorations, centuries have been peeled back, revealing tunnels where gladiators once waited and lions paced in the shadows. Here, you don’t just learn history—you step inside it, fully immersed.

A few steps further, just beyond the ancient arena, the Roman Forum stretches like an unraveling scroll. At first glance, columns stand fractured but proud, monuments to resilience. Yet as you wander deeper, every path begins to whisper—of Cicero’s voice, of Caesar’s final breath. So slow down. Take your time. And now, with the help of new QR-coded panels, these ruins speak again. They bring forgotten voices back to life, one scan at a time.

As midday approaches, the atmosphere begins to shift. Little by little, the solemn grandeur of the ruins fades behind you. In its place, Monti unfolds—less monumental, but no less rich. Here, the stories are softer, tucked behind ivy-draped facades and sun-worn shutters. Eventually, you’ll notice a rhythm that asks nothing of you—just to be present.

Soon enough, appetite replaces awe. At that point, follow your instincts down a quieter street. Find a trattoria, preferably one that smells like garlic and history. Order cacio e pepe. Sip a glass of wine. After all, in Rome, meals aren’t just food. They’re rituals, repeated daily, shaped by time and tradition.

Discover the Pantheon and Piazza Navona in the afternoon

The afternoon draws you north, toward the Pantheon. The light, now sharper, slices through its oculus. No photo does it justice. Step outside, and the city pulls you into Piazza Navona. Fountains glisten, musicians play, and artists sketch. Let the rhythm of the square carry you.

Take a panoramic Ape Calessino Tour at Sunset

When the walking begins to wear you down, Rome offers another lens: the Ape Calessino Tour by Eat and Walk Italy. This three-wheeled ride blends nostalgia with discovery. Hidden courtyards, ancient arches, and sunlit terraces blur into a cinematic experience. It’s more than a tour—it’s movement through time.

Enjoy the evening in Trastevere and the Spanish Steps

As golden hour arrives, climb the Spanish Steps. At the top, rooftops glow. Then descend into Trastevere. This neighborhood speaks in scents—of grilled meats, rosemary, garlic. Wander, sit, eat. The night stretches like a Roman melody, soft and unforgettable.

Day 2 in Rome: art, faith, and secret corners

Day two begins at the heart of faith and art. The Vatican, at first light, feels sacred. With early access, you step into the Sistine Chapel almost alone. Michelangelo’s ceiling doesn’t just impress—it stirs. Then enter St. Peter’s. Don’t rush. Climb the dome. Rome opens wide from the top. Afterward, walk east toward Campo de’ Fiori. Grab something quick. Pizza bianca, warm and folded. Eat standing. Like the Romans. It’s fast, flavorful, and part of the city’s daily choreography.

Experience the History of the Jewish Ghetto and Teatro Marcello

As the sun softens and shadows begin to stretch, the Jewish Ghetto offers a space for quiet reflection. Just beyond, the Portico of Octavia stands in dignified ruin, whispering fragments of ancient history. Not far from here, Teatro Marcello—older than the Colosseum—waits in silence, wrapped in the hush of centuries past. So walk slowly. Let time settle around you like dust on marble. Then, at the right moment, stop for something sweet—perhaps a slice of ricotta and cherry tart. It doesn’t shout, but it speaks softly, and it stays with you, lingering like a memory.

Afterwards, climb the Aventine Hill. The path winds gently upward, and at the top, the Orange Garden greets you with silence and scent. Here, pause. Breathe. Let the view over the city linger in your mind like a final note in a beautiful song. Just a few steps further, almost hidden, discover the Keyhole of the Knights of Malta. Look through. It frames St. Peter’s Basilica with impossible symmetry—a secret that never loses its quiet sense of wonder. Finally, to close your Roman chapter, seek out a terrace facing the Colosseum. As evening deepens, the sky turns copper, then indigo. Order carbonara. Raise your glass. Rome glows. Around you, the city hums—not loud, but endlessly.

Spritz and pasta making in Piazza Navona

If you’re looking to mix authentic flavors with a touch of Roman lifestyle, this Spritz and Pasta Making Class in Piazza Navona is the experience to book in 2025. Ideal for travelers who want to enjoy local culture without leaving the city center, this half-day class combines hands-on cooking with relaxed Roman vibes—right in one of the most iconic squares in the world.

Experience in Rome created by Eat and Walk Italy

The experience takes place just steps from Piazza Navona, one of the most scenic and vibrant locations in Rome. You’ll cook in a charming venue overlooking centuries of history, where the energy of the city flows through cobblestone streets and baroque fountains.

What you’ll learn and enjoy with Eat and Walk

The class starts with a classic Italian ritual: the aperitivo. You’ll be greeted with a refreshing Aperol Spritz or prosecco and a selection of small bites, just like locals do before a meal. This sets the mood and introduces you to the relaxed pace of Italian dining.

Then, the real fun begins. Under the guidance of a professional local chef, you’ll learn how to:

• Make fresh pasta from scratch (typically fettuccine or ravioli)
• Prepare two traditional Roman sauces, such as carbonara, amatriciana, or cacio e pepe
• Create a classic Italian dessert, often tiramisu, using traditional ingredients
Everything is hands-on. You’ll mix, knead, roll, cut, and plate your own meal, then sit down with fellow participants to enjoy what you’ve created, served with wine and good conversation.
Duration and schedule
• Total duration: Approximately 3 hours
• Sessions available daily
• Typically offered in the late morning or early afternoon
• Advance booking highly recommended—especially during peak travel months

Why it’s perfect for a one-day itinerary in Rome

This experience fits easily into a single day in Rome, effortlessly offering a deep connection with the city’s culinary heritage, all while keeping you close to its most iconic attractions. Afterwards, once your meal is over, you’ll find yourself right in the heart of the historic center, ideally positioned to continue exploring nearby highlights such as the Pantheon, Campo de’ Fiori, or Castel Sant’Angelo. In addition, booking is simple and straightforward: you can reserve your spot directly through the Eat and Walk Italy website. What’s more, the class is available in English and accommodates small groups, ensuring an intimate and immersive experience from start to finish.

(credits: Freepik)