🏛️ Rome — The Real Plan

March 19–24, 2026 | Dragos + Anca

Your Profile (from interview)

Who	Couple — you're spectating, Anca is running the marathon
Pace	Steady explorers, 8+ hour days. She'll be slower post-race
Food	One great dinner + casual. You skip seafood, she likes it. Mixed menus. Budget-flexible
Style	Quick reviewer, appreciates both highlights and hidden gems
Transport	Walk + Metro + scooter rental (you're an experienced rider)
Goal	See the best of Rome — landmarks + hidden gems + great food + marathon, all in harmony

Advance Booking Checklist

Do these NOW before you fly:

What	When to book	Link & Price
⚠️ VATICAN MUSEUMS + SISTINE CHAPEL	ASAP — sells out weeks ahead. Book for Monday March 23, 8:00 AM slot	museivaticani.va — €25/person
⚠️ GALLERIA COLONNA	Book online, Saturday March 21 AM	galleriacolonna.it — €15/person
⚠️ VICUS CAPRARIUS	Book online for Friday March 20	vicuscaprarius.com — €4/person
🎭 OPERA / CONCERT	Book if interested (see Day 4/5 options)	See events section below
🛵 SCOOTER RENTAL	Book 1-2 days ahead, or walk in	myscooterentinrome.it

Note on Vatican Museums: Closed Sundays. Monday is your best shot. They open at 8 AM — be in the queue by 7:45.

Note on Sistine Chapel: The Last Judgment wall is behind full floor-to-ceiling scaffolding (restoration since Jan 2026). A replica screen is displayed, but the original wall is not visible. The chapel ceiling (the famous Creation of Adam) IS fully visible. The rest of the Vatican Museums are unaffected and spectacular.

Scooter Intel

You're an experienced motorcyclist (Honda NC750), so Rome traffic won't phase you. Here's the practical info:

Cost: €20-45/day depending on engine size. 125cc is plenty for the city.
What you need: Your Romanian driver's license is valid in Italy (EU). No IDP legally required. Some rental shops may ask for one as company policy — check ahead, but you're covered by law.
Best rental areas: Near Termini station or city center. Walk-in works, but booking 1-2 days ahead guarantees your pick.
ZTL zones: Rome's historic center has restricted traffic zones (ZTL) with cameras. Scooters are generally exempt, but confirm with the rental shop.
Helmets: Mandatory. Provided with rental.
Best use days: Thursday, Friday, Tuesday. NOT race day (streets closed).
Parking: Scooters park on sidewalks like locals. Free, easy, everywhere.

Recommendation: Rent a scooter for Friday (Day 2) and Tuesday (Day 6) — your biggest exploration days. Walk the rest.

Day 1 — Thursday, March 19 | Arrival + Aventine + Testaccio + Jewish Ghetto + Centro Storico ▼

Arrive ~10:00. Settle in, pick up bib, ease into the city.

📍 Cluster A: Circo Massimo / Aventine

📍 View walking route on Google Maps

Walkable from Cuma Suites

Spot	Crowd	Time	Notes
Marathon Expo Village (Circo Massimo)	🟡	⏱ 30-60 min at spot · 🚶 15 min from hotel	Pick up her race bib + kit. Open 9 AM – 8 PM. Browse the expo, check the list of 17 free museums included with the bib
Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden)	🟢	⏱ 20 min at spot · 🚶 10 min uphill from Circo Massimo	Terrace overlooking Rome with St. Peter's dome. One of the best first-impressions of the city
Aventine Keyhole (Knights of Malta)	🟢	⏱ 5 min at spot · 🚶 2 min from Orange Garden	Peek through the keyhole for a perfectly framed St. Peter's dome. Quick but iconic
Basilica di Santa Sabina	🟢	⏱ 15 min at spot · 🚶 1 min (right next door)	One of Rome's oldest churches (5th century). Stunning in its simplicity — no Baroque excess, just pure ancient beauty. The wooden doors are 1,600 years old
Circo Massimo	🟢	⏱ 15 min at spot · 🚶 10 min back downhill	Walk through the ancient chariot-racing grounds. She finishes her marathon here Sunday

📍 Cluster B: Testaccio

📍 View walking route on Google Maps

Lunch cluster — 10-min walk downhill from Aventine

Spot	Crowd	Time	Notes
Testaccio Market (Mercato di Testaccio)	🟢	⏱ 45-60 min at spot · 🚶 10 min downhill from Aventine	Rome's best food market. Authentic, zero tourists. Lunch here: try Mordi e Vai (legendary Roman sandwich stall — get the bollito con salsa verde), FoodBox for supplì, or grab fresh pizza. Open Mon-Sat until 3:30 PM. Arrive by 12-1 PM
Protestant Cemetery (Cimitero Acattolico)	🟢	⏱ 20 min at spot · 🚶 5 min from market	One of Rome's most peaceful hidden gems. Keats' grave, Shelley's memorial, ancient cypress trees, resident cats. Hauntingly beautiful. Free (€5 donation suggested)
Piramide Cestia	🟢	⏱ 5 min · 🚶 2 min (right outside cemetery)	An actual ancient Egyptian-style pyramid in the middle of Rome. Built 12 BC. Bizarre and photogenic — view from outside on the way to the Metro

📍 Cluster C: Jewish Ghetto

📍 View walking route on Google Maps

Early afternoon — walk north from Testaccio or Metro B Piramide → Colosseo, then walk

Spot	Crowd	Time	Notes
Teatro di Marcello	🟢	⏱ 10 min · 🚶 15 min walk north or Metro B (Piramide→Colosseo, 5 min) + 10 min walk	Like a mini Colosseum but 13 years older — and people still live in the apartments built on top. Visible from outside. Surreal
Portico d'Ottavia	🟢	⏱ 10 min · 🚶 5 min from Teatro Marcello	Ancient Roman ruins in the heart of the ghetto. The medieval fish market operated here for centuries. Atmospheric, crumbling, gorgeous
Fontana delle Tartarughe (Turtle Fountain)	🟢	⏱ 5 min · 🚶 3 min from Portico	Piazza Mattei. Charming Renaissance fountain with turtles added by Bernini. One of Rome's most photographed small fountains
Jewish Ghetto streets	🟢	⏱ 20-30 min · 🚶 you're already here	Wander the narrow streets of Europe's oldest ghetto (1555). Beautiful, layered, full of history. Great bakeries with Roman-Jewish specialties — try carciofi alla giudia (fried artichokes) at Nonna Betta or Ba'Ghetto

📍 Cluster D: Centro Storico

📍 View walking route on Google Maps

Late afternoon → evening

Spot	Crowd	Time	Notes
Largo Argentina (outdoor)	🟢	⏱ 10 min · 🚶 5 min from Jewish Ghetto	Roman temple ruins + cat sanctuary. Free to view from street level. On the way from the Ghetto to the Pantheon
Piazza della Minerva	🟢	⏱ 5 min · 🚶 5 min from Largo Argentina	Bernini's adorable elephant carrying an Egyptian obelisk. Right next to the Pantheon. Everyone walks past it — stop and look
Pantheon	🟡	⏱ 30 min · 🚶 1 min (right next to Minerva)	Free entry. Best after 4 PM when the light through the oculus is golden. The single most perfect building in Rome
San Luigi dei Francesi	🟢	⏱ 15 min · 🚶 5 min from Pantheon	Steps from Piazza Navona. Three Caravaggio masterpieces in the Contarelli Chapel — free entry, €1 to light up the paintings. Most people don't know it's here
Piazza Navona	🟡	⏱ 20 min · 🚶 2 min from San Luigi	Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers. Walk through, don't eat here (overpriced)
Via della Pace	🟢	⏱ 10 min · 🚶 2 min off Piazza Navona	Tiny ivy-covered street off Piazza Navona. Instagram gold. Bar della Pace has a beautiful vine-covered facade
Campo de' Fiori	🟢	⏱ 20 min · 🚶 5 min from Piazza Navona	Evening market square. Great for aperitivo

🍝 Food — Day 1

Type	Spot	Area	Price	Notes
🎩 Nice dinner	Roscioli Salumeria	Via dei Giubbonari (near Campo de' Fiori)	€€€	Outstanding Roman classics + wine cellar. BOOK AHEAD. Mixed menu — she can get seafood pasta, you get carbonara
🍕 Quick bite	Antico Forno Roscioli	Same street	€	Pizza bianca and supplì. The bakery next door to the restaurant
☕ Coffee	Sant'Eustachio Il Caffè	Near Pantheon	€	Famous espresso. Order "gran caffè" — don't ask for sugar, it's already sweetened
🍷 Aperitivo	Il Barretto	Campo de' Fiori area	€€	Low-key, locals, great negroni

🎉 March 19 is St. Joseph's Day (Festa di San Giuseppe) — Italian tradition of cream puffs (bignè di San Giuseppe) and fried pastries. Every bakery and pasticceria will have them. Try some on your first day!

🍸 Rome Cocktail Bar & Restaurant Week (March 16–30) — special menus and deals at bars and restaurants city-wide. Runs your entire stay.

Day 2 — Friday, March 20 | Trevi + Spanish Steps → Piazza del Popolo + Villa Borghese ▼

Your biggest walking day before the race. Cover the northern Centro Storico in one sweep. Consider renting a scooter today.

📍 Cluster A: Trevi + Barberini area

📍 View walking route on Google Maps

Morning, start by 9:30-10 AM

Spot	Crowd	Time	Notes
Piazza Barberini — Bernini's Triton Fountain	🟢	⏱ 5 min · 🚶 Metro A from hotel or taxi	Start the day here. Bernini's muscular Triton blowing water through a conch shell. Easy landmark to orient from
Via delle Quattro Fontane	🟢	⏱ 5 min · 🚶 3 min from Barberini	Walk down this street from Barberini. At the crossroads, four Renaissance fountains sit on each corner — and you can see three obelisks from this one spot. Unique in Rome
⚠️ BOOK: Vicus Caprarius (City of Water)	🟢	⏱ 20-30 min · 🚶 8 min from Quattro Fontane	Ancient Roman ruins 9m underground near Trevi. Water still flows from the 2,000-year-old Aqua Virgo aqueduct. Open 11 AM – 5 PM (closed Mondays). €4 entry
Trevi Fountain (pass by)	🔴	⏱ 5 min · 🚶 1 min from Vicus Caprarius	You said no lingering. Glance on the way from Vicus Caprarius. If you want a quiet moment: come back at 7 AM tomorrow (Saturday)
Galleria Sciarra	🟢	⏱ 5 min · 🚶 3 min from Trevi	Hidden Art Nouveau courtyard with stunning frescoed ceiling. Most tourists walk right past it. Free. Steps from Trevi

📍 Cluster B: Spanish Steps → Piazza del Popolo

📍 View walking route on Google Maps

Late morning → early afternoon

Spot	Crowd	Time	Notes
Spanish Steps	🔴 → 🟡	⏱ 15 min · 🚶 10 min from Galleria Sciarra	Walk up for the view. Don't linger. Best before 10 AM
Trinità dei Monti	🟢	⏱ 10 min · 🚶 at the top of the steps	The church at the top of the Spanish Steps. Beautiful facade, and the terrace behind it offers a different angle over the city
Via Margutta	🟢	⏱ 15 min · 🚶 5 min down from steps	Quiet, ivy-draped art gallery street parallel to Via del Babuino. The most "romesome" street in the city. Where Audrey Hepburn lived in Roman Holiday
Via dei Condotti	🟡	⏱ walk-through · 🚶 parallel to Margutta	High-end shopping street. Beautiful architecture even if you don't buy anything
Piazza del Popolo	🟡	⏱ 20 min · 🚶 10 min from Via dei Condotti	Grand piazza with twin churches and Egyptian obelisk. Enter from the south for the dramatic reveal
Santa Maria del Popolo	🟢	⏱ 20-30 min · 🚶 1 min (north side of piazza)	Don't miss this. Inside the church on the north side of the piazza: TWO Caravaggio masterpieces (Crucifixion of St. Peter + Conversion of St. Paul) in the Cerasi Chapel, plus a Bernini-designed chapel and Raphael's Chigi Chapel. Free entry. €1 to light the Caravaggios. One of the highest art-per-square-meter churches in Rome

📍 Cluster C: Villa Borghese

📍 View walking route on Google Maps

Afternoon — enter from Piazza del Popolo stairs

Spot	Crowd	Time	Notes
Terrazza del Pincio	🟢	⏱ 20 min · 🚶 5 min stairs from Piazza del Popolo	Best sunset viewpoint in Rome — come back here around 6:30 PM if weather is clear. But the daytime view is stunning too
Villa Borghese lake + Temple of Aesculapius	🟢	⏱ 30-45 min · 🚶 10 min from Pincio	Rent a rowboat (€3/20 min) on the little lake. The neoclassical temple on the island is Rome's most romantic spot. Perfect for photos
Villa Borghese gardens stroll	🟢	⏱ 30-60 min · 🚶 you're already here	Wander the tree-lined avenues, stumble on fountains and statues. Rome's "Central Park" — but with ancient Roman artifacts scattered among the trees
Pincio Water Clock (Orologio ad Acqua)	🟢	⏱ 5 min · 🚶 5 min from lake area	Hidden curiosity in the gardens. A clock powered entirely by water, built in 1867. Most Romans don't even know it exists

🍝 Food — Day 2

Type	Spot	Area	Price	Notes
🎩 Nice dinner	Osteria Margutta	Via Margutta	€€€	Charming art-filled space on the most beautiful street in Rome. Mixed menu — great seafood for her, Roman classics for you. (Note: Il Margutta next door is vegetarian-only)
🍝 Lunch	Buccone	Via di Ripetta (near Piazza del Popolo)	€€	Wine bar with excellent small plates. Perfect lazy lunch
☕ Coffee	Antico Caffè Greco	Via dei Condotti	€€	Historic café since 1760. Expensive, but one espresso for the experience
🍕 Quick	Pinsere	Near Piazza del Popolo	€	Excellent pinsa (lighter, crispier Roman pizza). Fast, good, cheap

Day 3 — Saturday, March 21 | Galleria Grande + Pre-Race Rest ▼

Day before marathon. She needs to save her legs. You're a team — match her pace today. The Galleria Grande is the one non-negotiable, then keep it easy.

📍 Morning: Galleria Colonna (Galleria Grande) — SATURDAY ONLY

Spot	Crowd	Time	Notes
⚠️ BOOK: Galleria Colonna / Galleria Grande	🟢	⏱ 60-90 min · 🚶 Metro or taxi from hotel (20 min)	Open 9 AM – 1:15 PM. One of Rome's most spectacular Baroque gallery halls. Massive frescoed ceilings, columns, masterworks. Free English guided tour at 12 PM. Go at 9 AM for quiet enjoyment. Via della Pilotta 17, near Piazza Venezia. €15/person

📍 Easy afternoon together — minimal walking, maximum charm

Option	Effort	Notes
Monti neighborhood	Low — flat, close	10-min walk from Galleria Colonna. Vintage shops, coffee at La Bottega del Caffè in Piazza della Madonna dei Monti. Sit in the piazza, people-watch, browse. Zero stress
Largo Argentina cat sanctuary	Minimal	Roman temple ruins where Julius Caesar was assassinated — now home to a cat colony. Weird, wonderful, 10-minute stop on the way to/from Monti
Last expo visit	Low	Expo closes at 6 PM today. Pick up anything last-minute. Circo Massimo is near your hotel

🍝 Food — Day 3 (pre-race carbs)

Type	Spot	Area	Price	Notes
🍝 Carb dinner	Taverna dei Fori Imperiali	Via della Madonna dei Monti (Monti)	€€	Classic Roman pasta, generous portions. Perfect pre-race fuel. Reserve ahead
🍝 Alternative	Trattoria Luzzi	Near Colosseum/San Giovanni	€-€€	No-frills, big plates, close to your hotel. Local institution
☕ Afternoon	La Bottega del Caffè	Piazza Madonna dei Monti	€	Best people-watching square in Monti

Day 4 — Sunday, March 22 | MARATHON DAY ▼

She runs. You cheer. Then celebrate together.

🏃 Your Spectator Game Plan

Streets will be closed for the race, so no scooter today. Use Metro + walking to hop between cheer points.

Race starts 8:30 AM from Via dei Fori Imperiali. Waves from 8:10–9:00 AM depending on her corral.

Here's how to see her at 4 different points on the course:

Time (approx)	Location	KM	How to get there	What to do while waiting
~8:15 AM	Via dei Fori Imperiali (START)	0	Walk from hotel (15 min) or Metro B to Colosseo	See her off. Cheer. Take photos with Colosseum behind her
~9:00–9:30 AM	Castel Sant'Angelo / Ponte Sant'Angelo	~20	Metro B Colosseo → transfer at Termini → Metro A to Lepanto (~15 min), then walk 15 min. Or walk along the Tiber (~35 min)	She'll pass the halfway point here. Get coffee at Sciascia Caffè (Via Fabio Massimo) while waiting
~10:00–10:30 AM	Piazza del Popolo	~33	Walk from Castel Sant'Angelo (~20 min) via Lungotevere	She's in the final 10K push. This is where she needs you most. Loud cheering
~10:45–11:30 AM	Circo Massimo (FINISH)	42.2	Taxi from Piazza del Popolo (~10 min) is the best option. Walking is 45-50 min (4.8 km). Metro requires a transfer at Termini (Flaminio A → B Circo Massimo, ~20 min). Grab a taxi on Lungotevere or use FreeNow/Uber	Get there early to secure a spot near the finish. Bring her a change of clothes, water, snack

Timing notes: These times assume a ~3:00–3:30 marathon. Adjust based on her expected pace. The app "Run Rome The Marathon" tracking should let you follow her live GPS.

Recovery Afternoon (both)

When	What
After finish	Stretch zone at Circo Massimo. Stay for the post-race atmosphere
Lunch	Taxi to Trastevere (5 min from Circo Massimo) — save her legs. Or walk slowly (~25 min, flat) if she's up for it
Afternoon	Rest at hotel. Or slow wander if she's feeling okay
Evening	Marathon Party — affiliated venues near Piazza Navona offer promotions with bib/medal. Past venues: Bar del Fico, Caffè Parione

🍝 Food — Day 4

Type	Spot	Area	Price	Notes
🎩 Celebration dinner	Da Enzo al 29	Trastevere	€€	Legendary trattoria. Cacio e pepe is perfection. No reservations — queue only. Opens 7:30 PM for dinner; arrive by 7 PM to minimize wait. If Anca's legs can't handle queuing, use the alternative below
🎩 Alt (reservable)	Grazia & Graziella	Trastevere (Piazza della Gensola)	€€-€€€	Beautiful setting, accepts reservations. Great seafood for Anca + classic pasta for you. Romantic. Book this as backup in case the Da Enzo queue is too much post-marathon
🍝 No-queue option	Nannarella	Trastevere	€€	Slightly less crowded than Da Enzo, equally excellent. Shorter wait
🍕 Recovery lunch	Pizzarium Bonci	Near Vatican (Cipro Metro)	€	Best pizza al taglio in Rome. Standing room, worth the detour. Refuel station
🍦 Gelato	Fatamorgana	Trastevere (multiple locations)	€	Best artisan gelato in Rome. No artificial ingredients

Day 5 — Monday, March 23 | Vatican + Castel Sant'Angelo + Trastevere ▼

She'll be sore but mobile. You're matching her pace — flat ground, lots of sitting, metro between clusters. This day is about going slow together and letting the city come to you. Use marathon bib for free museums where applicable.

📍 Cluster A: Vatican

📍 View walking route on Google Maps

Morning — get there early

Spot	Crowd	Time	Notes
⚠️ BOOK: Vatican Museums + Sistine Chapel	🔴 → 🟡 at 8 AM	⏱ 2-3 hours · 🚶 Metro A Ottaviano from hotel	MUST book online. Be in queue by 7:45 AM. The first hour is magical — empty galleries, quiet Sistine Chapel. After 10 AM it becomes a crush. €25/person. Pro tip: there are benches throughout the museum — take breaks whenever she needs them. The Sistine Chapel Last Judgment is behind full scaffolding but the ceiling (Creation of Adam) is fully visible
St. Peter's Basilica	🔴 → 🟡 after Museums	⏱ 45-60 min · 🚶 via Sistine Chapel side exit	Free entry. Walk directly from the Sistine Chapel exit (there's a side door). The interior is staggering — Michelangelo's Pietà, Bernini's baldachin. Dome climb (551 steps) — skip this the day after a marathon. The interior alone is worth it
St. Peter's Square	🟡	⏱ 15 min · 🚶 walk out the front	Bernini's colonnade. Walk through slowly. The scale is overwhelming
Borgo Pio	🟢	⏱ 15-20 min · 🚶 5 min from St. Peter's Square	Charming pedestrian street connecting St. Peter's to Castel Sant'Angelo. Local shops, cafés, zero tourists. The way Romans walk between these two landmarks. Perfect coffee stop: Sciascia Caffè (Via Fabio Massimo, one block over)

📍 Cluster B: Castel Sant'Angelo + Ponte

📍 View walking route on Google Maps

Afternoon

Spot	Crowd	Time	Notes
Castel Sant'Angelo	🟡	⏱ 60-90 min · 🚶 10 min from Borgo Pio	Hadrian's fortress → papal castle → museum. Rooftop terrace has stunning city views + Puccini connection (Tosca's final scene). HIGH CHANCE your marathon bib gets free entry here — it's a municipal museum. Open 9 AM – 7:30 PM. There's a lift inside for sore legs
Ponte Sant'Angelo	🟢	⏱ 10 min · 🚶 1 min (right in front)	Bernini's angel statues lining the bridge. Best at golden hour. You cheered here yesterday — different feel walking it together

📍 Cluster C: Trastevere wander

Late afternoon / evening

Spot	Crowd	Time	Notes
Trastevere streets	🟢 (daytime)	⏱ open-ended · 🚶 15 min from Ponte Sant'Angelo via Ponte Sisto	Cross Ponte Sisto from the east bank. Cobblestone streets, ivy walls, neighborhood life. No agenda — just wander at whatever pace feels right
Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere	🟢	⏱ 20 min · 🚶 5 min into Trastevere	Gorgeous 12th-century mosaics. One of Rome's oldest churches. Usually quiet. Good place to sit
Piazza Trilussa	🟢	⏱ sit down · 🚶 5 min from Santa Maria	Popular evening hangout. Grab a beer, people-watch

🍝 Food — Day 5

Type	Spot	Area	Price	Notes
🎩 Nice dinner	Tonnarello	Trastevere (Via della Paglia)	€€	Lively trattoria, huge portions, great tonnarelli cacio e pepe (their signature). Mixed menu. Fast service — you'll be in and out in 45 min. If you used Grazia & Graziella on Day 4, try this instead
🍝 Lunch	Bonci Pizzarium	Near Vatican	€	If you didn't go yesterday. Or Sciascia Caffè for lighter fare
🍕 Quick	Supplizio	Near Largo Argentina (en route to Trastevere)	€	Best supplì (fried rice balls) in Rome. The classic and the cacio e pepe versions
☕ Coffee	Caffè Settimiano	Trastevere	€	Tiny neighborhood café, no tourists

Day 6 — Tuesday, March 24 | Ancient Rome + Final Explorations → Departure ▼

Last day. You have a solid morning and early afternoon. Consider renting the scooter again today for efficient coverage, or walk — the clusters are close.

📍 Cluster A: Ancient Rome

📍 View walking route on Google Maps

Morning, go at opening

Spot	Crowd	Time	Notes
Roman Forum + Palatine Hill	🟡 → 🟢 at opening	⏱ 2-2.5 hours · 🚶 Metro B Colosseo from hotel	Combined ticket €18, or try your marathon bib (worth asking — though these are state-run, not municipal). Open from 9 AM. Go at opening for best light and fewest people. Palatine Hill has gardens, ruins, views over the Forum. This is where Rome began
Colosseum exterior	🟡	⏱ 15 min · 🚶 5 min from Forum exit	Walk around it. Get your photos. The outside is honestly magnificent. You don't need to go in
Via dei Fori Imperiali	🟡	⏱ walk-through · 🚶 you're on it	The grand boulevard where her marathon started. Walk it at your own pace

📍 Cluster B: Final gems

Late morning

Piazza del Campidoglio (if not done Day 3) — Michelangelo's piazza. Walk up the grand staircase from Via dei Fori Imperiali. The view from the back terrace overlooks the Forum you just walked through. 10 min
Vittoriano rooftop terrace (if not done Day 3) — Take the glass elevator (€7) for a 360° panorama of Rome. 20 min. Effortless
Via di Monte Tarpeo (hidden overlook) — Steps from Campidoglio. Panoramic Forum views from a spot most tourists never find
Sant'Andrea al Quirinale — Bernini's personal favorite work — a tiny, perfect Baroque church near Piazza Barberini. Free, 10 min. Walk here from the Forum area toward your farewell lunch at Colline Emiliane
Monti neighborhood (if not yet visited) — Last chance. Vintage shops, great espresso, coolest quartiere. Between the Forum and Piazza Barberini
Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano — Near your hotel. Rome's actual cathedral (not St. Peter's). Stunning interior, almost no tourists. On the way back to grab luggage

📍 Farewell lunch (12:30–2:00 PM)

Take your time. This is your last Roman meal.

Type	Spot	Area	Price	Notes
🎩 Farewell lunch	Colline Emiliane	Near Piazza Barberini	€€€	Handmade pasta, old-school Roman service. Outstanding tortellini. One of the best meals in the city
🎩 Alternative	Armando al Pantheon	Near Pantheon	€€	Historic trattoria, seasonal Roman menu. She can get great seafood, you get the artichoke or amatriciana
🍦 Last gelato	Giolitti or Fatamorgana	Centro Storico	€	Final gelato for the road

By ~3 PM: Head back to Cuma Suites, grab luggage, depart.

Reference Sections

Day-by-Day Energy Map

Thu 19 Fri 20 Sat 21 Sun 22 Mon 23 Tue 24
You: ████░ █████ ██░░░ ████░ ███░░ ████░
Anca: ████░ ████░ ██░░░ 🏃→█░ ██░░░ ███░░
Together: ████░ ████░ ██░░░ ██░░░ ██░░░ ███░░
^save ^race ^recover
legs day day

(You match her pace. Optional extras marked on rest days if you both feel good.)

Crowd Cheat Sheet

Time	Why it matters
Before 9 AM	Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain = almost empty. Rome wakes up late
8–10 AM	Vatican Museums sweet spot. First hour is golden
12–2 PM	Most sites = lunch lull. Good time to visit popular spots
After 4 PM	Pantheon light is magical. Crowds thin at outdoor sites
Golden hour (6–7 PM)	Ponte Sant'Angelo, Terrazza del Pincio, Giardino degli Aranci = peak beauty, moderate crowds
Sunday	Churches are busy (Mass). Museums and sites = quieter. Streets are calmer

Transport Quick Reference

Method	When to use	Cost	Notes
Walking	Always the default within clusters	Free	Rome is best on foot. Wear good shoes (cobblestones)
Metro	Between distant clusters (Colosseo ↔ Vatican, etc.)	€1.50/ride, €7/day pass	Two lines: A (red) and B (blue). Runs 5:30 AM – 11:30 PM (Fri-Sat until 1:30 AM)
Scooter rental	Day 2 (Friday) and Day 6 (Tuesday)	€20-45/day	Best for covering the north cluster efficiently. Park anywhere. Romanian license valid (EU)
Taxi/Uber	Post-marathon, tired evenings, airport	€8-15 within centro	FreeNow and Uber both work in Rome. Taxi ranks at major piazzas
Bus	Rarely needed	€1.50	Useful for Trastevere if legs are done. Bus 23 or H from city center

Rome Eating Rules

A few things to know:

Coperto is a standard bread/cover charge (€1-3/person). It's normal, not a scam.
Don't sit at piazza restaurants at Piazza Navona, Trevi, Spanish Steps. Triple the price, half the quality.
Aperitivo hour is 6–8 PM. Many bars include free snacks with your drink (€8-12 for a spritz + food).
Roman pasta Big Four: Carbonara, Cacio e Pepe, Amatriciana, Gricia. Try all four over the trip.
Supplì = fried rice balls. Roman street food essential. Get the classic (tomato + mozzarella) and the cacio e pepe version.
Coffee standing at the bar = €1-1.50. Sitting at a table = €3-5. Locals always stand.
Restaurants near your hotel (San Giovanni): The area around Via Appia Nuova and Piazza Re di Roma is very local — trattorias there are authentic and cheap.

Complete Food Map

Can't-Miss Meals (book these)

Restaurant	Day	Meal	Area	Why
Roscioli Salumeria	Thu	Dinner	Campo de' Fiori	Roman classics, incredible wine. Mixed menu for both of you
Da Enzo al 29	Sun	Celebration dinner	Trastevere	Post-marathon feast. The cacio e pepe
Colline Emiliane	Tue	Farewell lunch	Piazza Barberini	Handmade pasta. Perfect final meal

Great Casual Spots (no reservation needed)

Spot	What	Area	Price
Pizzarium Bonci	Best pizza al taglio	Near Vatican	€
Supplizio	Best supplì	Largo Argentina	€
Antico Forno Roscioli	Pizza bianca, pastries	Campo de' Fiori	€
Trapizzino	Pizza pocket stuffed with Roman classics	Testaccio + Trastevere	€
Pinsere	Excellent pinsa	Near Piazza del Popolo	€
Mordi e Vai (Testaccio Market)	Legendary Roman sandwiches	Testaccio Market, Box 15	€
La Bottega del Caffè	Coffee + people-watching	Monti	€

Optional Activities & Events

🎭 Performing Arts

Event	Date	Time	Venue	Price	Notes
Open Air Opera + Aperitif at Terrazza Borromini	Sun Mar 22	5:30 PM	Palazzo Pamphilj rooftop, Piazza Navona	~€118/pp	Opera overlooking Piazza Navona with food & wine. Post-marathon celebration option. Book here
The Three Tenors	Tue Mar 24	Evening	Church of St Paul's Within the Walls	~€25-35/pp	Classic concert in a beautiful church. Good for your last evening. Check exact time closer to date
Ballet	Through Mar 22	Evening	Teatro Costanzi (Teatro dell'Opera)	Varies	If you want world-class ballet on Saturday evening (pre-race). operaroma.it

🎨 Extra Museums (use marathon bib for free entry)

Museum	Area	Time needed	Notes
Capitoline Museums	Piazza del Campidoglio	1.5-2 hr	Ancient Roman art + the original She-Wolf statue. Likely free with bib (municipal). Best paired with Day 3 (Saturday) if you both have the energy
MACRO (contemporary art)	Via Nizza	1 hr	Free admission. Modern art in a former brewery. Cool if you want something different
Musei di Villa Torlonia	Via Nomentana	1-2 hr	Art Nouveau villa with beautiful gardens. Off the beaten path. Likely free with bib

Weather & Packing Notes

March in Rome: 9–15°C (48–59°F). Sunny days likely, rain possible.
Layers: Light jacket + sweater. Mornings are cool, midday can be warm in the sun.
Rain jacket: Pack a lightweight one. March gets ~60mm of rain.
Shoes: Comfortable walking shoes with good soles. Cobblestones are murder on thin soles. Post-marathon, she'll want her most cushioned shoes.
For churches: Shoulders and knees covered (both of you). Carry a scarf for her just in case.

Emergency & Practical

What	Info
Emergency number	112 (EU-wide)
Nearest hospital to Cuma Suites	Policlinico Umberto I (~15 min by taxi)
Pharmacy	Look for green cross signs. Many open 24/7 near Termini
SIM card	TIM or Vodafone at the airport or Termini. €10-15 for tourist data plan
Tipping	Not expected but appreciated. Round up or leave €1-2 at restaurants
Water	Tap water is excellent in Rome. Free public fountains (nasoni) everywhere — drink from them