We travelled to Rome as two adults from 9 to 12 July 2026. The history and Italian food were the highlights; the intense summer heat was the part we would plan differently next time.
Flights and upgraded hotel
We flew direct with Ryanair from Dublin to Rome Fiumicino and returned on the same route. The flights cost €603.10 for two passengers.
Our base was Hotel Cristoforo Colombo. The final price was €364.44 for three nights after upgrading the room, with breakfast included. Taxis were reasonably priced during our stay, so getting around did not become the budget shock it can be in some cities.
Exactly what we pre-booked
| Booking for two | July 2026 price |
|---|---|
| Return Ryanair flights | €603.10 |
| Upgraded hotel room with breakfast | €364.44 |
| Pre-booked transfer | €66.11 |
| Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill | €61.20 |
| Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Square | €207.00 |
| Castel Sant’Angelo | €70.00 |
| Pantheon | €34.00 |
| Trevi Fountain district underground tour and gelato | €76.36 |
| Pre-booked total | €1,482.21 |
This total excludes meals, local taxis and any other spending. It is what our listed bookings cost in July 2026, not a current quote.
The history was the reason to go
We packed the trip with the places Rome is famous for: the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill; the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel; St Peter’s Square; Castel Sant’Angelo; the Pantheon; and the Trevi Fountain district.
Several tickets included audio guides, which helped turn ancient buildings and ruins into stories rather than quick photo stops.
Italian food between the sights
The history filled the itinerary, but Italian food was just as important to our enjoyment of the break. We had not recorded individual meal prices, so we will not invent a food budget; it belongs in the unlisted spending above.
We would not choose the peak July heat again. Rome was beautiful, but it was simply too hot for a packed walking-and-sightseeing break.
Our honest verdict
Three nights let us cover an extraordinary amount of Rome, especially because the major attractions were booked before we travelled. The history lived up to expectations, the food gave us another reason to love the city, and taxis were affordable enough for our needs.
We would return—but in a cooler month, when long days among the ruins and piazzas would be easier to enjoy.
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Explore Rome things to do →First-hand trip dates: 9–12 July 2026. All prices shown are what we paid or had listed for that trip and are not current quotes. Attractions, routes and hotel terms can change.