Rick Steves' Clever Method To Visit Rome's Top Three Tourist Spots In One Day

A trip to Rome can take you through over two millennia of history. Perhaps the most beloved era of Rome's history is its ancient one. Think films like "Ben Hur" or the Shakespeare play "Julius Caesar." With dozens, if not hundreds, of attractions from this era like the famous Colosseum or more hidden gems like the Baths of Diocletian, it is difficult to plan out the most efficient route through this archeological jungle. But travel guru Rick Steves says this stunning Italian city can be conquered with ease.

Steves has spent plenty of time in Rome and claims on his website that "it's possible to knock off the top symbols of Rome's magnificence — the Colosseum, Forum, and Pantheon — in one great day of sightseeing." He calls this route the "Caesar Shuffle." Each of these destinations show off a different aspect of the Roman Empire that have left historians, archaeologists, and everyday tourists in awe — or even disbelief. After seeing all three, you'll understand why they are among Rome's most iconic tourist attractions and you'll leave with great appreciation for this ancient empire's global impact.

Rick Steves' "Caesar Shuffle" starts with the Colosseum, a structure that hardly needs an introduction. "Imagine being an ancient spectator arriving for the games," he muses. "Stepping inside, you can almost hear the roar of the Empire." Aside from the usual entrance ticket, you can get tickets that include a guided tour of the Colosseum's intricate underground tunnels. Gladiators waited for their grand entrances here, but the tunnels also housed cages for exotic animals. Showrunners would send them to the arena floor via trapdoors and lifts, adding to the drama of a Colosseum battle. For any ticket option, go online to book in advance.

Walk just minutes west on Via dei Fori Imperiali to find the 2,000-year-old Roman Forum (Foro Romano), included with a Colosseum ticket. In ancient Roman cities, forums featured religious sites, commerce hubs, and government buildings. At the Roman Forum in particular, you can still see remnants of the Temple of Vesta, Temple of Saturn, the Curia Julia senate building, and dozens more. To get an amazing view of the Roman Forum, climb the steps of the neighboring Capitoline Hill and walk behind its front-facing building.

From the Roman Forum, walk northwest for around 20 minutes to find the Pantheon. "Even if built to exalt the gods, the Pantheon is just as much a symbol of Roman human greatness," Rick Steves explains. This engineering marvel is one of the most well-preserved structures from ancient Rome. Combining multiple building materials, imposing columns, brick arches (if you look closely), and the largest unreinforced solid concrete dome in the world, the Pantheon has been the subject of lengthy architectural studies. Even better, you can enter for just about $6.

While the three landmarks of the "Caesar Shuffle" show off some of the Italian capital's impressive architecture and rich history, it features lesser-known spots, too. If you have extra time, check out the Area Sacra di Largo Argentina archaeological site near where Julius Caesar was killed or the opulent Palazzo Altieri mansion. Rome's smaller details in between landmarks are not to be overlooked either. As you walk along Via dei Fori Imperiali and on to the Pantheon, be sure to take time to enjoy the tiny winding streets, chic orange buildings, and quintessentially Italian outdoor cafes. If you plan to venture outside of Rome, take a look at the only map of Italy you need for your trip. And be sure to make a stop in Florence, which Steves says has the best Renaissance art in Europe.