When in Rome

Explore The Ancient City during the 2023 Ryder Cup

There’s a long list of iconic sights to see in Italy’s capital; the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and the Vatican, just to name a few.

Trying to see them all, alongside sampling the best in Italian cuisine, maybe a little retail therapy, and some much-needed rest and relaxation, is going to be difficult. Especially when the priority is the greatest team event in Golf, the 2023 Ryder Cup.

Therefore, we’ve put together a guide to allow you to cover all of the main sights in one simple route. Whether you’re based a UnaHotels Decò Roma or Le Méridien Visconti Rome, both city center locations are only a short walk from the tour route.

Even compared to some of Europe’s most historical locations, Rome has long been the go-to destination for sights and culture. Home to the greatest empire in European history, and a religious center to this day. Aimlessly wander down any street and you’ll stumble across a monument or building of significance, which would be a centerpiece of any other city.

Premier Golf’s Tour of Rome

Total walking time: 1hr 7min
Total distance: 3.3miles
Recommended time: 1 Day or two half days

The beauty of touring Rome is the major landmarks are all within easy walking distance, so we have prepared a route that will cover all the main sights:

Start your tour west of the River Tiber at Vatican City, the head of the Catholic church and the world’s smallest country!

Take in the scale and splendor of Saint Peters Square, the setting of many iconic and historical moments. Enter the Sistine Chapel to marvel at the detail and complexity of Michelangelo’s 16th-century painted ceiling. The most famous fresco is ‘The Creation of Adam’, the original which has been replicated countless times through the centuries.

Next, head toward the city center past the Castel Saint’Angelo, a 2nd-century castle on the riverbanks, surrounded by beautiful parklands.

Cross the river to the Piazza Navona, this public square dating back to the 1st century is flanked by ornate marble fountains. Take a break at one of the many coffee shops lining the square, and enjoy a cappuccino and a delicate pastry while watching the world go by.

When you’re refueled, you’re only two blocks from the Pantheon, dating back to 27 BC, with an awe-inspiring dome roof. Its scale is breathtaking, as were the skills of the architects 2,000 years ago. In fact, the technical understanding of building the dome roof was only rediscovered 1,500 years later. Used throughout history as various monuments, and religious sites, this is one of the best preserved ancient buildings in Rome.

After a short walk, you will arrive at the Baroque Spanish Steps, climb all 138 if you have the energy, or enjoy the dominant views of Trinità dei Monti church from below.

The next stop is the Trevi fountain, the setting for many iconic movie scenes. Still sourced by the ancient Roman aqueducts, throw a coin over your shoulder and make a wish.

Head south from the Trevi fountain to the Roman Forum. The Forum is set below the rest of the city, at its original Roman level, creating a dramatic aerial view on arrival. The center of the Roman Empire includes Temples, commerce centers, statues of Roman Gods, and the Temple of Divus Julius, believed to be Julius Caesar’s tomb.

Walk through the Forum, leading to the most famous of all Rome’s sights, the Colosseum. Take a tour of this giant stadium and unearth some of the dark truths and gore of gladiatorial action.

After a long day exploring, head to the quaint local district of Monti for dinner, and relax in a quiet, scenic backstreet away from the crowds. ‘Suburra’ is a local hotspot for Italian cuisine and on-street dining.

Our Ryder Cup packages include transport from your city center hotel and access to the course for each day.