Ancient Streets to Golden Canals: Rome & Amsterdam in 7 Days

Arrive in Rome and drop your luggage before heading out to explore. Walk to the Spanish Steps and take in the view before enjoying a relaxing lunch at a local osteria. There is no better way to ease into the rhythm of the city. After lunch, take a stroll through the gardens of the Villa Borghese before making your way to the Piazza del Popolo.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at a classic Roman trattoria before embarking on one of the most magical ways to experience Rome—a nighttime monument walk! See the Forum, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Pantheon illuminated after dark and experience a quieter, more atmospheric introduction to the Eternal City. Rome reveals itself beautifully at night. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and take your time between landmarks.

Travel to the Catacombs of San Callisto for a guided visit that offers powerful insights into early Christian history. Then, take a walk along the Appian Way. Lined with ruins, cypress trees, and countryside views, it is arguably the oldest and most important road built by the Ancient Romans, earning it the distinction of being named the 60th UNESCO World Heritage Site in Italy in July 2024. After your day of outdoor adventures, enjoy dinner in one of the many wonderful ristorantes in the Trastevere neighborhood, where Rome feels lively and local.

Insider tip: The Appian Way is best explored slowly. Whether on foot or by bicycle, wear sunscreen and bring water—you can fill your water bottle at the Catacombs!

Start your day early, with a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica, taking advantage of fast-track entry and the expert storytelling of your tour guide. Highlights include the Gallery of Maps, Michelangelo’s Sistine ceiling, and the Pieta, each revealing artistry and history.

Make your way back into Rome by walking over the Ponte Vittorio Emanuele II bridge, which connects the Vatican to the city center. From there you can choose your own adventure! Go to Piazza Navona and see the fountains. Walk down a cobblestone street and stumble onto the Pantheon. Hop on the train and go to the Roman Forum. Go shopping along Via de Corso or make your way to the Campo de Fiori market.

Or, make your way towards the Jewish Ghetto, known for its rich heritage and exceptional cuisine. See the Portico d'Ottavia and visit the Great Synagogue and the Theatre of Mar­cel­lus. Then, enjoy a delicious dinner in the Jewish Ghetto, where you simply must have the deep-fried artichokes.

This day and this combination of grandeur and intimacy—visiting Vatican City and the Jewish Ghetto on the same day—captures Rome at its best.

Insider tip: Dress comfortably and conservatively for the Vatican and linger in St. Peter’s Basilica if time allows, it’s worth it. There is a lot of walking, so you will want to take some time to really think about what you most want to see, as there really is something incredible to see in every direction.

Amsterdam is a city that feels instantly welcoming yet endlessly layered. Its canals, historic homes, and compact neighborhoods invite you to explore slowly, while world-class museums and everyday local life coexist effortlessly. I love how easily the city blends culture, creativity, and calm moments, which is especially easy to observe when one is walking beside or floating along a canal. It is a destination that rewards curiosity and unhurried exploration.

After your 2.5-hour flight, you will arrive in Amsterdam, where you will spend the remainder of your day and evening getting the lay of the land. Enjoy a relaxed walk through Jordaan and West Amsterdam. Stroll along the Herengracht, Amsterdam’s most iconic canal, and take in the stately merchant homes that define the city’s Golden Age. As night falls, make your way to the famous Seven Bridges view, best seen after dark when the lights of the bridge reflect off of the water. End the evening with a casual neighborhood dinner and early night to rest, relax, and prepare for the next day.

Begin the day at Centraal Station and set out on a self-guided walking tour through Amsterdam’s historic core, including Dam Square, the Royal Palace, hidden churches, Begijnhof and the Flower Market.

Continue south towards Museumplein, home to the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, with a stop in Vondlepark to enjoy some green space. From there, stroll over to the Albert Cuyp Market for lunch, choosing from an abundance of local flavors and street food. Afterwards, check out the Heineken Experience—after a tour, enjoy a drink out at the rooftop bar, where you will enjoy a wonderful view. And if you are up for it, make your way for a classic cafe stop at Papeniland for apple pie and a beer. Today is a great blend of culture and fun!

Spend the day exploring Amsterdam’s Jewish Cultural Quarter, including the Portuguese Synagogue, Jewish Museum, and Rembrandt House Museum, as well as the Holocaust Memorial of Names.

Balance the emotional weight of history with quieter moments at the botanical garden, or take a stroll through the nearby neighborhoods. Walk across the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) and stop for a classic Dutch pancake at Upstairs Pancake.

End your day in Leidseplein, where the city’s energy comes alive in the evening.

A day trip to Haarlem and Zandvoort is an ideal addition to your Amsterdam trip. The two towns provide different views of local life—one town rooted in art and history, and the other the relaxed coastal energy of life by the sea. Both are easy to reach by train, and you can easily visit both towns in one day.

Leaving from Centraal Station, take the short train ride to Haarlem, where the De Grote of St.-Bavokerk anchors this historic town center. Wander the surrounding streets, browse the Grote Houtsraat for shopping, and explore the weekly market if you are visiting on Market Day. Be sure to enjoy a freshly made stroopwafel—there is nothing like it! This is a perfect, unhurried morning of walking, coffee stops, and shopping.

From Haarlem, continue on to Zandvoort, a classic Dutch seaside town just outside of Amsterdam. Spend the afternoon walking the beach, relaxing at a beach club (in season), or exploring the nearby dunes and nature preserve. Zandvoort’s long sandy shore is lined with seasonal beach bars, making it easy to settle in for lunch or a drink with ocean views. The town center is casual and lively, especially in warmer months. If you are a Formula 1 fan, you may recognize Zandvoort as home to the most famous racing circuit in the Netherlands.

Return by train to Amsterdam in the evening.

Insider tip: Trains between Amsterdam, Haarlem, and Zandvoort are frequent and simple to navigate. Amsterdam to Haarlem takes about 15 minutes and Haarlem to Zandvoort about 10 minutes. Arrive early and enjoy the town before day-trippers arrive. Even on cooler days, the beach walk is refreshing—just bring layers. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Today is a travel day; however, depending on the time of your flight, enjoy a last stroll along the canals or find an open-air market, such as the one in Spui Square, before enjoying a leisurely breakfast at one of the many restaurants near Amsterdam’s Centraal Station (my favorite spot is Cafe Kobalt!). Then hop on the train and head back to Schiphol Airport.