EN All journey times are approximate and subject to variation.
Rome
Active things to do in Rome
A trip to Rome doesn’t have to mean a holiday from your fitness regime. While it can be tempting to spend all your time indulging in pizza and pasta, counterbalance the calories by getting active as you explore. From hiking to the city’s best viewpoints to jogging between historic attractions, there are plenty of ways to combine fitness with sightseeing, as you’ll discover with the help of this two-day active itinerary.
Day one
Rise early and take a 20-minute drive to the base of Monte Mario.
00136 Rome
Monte Mario
Begin the day with an early morning hike up Rome’s highest hill, Monte Mario. Trek through the nature reserve and be rewarded with stunning views over the capital, where the Basilica stands tall over the historic cityscape. At the top, visitors can also discover the Monte Mario Observatory and the Copernican Museum of Astronomy.
Then, take a 10-minute drive to Villa Doria Pamphili.
T: +39 06 0608 | Via di S. Pancrazio, 00152 Rome
Villa Doria Pamphili
After hiking back to ground level, enjoy a leisurely walk or run in the grounds of Villa Doria Pamphili, the largest landscaped public park in Rome. The giant Renaissance-style garden is a beautiful place to spend a morning, with tree-lined paths, wide lawns and a charming lake overlooked by the noble 17th century Fontana del Giglio.
Next, take a 20-minute drive to Villa Borghese.
T: +39 06 0608 | Viale dell'Aranciera, 00197 Rome
Laghetto di Villa Borghese
Villa Borghese is one of the largest and most beautiful parks in Rome. Its most picturesque point is the Laghetto di Villa Borghese Lake, upon which visitors with a love of water can go boating. Rowing against the backdrop of the 18th century Temple of Aesculapius is a memorable experience – and a great workout for the arms!
The next destination is a 30-minute drive from here.
T: +39 0774 366469 | Via di Marco Simone 84/88, 00012 Guidonia
Marco Simone Golf & Country Club
Built around an 11th century castle in the Roman countryside, Marco Simone Golf & Country Club offers world-class golfing in a memorable setting. The club, which is set to host the Ryder Cup in 2022, offers two courses and 27 holes, with varying degrees of difficulty. There’s also an excellent Golf Academy for those who want to work on their swing with an expert.
Head back into the city and make your way to the Tiber River.
Ponte Sant'Angelo, 00186 Rome
Tiber River
If you’ve still got the energy, finish the day with a walk, run or bike ride along the Tiber River. While there are many places to start, a good option is Ponte Sant’Angelo, from where you can take in famous sights such as Castel Sant’Angelo. If you can time your visit for sunset, this is a great opportunity to take in some of the most beautiful views of the city.
Hail a taxi from your finishing point and head back to the hotel.
Day two
Meet your guide at the hotel to begin your first activity, SightJogging.
T: +39 347 3353 185 | Clients are picked up and dropped off at the hotel.
SightJogging
Combining fitness with sightseeing, Sightjogging offers visitors an alternative to slow-paced walking tours. Ticking off more attractions in an hour than a normal tour, Sightjogging experiences are hosted by experienced trainers who, as well as having fitness knowledge, are also city experts and local guides.
Back at the hotel, hail a taxi for the 25-minute drive to the next destination.
T: +39 06 512 6314 | Via Appia Antica 42, 00178 Rome
Appian Way Regional Park
Offering a breath of fresh air from the bustle of the city centre is Appian Way Regional Park (Parco Regionale dell’Appia Antica), a protected area of land covering over 3,400 hectares. It’s a tranquil place for a long cycle, with beautifully landscaped grounds and fascinating archaeological areas to enjoy.
Next, take an eight-minute drive to Riding Ancient Rome.
T: +39 392 788 5168 | Via dei Cercenii 15, 00178 Rome
Riding Ancient Rome
Riding Ancient Rome offer a number of horseback tours along the nearby Appian Way and surrounding parkland. From one to three-hour rides among spectacular Roman ruins to a Ride & Eat excursion complete with an authentic Italian picnic spread, this is an excellent way to soak up the sights for riders of all abilities.
Then, take a 20-minute drive to Parco Centrale del Lago.
T: +39 06 532 1475 | Passeggiata del Giappone, 00144 Rome
Parco Centrale del Lago
Cool off with some water sports at Parco Centrale del Lago (also known as Laghetto dell’Eur). The calm waters of the reservoir offer excellent conditions for canoeing or kayaking, while its lengthy rectangular shape means it’s also a great place to go boating; if you’re lucky, you may even witness a local competition.
Stroll over to La Piscina delle Rose, next to the lake.
T: +39 06 5422 0333 | Viale America 20, 00144 Rome
The Club Piscina delle Rose
Piscina delle Rose is the largest public swimming pool in Rome. When the sun shines, the Olympic-sized outdoor pool, which is open May to September, is an excellent place to wind down after a full day of activities. When the pool is closed, guests can take part in other water-based sports such as canoe polo.
Finish the itinerary with a 30-minute drive back to the hotel.