A Wanderer's Daydream in Rome, Italy

• Start your day at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City: If you are interested in religion-focused history, take a formal tour through St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistene Chapel. If you visit on a Wednesday, look into attending the Papal audience.

• From St. Peter's Square, walk down Via Crescenzio past Castel Sant'Angelo and enjoy the sounds and views overlooking the River Tiber.

• Follow the river north to make your way to Piazza del Popolo. Stop for a cappuccino or affogato, then climb the stairs up to Villa Borghese to see the very best view of Rome. Picnic in the park or simply take a rest on the grass, basking in the Roman sunlight.

• Return back to Piazza del Popolo and continue down Via Del Babuino until you reach Piaza de Spagna (Spanish Steps). You will pass all the luxury shops on this pathway, in case you are looking to make a VAT-tax benefit purchase.

• Your next stop will be the Trevi Fountain, and there are lots of side streets that can give you respite from the crowds to get you there. Make your wish, and toss the coin! Of course, you must have a photo-op at this stop as well.

• Continue your wander through the side streets as you make your way to the Pantheon. On the way, stop in the Chiesa di Sant'Ignazio di Loyola to check out an incredibly ornate catholic church. Pizza is always a good idea as well if you are ready for some lunch — you can't go wrong anywhere in this area. If you're looking for food with a view, pick a spot within the Piazza della Rotonda and enjoy people-watching in front of the Pantheon.

• End your adventure in Piazza Navona, one of the most charming squares in Rome. Eat the uniquely delicious pear pasta at Osteria del'Anima and treat yourself to the world-renowned gelato nearby at Frigidarium.

• Your next day will be spent taking a tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum, where you'll take in the most awe-inspiring historic sites in Rome.

• Walk past Circo Massimo and up Aventine Hill to the Orange Gardens. Follow the crowds, as it is hard to find, but there is a small keyhole that gives you a perfect view of St. Peter's Basilica. Aside from this unique and special site, enjoy the peaceful street music while walking under the famous Italian Stone Pine trees.

• Your second long day will end in Trastevere, a hot spot with excellent dining and drinking on every corner. Enjoy a night out with the Italians. Your tired legs deserve it!

Day Trips:

• Looking to venture outside of Rome for a day in between your wandering adventures? Take a half-day trip out to Sabina for a visit to the oldest olive tree in Europe, olive oil tasting and authentic Italian lunch in the countryside.

• Dolce Maniera in Prati for a pastry breakfast, snack or special treat. You can't go wrong.

• La Cappa d'oro for a lunch or dinner-time pizza.

• Osteria del'Anima: I suggest the caprese salad, pear pasta and a glass of red wine. A meal I dream about, among all other Loyola Rome Center alums.

• Al Vantaggio for a delicious dinner out near Piazza del Popolo.

• Aroma in Monti is a Michelin-star restaurant featuring beautiful views of the Colosseum.

• Osteria Nannarella in Trastevere for an outdoor-seated delicious meal.

• Frigidarium is the legendary gelato in Rome.

• Gelataria della Palma is another excellent gelato option.

My final recommendation, and my personal favorite: simply wander, read the menus and try somewhere new. It's near impossible to have a bad pizza, pasta or glass of wine in Italy. So, enjoy!