We are planning on going to Rome in July. We want to see the vatican, attend mass, see the sights in Rome, and take a day trip from Rome to Pompeii. In Rome we want to see the Roman ruins, churches, trevi fountain, and other sights around the city. How many days would we need to see all of these places?

I would start with a week - and then add on based on how many sights you want to see, how much time sitting in cafes, how much time exploring cute neighborhoods, etc.

Well I always say one day for the Vatican, one day for ancient Rome and one day for "modern" Rome as minimums. Another LONG day for Pompeii BUT IMO it would be so much better to stay a night or two in Sorrento? instead of trying to do Pompeii as a day trip. But you could for sure spend alot more time in Rome or down the coast. Is Rome the only place you are going or part of a more extensive trip?

Rome will be crowded in July, with long lines of people trying to get into things, so I would recommend either getting the Roma pass or hiring a guide at the ancient sites so you can skip these long lines and move up to the front. This is definitely a time saver and worth the cost! It will be wall-to-wall people at the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps, so be cautious.

You'll have a very long day trip from Rome to Pompeii - would suggest catching the fast train to Naples, then connect on the Circumsuviana for the distance to Pompeii (this is easy to do as the train will arrive on one level, and you'll just need to purchase a ticket for the Circumsuviana and go downstairs to the lower level of the train station). Don't shortchange your visit in Pompeii, but realize it's quite large and there are lots of areas to explore. Do wear comfortable shoes as most of the walking is on uneven pavement.

You might also want to consider a day trip to Ostia Antica - Rome's ancient port city. Easy to get there using the metro and train. It's not nearly as big as Pompeii, but definitely worth visiting if time allows.

Roma is amazing! ENJOY!!

There are a lot of ruins and a lot of churches. How long you need depends on how many sights you want to see. I'd say at least a week or more.

I agree with taking more than a day trip to Pompeii.