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Tour guide recommendations for Rome

I'm looking for a tour guide or company for Rome. Recommendations?

Just a start: https://www.walksofitaly.com https://theromanguy.com/tours/italy https://www.contexttravel.com/cities/rome

Other folks will likely have additional suggestions. Some of the attractions have their own tour services, and some folks self tour with a guidebook and/or map and audio guides. You weren't specific about WHEN you'll be in Rome, WHAT you want to see there, WHO you're traveling with (if any), and how much TIME you'll have but do keep in mind that it wasn't built in a day, and can't be seen in one. :O)

Editing to add: Silly me, there is also this fine option! https://www.ricksteves.com/tours/italy/rome

We will be there 7/8-7/10, just 3 days. We want to see typical Roman sights-Colosseum, Pantheon, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, Palantine Hill, etc. Skipping the Vatican for when we come back at the end of the trip.

We used Sonia Tavoletta in 2019 for our tour of the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica. She was excellent at guiding us through and gauging her audience. She gave very specific instructions all the way the through the ticketing and meeting up process. She can tailor a tour to your interests. Francesca Caruso works almost full-time for RS, but she is excellent and you can listen to her in the RS Rome videos.

A second vote for a private tour with Sonia. [email protected] .

We were pleased with Walks of Italy

These were listed at the top reply to this post. Has anyone used any of these and would your recommend? I plan to book with a private tour for one site but due to budget will need to do something a little less expensive, these looked like more affordable options, curious to hear if others have had any experience on any of these? Also if in Rome for 3 days only would you suggest doing a tour that sees 2 or more sites then in one day? Just a start: https://www.walksofitaly.com https://theromanguy.com/tours/italy https://www.contexttravel.com/cities/rome

We’ve used walks of Italy and the Roman guy both were excellent

We used Context Travel for the Vatican and the Colisseum, Forum and Palatine Hill and were pleased with both experiences. This was in 2018, in a small group of eight. We also used Guidaly for a privately guided visit to the Borghese.

My son (when he was in his 20's) had a fascination with underground Rome. He used Roman Guy and Context to arrange private tours to the places he wanted to go. He loved both companies. He also used some other places, but those are the two I remember him talking about.

I have used Context multiple times over the years, for small group and then for private tours with my sister. I also used the Roman Guy for a private tour, on my son's recommendation. If you are into Catholic Rome, The Catholic Traveler https://thecatholictraveler.com/ is great. Sophie Minchilli http://www.sophieminchilli.com/food-tours/ does wonderful food tours in neighborhoods she knows well. Katie Parla https://katieparla.com/walking-tours/ has tours into the Jewish Getto (and others) if you are interested in that. RomeWise https://www.romewise.com/ is not a tour guide but has several ideas on how to do a short visit to Rome.

My recommendation is to book early as you can. Rome is in full swing right now and I hear that many guides are booked heavily. Rome went from "almost no one here" two weeks ago to full blown "everyone is here." I don't think it will slow down after the Easter/spring break either!

I will throw in a vote for Through Eternity Tours. We used these folks two weeks ago, the early tours of the Vatican/Sistine and Colosso were excellent. The Guides (Thomas and Gracelyn) both commented on how wonderful it was to be doing tours again after two years of basically nothing!

Our 12 person max tours actually had six and then four. Small groups for sure. In the Sistine chapel there were only enough people to "mostly" fill the bench around the room and no hurry to leave.

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

Rome in a Day: A 1 Day Rome Itinerary

Last updated: March 25, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 30 Comments

Heading to Rome, but not in the city for too long? Don’t worry, it’s possible to see a lot of Rome in a day, and that’s just what this post is going to help you do. We’re going to focus on Rome’s highlights in this guide to help you get the most out of your day in Rome.

As well as providing a suggested detailed step-by-step Rome itinerary, we’re also going to be sharing some advice to help you make the most of your trip, including tips for skipping the lines, saving money, getting to and from the airport, and, if you happen to be staying overnight, a guide to where you might consider staying.

This itinerary would work well as part of a longer trip around Italy like this where you want to see a few different locations, or even as part of a longer Europe itinerary like this one .

Let’s get started with our guide to spending 24 hours in Rome!

Rome in a Day: Detailed Itinerary

Our Rome guide assumes you have a full day in Rome and are able to start sightseeing relatively early in the morning. We’re focusing on the absolute highlights of the city – attractions and sights that we think the first time visitor will really want to focus on.

It’s a busy itinerary for a really full day, from 8.30am through to 6 or 7 pm, so definitely feel free to adjust it to meet your interests and the amount of time you have in Rome. If you have less time than a full day, you’ll need to skip a few things.

Our first stop in Rome is the Colosseum .

The Colosseum is a truly incredible building to visit. Dating from ancient Rome, it has survived through the fall of the Roman Empire, the Dark ages, the Middle Ages, the Industrial Revolution and our current modern age.

Sure, it’s suffered a bit of wear and tear over the years, but it’s still incredibly recognisable as a giant sporting arena, and looks pretty good for a 2,000 year old building! Touring here is a must on your first visit to Rome.

The Colosseum is open every day, with times varying depending on the time of year. You can see more information here . You need a schedule a time in advance of your visit and we suggest an early time to maximise your sight-seeing time in Rome.

Getting tickets and planning your visit can seem a bit complicated, so we put together a detailed guide to visiting the Colosseum to help you plan.

Please do read through it, as the Colosseum can book up far in advance, meaning you might be disappointed if you don’t plan properly.

In summary, if you just want a standard entry ticket, we recommend booking tickets on the official website here .

If you do decide to just get a standard entry ticket rather than taking a guided tour, then I highly recommend picking up a guidebook which includes details on the Colosseum like this pocket guide , or downloading a free audio guide which covers the Colosseum like this one from Rick Steves .

This will really help you navigate the site, as there is so much to see and it can be quite overwhelming otherwise.

There are also a range of entry options on GetYourGuide here and on Tiqets here . These include tours and tickets with addons like multimedia guides or bundles which include other attractions and activities in Rome.

These are going to be a little more expensive but can definitely be worth it if you want to take a tour or will take advantage of the other bundled products.

We highly recommend taking a tour of the Colosseum like this one or this one if your budget and timeframe allows for it, as it is a complex site with a lot of history. But it’s up to you of course!

Note that as of October 2023 all Colosseum tickets are issued in the name of the person visiting, and you need to bring ID with you to use your ticket.

• Roman Forum

Adjacent to the Colosseum, and included with your Colosseum ticket, is the Roman Forum. This was the place at the center of all Roman life – in effect, the heart of the Roman Empire.

There were temples, shrines, government buildings, speech podiums, judiciary buildings, and places of commerce. Basically, pretty much everything of import that happened in the Roman Empire, would have happened here in some form or another!

Today the Forum is a large sprawling area consisting of many ruined structures in various states. There’s a great deal to see here, although we’d suggest trying to limit your time to around an hour to 90 minutes so as to allow you to see what else you have planned for your day in Rome.

The Forum is open every day, you can see full opening hours here .

From the Roman Forum, our suggestion is to take a walk through Rome’s historical center. Whilst you won’t have time to explore all these locations in depth, there are plentiful opportunities for a photo.

Some of the highlights we suggest you check out as you head towards the Vatican City from the Roman Forum are laid out below, in the order that you will encounter them.

• Altare della Patria

As you walk away from the Roman Forum, the first major building you will likely notice is the giant Altare della Patria, also known as the Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II.

This was built to honor Victor Emmanuel, the first King of unified Italy since the 6th century, who was crowned as such in 1861. With a total area of 17,000 square metres, this is quite the monument, and one you are sure to spot.

Those Romans sure knew a thing or two about construction. The Pantheon, which is your next stop, is an excellent example of this. Completed around 126AD, this former temple has been in continuous use, and to this day the roof is still the largest unreinforced concrete dome in existence.

As well as the incredible architecture, the Pantheon is the last resting place of a number of notable folk, including the painter Raphael.

For a long time the Pantheon was free to visit but as of July 2023 there’s a small fee. You can pay this on-site, or you can buy it online in advance from the official site here (you’ll need to create an account).

Tickets with an audioguide are also available online here , although they are a bit more expensive.

Side note, you might be hungry by now. There are lots of places to dine in this area, although do be mindful of time. You might also want to have either a gelato or a coffee around here – see our guides to the best gelato in Rome and the best cafes in Rome for ideas .

• Trevi Fountain

Just a few minutes from the Pantheon is the world famous Trevi Fountain, probably one of the most visited and photographed fountains in the world.

Visiting this fountain at the middle of the day is likely to be a crowded affair, but to be honest, I’ve never found a time of day or night when it’s not crowded here!

Still, the fountain is over 80 feet high and over 160 feet wide, so you’re still likely to be able to see it, regardless of how busy it is. It’s been attracting visitors since 1762, many of whom today throw a coin into the fountain for luck.

• Spanish Steps

There’s so much to see in the old historical part of Rome, but we’re on a mission here. Our next stop is the Spanish Steps.

This 135 step stairway leads from Piazza Spagna up to Piazza Trinità dei Monti, where you’ll find the Trinità dei Monti church. Having your photo taken whilst on the Spanish Steps (ideally with a gelato in hand), is pretty much an essential part of your day in Rome.

This may also be a good time to quick stop for a quick shot of espresso if you need a boost, and there are several recommended cafes in Rome near the Spanish Steps.

Note that as of August 2019 , it’s no longer permitted to sit on the Spanish Steps as they have been classified as a monument, and there is the potential of being fined if you do so. So stick to standing on them instead!

• Castel Sant’Angelo

Our last stop as we head towards the Vatican Museums is the Castel Sant’Angelo, which sits on the bank of the river Tiber, and has done for around 2,000 years.

Originally built as the mausoleum for the Emperor Hadrian, this massive cylindrical building has since seen many uses, from fortress to castle to prison. Today, it’s a museum, and the views from the top are impressive.

Again, you don’t have time to visit if you are following this itinerary, but this is well worth a look from the outside nonetheless!

If you really want to visit, you can buy tickets in person or from the official ticket site here . can also buy tickets from GetYourGuide here or from Tiqets here . It’s always worth comparing as prices vary.

• Vatican Museum

You’ve now made it to the Vatican Museums inside the Vatican City, for the second half of your day.

The Vatican Museums are vast – certainly one of the largest museums in the world. There are over seven kilometres of corridors spanning 54 galleries, and with 20,000 works of art on display, there’s no shortage of content to keep you busy.

Suffice to say, an afternoon, or even a day, is unlikely going to be enough to fully appreciate what is on display. Some pre-planning, an audioguide, or a guided tour like this one , are good options to make sure that you see some of the absolute highlights of the Vatican Museums collection.

These include the Map Room, paintings by Da Vinci, Raphael & Caravaggio, marble sculptures, and much, much more, including our next stop.

Note, the Vatican is closed on Sundays and some other days – you can see all opening times and days on the official Vatican website here . You can book your tickets in advance of your visit on the official site here . You can also book on GetYourGuide here , and on Tiqets here with a 5% discount on their normal price.

• Sistine Chapel

Within the Vatican Museum complex is the Sistine Chapel (entry is included with Vatican Museum entry), whose ceiling and Last Judgement painting are generally regarded as one of Michaelangelo’s greatest works, and one of the greatest Renaissance works.

The sheer scale of the work is quite mind-boggling. Over many years, Michelangelo painted over 5,000 square feet of frescoes on the ceiling, which depicts various biblical scenes, such as The Creation of Adam and the Story of Noah.

The wall above the altar is reserved for the massive Last Judgement painting, which depicts the second coming of Christ on the final day, where the souls of humanity are judged and sent to their fate. This is another awe inspiring installation that has to be seen to be believed.

As a sidenote, there’s no photography allowed in here, and there are guards who will enforce this rule. Lots of people break it, but we have seen people escorted out for doing so. It’s also usually very busy, both in here and in the Vatican Museums in general, so do be prepared for that.

St. Peter’s Basilica

Our last stop on our tour of Rome’s highlights is St. Peter’s Basilica, arguably the most important church in the Roman Catholic faith.

Built in the early 17th century, and designed by Renaissance masters including Michelangelo, Bramante, and Bernini, this is the largest church building in the world, and is said to be the home of the tomb of Saint Peter.

As you might imagine, this is a major site of pilgrimage for Catholics from all over the world, and the Pope holds large masses here on a regular basis. There’s a lot to see inside, plus you can head all the way up to the roof for incredible views across the city.

St. Peter’s Basilica closes at 6pm October to March, and 7pm April to September. The last entry is usually 75 minutes before closing.

St. Peter’s Basilica is very popular and the lines can be long for entry. It is free to visit, but if you book a tour like one of these you can skip the line. Some tours of the Vatican, like this one , also include skip the line access to St. Peter’s Basilica which can be a good option.

We’d recommend doing this at busier times of year as the lines can be very long. Just be aware that you might need to adjust your itinerary depending on tour times.

For lots more information on visiting the Vatican City and its attractions, including the Museums and St Peter’s Basilica, see our complete guide to the Vatican . This has everything you need to know to plan your visit, including all the highlights, tips for visitng, how to buy tickets and lots more.

1 Day in Rome Map

To help you visualise and plan your day, we’ve put together this map of the attractions, as well as a suggested walking route through the city. You can also see this map on Google Maps here .

1 Day in Rome Summary Itinerary

Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll see on your one day in Rome:

• St. Peters Basilica

What about a Rome Tour?

Whilst our itinerary is entirely possible to do in a self-guided manner, you can also visit all the sights on a guided tour. You have a few options for this, depending on how much of the day you want to be guided.

Our first suggestion would be this Rome tour from Take Walks . This full day tour includes everywhere in our itinerary, including the Colosseum, a view of the Roman Forum, a tour of the historic center of Rome and the Vatican City attractions, including the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. So an excellent option!

Even better, the tour includes transport from the historic center across to the Vatican, is fully guided, and you get skip the line access to all the major attractions, making it excellent value for money with minimal hassle. Take Walks only run small group tours, and we’ve taken a number of their tours in cities around the world.

For one day in Rome, this is definitely our preferred guided tour option. Book your tour here .

Another option would be to do part of the day as a guided tour, and part on your own.

For example, you could do a guided  Colosseum Tour with the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill in the morning, or a guided tour of the Vatican & St. Peter’s Basilica in the afternoon.

You could even do both, although we’d suggest it would make more sense to do the previously mentioned Rome in a Day tour instead.

Finally, you might also consider taking a food tour in Rome, many of which run in the evening. If so, see our guide to the best food tours in Rome for some ideas.

How to Save Money and Skip the Lines in Rome

On our longer 2 day and 3 day Rome itineraries we recommend either the Roma Pass or the Omnia Rome and Vatican Pass , two cards that offer skip the line privileges and cost savings if you plan on visiting the major attractions in the city.

However, neither of these are available for time periods shorter than 2 days, and so whilst they definitely offer convenience in terms of booking and skip the line access to all the attractions on our itinerary, the cost saving is not quite so obvious if you are only in Rome for one day.

The main card option for 1 day in Rome is the Rome Tourist Card , which includes the Colosseum, Vatican Museums & St. Peter’s Basilica, as well as some audio guides and discounts on other attractions. This card is really more about convenience than cost saving, making it easy to book everything in one place.

If cost saving is the most important factor for your planning, you will be better off booking individual skip the line tickets for each attraction.

It is absolutely essential that you do book your attraction entry in advance for most of these attractions. Ticket lines can get really really long in Rome, especially in the summer months, and you don’t want to waste your day in Rome standing in line.

For the attractions we recommend, you’ll want to purchase advance tickets for the Vatican, the Colosseum and St. Peter’s Basilica. You can do that here:

• Skip the line tickets for the Vatican here on GetYourGuide and here on the official site (both include Sistine Chapel.)
• Skip the line tickets from the official website for the Colosseum here (includes Roman Forum).
• A tour of St. Peter’s Basilica  here (including the Vatican) or here  (including dome access and papal crypt)

Note that for the Colosseum we have linked you to the official site which in our experience has the best prices.

The Vatican ticket price is normally similar on GetYourGuide compared to the official site. Personally we find GetYourGuide a lot easier to navigate than the official ticket site, however you might save a bit on the official site so do check both options.

St. Peter’s Basilica don’t sell fast track tickets, so we have linked you to GetYourGuide and Tiqets, both third party sites that we trust. If you want to visit the Vatican and Basilica, then a tour which includes both like this one can be a good value option.

For the Colosseum, all visitors need to reserve an entry time for when they want to visit. This is true for holders of the Roma Pass as well.

See our guide here on visiting the Colosseum for everything you need to know, so ensure you avoid disappointment.

If you have longer in the city, or just want the convenience of buying one ticket that does everything, we can recommend the Rome Tourist Card , the Roma Pass , or the Omnia Rome and Vatican Pass . Which one works for you will depend on your interests and time in the city.

Where to Stay in Rome

With one day in Rome, you might not be planning on staying overnight. However, just in case you are, we wanted to share some options for accommodation. We’d recommend staying somewhere centrally located so you can get to and from all the sights easily – the area between Piazza Navona, Piazza Venezia and Piazza del Popolo is usually our preferred area to stay in Rome.

For an idea of where I mean, take a look at these hotel options:

• Orsa Maggiore Hostel – just across the river in Rome’s trendy Trastevere district, this female only hostel features a range of room types including dormitories and private rooms.
• Di Rienzo Pantheon Palace – a very well reviewed guesthouse option in the heart of the city, just moments from the Pantheon and other attractions. The building is a 16th century property, and rooms feature en-suite facilities, free wi-fi and breakfast
• The  Mimosa Pantheon Hotel – right next to the Pantheon, and therefore well placed for the city’s attractions, this is a well reviewed good value 1* hotel. Rooms feature private bathrooms, air conditioning and free WiFi. A solid budget choice.
• The  Navona Theatre Hotel – just five minutes walk from Piazza Navona, this is a very well rated 3* hotel within easy walking distance of most of Rome’s main attractions
• The  Hotel Navona – another well reviewed 3* hotel in central Rome near Piazza Navona. This hotel is in a restored 15th century building which features restored original frescoes. Rooms have en-suite facilities, air conditioning and free WiFi

If you are taking an early flight, you might want to stay nearer to the airport. Here are some options:

• The well rated Sleep’n go Hotel near Rome Fiumicino , which has an airport shuttle service
• Air Rooms Rome Airport , which is in the Fiumicino terminal building
• Hotel Villa Giulia , which is close to Rome Ciampino, and offer a shuttle service

If you are arriving or leaving by train, you will likely want to stay near Rome Termini train station, which is the major train station in the city. Some hotels near to Rome Termini to consider are:

• The RomeHello – found just a few moments from Rome’s Termini Station, this hostel features a range of room types, from dormitories to private en-suite rooms. There’s free WiFi, fantastic reviews, and it’s a great value option.
• Hotel Valentino Palace – a fantastic mid-range 3* property, just 150 yards from the train station
• Gioberti Art Hotel – 50 yards from Termini Station, a well rated excellent value 4* hotel
• NH Collection Palazzo Cinquecento – Awesome value 5* hotel just a few steps from the train station

Of course, there are many more options for accommodation in Rome. When we travel we usually use Booking.com for our accommodation. They have a great selection of options, with everything from hostels to apartments to hotels . The review system makes it easy to pick a good option, and they have an excellent cancellation policy.

As an example of what is available in Rome on booking.com, beyond the above mentioned hotels, here’s a well rated hostel , and a fantastically located apartment . As you can see – loads of options!

If you prefer an apartment, then we recommend Plum Guide .

Plum Guide carefully curate their listings so their options tend to be of a very high quality whilst still being available at a range of price points. We’ve used them in locations around the world, and you can see our Plum Guide review here . You can see their listings for Rome here .

If you can’t find what you want on Plum Guide, or you want some new options to try out, we wrote a whole post on the best alternatives to AirBnB  which you should check out!

Getting to and from Rome Airport

Rome has two major international airports that you might fly into – Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and Rome Ciampino (FCO). Flights from the North America usually arrive at Fiumicino, whilst flights from Europe may arrive at either.

It’s easy to get into central Rome from either airport.

From Rome Fiumicino, you can take the train, bus, or taxi. There’s a train station on site which will get you into the city centre in around 30 minutes to an hour. Prices range from €8 – €14, depending on if you take the fast Leonardo Express or the local train services (FL1).

Note that the local train service (FL1) does not go directly to Termini – it goes to Rome Trastevere, and then you would need to change onto the FL5, which you can take to Termini.

There are also a number of bus options which cost from €5, and which take around 50 minutes to an hour, and take you to Termini train station. There’s also a taxi stand. You can also arrange either a shared shuttle or a private transfer service , which needs to be booked in advance.

From Rome Ciampino, there’s no on-site train station, but there is a local train station just five minutes away by bus. This train costs around €1.50. There are also buses from Ciampino, which also cost €5. Ciampino also has taxis, although as this is a smaller airport there are generally fewer available. You can also book a shared shuttle or private transfer service in advance .

Both airports also have private and shuttle transfer options that you can book in advance.

Getting to and from Rome Train Station

If you are arriving by train, you will most likely arrive into Rome Termini. This train station is pretty much in the center of Rome, and there are excellent transport links from here to the rest of the city, including buses, the metro, and of course taxis.

Luggage Storage in Rome

If you are just visiting for the day and not staying overnight, the chances are you don’t want to carry your luggage around with you all day. Many of the attractions in Rome won’t let you take bags in with you anyway, and even those that do will likely require you to do additional screening.

As such, we’d recommend you leave your luggage behind so you can explore without being weighed down. We’d suggest this luggage service , which has locations at Termini station as well as the Pantheon and other parts of the city.

We also suggest checking out Nannybag , a service which has storage points across Rome (and other cities around the world).

Getting Around Rome

Rome is an easy city to get around, with multiple public bus routes as well as a metro and taxi services. The city center is also easily walkable. For our itinerary, the main section you might want to use transport for would be to get from the Roman Forum across to the Vatican.

In our itinerary, our suggestion is to actually walk this route. Whilst this will take around an hour, the route we suggest would take you through the historic center of Rome, and let you see some of Rome’s most famous attractions, including the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps.

Of course, depending on time and your personal preference, you might prefer to just head straight to the Vatican, and skip these, so you have time to explore the Vatican. In which case, the fastest option will definitely be to take a taxi, which will take in the region of 15 – 20 minutes, depending on traffic. Public transport, either bus or metro, will take around 40 minutes.

Further Reading for Visiting Rome

We have visited Rome a number of times, and from our trips we’ve put together a range of guides that we think you will find useful. We also have a number of go-to guidebooks and other resources that we think you will find helpful for planning your time in Rome.

• If you have longer in the city, or are just looking for more options for what to do, take a look at our guide to spending 3 Days in Rome , which also has some more practical information for your visit. We also have a guide to spending 2 Days in Rome as well as things to do in Rome .
• If you’d prefer to take more of a guided visit to Rome rather than plan your trip yourself, we have a guide to doing just that here .
• If you are interested in visiting the Borghese Gallery, one of Rome’s most popular art museums, check out our guide to visiting the Borghese Gallery .
• We also put together a detailed guide to visiting the Colosseum as well as visiting the Vatican to help you plan your visits to these incredible attractions
• If you are interested in walking tours, we recommend using either Take Walks or Context Travel . You can get a 10% discount just by using our link on any Context Travel tour. You can read about some of the walks and activities we’ve done here , here , and here .
• Speaking of tours, we have a guide to our favorite Rome food tours here .
• No visit to Rome is complete without eating gelato! To be sure you get the best stuff, take a look at our guide to finding the best Gelato in Rome .
• We also have a guide to where to find the best coffee in Rome , which also includes tips on how and what to order, as well as tips on saving money on your espresso shot!
• If you’re planning on visiting Rome in summer, read our  tips for visiting a European city in summer  to stay sane
• Looking to visit more of Italy ? Check out our content on  Venice ,  Milan  and  Florence  for inspiration!
• We also have a detailed 10 day Italy itinerary to help you plan a trip in this wonderful country
• This day in Rome will likely be easier if you can get online and reference maps or this itinerary as you go. See our guide to getting online when you travel for tips on how to do that.
• If you’re looking for a physical (or Kindle!) guidebook, we recommend the  Rick Steves Rome guide , which has lots of practical information to help you make the most of your stay

And that’s it for our guide to how to spend a day in Rome! We hope you found it useful – as always, if you have any questions or feedback, just let us know in the comments below!

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Amanda Trass says

6th October 2022 at 6:10 am

Hi guys, hoping you can shed some light for me – we are a family of 6 travelling to Rome tomorrow and have left EVERYTHING to the last second as usual!! I have read through your guide and tried to book tickets for the Colleseum. We have 4 children entitled to free tickets and there is only availability at 17:15 for them. The last available paid tickets are at 17:05. Do you know if there is any way around this for us? Hope to hear from you!! Regards, Mandy

Laurence Norah says

6th October 2022 at 3:37 pm

Ok, so those timeslots are pretty close together, they would probably let you all in together, although I’m not sure if you can purchase child tickets separately. If you can then I would try that, it should be ok. The only other option is to book one of the lower priced tours instead, but that would be more expensive for all of you for sure. I hope it works out for you, have a great time in Rome!

7th October 2022 at 6:09 pm

Thanks so much for your advice! I ended up purchasing through the Tiqet website which cost me $20NZD more, but gave me the confidence that we would all get in together! Interestingly the time for the childrens’ tickets all said 1715 also but was never questioned or an issue. Maybe that information will be helpful to you next time! Had a great day in Rome! Thanks 🙏 Mandy

8th October 2022 at 2:19 pm

Thanks for the update Mandy, glad to hear you had a great time in Rome!

Tunde D says

9th August 2022 at 6:37 pm

Do you offer this on Sundays?

10th August 2022 at 12:44 pm

So we don’t offer tours, although our recommended walking tour provider, Take Walks, does offer a tour with an itinerary similar to this, such as this full day tour . However, as the Vatican is normally closed on Sundays, this tour isn’t going to be available then. So you can likely find a tour which will cover the other attractions but not the Vatican.

Enjoy your time in Rome!

Sheree Campbell says

11th February 2020 at 12:49 pm

Love this website!

We are arriving a day early for a Celebrity Mediterranean Cruise in September (4 of us). We arrive about 11am to the airport and trying to decide how to get from airport to Rome and do a 1/2 day of sightseeing on Thursday and some morning sight seeing on Friday before heading to the port. We plan to stay overnight in a centrally located hotel as suggested on your website. What do you suggest we do?

Also, what do you suggest as a mode of transportation to Civitavecchia.

Thank you so much! Sheree

11th February 2020 at 1:27 pm

Hi Sheree – thanks very much! So as with everything in life, it comes down to deciding between cost and convenience. There’s a section in this post about getting into Rome from both airports, you just have to decide if you want to take public transport or book a private ride like this one . The latter will likely be a little more expensive, but shared between four of you the price will likely end up being reasonable. This will be probably the quickest option.

If you are planning on visiting the major sights in Rome, then you might find that a Rome City Pass , which includes a transfer from the airport, is a good option, but you will have to do the maths based on the attractions you want to see to be sure it’s a good value for you.

To get to Civitavecchia the best option is likely going to be the train. These run regularly and take around an hour from Termini train station.

Have a great trip and let me know if you have any more questions!

Andrew Grima says

12th January 2020 at 8:25 pm

Hi Laurence and Norah We love your blog. We are using your site to plan our two day/one night trip to Rome in October this year. We have booked Colessium skip the line and a Take walks tour of Vatican City. We also booked Hotel Mimosa Pantheon through your site.

We are planning to do a full day trip to Pisa and Florence on Day 2 and was hoping to get the driver to take us directly to Fiumicino Airport to connect with our 22:40 flight home to Australia. The only way to do this is to book a private tour which is prohibitively expensive for myself, wife and 11 year old daughter. We are looking at Get Your Guide tours recommended through your blog (Florence and Pisa full day trip from Rome-12 hours).

Is there a way to find out/advertise whether anyone else is in the same situation as us so that we can book a private tour together? This would make it affordable for everyone on that tour if others have late night flights out of Rome that day. The day we need this tour and connection to the airport is Saturday 17 October, 2020. We have plenty of time to plan this adventure.

Appreciate your thoughts and advice.

Kind regards Andrew and Di

13th January 2020 at 12:41 pm

Thanks for your message and kind words.

So I am sure there is some service or message board out there for this kind of thing, but I’m not sure exactly what it would be or how successful you might be with it.

I’m assuming you have considered just taking the tour as usual and then arranging a transfer to the airport? There are a range of options, from private transfers to the express train, so it should be quite easy. You would just need to store your luggage somewhere during the tour as most tours won’t let you bring lots of luggage with you.

Sorry not to be of more help!

Andrew says

13th January 2020 at 8:38 pm

Laurence Thank you for your prompt reply. Yes, what you suggested was our first option.

26th June 2019 at 3:04 am

awesome blog, something i have been looking f for my two day Rome and Vatican plan during December this year. Would you like to advice anything specific as we(husband and my self in early thirties) are doing this during winter so less day light 🙂

26th June 2019 at 5:38 pm

Thanks very much! We have visited in December and haven’t made much change to our plans, most of the attractions are just as pretty at night as by day, so other than making sure you visit everything during opening hours, you wouldn’t need to worry too much I don’t think 🙂

Have a great trip 🙂

Randeep says

8th May 2019 at 3:38 pm

Hi Guys, Great information – Going to be super helpful. Visting rome at the end of April. I have little kids (5 and 7) so will take Taxis where possible. I need to start at noon so seems like I should start with Vaticant and then do the morning stuff the next day. Just got tickets for Vaticant museum and Sistine Chapel for the afternoon – what do you think we can do in the evening. Pantheon from outside, Trevi Fountain and spanish steps I read in your responses. Q1. Is there a order that will make more sense since I will be coming out of Vaticant. Q2. My kids are troopers I plan to be out and about as late as possible – is it safe to be out with kids at say 10pm and can I see anything at that time? Q3. Does Lyft or Uber work in Rome? Q4. Are there casual eating restaurants where we can get simple and healthy food?

Thanks a lot for your help Regards Randeep

8th May 2019 at 5:00 pm

Hi Randeep,

Thanks very much 🙂 So I would definitely suggest the outdoor sights in central Rome would be the best option for the evening, and you have pretty much hit the key sights that I would suggest seeing in that area.

Q1 from the Vatican, I would suggest at least seeing the outside of the Castel Sant Angelo, which is very nearby. You could then take a taxi to Piazza Popolo, and walk from there down to the Spanish Steps, then on to the Trevi Fountain and Pantheon.

Q2 yes, we’ve never had any trouble in Rome, lots of people are out at night. As with any large city, it’s just being aware of possible pickpockets, and having your valuables zippered away, rather than an easy target in a back pocket.

Q3 At the time of writing, Uber and Lyft are not available in the city, other than in the high end Uber Lux / Uber Black, which is about twice the price of a normal taxi. So taxis are the only real option. It’s important to ensure the driver puts the meter on – the only time that you should pay a fixed fare is from the airports. There is an app called mytaxi, but unfortunately this isn’t like Uber – the meter starts running as soon as you pick a taxi, including as it comes to pick you up. Also note that most taxis only take cash. To be honest, we just took public transport in Rome, if you have a smartphone with data, then it’s easy to use Google Maps to find the right bus or metro.

Q4 – There are a lot of restaurants of all types in Rome, so I don’t think you’ll have difficulty finding a place to eat 🙂

8th May 2019 at 5:47 pm

Thank you so much these are very helpful

MICHELLE says

30th April 2019 at 7:26 pm

Good Afternoon, If you were to follow this itinerary starting at 8:30 am like you suggest – what time would you we be arriving at the Vatican? Thanks

2nd May 2019 at 8:34 pm

Hi Michelle!

I would say around 1.30pm. Definitely from 1pm, and no later than 2pm, would be the time to aim for 🙂

liliana says

18th April 2019 at 9:08 pm

I’ve read a lot of articles but this definitely stands out!! the information is very useful and considers every aspect when planning a quick trip to Rome.. I’m visiting on september, do you recommed to add the Plaza Navona in the intinerary?

18th April 2019 at 9:16 pm

Hi Liliana!

Thanks very much 🙂 I absolutely do, Piazza Navona is one of the standout architectural features in Rome, especially the fountain at the centre. It’s easy to add to the itinerary too, you can add it in either just before Castel Sant Angelo, or just after the Pantheon 🙂 Alternatively, it’s also very lively in the evenings. We’ve stayed just round the corner from here, and there are often performers here in the evening 🙂

17th April 2019 at 6:53 pm

Would it make sense to do your “Rome in a Day” walk in reverse? Just checking on tickets now and there is nothing in the morning for the Coliseum but we could get into St Peter’s Basilica in the morning time slot.

17th April 2019 at 7:02 pm

Hi Sara – absolutely. Now that the Coliseum is also ticketed, the order is less important (the Coliseum used to just get busier throughout the day, but the timed entry system has lessened this issue somewhat!). So definitely go when you can 🙂

6th March 2019 at 11:00 pm

Great read – thank you. I’m visiting Italy at the end of April. We’re staying in Florence and will be coming to Rome for the day. My question is, what is parking like in the city? We’ll pretty much follow your itinerary, can you recommend an area to find a space or central car park?

Thank you Luke

11th March 2019 at 1:18 pm

We rarely drive when visiting cities, so our only experience doing something similar was in Paris, where we used a service called Parclick to find and book a car park. I don’t have any direct experience in Florence so can’t recommend anything, but I’m sure a similar service exists. One option is also to look at the airport, as these often have long stay car park options as well as good transport links to the city

I hope this helps – have a great trip!

Carolina Marte says

18th February 2019 at 10:54 pm

Hello! This article is AMAZING! We wasnt sure if we should visit Rome, but after reading this we are DEFINETLY going, thank you! Question: we are going from March 28 (arriving around 21:30h) to March 29 (returning in the 17:15 flight) with our two daughters: 11 years and 4 years old. Do you think is too much for them to do a “self walking tour” (we will love the guides tour, but is just too expensive for us 🙂 Also, can we do something that night since we are not actually having the complete 8hrs on March 29?

19th February 2019 at 4:10 pm

Hey Carolina!

Thanks very much! So I would say that this is a fair bit of walking, but you could cut that down a bit by taking the taxi or similar from the old town area to the Vatican. I also can’t really comment on the stamina of your daughters – some might find it too much, others will be just fine 🙂

That evening, depending on where your hotel is, if you want to see some things my suggestion would be to hit the historical center and see the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish steps. The pantheon won’t be open at that point, but the exterior is still impressive.

19th February 2019 at 5:41 pm

Thanks! My daughters stamina are the highest always! Lol We will be staying at Navona hotel per your recommendations. What are the options to get from the Airport (Fiumicino)? Hotel is charging me €48 for two passengers for a one way transportation. Is the train safe (we arrive at 7:30pm)

19th February 2019 at 6:07 pm

Sounds like your daughters will be fine, and it will be yourself you might have to worry about 😉

So there are a few options for getting into Rome, and yes, the train is safe 🙂

Your options are the airport buses (these take around an hour, but will likely be a little bit faster at the time you arrive), the Leonardo Express train (30 minutes to Termini for €14 / person, children under 4 are free, one child aged 4-14 can travel free per paying adult), and the regional FL1 train (around €8, one child 4-11 is free per paying adult). The last FL1 train is around 9.30pm, whilst the last Leonardo Express train is at 11.23pm.

The FL1 train would be the cheapest, but you would have to change at Trastevere and then take a trolley bus – you can see this route here: https://goo.gl/maps/cWmAXJYiYJp

It really depends on you which option you go for. Just be aware if you go to Termini it’s a bit of a walk to Navona, so you might want to take a taxi or bus (there are plenty of bus options).

I hope this helps!

Isabel says

7th February 2019 at 1:11 pm

I wanted to say thank you! I have been trying to find a helpful article while planning my trip and this was amazing! You have outdone every book, blog, and show I have tried! I am bookmarking your website and telling everyone I know how helpful this was! Thank you!!

8th February 2019 at 7:54 pm

Thank you so much for your kind comment Isabel, it makes a big difference to us to know that we are helping people plan their adventures 😀

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19 best rome tours of 2024: food, the vatican & more.

These top-rated Rome tours are led by experts who bring the city's history to life.

The Best Rome Tours

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Considered one of the world's best places to visit , Rome offers countless things to do and an endless selection of delicious cuisine. But given the overwhelming crowds and restricted access to ancient sites, it can be difficult to fully enjoy all that Italy's capital has to offer on your own. That's where a guided tour can help.

Based on recent traveler reviews and expert opinion, we've selected the best tours in Rome. Whether you're gliding past the Colosseum on a Segway or savoring Italian wine in the countryside, you'll benefit from fun and informative guides leading the way.

Fat Tire Tours Rome – Rome Day Segway Tour

Price: From 73 euros (around $79) Duration: 3 hours

Hop on a Segway to see the Eternal City's many sights. After receiving your helmet and tuning in to a quick training session, you'll receive a headset to follow the lively commentary from the experienced Fat Tire Tours guide. Along the three-hour ride, you'll glide past sights like Trajan's Forum, Capitoline Hill and more. Plus, you'll don a virtual reality headset during your stop outside the Colosseum that reconstructs the famous arena's past grandeur. Travelers appreciate that Segways make getting around and seeing Rome's sights easier and more fun, especially for families with older teens. Reviewers also appreciate the engaging local guides.

Tours run daily at 9:30 a.m. Participants must be at least 16 years old and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Pregnant women are not permitted on this tour. The company also leads a night tour, which visits the city's illuminated monuments after sundown, among other outings.

Check prices & availability on:

LivItaly Tours – Colosseum Underground Tour with Arena, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum

Price: Adults from 159 euros (around $173); kids from 144 euros (around $156) Duration: 3 hours

Enjoy swift entry to the Colosseum underground and see the arena floor, Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum on this small-group tour. LivItaly leads up to six travelers to the restricted lower level of the Colosseum, where dungeons once confined gladiators and their opponents. In three hours, learn about ancient Rome's social order on Palatine Hill and everyday life at the forum. Travelers, especially those with children, agree that having a passionate guide with a deep knowledge of Roman history enriched the experience. Reviewers also appreciate the small size of the tour group.

Tours depart daily at multiple times beginning at 12:15 p.m. Book the company's 90-minute Express Colosseum Underground & Arena Tour if you're short on time.

The Best Rome Colosseum Tours

Laura Itzkowitz Dec. 19, 2023

TopBike Rental and Tours – Ancient Appian Way, Catacombs and Aqueducts Park

Price: From 65 euros (about $71) to 89 euros (about $97) Duration: 4 or 6 hours

Travelers have been using the Ancient Appian Way for 2,300 years and you'll traverse it with a friendly, knowledgeable local on this electric bike excursion. Along the ride, you'll pass archeological sites, Christian catacombs and picturesque Roman aqueducts framing the unspoiled countryside. The tour covers roughly 17 miles, 60% of which requires off-road cycling, so TopBike recommends this tour for intermediate riders. Some tourgoers say you might not even break a sweat though, thanks to the ease of the electric bikes.

Tourgoers can opt for the Short Tour (four hours) or the Plus Tour (six hours), the latter of which follows the same path as the shorter excursion and also includes a guided tour of the Catacombs of St. Callixtus (or Saint Sebastian) and a stop at the Baths of Caracalla. Exact tour departure times vary by season, but you can expect to start around 9 a.m. TopBike also leads cycling tours within the city center.

Gourmetaly – Campo de' Fiori, Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere Rome Food Tour

Price: Adults from 93 euros (around $101); kids from 65 euros (around $71) Duration: 3.5 hours

Tantalize your taste buds on this Rome food tour, which covers three distinct neighborhoods known for their cuisine. As your local guide leads you through the Jewish ghetto, Campo de' Fiori and Trastevere, you'll stop by top-rated food markets, grocery stores, coffee shops, gelaterias and restaurants. Among the food samples included in the tour are fried artichokes, pizza, mozzarella, fresh pasta and gelato. Tours are capped at 12 participants. Reviewers call this a delightful experience thanks to the informative guides who offer an interesting lesson on Roman history, food and culture. They also recommend taking this tour on your first day in Rome to make the most of the guides' recommendations.

Tours are offered several times each day in the morning and afternoon. Note that the afternoon tour does not visit the Campo de' Fiori market (a highlight for many recent tourgoers). In addition to food tours, Gourmetaly also hosts cooking classes.

Eyes of Rome – Colosseum and Roman Forum Tour

Price: Adults from 453 euros (around $491); kids from 35 euros (around $38) Duration: 3 hours

With your private guide leading the way, you'll visit the Colosseum, explore the ancient city along paths that served the Roman Senate and learn the legends of the House of the Vestal Virgins. Tourgoers value the attentive guides who share history and lore in an entertaining way. They also say the tour is well-paced.

Tickets cover pick up at centrally located hotels and skip-the-line admission. Note that prices can vary significantly depending on the number of people in your party. A couple can expect to pay roughly $500 for tickets. Eyes of Rome also conducts private walking tours of the Vatican.

Private Tours of Rome – Vatican & Sistine Chapel Private Tour

Price: From $364 Duration: 3 hours

One of the best tours of the Vatican , this intimate excursion includes skip-the-line access to the complex and a guide who shares the Vatican Museums' top attractions in just three hours. See the artistic highlights in the   Gallery of Ancient Roman Sculptures, the Gallery of Tapestries and famous Raphael paintings. You'll then experience Michelangelo's masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel. Your guide will ensure you see the Pietà   in St. Peter's Basilica, the Apostolic Palace and the famous balcony where the pope delivers his blessings. Travelers praise the excellent guides who tailor the tour to groups' interests and keep children engaged.

Tours operate Monday through Saturday in the morning and afternoon. Ticket prices vary depending on your itinerary and group size. The company suggests you book at least one month in advance to ensure a specialist authorized by the Vatican is available. Private Tours of Rome also offers tours of the Colosseum and the Borghese Gallery, among others.

Courtesy of Roman Food Tours

The Roman Food Tour – Prati By Sunset

Price: Adults from 99 euro (about $107); kids from 90 euros (about $98) Duration: 4 hours

Devoted foodies skip lunch for the more than 20 food and wine pairings on this four-hour evening tour of some of Rome's top eateries. Throughout the tour, you'll feast on gourmet delights, such as homemade pasta, pizza, fresh cheeses and gelato. More importantly, you'll learn tips to enhance your knowledge and pleasure in Italian cuisine. Travelers praise the expertise of the fun guides who explain each dish's origin and quality with gusto.

Tours, which are offered daily multiple times starting at 3:30 p.m. The Roman Food Tour also offers day tours and cooking classes.

Rex-Tours – Rome City Segway Tour

Price: From 79 euros (about $86) Duration: 3 hours

Roll in comfort past many of ancient Rome's major sights on this three-hour Segway tour. Rex-Tours' expert guides lead up to eight travelers for an effortless overview of must-see landmarks, such as Capitoline Hill and the Colosseum. Reviewers applaud the knowledgeable guides who offer a wealth of information without overwhelming travelers. What's more, guides provide restaurant recommendations and tips for making the most of your visit to Rome, according to tourgoers.

The Rome City Segway Tour departs twice daily at 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Travelers also recommend enjoying the company's evening Segway tour if you're visiting during the summer and need a break from the peak daytime heat.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Eating Europe – Twilight Trastevere Rome Food Tour

Price: Adults from 114 euros (about $123); kids from 81 euros (about $88) Duration: 4 hours

Travelers suggest you skip lunch before this evening walking tour of Trastevere, so that you can savor the street food and sweet treats served at each stop. As you meander through the neighborhood (often compared to New York City's Greenwich Village), you'll enjoy mouthwatering bites of everything from classic supplì , or fried risotto balls stuffed with mozzarella, to porchetta, homemade pasta and gelato. Foodie guides share each chef's story and culinary traditions, along with tips on how to find and make the best Roman cuisine on your own. Reviewers praise the guides for their insider knowledge and gush about the quality of the food and wine featured on the tour.

Tours run daily at multiple times and there is a maximum of 12 people per tour. Eating Europe also operates a tour that explores Testaccio, considered Rome's "original foodie neighborhood."

Rolling Rome – Rome Squares & Fountains Golf Cart Tour

Price: From 100 euros (about $108) Duration: 3 hours

Avoid Rome's congested traffic and keep the family entertained on this three-hour, private golf cart tour of the city. Whizz past major sights in the historical center and piazzas Venezia, Navona and del Popolo, plus the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and more. Since the tour is customizable, you can also ask the guide to take you to lesser-known spots in the city – a highlight for reviewers. Along with the knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides, reviewers appreciate the golf cart's ability to avoid traffic using Rome's narrow back lanes.

Tours, which can accommodate up to seven participants, depart daily at 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. One week's advance reservation is recommended. Rolling Rome also offers daylong golf cart tours, as well as a variety of Segway and electric bike tours.

Food Tours of Rome – Jewish Ghetto and Campo de' Fiori by Night Food Tour

Price: Adults from 89 euros (about $96); kids from 75 euros (about $81) Duration: 4 hours

Combine sightseeing with snacking and drinking on this evening tour of the Jewish ghetto and the Campo Marzio area. Fun, knowledgeable guides make seven stops for food and wine between explaining major historic attractions like Piazza Navona and Campo de' Fiori. Stop in delis, family-run shops and restaurants to sample gourmet cheeses and hams, pasta, espresso, and gelato. First-time visitors especially appreciate this informative introduction to the city and the family-run vendors featured on the tour.

Tours depart nightly at 6 p.m. Food Tours of Rome can accommodate some special diets with advance notice. The company also offers a dessert and sightseeing tour of Rome, among various other options.

What A Life Tours – Skip-the-line Vatican Small Group Tour

Price: Adults from $87; kids from $82 Duration: 3 hours

Travelers say this tour is worthwhile thanks to the personable guides, who bring the history of the Vatican Museums to life. Reviewers also appreciate that groups are capped at 12 participants, which they say creates an intimate experience that fosters engagement between guides and tourgoers. You'll start the three-hour tour with skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums to admire highlights like the Gallery of Maps and the Pinecone Courtyard. Then, you'll head to the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica to marvel at Michelangelo’s Pietà. Along the way, your guide will share commentary that you'll be able to hear via an audio headset.

Tours generally operate Monday through Saturday at 10 a.m.; tours depart at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday. In addition to its variety of Vatican tours, the company also offers tours of the Colosseum and daylong tours of Rome.

Rome's Ultimate Free Walking Tour

Price: Free Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours

According to reviewers, this free walking tour is a great way to start your visit in Rome. During the nearly three-hour stroll, you'll visit several photo-worthy piazzas, the Pantheon, Ponte Sant'Angelo and Castel Sant'Angelo, among other sights. Guides, who have backgrounds in subjects like history and architecture, earn praise from reviewers for their entertaining storytelling and thoughtful restaurant and activity recommendations.

Tours, which are limited to 15 participants, operate twice daily at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. In total, you'll walk less than 2 miles. According to the company, the tour is suitable for travel strollers and wheelchairs. Though the tour is free, it's recommended that you reserve your spot in advance via the company's website (guides do not wait at the departure point unless reservations are booked). At the end of the tour, you can tip your guide based on your experience.

Check availability on:

Courtesy of Secret Food Tours Rome

Secret Food Tours – Rome Food Tour

Price: Adults from 79 euros (about $86); kids from 69 euros (about $75) Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours

Dine your way through the historical center of Rome, visiting cafes, markets and shops for a total of up to seven stops. During the tour, you'll walk through neighborhoods like the Campo de' Fiori and the Jewish quarter with an enthusiastic guide who ties together history and insights about traditional dishes. The focus is on Italian-style dining: savoring the perfect cappuccino, sampling fresh pizzas and homemade pastas, pairing wines with a variety of cheeses, gelato and more. Travelers praise the guides' knowledge of Roman cuisine and the amount and quality of the food.

Tours depart daily at 11 and 11:30 a.m. An additional 5 p.m. tour may be available depending on the day. Private tours are also an option.

The Roman Guy – Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel

Price: Adults from $119; kids from $56 Duration: 3 hours

Hoping to see the Vatican sans enormous crowds? This three-hour tour from The Roman Guy convenes at 7:45 a.m., allowing you to enter the Vatican Museums an hour before they open to the general public. First, relish the tranquil Sistine Chapel, which welcomes upward of 25,000 visitors daily during the summer. Afterward, follow your guide to museum highlights, including Raphael's paintings, the Borgia Apartments and the Gallery of the Maps. Travelers rave about the knowledgeable guides and say the opportunity to see the Sistine Chapel without the crowds is worth the tour price (though reviewers warn that you will still encounter quite a few other tour groups enjoying early access to the site).

Tours are available Monday through Saturday. Groups are capped at 14 people. If you're short on time, consider The Roman Guy's abridged Vatican Highlights tour, which last 2.5 hours.

City Wonders – Tuscan Countryside Day Trip from Rome with 3-Course Lunch & Wine Tasting

Price: Adults from $112; kids from $102 Duration: 12 hours

If you want to visit Tuscany while in Rome, but don't want to drive the approximately 175-mile journey yourself, consider this 12-hour excursion from City Wonders. You'll depart from Rome at 7:30 a.m. via an air-conditioned coach bus to see famous hilltop towns, such as Montepulciano and Pienza. You'll also visit the Renaissance church of St. Biagio before enjoying a three-course lunch and wine pairing in the famed Montalcino. Travelers say guides are informative and thoughtful, giving tourists ample time to explore the towns and take pictures. All agree that leaving the driving to a professional made the trip worthwhile.

Tours are offered daily. City Wonders also offers a variety of tours in Rome, including tours of the Colosseum, the Vatican and the Borghese Gallery.

Through Eternity Tours – Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum & Sistine Chapel: Essential Experience

Price: From 1,345 euros (about $1,458) Duration: 6 hours

Conquer Rome in six hours with Through Eternity Tours. With your skip-the-line tickets , you'll visit the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. Professional, engaging guides – all fluent English speakers – allow you to set the pace, absorbing as much history and archeology as you want at each stop. Travelers say you'll see much more on this half-day tour than you would if you were to visit each site on your own, as guides point out unexpected gems along the way.

Rates can vary considerably depending on the number in your party, and the company offers discounts for students and children. Bring stamina, a water bottle and wear comfortable walking shoes . When you're ready for more, try one of Through Eternity's other tours, such as its evening tour of Rome's piazzas and fountains.

Walks of Italy – Gladiator's Gate: Special Access Colosseum Tour with Arena Floor

Price: Adults from $105; kids from $99 Duration: 3 hours

On this three-hour tour, you'll enter the Colosseum through the "Gladiator's Gate" – the entrance that was once used exclusively for gladiators 2,000 years ago. Once inside, you'll enjoy 360-degree views of the Colosseum on the reconstructed arena floor as your guide shares the gory history of this famous landmark . Then, you'll bypass the lines to tour the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Highlights include the cremation point of Julius Caesar, senate buildings and the Temple of the Vestal Virgins. Guides win kudos from travelers for their ability to discuss dense history topics in an engaging manner. Reviewers say the tour flies by thanks to the guides' entertaining storytelling. They also appreciate the skip-the-line access to these must-see sights.

Tours, which are capped at 25 participants, are offered three times daily at 9:15 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Rates may vary based on the time of year, and they include all entrance tickets and the use of audio headsets during the tour. Walks of Italy also hosts cooking classes in Rome and organizes day trips to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast.

Maya Tours – Skip-the-Line Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Group Tour

Price: Adults from 45 euros (about $49); kids from 35 euros (about $38) Duration: 2 hours

If you're interested in visiting the Vatican Museums, but don't want to devote more than a couple hours of your Rome vacation to the experience, consider this kid-friendly tour. In addition to skip-the-line access, your guide will show you the must-see artworks, several courtyards and galleries, and the Sistine Chapel. Reviewers praise guides for their interesting and informed commentary (which tourgoers can hear via audio headsets). Parents are particularly impressed with guides' ability to engage children.

Tours are offered Monday through Saturday multiple times in the morning and afternoon. Maya Tours also operates longer, semiprivate tours of the Vatican.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Hotels in Rome
• The Best Places to Visit in Italy
• The Best Italy Tours + Small-Group Trips
• The Best International Travel Insurance

Tags: Italy , Tours , Travel , Vacations , food and drink , Europe Vacations

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The 10 best tours in Rome to book now

From sophisticated wine tasting to food market meandering, make the most of your trip with these rousing tours around Rome

You can flounder with a city map (or multiple tabs on your smartphone) all you want, but everyone knows the best way to see the city is to be shown around by a local. So if you’ve sorted out where to stay in Rome and want to get to know this incredible city, check out our hand-picked selection of the best Rome tours. Whether you’re after seriously stunning (and usually out of bounds) views from the heady heights of attractions like the Colosseum, a very cool day trip , or would rather just eat and drink your way around the culinary capital (we don’t blame you), there’s a tour for you. And you don’t have to waste hours scrolling online, just check out our guide to the best below. You know what they say, when in Rome....

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Top tours in Rome

1.  Early Access Vatican Museums Small-Group Tour with St. Peter’s and Sistine Chapel

Avoid the hordes and hordes of camera-wielding Vatican visitors by booking this tour, which gets you a queue jump and access to the UNESCO-listed complex an hour before it opens to the public. The small group means you won’t strain to hear the guide and you’ll have three whole hours to marvel at the Sistine Chapel, Raphael Rooms, and  Michelangelo’s masterpieces.  And no trip to Rome is complete without setting eyes on that lot. 

2.  Borghese Gallery Tour: Feast your eyes on Baroque masterpieces

If classical art is your thing, don’t miss this the beautifully sculpted works of Bernini housed in the Borghese Gallery. As you ogle all that marvelous marble, your guide will be on hand to answer any questions you have about the collection. And listen, they really know their stuff. 

3.  Crypts and Catacombs tours: Visit secret Rome

Swap romantic cobbled streets for macabre skull-lined crypts on this tour of Rome’s ancient catacombs. It’s slightly gruesome, yes but totally fascinating – few of Rome's best tours will give you such an intriguing insight into the city's past.

4.  Rome’s Ghetto and Trastevere tour: Explore medieval and Jewish Rome

Delve into Rome’s Jewish past on this tour that's pretty much perfect for history buffs and culture vultures. As well as wandering around the Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere neighborhoods, you’ll visit the Synagogue and museum, while an art historian or religious expert (or both, if you're lucky!) fills you in on the important stuff. 

5.  Italy in a Glass: a fun wine tour through the city centre

Treat yourself to this booze-based tour, led by a wine-savvy sommelier, who will give you the lowdown on the culture, history and geography behind every bottle before getting down to the exciting part: swilling five varieties of grape. Plus there'll be food pairings to soak up the vino, which you'll probably appreciate when closing time hits. 

6.  Just Gelato: The perfect tour for those with a sweet tooth

If it ain’t broke don’t fix it should be the motto of this family-run  gelateri e, which uses the freshest ingredients to create its homemade gelato. It’s some of the finest you’ll try in the Italian capital and this tour you’ll be treated to a live  demonstration – so you know exactly how it gets from udder to cone. 

7.  Walks of Italy: Tour the Colosseum and Forum

Make your trip to the Colosseum worth the journey it took to find it with this all-encompassing tour, which offers that all important queue jump (believe us, you’ll be thankful you did once you see that snaking line) and access to the third, fourth and fifth tiers of the ancient ruin. Translation: pretty spectacular views of the arena and beyond. 

8.  Market to Table: Join professional chefs for a market tour and cookery class

Foodies, this tour was created just for you. Go for a meander around a local market, where you’ll pick up fresh, seasonal produce before taking it back to the studio, where you’ll join profesh chefs in cooking up a proper Italian-flavoured storm. Bellisimo!

9.  Best of Rome in five hours tour

Don’t you just wish you could squeeze all the best bits of a city into one super tour, that was also super cheap and conveniently quick? Well, you’re in luck as this tour takes you on a five-hour whizz around Rome’s sights: think, Saint Peter's Basilica, the Colosseum and Piazza Navona in the center. Don’t worry about getting tour-hangry, you’ll stop off for culinary treats along the way, too.

10.  City Walk: A small-group tour around the city center

Gape at the flocks of starlings circling the sky from the Spanish Steps and wander through cobbled streets to the stunning Trevi Fountain. This evening stroll brings Rome’s romantic side to life and there will be plenty of photo ops to capture it. 

Check out Rome’s top ’hoods

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We’ve broken down the city’s five best neighbourhoods — including a favorite Bohemian ‘hood and the up-and-coming area considered to be Rome’s answer to Brooklyn.

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Italy’s Eternal City, Rome was once the center of an empire that stretched over three continents and shaped much of the civilization we live in today. Founded by Romulus in 753 BC, parts of the old city remain remarkably intact, from the impressive Pantheon to the Roman Forum—the heart of ancient Rome. Within Rome is the world’s smallest country and a symbol of Christianity’s role in the city’s history. The Vatican City is home to the Pope and the center of the Catholic Church, where mammoth St. Peter’s Basilica stands alongside the most famous Renaissance-era artwork in the world, including Michelangelo’s incredible Sistine Chapel. As one of Rome’s top-rated tour companies, we make planning your city break a breeze. Explore eerie underground catacombs, make authentic Roman pasta, walk in the footsteps of gladiators on the Colosseum floor, or save time by seeing all the iconic sites of Rome in a day. Just find your perfect Rome tour or day trip to Pompeii, and let our world-class local guides do the rest!

Looking for the best tours and local guides in Rome? You’ve found them! We’ve spent years exploring Rome and making friends in all the right places, meaning we can offer skip-the-line entry, special access experiences, and only the most charismatic, knowledgeable, and passionate guides in the city. Head underground in the mighty Colosseum, explore the magical Vatican at night, or taste authentic Roman cuisine in the trendy Trastevere neighborhood. Rome is yours for the taking! Italy’s Eternal City, Rome was once the center of an empire that stretched over three continents and shaped much of the civilization we live in today. Founded by Romulus in 753 BC, parts of the old city remain remarkably intact, from the impressive Pantheon to the Roman Forum—the heart of ancient Rome. Within Rome is the world’s smallest country and a symbol of Christianity’s role in the city’s history. The Vatican City is home to the Pope and the center of the Catholic Church, where mammoth St. Peter’s Basilica stands alongside the most famous Renaissance-era artwork in the world, including Michelangelo’s incredible Sistine Chapel. As one of Rome’s top-rated tour companies, we make planning your city break a breeze. Explore eerie underground catacombs, make authentic Roman pasta, walk in the footsteps of gladiators on the Colosseum floor, or save time by seeing all the iconic sites of Rome in a day. Just find your perfect Rome tour or day trip to Pompeii, and let our world-class local guides do the rest!

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Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum and Vatican Museums

Explore the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and more!

( 1411 ) as low as $167.24

Exclusive Access

Special Access Colosseum Arena Floor Tour through the Gladiator's Gate

Walk in the footsteps of gladiators on the Colosseum floor and see the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

( 1663 ) as low as $75.21

Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel

Skip the line and gain direct access to the Raphael Rooms, Creation of Man, and St. Peter's Basilica

( 1233 ) From: $95.43

Privileged Entrance Colosseum Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Skip the line at the Colosseum, plus Arch of Titus, Temple of Julius Caesar, and more!

( 501 ) From: $64.41

Entry Ticket

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tickets

Skip the line and gain quicker access to the Vatican so you can explore at your leisure

( 58 ) From: $44.58

St. Peter's Dome Climb and Sistine Chapel Combo Tour

Save money while seeing Rome from above, the Papal Crypts below, and the Vatican museums nearby

( 434 ) From: $123.68

Rome Catacombs Tour and Capuchin Crypts with Transportation

Skip the line and explore a creepy underground world of Roman tombs and crypts with an expert guide

( 330 ) From: $79.05

Semi-Private Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel

Enjoy a premium and exclusive tour of the Raphael Rooms, St.Peter's Basilica, and more!

( 1101 ) From: $123.68

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Rome Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

Our 536 most popular rome trips. compare tour itineraries from 116 tour companies. 1,990 reviews. 4.6/5 avg rating., popular rome tours.

The Euro Trip

• Visiting the likes of Paris, Interlaken, Rome, Split, and Ljubljana
• Overnight ferry
• Enjoy exploring and discovering local life, without the added pressure of having to tick off those famous tourist sights.
• Visit Ljubljana, Slovenia's capital city is the hidden gem of Europe on this rail holiday, an interrail route favourite!
• UNESCO World Heritage Site

Romantic Italy

• Colosseum and Roman Empire walking tour
• Roman aperitif at sunset
• Vatican and Sistine’s Chapel tour
• Florence highlights and Accademia tour
• Siena and Chianti with wine tasting

Escorted Tours Of Tuscany

• Florence Marvel at the grandeur of the architecture in the Renaissance capital of Italy and soak up the atmosphere of the most culture rich city in the world. Florence is a city of art and alluring elegance and like no other.
• Siena The delightful hilltop Renaissance jewel. The perfect place to spend a Tuscan day
• Maremma Leave the tourists behind and adventure into the wilder side of Tuscany. Serene countryside scattered with stunning ancient hilltop towns and vineyards to be explored.
• Monte Argentario An island joined to the mainland by 3 sandy spits, enjoy island life without leaving Tuscany and discover the best beaches in Tuscany
• Lucca Another picture perfect walled Tuscan town crammed with architectural treasures. Also our favorite boutiques to browse in Tuscany.

Highlights of Italy

• Explore rocky coastal pathways and pastel-coloured villages with a Cinque Terre day pass, which allows you to hike at your leisure and use the coast's public transport.
• Get lost in the floating city of Venice and wander the city's maze of alleyways, canals and lagoon islands, and choose whether to enjoy an optional gondola ride.
• Spend two days in Florence, a city known for its beauty and rustic Tuscan cuisine, and choose to discover the cities culinary traditions on optional food excursions.
• Mind-blowing squid ink spaghetti, rich Tuscan soups, a slice of pizza eaten while you gaze on centuries-old architecture – the food culture in Italy inebriate your soul.
• Discover the landmarks of Rome with your leader and wander aroundthe Spanish Steps,Trevi Fountain the Pantheon andPiazza Navona.

Italian Discovery

• - Most comprehensive itinerary of Northern and Southern Italy - Fully escorted - Private arrival and departure airport transfers - Free Rome walking tour by night

Rome, Amalfi Coast and Apulia

• Visiting one of the most enchanting towns of Puglia, Alberobello
• Explore the most enchanting areas of the city Lecce
• Boarding on a private boat for a tour to Capri
• Enjoy a delicious food tour of the exquisite Roman cuisine

Italy Family Holiday

• History class has never been this immersive. Explore the town frozen in time with a day and night in Pompeii, including a short hike to the summit of the volcanic Mt Vesuvius.
• Italy is the perfect place for a family holiday. The famously laid-back atmosphere of sun-drenched southern coast is the perfect place to relax and spend some quality time together.
• Learn the art of southern Italian pizza at a family-run agriturismo, then enjoy a glass of wine while the kids explore the farm full of friendly wild-rabbits.
• Cruise across the Bay of Naples to Capri – a holiday destination favoured by the Roman emperors. With its glistening grottoes and little white houses with flower-filled gardens, it’s easy to see why.
• Let your expert leader take the hassle out of family travel as they guide you through the history and highlights of Italy, so relax and hand over the responsibility – you deserve it.

City Slickers

• Traveling Europe by Rail, 6 Iconic Cities

All Rome , expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about Rome

Small Group Rome Tours

Venice to Rome by Rail

• Journey from the iconic sights of Venice, Florence and Rome to the fabulous Amalfi Coast
• Enjoy delicious Italian cuisine in the foodie's heaven of Bologna
• Travel by rail and on foot and minimise your carbon footprint

England, Central Europe & Italy in 17 days - Royal City, Central Europe & Colosseum - Superior

Ancient and Artistic Italy

• A relaxed paced tour of Italy
• Explore the cities as well as the country and lakes
• Explore Italy’s cities as well as the country
• Days spent in Rome, where your upgraded accommodations are in the heart of the attractions, shopping & dining.
• Days spent in Florence to explore all of its cultures.

Tuscany Walking and Wine

• Enjoy short walks in the classic rolling landscapes of southern Tuscany
• Spend time in historic hill-top towns and cities of Florence and Siena
• Enjoy wine tastings and delicious Tuscan cuisine

Barcelona to Rome

• Spend your free time in Barcelona visiting Gaudi's modern basilica, La Sagrada Familia – a Gothic masterpiece that embodies the city’s artistic and progressive heart.
• Hike in the majestic Spanish Pyrenees mountains, revelling in the fresh air, panoramic views and an exhilarating sense of freedom.
• Explore the idyllic Provencal landscapes of southern France and gain an understanding as to why this part of the world is so adored by artists.
• The Leaning Tower may be Pisa’s most iconic image, but there’s so much more to discover – The Piazza dei Miracoli and Pisa Baptistry are masterpieces in Medieval-Italian architecture.
• Enjoy plenty of free time in Rome to discover the ancient Colosseum, stroll through Vatican City and gaze up towards the gods inside St Peter's Basilica.

Best Rome Tours by Duration

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Top Rome Attractions & Experiences

Top Rome Experiences

• Walking among the ruins of the Roman Forum
• Touring the amazing ancient ruins of the Colosseum
• Gazing up at the beautiful murals and famous open air dome of the Pantheon
• People watching at Trevi Fountain, and throwing a coin in over your shoulders for good luck! 
• Lingering in Piazza Navona and feeling the energy of the city
• Going on a guided tour of Vatican City  to learn the incredible Papal history and experience the beauty of the Sistine Chapel
• Marveling at the haunting but incredible art made from human remains in the Capuchin Crypt
• Having a cone of delicious gelato while relaxing on the Spanish Steps

Rome Tours & Travel Guide

Rome Attractions & Landmarks Guide

One of the most flocked to cities in Europe , Rome is truly a sight to behold. From the Colosseum, to the Forum, to Circus Maximus, impressive history is everywhere you look. Then there's Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, countless museums, and hundreds of charming side streets with shopping and delicious local food.

It may be impossible to see Rome in a day, (because of course it wasn't built in one), but the best Italy tours will make sure you hit all the sights, and still have plenty of time to enjoy this spectacular city at your own pace. Let Stride help you craft your own personal Roman Holiday!

Ancient History

One cannot visit Rome without exploring at least some of its rich archaeological sites including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and baths of Caracalla. But even if you are strolling around Rome, searching for your next meal, or the street leading to your hotel, you may find yourself walking down a road to find a historical spot that isn’t in your guidebook. The sheer amount of history in Rome can be overwhelming. A guided tour can help you feel the sheer magnitude of this significant city.

Dine the Night Away

One major highlight on any tour of Italy , especially Rome, is the food. Italian food is all about fresh ingredients, and eating is not just about becoming full -- enjoying food, and spending time with family and friends over a meal is an important part of each day in Italy.

Dinners in Rome are held late at night, sometimes beginning as late as 9pm, and can last for several hours. When you need a break, the obvious solution to go relax in an outdoor cafe, sipping wine or having a delectable Italian coffee.

When you meet someone new in Rome, expect them to invite you over for a meal. You will soon find yourself eating delectable Roman-style artichokes that melt in the mouth, or handmade pasta, drizzled in olive oil and sprinkled with sharp Pecorino Romano cheese and fresh black pepper. Take all of this in stride, and don’t be shy - help yourself to the bottle of red wine on the table!

Embrace Piazza Life

Piazza’s in Rome and throughout Italy, are designed as gathering places. They are a perfect spot for people watching. Find your way to the Trevi Fountain or Spanish Steps for a vibrant and fun local experience.

If you want to stray away from the tourist hot spots, try visiting a smaller Piazza in a residential area. Strike up a conversation with any of the locals, and you may find yourself making a whole set of close friends.

Museums Worth Waiting in Line For

Rome’s museums offer a window into the people who walked its roads decades ago. You’ll also find modern and contemporary art museums, if you need a break from the countless artifacts and Renaissance grandeur that Rome is overflowing with. If you are set on visiting specific museums, it’s best to book tickets in advance or schedule a tour to arrange the visits for you, to avoid the crowds and lines.

There are around 70 museums in Rome, and they vary immensely in what they have to offer. With so much else to see, do, and eat in Rome, it’s likely that you’ll barely scratch the surface on your Rome trip. To save you time, here is a list of the top five most popular museums in Rome:

• The Vatican Museum  - Though technically not in Rome, this museum is a part of the Vatican, and home to the Sistene Chapel, amongst other treasures. 
• Galleria Borghese - One of the premiere art museums in the world, the building was built in the 15th century house a private art collection, and is known today for its jaw-dropping number of pristine Roman sculptures, Renaissance, and Baroque art. 
• The Capitoline Museums - Considered the world's first public museums, this string of galleries houses a renowned collection of bronze and marble Roman statues, as well as medeival art and Renaissance frescoes. 
• Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna - This fantiastic museum houses iconic pieces from the 19th century onward, and has a massive collection of Italian artists, as well as international names such as Kandisky, Van Gogh, and Pollock. 
• Palazzo Massimo - One of the Roman National Museums, renowned for its garden frescoes of Villa di Livia, and other ancient Roman art. 

Rome Reviews & Ratings

trekleaderdave

Italy - All the Highlights!

I had been on a couple Intrepid trips and I had been to Italy a couple of times... however this was the best time that I've had on either. Really a great group with...

The trip was very well planned and

The trip was very well planned and organized. I could not have seen or done as nearly as much on my own. Our leader Kent Benson was excellent. He kept us on trac...

Our guide, Kent Benson, was wonderful.

Our guide, Kent Benson, was wonderful. He was a wealth of information about...

This Highlights of Italy trip was our

This Highlights of Italy trip was our third trip with Intrepid. Our Italy trip did not disappoint. The combination of locations, tour guide and experiences were fant...

For a person travelling alone for

For a person travelling alone for the first time, I had company and ...

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Liv Tours or Viator? - Rome Forum

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Which company have you found to provide the most reliable and helpful tour services?

I have a booking with LivTours next week so I can't speak personally yet, but they seem pretty well-regarded. The small group size is what interested me - even good quality tour guides can sometimes make you feel like cattle if there's too many of you.

Note that Viator is not a tour operator, they are actually tour resellers. It also means the quality varies because there are different companies behind each activity. If you click on the "See More" option under the "Additional Info" tag for most Viator tour descriptions, right at the bottom they will list the Operator. You can then research the reputation of that operator online individually if you want to. You can also usually book directly with the operator which is almost always cheaper, although Viator typically has a better cancellation policy.

Thank you! Would love to hear about your Liv tour next week.

https://www.coopculture.it/en/poi/colosseum/

http://www.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani.html

I've never heard of Liv tours so can't help you with them. Viator is a consolidator and doesn't conduct any tours, they just sell them.

If you are booking with a private guide be sure to get their license to ensure they are doing legal tours. You could find yourself in a lot of trouble if you do an unlicensed tour.

I’ve never heard of Luv Tours either, but I’ve looked at tours they offer in various cities and they can all be booked direct with the operator.

From what they are offering it seems they are just an agent like Viator, who I’d steer well clear from.

I’d not book with either of the companies as it’s best to deal direct with the supplier and cheaper.

I read somewhere that Viator is owned by TripAdvisor. Seems like it could be a conflict of interest, asking about Viator on TripAdvisor. But maybe "discussion" occurs outside of any "financial" interests.

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Music + Concerts | Rome Ramirez reflects on 15 years of fronting…

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Music + concerts, music + concerts | rome ramirez reflects on 15 years of fronting sublime with rome, the southern california group is bidding farewell to fans with a final tour and record as members embark on new music projects..

Before Rome Ramirez even owned his first guitar, there were a handful of songs that captivated him enough to deconstruct and learn them for himself on instruments he’d borrowed. On that list of songs was the “Wrong Way” by Sublime, a band he revered as a fan, never imagining that he would one day stand as their frontman.

“It’s come full circle,” Ramirez said in a recent phone interview. “I’ve been doing that for the last 15 years, and getting the opportunity to play the music that got me to become a musician and chart out around the world to meet the fans who are also like-minded individuals; it’s a beautiful moment.”

Sublime with Rome is bidding farewell to their fans before Sublime original members bassist Eric Wilson and drummer Bud Gaugh take the stage with late vocalist Bradley Nowell’s son, Jakob Nowell at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio and the No Values Festival at Fairplex Pomona on Saturday, June 8 . The project with Rome will release its fourth and final album on Friday, May 10.

Vocalist and guitarist Rome Ramirez (pictured performing at the Cali Vibes Festival at Marina Green Park in Long Beach on Saturday, February 17) is bidding farewell to Sublime with Rome after 15 years with one final tour in 2024. (File photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)

“(The farewell tour) is going to be a celebration with the community and the staff that we’ve grown up with for the better part of two decades, and it’s just like a final celebration of replaying that catalog in-depth,” Ramirez said. Sublime with Rome recently played at the Cali Vibes Festival in Long Beach where it ran through Sublime’s “40oz. to Freedom” in full.

“It’s a wonderful part of my history that I will forever be proud of, and Godspeed and God bless Jakob, Bud, and Eric on their endeavors,” he continued. “I just know that it’ll be great. That’s what this life is about, taking great opportunities, doing them to the best of your ability, and being thankful for it all along the way.”

Ramirez grew up in Northern California before he relocated to Los Angeles with aspirations to become a musician. Upon his arrival, he found himself frequenting a studio in Costa Mesa where we happened to rub shoulders with Wilson, the bassist of one of his favorite bands. The two of them hit it off and began to hang out and jam together, which Ramirez said felt surreal enough on its own.

“I just thought it was cool because I was already hanging out with the dudes from Sublime and Eric was on my walls growing up,” he said. “I  remember texting my homie and being like, ‘Dude, I’m at Eric’s house right now on the beach. It is crazy! We’re jamming!’ It was like that for a couple of years.”

After one-on-one sessions with Wilson, they began performing at parties at the bassist’s home in Long Beach, where they would cover Sublime songs. Word of the gigs started to travel, and an idea for a new project emerged. Wilson then brought on Sublime drummer, Gaugh, and by 2009, they formed a new iteration of the group, Sublime with Rome, and debuted their first album, “Yours Truly,” in 2011.

“It was just such a journey for me and them by the grace of God, finding me, a super fan, who knew all the music. I don’t know what it was, but there was something in me that wanted to get together and take this thing to people,” Ramirez said.

According to Ramirez, Sublime with Rome was already gearing up for a farewell bid before the more recent announcement of the Sublime revival. For the singer and guitarist, the departure from the Sublime project marks a turning point and the start of a new chapter that he plans to navigate with a different approach. While he has fronted the group known to fans for its reggae island sounds melded with a touch of punk rock, he said that music was new to him in the beginning.

“I grew up on Sublime and love that music, but that was about to the extent of what I knew about the California reggae scene,” he said.” In complete honesty, I wasn’t really aware of it because I was from the Bay Area. Then I joined the band, and that’s where I was (learning about) it at the same time. So it was a very weird situation where I was literally meeting Pepper and listening to them (for the first time). It’s the same with Slightly Stoopid and bands like Rebelution, whom I had never heard of until we were on tour. I had no idea that the sound was so big and so popular, but I’m very grateful for it.”

Before collaborating with Wilson, Ramirez spent time in the studio making music with a more soul-infused sound that he has yet to fully unveil, but plans to when he releases more of his solo work. During the pandemic, the halt of live music and touring forced the band to take a break, which got him some alone time.

“I was having so much fun in the studio for myself,” he said. “I started livestreaming and connecting with these fans I’d been touring with for the last 10 years, and we started building this community. They started asking for music, making me want to make original music.”

Ramirez also grew up listening to Motown records, thanks to his parents’ music taste. He said he’s excited to release the music he’s been working on, which he describes as “Otis Redding meets Stevie Wonder meets Bob Marley’s rock steady vibe.” Hints of what’s coming out of his solo work can be heard on his cover of Lee Fields’ ballad “Forever.” He initially recorded the cover as a birthday present for his wife, but she convinced him to release it publicly, and he said its been received well by fans.

“I was borrowing a lot of that influence that I grew up with, which was a lot of soul and some traditional blues rhythm that my mom and dad were listening to,” Ramirez said. “When I joined Sublime, I just kind of bailed on that, but I’ve always been working on these types of songs.”

At the end of his time with Sublime with Rome, Ramirez finds himself in newer, but somewhat familiar territory. He frequents the studio more often, whether to record music for himself or other artists such as Rihanna, Selena Gomez, Enquire Iglesias, Jason Derulo and Dirty Heads. He’s also moved to a new city, Nashville, Tenn., a place that’s drawn a lot of fervor in recent years, especially in country music.

“There’s definitely an electricity, in terms of the music industry here, that I was missing being in L.A.,” he said. “I’ve been in L.A. for so long that I needed some new inspiration. For a songwriter and producer like myself, this is the only other place you want to go to be in the thick of it and to be able to work with great people who love music. To me, it’s like a vessel to be able to create with people I like to hang out with and just use the music as the excuse.”

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Zendaya's Vogue Covers and These 'Challengers' Press Tour Outfits Showcase Black Girl Magic

Zendaya's vogue covers and these 'challengers' press tour outfits showcase black girl magic, styled by her longtime stylist and friend law roach, zendaya is the moment, has been the moment, and will continue to be the moment..

On Tuesday, Zendaya broke the internet when she was revealed as the cover star for not one but two Vogue covers. Donning a red floral dress for the cover of U.S. Vogue and a sporty look for British Vogue more akin to her leading role in her upcoming film “Challengers,” the singer and actress stunner per usual in two different aesthetics but still served nonetheless.

These covers come amid her international press tour for the aforementioned movie where her looks, all styled by Law Roach, keep getting better and better with each passing country. It’s because of that, we decided to take a look at some of those looks and collectively gasp in awe (and slight jealousy of being able to slay so flawlessly.) So let’s get started with...

Zendaya’s British Vogue

Photographed by Carlijn Jacobs and styled by thee legend Law Roach, her cover in the center has Zendaya sporting Adidas by Wales bonner and Bulgari jewelry.

Right photo: Shirt and shorts by Polo Ralph Lauren, socks by Falke, shoes by Valentino, and jewelry by Bulgari.

Left photo: shirt by Bally, jewelry by Bulgari, shoes by Falke

Zendaya in Rome

Arguably her most fun and sporty look, Z stunned in bespoke Loewe from head to toe. But what are the true standouts are undoubtedly her white tennis ball heels which are also custom Loewe.

Zendaya in Rome Pt. 2

This white as snow suit and skirt set is a custom Calvin Klein made by their atelier

Zendaya in Paris

Scoot over Emily, it’s all about Zendaya in Paris thanks to her fashions. In this first look, the “Malcom & Marie” star sports a Louis Vuitton dress complete with a Nicolas Ghesquiére bodice and Bulgari jewelry.

Zendaya in Paris Pt. 2

At this press conference in Paris, Z sported this satin set courtesy of 1999 Louis Vuitton by Marc Jacobs archives.

Zendaya in Paris Pt. 3

For her third and final Paris look, Zendaya looks like the beautiful personification of a glammed up tennis ball in this green and white checkerboard-print Louis Vuitton dress and jewelry by Bulgari.

Zendaya in Australia

For her Sydney, Australia premiere, Z sported a green Loewe dress and Bulgari jewelry. Noticeably, the dress features a fitting silhouette of a player serving in tennis.

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Zendaya says intimacy coordinator was “very helpful” for ‘challengers’: “important that we felt safe”.

Zendaya appeared alongside co-stars Josh O'Connor and Mike Faist at the Rome premiere of their new film on Monday.

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Martina Barone

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Sydney, Paris, now Rome: Luca Guadagnino’s match moved to the Italian capital on Monday as the highly anticipated Warner Bros. film Challengers continued its world tour.

A film about love, relationships and tennis starring Zendaya , Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist , the feature is the eighth film from the director of Call Me by Your Name and Bones and All . It was presented for its Roman premiere in the setting of Piazza Barberini, behind the Via Veneto that gave birth to La Dolce Vita.

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The erotic and emotional tension between the characters is at the heart of Guadagnino’s film. “We had an intimacy coordinator which was fantastic and very helpful, because it was important that we felt safe,” Zendaya recounted on the red carpet of the Italian premiere.

She elaborated by talking about the eroticism and sensuality of the work: “I spoke with my colleagues so that we could find a way to feel at ease. We played tennis together, we went out together, we rehearsed together. We got to bond and feel good with each other,” said the Dune actress, responding to a question from THR Roma .

Faist agreed, saying, “We were able to spend time together during rehearsals and beyond, especially with Josh. We were able to get to know each other as people before we could get into the film. We created a real friendship that created the basis of the film.”

O’Connor — in his second collaboration with an Italian director after his experience in Alice Rohrwacher’s La Chimera , for which he is nominated for the David di Donatello 2024 as best leading actor — added, “It was an honor to be directed by Luca. The script was great, as was the cast and being able to work with Mike and Zendaya. To be honest, what attracted me to accepting the role of Patrick is that he is so different from me.”

The film is written by screenwriter Justin Kuritzkes, to whom Guadagnino has also entrusted the writing of his next work to be released later this year, Queer, whose premiere is contested between the Cannes Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival. Challengers was originally supposed to be the opening film of last year’s Venice Film Festival, but its release was postponed due to the writers and actors strikes that hit Hollywood in 2023.

Producer Rachel O’Connor explained that the biggest challenge in making the film was the production time, as “we had the script ready that Luca was in love with, but we really had a very short window to shoot with Zendaya, who is also a producer and brought her strong work ethic to the film, but who also had to work on Dune .”

There was an additional ingredient that allowed Challengers to come to life: “Passion. Everyone was completely involved in the project and absolutely wanted it to become a reality,” O’Connor added.

After months of postponement, Challengers will finally be released in Italian theaters April 24, and in the U.S. on April 26. The film is produced by MGM and Pascal Pictures and distributed by Warner Bros.

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Eclipse at Fort Stanwix: Poodle from Baltimore, joke-cracking ranger, picnicking friends

The site of a fort that withstood British siege during the Revolutionary War hosted a friendlier gathering on Monday for another historic event. 

An estimated 600 people visited the Fort Stanwix National Memorial in Rome between 1 and 4:30 p.m. for an eclipse viewing party hosted by the monument, the city of Rome, the Jervis Public Library and Rome Connected Community Schools.  

The same group hosted another viewing party a mile and a half away at Guyer Field in Rome.

Each event was advertised as a different “flavor” of eclipse: a total eclipse at Guyer Field and a solar flare eclipse at Fort Stanwix, which just missed the path of totality with the sun 99% blocked at the height of the eclipse.  

Musashi and Yui Muratami drove up from Cherry Hill, New Jersey with their young sons, Seigi and Akito. They were heading toward Syracuse at first, but saw that it looked like the city would be crowded, they said.

So they saw the event at the fort and headed for Rome instead. 

“I wanted to come,” Seigi said. “It’s very rare to happen.” 

“I think,” his little brother predicted, “it will be dark like night.”  

Event organizers handed out different types of eclipse glasses to keep viewing safe. They also had telescopes and pinhole projectors on hand for visitors to try. Activities like an oversized Connect Four game, bubble blowing and science experiments were set up for the kids.  

The National Park Service printed a special Jr. Ranger activity book on the eclipse and offered an eclipse stamp for visitors with a National Park passport.  

“We’ve got a lot of very enthusiastic people out here today,” Park Ranger William Sawyer said as he handed out the booklets and helped kids stamp their own passports.  

Eclipse at the fort

The re-constructed walls of Fort Stanwix enclose a big lawn on which families set up blankets and lawn chairs to watch the moon slowly move in front of the sun, although an overcast sky blocked at least part of the celestial bodies for much of the afternoon.  

The original walls of the “fort that never surrendered” endured a prolonged siege in August, 1777 by British, German, Loyalist, Canadian and American Indian troops and warriors.  

Park Ranger Kelly Cardwell emceed the event, spewing out eclipse facts and jokes to keep the crowd enlightened and entertained. Moon rocks are tastier than earth rocks, she explained. 

“They’re a little meteor,” she added. 

Then a little girls shared two more eclipse jokes. How does the sun cuts his hair? 

“He burns it,” she said. 

And how does the moon cut his hair? “He eclipse it,” she said.  

Many of the visitors came to Fort Stanwix because it was convenient from their homes in Rome and nearby communities while others drove for hours to catch a better view of rare event. Taylor Perron, of Rome, came with her brother Christian, also of Rome, and friend Grant Batista from Vernon, Connecticut drove four hours to join them. 

They chose Fort Stanwix because of the convenience and because it was the first place they found that had eclipse glasses to hand out, Taylor Perron said. It’s nice to see the just about total eclipse from so close to home, but she would have driven farther to see “such a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” she said. 

And she’s glad that when she tells people the story later in life, she can point out that she was there with two such special people, Perron said.  

'Sunrise in the afternoon'

Everything paused for several minutes as the world grew dark and darker. Cardwell announced that the sun was now 98% blocked and then 99%.  

And then the sun started to come out again. “And just like that, we’re back at 98% totality,” she said. “It’s sunrise in the afternoon.”  

Louis, a standard poodle, drove up all the way from Baltimore with his mom and three human siblings, Anna Ben Abdallah, Ayah, 16, Nora, 14 and Youssef, 8.  

Veterinarians had been curious about how pets would handle the eclipse given how rarely they occur and how little study has been made of the subject. But Louis, 4, wasn’t fazed.  

“I think he got tired at the end maybe, but he was fine,” Anna Ben Abdallah said. 

Before they left home, Youssef had suggested that they could just catch the next eclipse. “I said, ‘I don’t think so, buddy,’” his mom said. 

The family originally planned to head to Syracuse, but Anna saw a photo of Fort Stanwix online. “I just knew I wanted a lawn and a view,” she said. 

Ayah was a little surprised by the eclipse. “I didn’t really think the sky would get dark,” she said.  

Picnic and an eclipse

Two friends from Rome brought their four kids to the fort for a picnic during the eclipse. Yanira Wilson happened to take a tour of Fort Stanwix last week and heard about the watch party. So she brought her kids, Mateo, two months; and Marianna Wilson, 3; sister-in-law Taime Cotto; and friend Sanaa Dabraim with her twin daughters Goudia and Sofia, 4.  

Eclipse or no eclipse, it was just nice to be outside on a “nice, somewhat warm day,” Wilson said.  

And despite the clouds, the eclipse was good, she said. “It was a little cloudy, but we were able to experience the darkness, the phenomenon of it,” Wilson said. 

After the eclipse was long over and the clouds dispersed a bit, Sofia and Goudia yelled, “Everybody, it’s a sunny day.”  

Cardwell had one last joke to break up the party. “What did the sun say as it reappeared from the eclipse?” she asked. 

“Nice to heat you again.”