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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....

RECOMMENDED: 🏺 The best attractions in Rome 🏛 The best museums in Rome 🛏 The best Airbnbs in Rome 🚃 The best day trips from 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

Where to stay in Rome

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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Rome in a Day Tour: Including Vatican, Colosseum & Historic Center

• See all the top sights of Rome, including the Vatican Museums, Colosseum and historic center (Piazza Venezia, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Piazza Navona).
• With a carefully planned walking tour itinerary, we've taken care of all the details for a fun, hassle-free day.
• Enjoy swift entrance at the Colosseum and Vatican so you can spend less time waiting and more time exploring.
• Take the only group tour in Rome combining tickets for the Colosseum and Vatican with private transfer to the latter.

Tour description

Check all of rome's most unmissable attractions off your list in just one day..

As the famous saying goes, a lifetime isn't enough for Rome. But if you're eager to experience the most iconic sites in the city in a shorter amount of time, this Rome in a Day tour is calling your name. From the Colosseum to the Vatican—not to mention the countless must-sees in the historic center—we've crafted the perfect itinerary to ensure you see and do it all in one unforgettable day. The best way to see Rome is on foot, so get ready to do a lot of walking!

Discover history and art in the historic center on a walking tour.

Your Rome in a Day tour begins in one of Rome's most beautiful squares, Piazza Navona, home to Bernini's Fountain of Four Rivers. Your guided stroll through the historical center of the city continues past the Pantheon: a 1,900-year-old temple that has inspired countless buildings around the world throughout the centuries, including the U.S. Capitol.

You’ll also explore the most idyllic side of the Eternal City, the Rome of Audrey Hepburn and Federico Fellini, bursting with piazzas and fountains, gelato and photo ops. That includes the world-famous Trevi Fountain, where Fellini’s lovers cavorted in La Dolce Vita. The morning finishes at Piazza Venezia where you'll admire an impressive monument affectionately nicknamed "the wedding cake" by locals. You'll break for lunch, and even though it isn't included in the tour price, your guide will share recommendations for every taste and budget.

Explore the Colosseum with an expert guide.

After lunch, you'll reconvene with your guide and small group and walk to an overlook of the Roman Forum. Your knowledgeable guide will set the scene, introducing you to the ancient city and pointing out various attractions that you'll visit later on.

From there, you'll take advantage of express access Colosseum tickets to step into the iconic amphitheater for an insightful Colosseum tour of all the general access areas on the first and second tiers. Since there are never more than 18 people in the group, this is a unique opportunity to interact with your guide and learn about this spectacular structure in a way that's just not possible on your own.

See the best of the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, with private transportation from central Rome.

Following your Colosseum tour, our Rome in a Day tour continues aboard a comfortable private minibus for a seamless transfer across the river to the Vatican.

Pre-reserved skip-the-line tickets allow you to avoid the extremely long wait to enter the Vatican Museums so you can get right into the highlights of the collection with your guide. Our specially designed itinerary showcases the very best of the nine miles of art and antiquities to make sure you're engaged and entertained throughout, while not missing any of the gems of the collection such as the Apollo Belvedere, Laocoon and His Sons, and Raphael Rooms.

You’ll end your full day tour of Rome in the Sistine Chapel. After we part ways, you can choose to spend more time in the Vatican Museums, soaking up the history and art surrounding you.

If you only have a short period of time to see the absolute best that Rome has to offer, our Rome in a Day tour is the perfect way to maximize your time and experience the wonders of the city in the company of an expert local guide and small group of fellow travelers.

Sites visited

Verified guest reviews, apr 22, 2024.

Excellent walking tour. I would highly recommend booking with Walks.

Apr 21, 2024

This tour is not for the weary. Walking a long distance and stairs is a must. But the quality of the tour, the history and the ability to see almost all the highlights of Rome in one day, makes it a spectacular tour. Our tour guide Vincenzo was amazing and so knowledgeable. There was a break for a quick lunch in an area full of restaurants. The bus break over to the Vatican was nice and everything went smoothly.

Apr 10, 2024

Highly recommend.

Apr 01, 2024

We booked this Rome in a Day tour on the Saturday on Easter weekend knowing some things would be closer on the bookend days. We also expected the city to be hectic. Hillary, our guide, kept our small group on pace and seeing the best of the sites, talking/teaching for 7 hours! It was impressive and without this tour, the lines, the tickets, the crowds would have felt too overwhelming. It’s a great value and Hillary was an excellent guide

Mar 31, 2024

We did a simile tour with the company in Venice and knew they were good so booked for Rome. Our guide Kylie was AMAZING! Her knowledge and passion shone out throughout. We learnt so much from her and the fast pass entry to the coliseum and Vatican made the experience hassle free. We would recommend anyone who wants to have a guided tour of Rome to book this .

Know before you book

Similar tours, welcome to rome: city stroll with gelato tasting, best of rome walking tour with quick access roman forum & palatine hill, colosseum & roman forum with vip caesar's palace tour.

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Explore Rome with Our Expert Guided Tours

Discover every facet of the Eternal City and beyond with our extensive range of Rome tours. From iconic landmarks to surprising day trips, our expertly crafted tours deliver nothing less than Rome's best. Book your Rome tour today and immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of this historic destination.

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Discover Rome Your Way with Our Expertly Guided Tours

Rome is a city that boasts romantic fountains, wide piazzas, shopping, culture, and culinary masterpieces. If these are the things you're looking for in a trip, then Rome is a must-visit destination for you. And what better way to experience Rome than with one of our Rome tours?

Our Rome guided tours offer an immersive experience that takes you back in time as you walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators . Our expert guides will bring Ancient Rome's past to life for you as they share stories and commentary of this fascinating city. With our tours, you'll discover the hidden gems and iconic landmarks that make Rome a city like no other.

Experience Rome in a different light with our Rome night tours , where you'll see the city come to life as the sun sets. If you're feeling adventurous, explore Rome's dark side with a descent into the city's crypts and catacombs. We offer a wide range of tours so you can choose the one that suits you best.

Rome is not only an incredible city to visit, but it's also an excellent base for exploring other parts of Italy. Italy is a country that delights at every turn, from its food and drink to its coastline and history. Join us on one of our Rome day tours to Pompeii , the Tuscan countryside , or the Amalfi Coast for a limoncello tasting and a cruise .

With our Rome tours, you'll experience the best that this city has to offer. Book with us today and get ready for an unforgettable journey through the heart of Italy.

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Experience The Best of The Eternal City

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ROME ITALY CITY TOURS

Experience the best of the eternal city, experience rome's hidden gems and iconic wonders with our rome tour guides, city rome tours.

Discover the heart of the Eternal City with our private tours of Rome. Dive into its rich tapestry, from ancient ruins to vibrant contemporary culture. With Roma Experience, you're not just visiting; you're immersing.

Wander the iconic Colosseum, admire the Pantheon's grandeur, and meander through the charming streets of Trastevere. Our private guided tours in Rome ensure you experience both the city's top attractions and its hidden treasures, known only to locals.

Our Rome private tours are more than sightseeing. They're a journey through time, enriched by stories of emperors, gladiators, and artists. Our local guides in Rome are not only knowledgeable but passionate about sharing Rome's history, architecture, and culture.

Seeking a unique perspective? Our special tours of Rome and Jewish Roma private walking tours offer insights into lesser-known areas, from the historic Jewish Ghetto to Rome's secret gardens.

At Roma Experience, we believe in personalization. Whether you're an art enthusiast, history aficionado, or a culinary explorer, our tours cater to your interests, ensuring a tailored experience that delves deep into Rome's cultural heritage.

Avoid the crowds with our skip the line access. Dive straight into world-renowned museums and landmarks without the wait. Secure, convenient, and tailored to you - that's the Roma Experience promise.  

Unearth the soul of the Eternal City on our private tours. From ancient ruins to modern vibrancy, Roma Experience ensures a deep dive into Rome's essence.

Wander the Colosseum, marvel at the Pantheon, and stroll through Trastevere's quaint streets. Our guided tours reveal both famed attractions and local secrets.

Journey through epochs, from emperors to artists, enriched by our passionate local guides. For a unique lens, our special and Jewish Roma walking tours spotlight areas like the historic Jewish Ghetto and Rome's hidden gardens.

Whatever your passion—art, history, or cuisine—we craft tours to your interests, immersing you in Rome's rich cultural tapestry.

Avoid the crowds with our skip the line access. Dive straight into world-renowned museums and landmarks without the wait. Secure, convenient, and tailored to you - that's the Roma Experience promise.

Rome City Tours

Dive deep into history with the Colosseum Underground tour. Experience exclusive access to the dungeon and the iconic arena floor for a unique Roman adventure.

With Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Colosseum underground.

Relive Roman history: skip the line at the Colosseum, wander ancient streets, and enjoy Palatine Hill's unmatched views. Experience antiquity's marvels today.

Private Colosseum Tour

Explore Rome's ancient engineering marvels. Skip lines at the Colosseum and Pantheon. Witness age-old designs that profoundly influence today's architectural landscape.

Aqueducts - Pantheon & Colosseum

The roman architecture.

Experience Rome's dual museums: Centrale Montemartini's classical statues and the High Medieval Museum's artefacts in the modern EUR district.

Centrale Montemartini Special Tour

Ancient meets modern.

Discover Ostia Antica's secrets: wander ancient Roman roads, explore historic homes, uncover hidden temples, and admire a remarkably preserved theatre still in use today.

From Rome by Private Car

Ostia antica.

Experience art like never before with our Borghese Gallery Private Tour. Explore the masterpieces housed in the Borghese Gallery Rome for a personalized journey.

Baroque & Renaissance Art

Borghese gallery private tour.

Private tour of Colosseum and Circus Maximus. Experience their grandeur, get personalized insights from your guide, and enjoy an artisanal gelato break.

Colosseum & Circus Maximus

The games in ancient rome.

Immerse in Rome's history at the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Trevi Fountain, and marvel at Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel. An unforgettable guided experience.

With Colosseum & Sistine Chapel

See rome in one day.

Dive into Rome's history: explore the Colosseum's epic past and Renaissance art at the Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line access on this express tour.

Express Rome Tour

Uncover Rome's lesser-known treasures: Trastevere with its vibrant murals, Tiber Island's stunning architecture, and the Jewish Ghetto, echoing with tales from bygone eras.

With Rome's Jewish Ghetto

Private tour of trastevere.

Journey through Rome's ruins, exploring legends and pivotal events. Learn how Caesar's demise led to Augustus' reign. Experience history with our private tour.

Caesar's Death to Augustus's Rise

Creating the empire.

Experience Rome's history at Capitoline Museum, the world's oldest public museum. Admire artefacts like Constantine’s bust, Marcus Aurelius' figure, and the Capitoline Wolf.

The Oldest Museum in The World

Capitoline museums.

Escape daily life to explore Ancient Rome's wonders. Venture off-track: marvel at bronze statues, emperor marble figures, and frescoes from an Empress' garden.

With Palazzo Massimo

Bath of diocletian.

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Rome City Tour: Experience the Eternal City’s Timeless Charm

Rome City Tour : Experience the Eternal City’s Timeless Charm

Rome, the Eternal City, is a destination that beckons travellers with its rich history, captivating architecture, and vibrant culture. From ancient ruins to Renaissance masterpieces, a tour of Rome promises an unforgettable journey through time. In this guide, we’ll delve into the wonders of Rome, exploring its iconic landmarks, cultural treasures, and hidden gems.

Historical Background of Rome

The founding of rome.

Legend has it that Rome was founded by Romulus and Remus, twin brothers raised by a she-wolf. The city’s origins date back to 753 BC, and it quickly grew into a powerful civilization, establishing one of the greatest empires in history.

The Roman Empire

At its peak, the Roman Empire spanned across three continents, shaping the course of Western civilization. Rome’s influence extended from Britain to Africa, leaving behind a legacy of law, language, and architecture that continues to resonate today.

Top Attractions in Rome

The colosseum.

A symbol of ancient Rome, the Colosseum stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Roman Empire. This iconic amphitheatre once hosted gladiatorial contests, chariot races, and theatrical performances, drawing crowds from far and wide.

The Vatican City

Home to the Pope and the heart of the Catholic Church, the Vatican City is a must-visit destination for travellers to Rome. Explore the awe-inspiring St. Peter’s Basilica, marvel at the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling painted by Michelangelo, and wander through the Vatican Museums’ vast collection of art and artefacts.

Trevi Fountain

Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to Rome, as the legend goes. This magnificent Baroque fountain, designed by Nicola Salvi, is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, offering a picturesque backdrop for photos and wishes.

Step inside the Pantheon and marvel at its architectural brilliance. This ancient temple, dedicated to the Roman gods, features a massive dome with an oculus that illuminates the interior with natural light. It’s a remarkable example of Roman engineering and design.

Cultural Delights of Rome

Italian cuisine.

Indulge in the culinary delights of Rome, from mouthwatering pasta dishes to delectable gelato. Sample traditional Roman specialities like cacao e pepe, carbonara, and supplì, and savour the flavours of Italy’s gastronomic heritage.

Art and Architecture

Immerse yourself in Rome’s artistic legacy as you wander through its streets and squares. Admire masterpieces by Michelangelo, Raphael, and Bernini, and marvel at the city’s magnificent monuments and palaces.

Exploring Rome’s Neighborhoods with Rome guided tour

Experience the bohemian charm of Trastevere, Rome’s lively neighbourhood across the Tiber River. Explore its narrow cobblestone streets, vibrant piazzas, and quaint trattorias, and soak up the local atmosphere.

Discover Testaccio, a hidden gem known for its culinary delights and cultural heritage. Explore its food markets, sample traditional Roman street food, and learn about the neighbourhood’s history as a former slaughterhouse district.

Guided Tours vs. Self-Guided Tours

Pros and cons of guided tours.

Guided tours offer the expertise of knowledgeable guides who can provide insights and historical context to enhance your experience. However, they may be more structured and less flexible than exploring on your own.

Benefits of self-guided tours

Self-guided tours allow you to explore at your own pace, following your interests and preferences. You have the freedom to customize your itinerary and discover hidden gems off the beaten path.

Tips for a Memorable City tour of Rome

The best time to visit.

Avoid the crowds by visiting Rome during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. The weather is pleasant, and attractions are less crowded compared to the peak summer months.

A Rome city tour is a journey through history, art, and culture, offering a glimpse into the past while embracing the vibrant spirit of the present. Whether you’re marvelling at ancient ruins or savouring gelato in a charming piazza, Rome captivates visitors with its timeless charm and allure.

How many days do I need for a Rome city tour?

• Ideally, plan to spend at least three to four days in Rome to explore its top attractions and immerse yourself in its rich cultural heritage.
• Is it necessary to book tickets in advance for attractions in Rome?
• While it’s not always required, booking tickets in advance can save you time and ensure entry to popular attractions, especially during peak tourist season.
• What is the best way to get around Rome?
• Rome’s public transportation system is efficient and convenient, with buses, trams, and the metro serving the city and its outskirts.
• Can I visit the Vatican City independently?
• Yes, you can visit the Vatican City independently, but consider joining a guided tour to enhance your experience and gain insights from knowledgeable guides.
• Are there any hidden gems in Rome that tourists often miss?
• Yes, Rome is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered, from secret gardens to underground catacombs. Explore off-the-be

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Rome: The City Experience

4.8 out of 5 stars

You have up to 60 days to get a full refund

Feel good about putting a tour on the calendar today: Enroll in AutoPay or pay in full when you book, and if you change your mind,  you’ll get your money back .†

Fall in love with Rome.

Step wholeheartedly into the Roman experience and make the Eternal City your home away from home. Explore legendary landmarks, mingle with locals who go about their lives in the shadow of ancient ruins, and learn how to craft fresh Italian cuisine during a cooking class. We promise, you’re going to leave feeling like an insider.

Your tour package includes

• 5 nights in a well-located hotel
• 5 breakfasts
• 2 dinners with beer or wine, including a signature farewell dinner experience with a cooking lesson
• Expert Tour Director
• Sightseeing tour with a local guide

Included highlights

• Palatine Hill
• Circus Maximus
• Roman Forum
• Roman cooking class

An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.

Day-by-day itinerary

Board your overnight flight to Rome today.

Welcome to Italy! Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Follow in the footsteps of the ancient Romans on a guided tour of the Eternal City.

• Soak up over 2,000 years of history in Imperial Rome, viewing the Arch of Constantine and the Arch of Titus.
• Enter the Colosseum, the largest amphitheater of the Roman Empire.
• Stop at the ruins of the Forum, once the setting of parades, elections, and trials.
• Pass by Palatine Hill to see Circus Maximus, the stadium where ancient Romans raced chariots, and the Baths of Caracalla.

Spend a free afternoon exploring the city on your own, or add an excursion.

Ancient Rome: St. Paul’s Basilica & the Catacombs

From $89 per person

Enjoy a free day in Rome or add excursions.

Food of Rome: Walking Tour of Trastevere

From $135 per person

Iconic Sights: Vatican City

From $125 per person

Spend a free day in Rome or add an excursion.

Castel Gandolfo & Wine Tasting

From $155 per person

Enjoy a free day in Rome or add an excursion.

(Please note: Iconic Sights: Vatican City excursion may be offered on day 3, depending on the day of the week.)

This evening, join your group for a special cooking class and dinner. You’ll craft handmade pasta with the help of a chef before tasting your creations and raising a toast to your trip with local wine.

Ancient Roman Ruins of Ostia Antica

From $105 per person

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay to visit Florence.

Travel north to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, and get to know the city with a local guide.

• View the legendary Florence Cathedral, known as the Duomo.
• Pass Giotto’s Campanile, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
• Walk past Piazza della Repubblica to the medieval Ponte Vecchio.
• Stroll along the Arno River and through the courtyard of the Uffizi Gallery to Piazza della Signoria, center of Florentine life.

Enjoy a free day in Florence or add an excursion.

Siena & San Gimignano: Tuscan Hilltowns

Spend a free day in Florence or add an excursion.

Later this evening, gather with your group to celebrate your trip with a farewell drink.

Accademia Gallery

From $65 per person

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Book for just $99 down

That’s all it takes to secure your spot on tour with AutoPay. Then, pay for your trip in interest-free, monthly installments.†

Overall rating 4.8 out of 5

1 out of 5 stars

The pricing of this tour for the benefits received seems out of whack. The tour essentially covers travel to/from airport; a welcome and departure dinner; hotel for 5 nights, and a tour (and transportation to/from) of the Colosseum. Everything else is on your own/free time. I have traveled a...

Hi Kathy, Thank you for sharing your feedback wit...

5 out of 5 stars

Vanir was very good tour director . Group was very friendly . Program each day was very good, hope you arrange your to go Pompeii. Pompeii is very popular for a lots of people if add up for excursion will be great.

This was my first time in Rome. The beginning of October was still warm, but not too hit. We hit a sweet spot because it started raining right after we left. 👍🏻. Our tour director Vania was very nice and downright funny. The hotel was top-notch with beautiful rooms, delicious breakfast and a b...

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Hotels, flights & FAQ

This contemporary hotel is located in the Esquilino neighborhood of Rome. Guests enjoy the rooftop terrace, spacious rooms, and bar. Nearby you’ll fin...

This charming hotel is located in the historic center of Florence along the River Arno. Guests enjoy the beautiful lounge bar with live music, origina...

• Round-trip flight for your tour
• Airport transfers at your destination
• A great price locked in today
• 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
• Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
• Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
• Find out more about flights
• In order to enter Italy, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
• We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
• Beginning in 2025, U.S. and Canadian passport holders must register for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to enter many European countries.
• Passport holders from over 60 visa-exempt countries (including the U.S. and Canada) will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to visit 30 European countries. That means that even if you’ve previously traveled to any of these European countries without a visa, starting in 2025, you’ll need to get ETIAS authorization to visit them again. If you’re traveling to multiple countries with this requirement, you only need to complete the form once. All Go Ahead travelers are responsible for obtaining their own ETIAS travel authorization before departure. For more details, please visit our Help Center .
• If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
• You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to ** goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements **and searching the code RWE.
• You will walk for at least 2 hours daily across mostly flat terrain, including cobblestone streets and dirt paths, with few hills and stairs.
• Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
• You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times
• Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
• If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
• Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in and depart from Rome (returning flights will depart from Florence on the tour extension). A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
• Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
• For your convenience, your Tour Director will purchase Metro tickets upon request.
• All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
• Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
• Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
• Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
• Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
• We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
• A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
• You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
• It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
• At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov .
• If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
• If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
• Roman food is typically freshly prepared and varies depending on the season. Must-try bites include cacio e pepe (a simple dish of pasta, cheese, and pepper) and​ supplí (a fried rice ball similar to Sicily's arancini ).
• For more authentic meals, try local trattorias , small restaurants set away from the main piazzas. A typical Italian meal includes wines and the occasional beer, followed by a few sips of after-dinner drinks like grappa or limoncello .
• Tuscany, on the tour extension, is world-famous for its wine, oil, sauces, and pasta. Menus favor subtle, lighter pastas and desserts made with nuts, fruit, and honey. Try a dish featuring the region's Chianina beef, perhaps the most prized breed of cattle in all of Italy. For wine, popular Tuscan reds include Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, which are primarily made from the Sangiovese grape.
• Italy operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and uses Types C, F, or L plugs with two or three small, round pins.
• We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
• The strength of the air conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
• Your hotel may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
• Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
• There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
• Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
• Italy is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and six hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
• When it’s noon in New York, it’s 6pm on tour.
• You will use the euro on this tour.
• Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
• We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
• You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
• Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
• International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
• At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
• We recommend tipping the equivalent of $10USD to $12USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
• If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
• Tips can only be paid in cash.
• Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
• Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
• Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
• Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.
• If you are interested in visiting any of Florence's many museums during your free time on the tour extension, we recommend that you make reservations in advance. See uffizi.org for the Uffizi Gallery or accademia.org for the Accademia Gallery. Please note that the museums are closed on Mondays.

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Project Description

Rome – the city.

Languages available:  EN ES FR PT IT

Minimum group size: 1

Maximum group size: 20

Duration: 4 hours

DESCRIPTION – Rome: The City

Rome does not need to be presented. It contains such a wealth of famous architectural jewels from all eras around the world, which has been dubbed the Eternal City. But the capital of Italy is not only an ancient city.

Beyond the unique examples of the architecture of ancient Rome such as the Colosseum and the Imperial Fora, Rome has a surprising contemporary side that will delight lovers of contemporary architecture.

In addition to the abundant historical buildings, the MAXXI National Museum of the 21st Century Arts by Zaha Hadid, the Auditorium Parco della Musica by Renzo Piano, the Museum of Contemporary Art MACRO by Odile Decq, the Jubilee Church of Richard Meier and the Franco Purin’s Eurosky Tour, among others, are just some of the examples that make Rome a very interesting architectural city and a must see.

Enjoy this guided visit in the city of Rome, capital of Italy and you will be able to see some of the most famous buildings and architectural heritage. Our tours are focused on architecture and urbanism and they are perfect for architecture lovers, experts and professionals as well as groups and student trips. Enjoy with Artchitectours guided visits around the world, made by professional guide-architects who will come along with us throughout the itinerary.

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Best Rome Tours & Day Trips

Morning Ancient Rome & Colosseum Tour €72

Tick the iconic Colosseum off your bucket list with our Colosseum & Ancient Rome Tour. We take you inside with Skip the Line Tickets and transport you back to a time when the arena was used for violent gladiatorial games. Wander the historic remains of the Roman Forum, once the centre of Ancient Rome, as your friendly guide brings the sprawling ruins to life with entertaining stories and facts. Top it off with a visit to Palatine Hill for spectacular views of the Imperial Palace and Circus Maximus. With plenty of photo opportunities and our engaging and knowledgeable guide, our Colosseum & Ancient Rome Tour is the best way to uncover the layers of Roman history is this fascinating area of Rome.

Afternoon Ancient Rome & Colosseum Tour €72

Join the Afternoon Ancient Rome and Colosseum Tour for an in-depth look at the city's incredible history. You will get to explore the world-famous Colosseum and learn about the events that took place here throughout history. You will also get to explore several other historic parts of Rome including the Arch of Constantine, the Sacred Way and the Imperial Forum. Get ready for an afternoon of amazing ruins and fascinating insights!

Rome Day Tour with Colosseum & Vatican €95

See the two highlights of a visit to Rome, including your Skip the Line tickets, with our Rome Tour with Colosseum & Vatican City. We spend the morning exploring the Vatican Museums to discover the immense treasure trove of art collected over centuries including the Laocoön and Raphael’s Rooms. You will be in awe of Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel, before making our way to St Peter’s Basilica. In the afternoon hop over to the Colosseum and the surrounding ruins of the Roman Forum. Your guide will have plenty of stories to share about the ancient Roman empire and the archaeological sites they left behind that dot the city. Finally, ascend Palatine Hill for spectacular views of the ruins of the Imperial Palace and Circus Maximum.

Historical Rome Walking Tour €48

Discover the most important monuments, squares, fountains, streets and buildings of Rome on our Historical Rome Walking Tour. Led by a licensed local guide, you will hear exciting stories from of historical and religious sites of Rome. Taking you from Piazza di Spagna to see the theatrical Spanish Steps to Rome’s famous fountains including Fountain of Four Rivers - make sure you save your coins to throw at the Trevi Fountain to grant your return to Rome! Walk through one of Ancient Rome’s best-preserved monuments - the Pantheon - which contain the tombs of Raphael and two kings of Italy! Our guided walking tour is a great way to discover the city’s history and culture.

Private Colosseum Tour from €60

Dig deeper into Ancient Rome and its world renowned iconic monuments, including the Colosseum, with our Private Colosseum Tour. Your tour guide will be on hand to offer you a more personal experience as you discover the treasures of Ancient Rome and the sprawling ruins from millennia ago. Explore the fascinating ruins of the Colosseum amphitheatre and walk the Via Sacra, just as Ancient Romans did 2000 years ago. Your private guide will have plenty of stories to bring these historical sites to life.

Private Rome Tours

Our Private Rome Tours are designed to offer you a more personalised exploration of the city. With pickup from Rome accommodation providers, airports or ports, our local guides will take you to discover the main attractions and lesser-known treasures of the Eternal City. Travel in clean modern transport as your local guide navigates the busy Roman streets and provides a fascinating insight into the culture and history of the city. Customised itineraries are available to cater to special needs or indulge particular interests.

Vatican Tours

Walk amongst one of the largest and most important collections of Western art in the world with a tour of the Vatican Museums. On display are over 20 000 works, from ancient Roman sculptures to modern pieces, commissioned and collected over centuries of papal residency. Highlights include the Renaissance masterpieces of Rafael’s Rooms and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Beyond the Vatican Museums, St Peter’s Basilica is regarded as one of the holiest shrines of the Catholic faith. While the church itself is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, it also houses important artworks from Michelangelo and Bramante. Our Vatican tours offer visitors an exceptional guide through the fascinating history, architecture and art of the Vatican City and its unrivalled museums.

Pompeii Tours

Our Pompeii Tours take you to explore the town where time was tragically halted by the eruption of the Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Pompeii was buried under metres of volcanic ash and rock, preserving the town exactly as it was thousands of years ago and offering us a unique window into ancient Roman life. Join one of our tours to travel back in time and immerse yourself in the world of Pompeii before it was covered by volcanic detritus. Our knowledgeable local guides are a wealth of information, helping you make sense of the 64 ha of sprawling ruins and painting a picture of the daily life of the town’s inhabitants. We offer day tours to Pompeii from Rome, local Pompeii tours and multi-day tours that explore the surrounding Amalfi Coast.

Amalfi Coast Tours

The Amalfi Coast is post-card perfect Italy – think picturesque fishing villages set into mountains that plunge into the turquoise sea below. We have a number of tours available to explore the area, from a day trip from Rome, to private tours for travellers staying in the region. No visit to the Amalfi Coast is complete without a day out on the famous Island of Capri, and our tours from Rome, Sorrento and Capri will take you to explore this glamorous jewel in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Be sure to experience the magic of the illuminated Blue Grotto and the dizzying views from Monte Solaro. Back on the mainland, our Amalfi Coast tours explore the chic towns of Positano, Amalfi and Sorrento and journey along the spectacular coastal drive with local guides. It’s sure to be an experience you won’t forget.

City Rome Tours

City Rome Tours Travel Experiences

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We are specialized in creating memorable travel experiences: discover authentic Italy and Vatican City by booking our tours.

our best-sellers!

Several different routes show different sides of the city so you can choose the one that suits you best.

Semi-Private Fast Track Colosseum Tour

On this exclusive semi-private tour, groups are limited to 13 people and you will enter the Colosseu ...

from € 55

Private Tour of the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Go to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel on a private 3-hour guided tour of Rome and marvel ...

from € 150

Vatican museums and Sistine Chapel Small Group Tour

Experience Best selling Tour for The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Our Vatican tours offer ...

from € 61

Vatican at Night VIP Tour

Be among the few to enter the Vatican in the evening with this small group tour. Skip the lines at ...

from € 69

Rome City Highlights Private Tour

Discover the highlights of Rome at a relaxed pace on a full-day shore excursion. Admire the sweep of ...

from € 420

Private Tour of Trastevere Underground

Ever heard of Trastevere underground? Not a lot of people know about this amazing part of Rome. ...

from € 160

City Rome Tours staffs are all English-speakers, but we also have German, Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese, Russian guides. It is an independent tourist office offering a variety of services to independent travelers in Rome, Italy.

City Rome Tours provides a variety of services. We will give you a tremendous amount of information about Rome, and secrets on how to see the city for a lower price.

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Rome Tours: Vatican, Sistine Chapel, Colosseum, Palatine Hill and more

We believe in the experience of getting to know the city as friends of locals and not as regular tourists.

This is why we like to show you the highlights of each city in an exclusive way and without lines, with a very intimate experience with your guide. For the same reason, our groups are small and manageable, and our fully licensed tour guides provide a local insight on every tour, as they have all been raised in the city and its surroundings.

They are energetic and knowledgeable, they put all their passion in their work and will always be ready to answer to any of your questions!

Private Guided Tour at Vatican and Sistine Chapel

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum

Private Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Guided Tour

Gastronomic Experience Trastevere

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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.

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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 April 17, 2024

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.

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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.

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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

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Venice food tours, st. mark’s basilica, murano & burano, gondola tours, doge’s palace, st. peter’s basilica, st. peter's dome, sistine chapel, raphael rooms, private tours, pompeii from rome, cooking classes, colosseum underground, paris food tours, eiffel tower, statue of liberty, nyc food tours, metropolitan museum (met), central park, last supper, lake como from milan, windsor castle, westminster abbey, tower of london, harry potter, changing of the guard, vegas shows, the grand canyon, uffizi gallery, tuscan wine tours, statue of david, florence food tours, florence duomo, accademia gallery, sagrada familia, montserrat from barcelona, casa batllo, barcelona food tours, barcelona boat tours, athens food tours, rijksmuseum tours, amsterdam food tours, amalfi coast, water & boat tours, sorrento boat tours, capri boat tours, the best rome tours, book colosseum, vatican, food tours, cooking classes, day trips, and unforgettable experiences in rome.

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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Skip the Line

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

( 1280 ) From: $94.59

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!

( 1476 ) as low as $156.56

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

( 1726 ) as low as $70.40

Semi-Private Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel

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

( 1106 ) From: $133.79

Vatican at Closing Time with Sistine Chapel

Book a unique experience that visits the Vatican in the early evening with fewer crowds

( 169 ) From: $109.76

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

( 450 ) From: $133.79

Colosseum Underground Tour with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Get special access to the Underground dungeons and Arena Floor on this guided small group tour

( 952 ) From: $178.59

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: $44.19

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19 Best Tours in Rome

By Maresa Manara and Erica Firpo

Vacation tours can be a divisive topic, particularly for people who feel passionately about exploring a city independently. But the truth of the matter is that exploring it with a local by your side will bring you to parts of it you might never find on your own. And no locals have as many stories to tell their city as the Romans. You'll find the most intellectual and personable tour guides to take you around vineyards, through olive groves, on vespa rides, through film studios, food markets, cemeteries, medieval churches, and the most iconic ancient sites. Without further delay, these are our picks for the very best Rome tours.

Click the link to read our complete Rome travel guide.

City Wonders: Ostia Antica Half-Day Tour from Rome Arrow

Ostia Antica is a historic seaside village an hour from Rome and these half-day tours of the coastal archaeological site are well-planned. Groups visit Ostia’s amphitheater, temples, historic baths, and ancient market. Guides seem to have real passion for the subject, talking visitors through the entire tour, peppering their commentary with anecdotes and fun facts. This is a slam-dunk for true history buffs who want to get deeper into the greater Rome area.

Elizabeth Lev: Rome's Historical Center, An All-You-Can-See Smorgasbord of Art Arrow

Elizabeth Lev is something else. Rome is her city, and this tour is her work of art. She has an incredible way of engaging with the history, the art, the monuments, and the stories. You'll find yourself wanting to spend all your time with her. The tour explores the ancient, medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque art periods; and it visits sites like 13th century frescos above the church of Santa Cecilia and art collections behind the facades of the Spada palace. You'll be wowed by all of the layers of the city and how it feels like Rome has been hitting a string of never-ending home runs since antiquity.

Elizabeth Lev: Borrowed but Never Baroque, Bernini & 17th Century Rome Arrow

This tour of Elizabeth Lev's meets up outside the beautiful Piazza della Repubblica . Our group was tiny, but Liz will accommodate larger private groups. She is both an incredible academic brain and a witty storyteller. And her tour shows of the dramatic  range of Baroque art and architecture within Rome. This tour is great for anyone who wants a deep dive into the city's Baroque history, and anyone who wants to appreciate Rome in an experience that's not quite in the guide books.

LivItaly Tours: Vespa Sidecar Tour Arrow

The Vespa Sidecar tour is entirely private and can be customized for return visitors who may have already seen the highlights. It is not, though, a show-up-when-you-want activity. It can be organized for up to six participants, but you'll only be in a group if you choose to be. My tour was perfect because it was just me and the driver/guide Luca.  As a licensed guide, he knows his history, is easy to understand, and is very friendly. He always has a plan, but is quick to change it at the first request. We talked Rome and food and went to all the right places, from big names to more under the radar finds. 

Steph Koyfman

Shannon McMahon

Charlie Hobbs

Rome 500 Experience: The 7 Hidden Gems of Rome Tour in an Antique FIAT 500 Arrow

There's a lot of reasons to sign up for this tour through greater Rome, not least is that you get to drive yourself with the top down in a vintage Fiat 500. Another nice perk: Rome's traffic is seriously easier to deal with when traveling in convoy (the group can have up to 50 cars in it). And, as you will get your own car to drive, it can feel like a private tour, although groups are also organized by language, so communication shouldn't be a problem for anyone.  But most importantly, you just look so much better behind the wheel of a classic Italian car.

Top Bike Rental & Tours: Ancient Appian Way, Catacombs, and Aqueducts Park Tour Arrow

This tour will take the better part of your day (it's six hours start to finish). But going by bike to these outer city sites —the old Appian Way via the ancient aqueduct—is the easiest and most entertaining way to see them. Plus you won't want to cut out early: it ends with wine and some nibbles in Caffarella Park, which is so expansive it feels like you're in the countryside even though it's smack in the middle of the greater city. Bikes feel brand new and the confidence of the tour guides will put any nervous riders at ease.

Rome Tram Tracks Tour Arrow

This tour is a rocking dance  party on a vintage tram that rumbles through Rome. It lasts two hours, during which you'll cut up the dance floor, drink, and cheer as you roll past some of Rome's most iconic sites . This is really an evening activity for those who don't just want to go get dinner somewhere in town. The greatest part, however, may have been how the senior citizens on our ride managed to upstage all the thirty- and forty-year olds on the dance floor.

Casa Mia Tours: Rome Cinema & Food Arrow

Rome has a rich history of cinema, and while you could take any tour with any guide, there is nothing quite like seeing its cinematic history with Eleonora Baldwin, Cinecittà Studios veteran and granddaughter of famed director Vittorio de Sica, four-time Academy Award winner and father of Italian cinema. This tour is both Rome's history and Eleonora's story, and she is so passionate that it will make you want to spend all day with her, and all night watching films. There are only three requirements—a pair of comfy shoes, an empty stomach, and a reservation.

Non-Catholic Cemetery Tour Arrow

You should always visit the truly Roman neighborhood of Testaccio when in Rome, but this tour of its historic non-Catholic Cemetery gives you reason to stay in the area after you've hit its prime trattorias. It's a beautiful, unusually tranquil space, filled with bougainvillea and museum-worthy sculptures in the middle of the city. The informative guides will school you on the cemetery's 400-year history as you amble past the tombstones of Keats, Percy Shelly, and other famous expats.

Context Travel: Fall and Rise of Rome Arrow

This historical tour starts at a medieval church in San Clemente and ends at the church of SS. Giovanni e Paolo. Its chronology spans from the Roman Empire's fall to the Renaissance's beginnings. The guide Philip was total pro. He's an archaeologist with a great sense of humor and passion for every site. He knew exactly what to show me and could even point out where to stand so I had the best understanding of the sights. People who enjoy Roman, religious, and art histories will  love this tour. It's also a great opportunity for people who have already seen the main tourist attractions to see some gems off the beaten path.

The Roman Guy: Cocktail Bars in Rome, Evening Walking Tour Arrow

This English-speaking tour will take you to some of Rome's most popular bars, including Trastevere's Freni e Frizioni , with stop offs to major attractions along the way. Plus, company founders Sean and Brandon are always quick to offer tips on the best spots for gelato or pizza in the city as you pass by for that next negroni. It’s actually a fantastic way to experience life in Rome with locals—far more relaxing that spending time trying to avoid tourist traps. 

Katie Parla: Vineyard Visit to Cantina Ribelà Arrow

Sommelier Maurizio di Franco meets you at your hotel and accompanies you via hired car to Cantina Ribelà while enchanting you with a bit of Lazio history and winemaking background on Ribelà. Maurizio is a certificated sommelier, and it doesn't hurt that he's also super charming. His love of wine is contagious, he tells great stories, and his patience is wonderful. At the winery you'll be struck be the natural beauty of the landscape, close as it is to a city as big as Rome. 

LivItaly Tours: Virtual Reality Tour of the Colosseum and Domus Aurea Arrow

Imagine if you could physically see the sites, monuments, and reference points that tour guides bring up when ushering you around a city as ancient as Rome. This virtual reality tour lets you, by creating enhanced versions of the way the Eternal City appeared during the days of the empire, all visible through the glasses you'll wear as you make your way through the Roman Forum and Colosseum .

Vatican Museums: “Out of Hours” Guided Tour, Good Morning Vatican Museums Arrow

There is nothing like opening the doors to an empty Sistine Chapel . The exclusive private Out of Hours Good Morning Vatican tour must be booked months in advance and is subject to permission of the Vatican. You will be greeted by Vatican personnel and escorted through the complex by the Clavigero, holder of the 300 keys of the Vatican Museums. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and it does begin quite early in the morning. At 6 a.m. you and no more than 19 others will accompany the Clavigero to open the doors of the Vatican Museums.  

Johnny Madge: Olive Oil Tours Arrow

You'll have to trek well outside the city (close to an hour) to reach the olive groves in the Sabina country, but it's well worth the trip. Johnny Madge is an olive oil authority , judging competitions all over the world and this is his backyard. He clearly loves it, and that love is contagious. Tourees will learn to distinguish extra virgin olive oil from everything else and importantly that you do not drizzle oil on your food. You pour it. This  is best for foodies who want to get out of the city and deep dive in Roman food. 

Le Domus Romane di Palazzo Valentini: Multimedia Tour Arrow

The Domus Romane are ancient Roman villas and other structures, abandoned in antiquity, filled in with debris, and inadvertently used as foundations for Palazzo Valentini, a Renaissance palace turned government office building. They are now underground, obscured by buildings and pavement just beside Piazza Venezia. On this tour, in situ multimedia renderings recreate an Imperial Rome domus, as well as some aspects of Roman life. The guides are actual archaeologists, and the fact-checked audio is delivered cleanly. These language-specific multimedia tours are popular though, and must be booked in advance.

Tavole Romane Food Tours: The Rome Food Walking Tour Arrow

Think of Tavole Romane, the food-and-wine-focused walking tour of Rome, as getting access to the little black book of those who know the city's food scene best. Owners Gabriele and Silvia customize the tours based on the interests of each intimate group, which could mean wine bars in Trastevere or an aperitivo-heavy hop through the centro storico, led by somms, chefs, or another tapped in member of Rome's food scene.

Latteria Studio: Market to Table Arrow

This market tour and cooking class began with a wonderful walk through the market to Latteria Studios, a functional cooking studio and photo set. Alice, Rachel, and Carla, who head up the activities, are real professionals. They know everyone at the market, and they know all about food. Sitting at the table at the end of day fosters a real sense of community with what may have been a group of strangers from different countries and continents. You'll immerse yourself in Rome and make new friends at the same time. 

Cinecittà Studios: VIP Tour Arrow

This is your chance to see the studio that was once home to Fellini and Leone. It's still a working studio though, so you'll need to follow the guide's itinerary to the letter. She will know about Cinecittà though: its history, and its film productions, and its famous alumni. Also, Cinecittà owns every set that was built on the lot. Master artisans created them all—ancient Rome, a 1940s submarine, and fantastical, imagined worlds. They perfectly accurate to their settings, as well as pristinely preserved.

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Why This Unique Tour In Rome Was My Favorite Way To Explore The City

R ome has a rich history and vibrant culture that can transport you to a different era. Long before I ever visited Rome, what I knew of the ancient city came from the movies. I’m a classic movie buff, and Roman Holiday , the 1953 romantic comedy, is my favorite film.

The story unfolds as Princess Ann, who, during a visit to Rome, escapes her guardians to explore the city. Enter a handsome newspaper reporter who whisks her away on the back of his Vespa. I’ll never forget the images of iconic landmarks in the eternal city whizzing by as the movie unfolds.

On a recent visit, I found that exploring Rome by Vespa Sidecar Tour can make you feel like you’re living a similar fantasy. 

My private Vespa Sidecar Tour was provided by Anantara Palazzo Naiadi as part of a hosted stay at the beautiful hotel. As always, all opinions are my own.

The Vespa Sidecar Tour 

The Vespa Sidecar tour offers a unique way to discover the city’s famous landmarks, hidden gems, and picturesque squares. As you motor through the bustling city, you can imagine yourself as Audrey Hepburn’s character, Princess Ann, embarking on her own Roman adventure. 

The company’s owner, Luca Di Trapano, explained that the Vespa Sidecar Tour was born in a flash of inspiration after 2 decades of giving tours in Rome. He thought the concept was genius but later learned his idea was 45 years too late.

The makers of the Vespa stopped producing the model equipped with a sidecar in 1968. Not easily deterred, he persevered and brought his dream to reality. Since 2018, Luca has welcomed over 20,000 passengers on board without a single accident. He told me, “It is like having sailed through the streets of Rome with four or five gigantic cruise ships!”

The tours are 3 hours, depending on traffic. The price is 110 euros per person (about $117) on the small group tour (12 guests max). You can take the tour solo as I did or with a companion or group. Trade places halfway through for a new perspective. A private tour’s price depends on the number of guests.

Here are several reasons why you should explore Rome on this unique Vespa tour.

Easy Meeting Point

Piazza della Repubblica is the tour meeting point. The square is well-connected and easy for drop-offs by taxis and vehicles. Take the subway Line A to the Repubblica-Teatro dell’Opera stop. It’s just a 2-minute walk from the Central Termini Railway Station.

Pro Tip: If you want somewhere to stay close by, I recommend Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel . A restored 19th-century, crescent-shaped palazzo, it fronts Piazza della Repubblica, where the Vespa tour starts. At the assigned time, I met my guide, Alessio, at the concierge desk. My chariot, i.e. baby blue Vespa, was waiting just outside.

The Iconic Landmarks Of Rome

Exploring the highlights of the Eternal City, we visited 12 sights, including the Spanish Steps, Piazza del Popolo, and the Borghese Gardens. There were several opportunities to stop, stretch our legs, and linger, including the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon.

It’s A Blast!

When exploring the beautiful city of Rome, I loved all the astonished looks on people’s faces as we made our way down tight alleys and broad avenues. I felt like a movie star — everyone was smiling, waving, and snapping our photo. We must have been quite a sight; something special to share with family members when you get home.

Avoid The Crowds

What’s the best way to avoid crowds and see a different side of Rome? See it on a Vespa! If you’re fearless, you could rent one yourself. But my advice? Enlist a pro. You will feel much safer riding next to or behind someone who understands the ins and outs of Rome’s streets, where locals think traffic lanes are merely suggestions.

It’s A Beautiful Ride

The Vespa is a classic: These stunning coupes from Italy are iconic on the streets of Rome. Piaggio & Co. started making the Vespa after WWII as cheap, affordable transportation. Eventually, in 1953, the hit movie Roman Holiday showed the world how great a Vespa could be, resulting in record sales. Like the Colosseum, the Italian scooter has remained a part of Italy’s landscape. You will feel like an authentic Italian in the sidecar of a Vespa.

Unique And Unforgettable Way To See The Eternal City 

Unlike larger vehicles, a Vespa can easily maneuver through tight spaces, allowing you to see more of the city’s hidden gems and local hotspots. As you zip through the streets, you’ll experience the city in an exciting and unique way. Your guide will share his knowledge of the city’s history and culture, providing insights into the backstories of the pivotal figures in the Roman Empire.

A Driver And Official Guide Rolled Into One

My driver, Alessio, wasn’t just a history buff: He’s also an official guide, which means he’s been trained to lead tours and provide in-depth information on all the sites you’ll see. He knows how to keep you engaged, entertained, and informed, making your Vespa tour an unforgettable experience. Throughout the tour, he shared fascinating facts, historical anecdotes, and his favorite neighborhoods and restaurants. With his expertise and passion for sharing the city’s rich history, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind adventure that you’ll remember for years to come. 

Radio-Connected Modern Whispers

As we cruised along the streets of Rome, Alessio provided commentary directly into my ear through a modern whisper system. He pointed out the window overlooking St. Peter’s Square where the Pope makes his Sunday address. It was chilling to see the balcony above the Piazza Venezia, where Mussolini delivered his most famous speech, the declaration of war on France and Britain in 1940.

A Sense Of Freedom And Excitement

Take in Rome’s sights, sounds, and smells from the open-air Vespa sidecar. You can enjoy the warm breeze on your face, witness the daily life of Romans, and immerse yourself in the city’s timeless beauty. 

Pro Tip: Three hours is about the right amount of time to get a taste of Rome. I saw much more than I would in a walking tour, and it was a better experience than a hop-on, hop-off bus tour — we could go where large coaches could not.

I Felt Safe 

The guides are expert drivers and the top-class helmets have face shields and disposable head covers. The passenger wears a seatbelt with a shoulder harness. We traveled at the most 24 miles per hour; just the right pace. Once you are on board, your unease fades away as you sit back, hold on, and enjoy the thrill of exploring Rome on a Vespa.

The Hidden Gems Of Rome

Rome is one of the most beautiful places in Italy and a real bucket-list destination. But allow some time to visit the hidden gems many tourists miss. Janiculum Hill, called the “Eighth Hill of Rome,” is a beautiful, often overlooked area with the best views of Rome. It’s a bit of a climb on foot, but on a Vespa, sit back and enjoy the ride. Piazzale Garibaldi in the center has the Giuseppe Garibaldi Monument with a cannon that fires daily at noon. Don’t miss the 17th-century Aqua Paola Fountain.

Cappuccino And Cornetto 

After visiting the Pantheon, we stopped for a cappuccino and cornetto, the traditional Roman breakfast choice. Our baby blue Vespa was parked nearby and I enjoyed watching how much attention it got from passersby. On the afternoon tours, customers are offered gelato instead.

Unforgettable Experience 

This is the perfect gift for someone who has done everything and an unforgettable experience for curious travelers of all ages. You will carry home remarkable moments and fun memories. 

Would I recommend Vespa Sidecar Tour? Absolutely. If this had been my first time in Rome, it would have given me a good overview of the places I would like to return to for a deeper dive. I have been to Rome several times, but until now, I’ve never seen the eternal beauty of Rome from the seat of a Vespa sidecar. And the coin I tossed into the Trevi Fountain guarantees I’ll be back.

Related Reading: 

• 9 Ways To Avoid Looking Like A Tourist In Rome
• 7 Unexpected And Unforgettable Attractions You Need To See In Rome
• 7 Best Places To Indulge In Dolce Far Niente While Visiting Rome

This article originally appeared on TravelAwaits

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• Map & Hours

Map, schedule and other Rome bus tour services

Roma City Tour is the official tourist bus service of Rome with a panoramic upper deck that offers the best way of getting to know the city’s most fascinating sights.

• 1 round trip ticket , closed circuit without hop on hop off option so you can visit the most emblematic areas and monuments from the comfort of the Roma City Tour.
• Half Day Ticket with 5 hours durability, usable without time restriction in low season (until March 14) and with the possibility of use from 13h in high season from March 15.
• Ticket 24 hours ticket to get on and off as many times as you wish or require and enjoy the City of Love.
• 48 hours ticket for a maximum enjoyment of all the possibilities of this city with unlimited tours during the service of 2 consecutive days.

Plus, while onboard the Roma City Tour you’ll receive an information brochure with information about the itinerary and about the city.

Map & Information brochure

When you board the bus, you’ll be given a brochure with a plan of the city and details of the routes with a description of the stops.

Hop On Hop Off Rome hours

• We offer an uninterrupted service throughout the year.
• The estimated time for the route is around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
• From March 15th to October the service starts at 8.30am and finishes at 8.30pm (Monday to Sunday). Last departure at 18.45h. Frequency: 10-15 min.
• From November to March 14th the service starts at 8:30 and ends at 19:30 (Monday to Sunday). Last departure at 17:45h. Frequency: 10-15 min. Ticket office at Termini Station: from Monday to Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

✔ Guaranteed frequency every 10-15 minutes

✔ 12h of guaranteed NON-Stop operation

Pre-recorded audio guide in 12 languages

Each bus has an automatic audio guide system in 12 languages providing information on each point of interest of the trip. All you have to do is plug in the free headphones and enjoy finding out about the city. the available languages are:

⭐ Exclusive new audio commentary for all language audio guides with updated information so you don’t miss a single detail of your visit.

⭐ New “Kids audio guide” with child-friendly content in English and Italian.

Hop-On Hop-Off experience

Let yourself fall in love with Rome with Roma City Tour.

Discover the city with  Roma City Tour  and enjoy the trip with the  Hop-on Hop-off service , with which you will be able to get on and off the bus as many times as you want at any of the 8 stops. Take the most of this service to discover the most important points of interest of the city with City Tour Worldwide.

Aboard our buses you will be able to visit this city in detail.  Roma City Tour  will take you near to the most well-known points of interest, such as the Città del Vaticano, the Fontana di Trevi or the Colisseum.

You can also download  Roma City Tour free mobile app  and have the information with you at all times. 

Bus Tour Rome Services

Roma City Tour boasts a fleet of pink buses with a  panoramic upper deck  affording a unique panoramic view of the city. The lower deck is air-conditioned and all our vehicles are equipped with  anatomical seats  to make your trip more comfortable. 

All our buses are equipped with a  ramp accessing the rear door  and a  space set aside for wheelchairs , a continuous low floor platform and a quick kneeling system that tilts the vehicle to the right.

To ensure a smooth service, all passengers should enter by the front door and exit from the rear. Also, our buses have two sets of stairs linking the two levels: the front one should be used to go up and the rear one to go down.

All our buses feature a free Wi-Fi Internet connection, allowing you to go online as you travel with us.

Sliding roof

In the case of rain, our staff will cover the upper deck so you can continue to enjoy the route, even when the weather turns nasty.

Audio guide in 12 languages

Our pre-recorded audio guide system, available in 12 languages, will provide you with information on the points of interests along our routes and at their stops. Just plug in the headphones and choose your language!

Accessible vehicles

Space designed for persons with reduced mobility

Brochure and app

Brochure and free mobile app designed to improve your hop on hop off experience.

Real time bus location on our App

Get the City Tour Worldwide app to find our buses and trains in real time, locate the stops and find out what’s around you.