big bus tours in rome

Hop-on Hop-off Buses in Rome

Enjoy 360° views of the Eternal City from the comfort of a bus.

Spend up to three days hopping around Rome on one of the city’s double-decker sightseeing buses. Below is a complete guide to the five different tour bus companies that operate in Rome, so you can find out exactly which option is the best one for you.

What Is A Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

A Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour (ho-ho for short) is a great way to explore a new destination, especially a city as historical and jam-packed full of attractions such as Rome. Ho-Ho bus tours enable you to get on or off their buses as many times as you please and at any of the stops along their routes for the duration of your ticket – which can last up to 72 hours.

The buses follow a looped circuit with stops at many major tourist attractions. Most of them also provide free wifi on the buses, a complimentary app, multi-language assistants, and audio commentary providing information about the history of the sites and landmarks you’ll see.

With five different tour companies to choose from – each offering various ticket options – it can be hard to know which one to pick. To make that choice more manageable, we’ve put together a detailed guide that explains and compares the different tickets so that you can spend more time sightseeing and less time planning.

Big Bus Tours Rome

Big Bus Tours is the largest operator of open-top sightseeing tours and is one of the more popular bus tour operators in Rome. They offer three different ticket options with adult, child (5-15 years of age), and family (2 adults & 2 children) prices for each: the Classic (24 hours), Premium (48 hours), and Deluxe (72 hours). They also provide combo experiences – Classic tickets with entrance to either the Vatican Museums or the Colosseum.

To redeem your ticket, simply show your printed ticket or e-voucher to a staff member aboard the bus. Onboard you’ll be able to enjoy free wifi, and you’ll be provided with complimentary headphones to listen to the informative pre-recorded commentary about the sites of Rome in one of nine different languages.

To make your journey even smoother, don’t forget to download the free mobile app that comes with detailed maps, directions to your nearest Big Bus stop, and real-time tracking of the buses. 

Each ticket also comes with four digitally-guided walking tours in a variety of languages that you can download onto your smartphone and enjoy at your own leisure.

The buses operate from 9:00 am to 6:40 pm and run every 13 minutes. The duration of the tour is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Route Info:

The bus has eight stops within reach of around 40 unmissable Roman landmarks and attractions. You can hop on or off at any of these stops for the duration of your ticket. The stops are:

• Termini Railway Station
• Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore
• Circus Maximus
• Piazza Venezia
• Vatican City
• Trevi Fountain / Spanish Steps
• Piazza Barberini

Green Line Tours

Enjoy panoramic views of Rome from the open-top double-decker Green Line bus. Though quite a similar experience to the Big Bus Tours, Green Line has more flexible ticket options, offering a Daily Ticket (allows you as many rides as you want during one day, morning to evening) and a 3 Pass Ticket (allows you to get on and off at three different stops of your choice over the course of one day) as well as the usual 24, 48, and 72 hours tickets.

They also offer a reduced price for youths (13-20 years of age), with children under 12 going free.

Once you’ve booked your ticket, you can present it aboard the bus in either printed or e-voucher format. Each bus is equipped with free wifi, single-use earphones to listen to the audio guides available in 13 different languages, and a multilingual assistant who can answer your questions.

Included in the ticket is a map of the city of Rome and a free app that you can use to monitor your route and learn more about selected points of interest.

Buses run between 9:00 am to 6:30 pm every 10-30 minutes. A complete loop takes approximately one hour and a half.

There are eight stops included in one loop. All of them are close to major sites and attractions.

• Villa Borghese

Gray Line I Love Rome

Gray Line buses are hard to miss because of their hot pink color. They offer the standard 24, 48, and 72-hour tickets, but they also have a selection of cheaper, single-day tickets. They have a choice between a Daily ticket (valid for one day of travel selected at the time of booking – discounted in the afternoon); a 5-hour ticket (valid for 5 hours from first use); and a One Run ticket (valid for one entire bus run, no hop-offs – discounted in the afternoon).

Children between 6 and 11 pay a reduced price.

You can enjoy free wifi onboard, a pre-recorded audio guide available in 13 different languages, and a detailed route map. Both printed tickets and e-vouchers are accepted. Walking tours are available from stops 4, 5, and 6. If you’re interested, ask a staff member on board to reserve you a spot.

Buses run between 8:30 am to 6:50 pm every 15-20 minutes. An entire run takes approximately one hour and a half.

Like its competitors, Gray Line also stops at eight major tourist hotspots.

• Circus Maximus & Mouth of Truth
• Vatican City & Castel Sant’Angelo
• Spanish Steps
• Piazza Barberini & Trevi Fountain

City Sightseeing Roma

City Sightseeing tours are famous worldwide. Their buses have the most ‘classic’ look: red double-decker, and in Rome, decorated with famous Roman sites. They offer Classic (24 hours), Premium (48 hours), and Deluxe (72 hours) tickets that can be used on both the City Sightseeing and Big Bus Tours buses when purchased on their website.

Children (between 5 and 15) pay a reduced price, and they also have a family ticket (2 adults, 2 kids) option available.

Your ticket gives you access to free wifi onboard the bus and an audioguide available in 8 different languages. Don’t forget to download the nifty app that comes with an interactive map featuring real-time updates about the location of the buses. It also contains a digitally-guided walking tour of the city center in 5 languages.

Buses run from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm every 10-30 minutes. An entire run takes approximately one hour and a half.

• Piazza di Spagna

Vatican & Rome Open Bus Service

This bus tour operator offers the most unique route out of the five, its focus being on religious sites. It’s run by the Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi, a branch of the Vicariate of Rome. Their buses are bright yellow, a color representing the Vatican.

They offer five different ticket options: Daily tickets, 24h, 48h, 72h tickets, or a One Round ticket (non-stop panoramic tour, no hop-offs). Children between the ages of 6 to 17 enjoy a reduced price. An app where you can download your tickets is also available.

Each bus is staffed with multilingual assistants, has free wifi, and provides an audioguide available in eight languages. This bus is also unique because stops scheduled along the itinerary will be on request.

The buses operate from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and run every 45 minutes. The duration of the tour is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

This tour contains 14 different stops, though some are quite close together.

• Vatican City – Castel Sant’Angelo
• San Giovanni dei Fiorentini
• Santa Agnese in Agone – Piazza Navona
• Torre Argentina
• Santa Maria in Ara Coeli
• Santi Apostoli
• Santa Maria degli Angeli
• Termini Station
• Santa Maria Maggiore
• San Giovanni in Laterano
• Colosseum – San Gregorio al Celio
• Circus Maximus – Santa Sabina all’Aventino
• Teatro Marcello – Santa Maria in Campitelli
• Largo Argentina – Santa Maria ad Martyres

All the tour operators, with the exception of Vatican and Rome Open Bus Service, offer very similar bus routes. They follow similar circuits of the historic center and stop near or at most of the major tourist hotspots, including the Colosseum , Vatican City , Circus Maximus , and the Spanish Steps / Trevi Fountain .

The Vatican and Rome Open Bus Service also stops at many major sites, but its main focus is on churches and other religious sites. It’s also the only tour operator that goes to San Giovanni in Laterano Basilica , south of the city center. However, it doesn’t stop at either Piazza di Spagna or the Trevi Fountain.

Most of the buses operate from approximately 9 am to around 6:30-7:00 at night, and run every 10-30 minutes. The Vatican & Rome buses have a shorter schedule, running from 10 am to 4 pm every 45 minutes. Each route takes roughly one hour and a half to complete the entire circuit.

The main stops are at Termini station and the Vatican, which is where most of the operators have staff and their offices.

Tour Offerings 

Is a hop-on hop-off bus tour worth it in rome.

Rome can be a daunting city to visit. With so much to see and do, many visitors to the Eternal City feel like they just didn’t have enough time to see as much as they wanted to. Hop-On Hop-Off bus tours are a great option for first-time visitors who don’t know where to begin or visitors who want to see a lot in a small amount of time.

Rome, however, is also a great city to walk around . For visitors who enjoy taking things slow and getting a feel for the city, tour buses are not the way to go. If you want to have a more authentic and local experience, far from the crowds of tourists, then ho-ho buses may not be the best choice for you.

Hop-on Hop-off buses are a great choice if you want to:

• See a lot of major attractions in a short amount of time.
• Not get lost in the maze that is Rome.
• Make the most of a limited amount of time.
• See the city without dealing with public transport in a foreign language.
• See the city but have mobility issues.
• Enjoy arriving at destinations hassle-free.
• Learn interesting facts and stories about the sites with an audio guide.

Hop-on Hop-off buses are not for you if you want to:

• Avoid crowds of tourists.
• Get to one specific destination quickly.
• See the city early in the morning or later in the evening.
• Immerse yourself in the Italian culture and see the city like a local.
• Walk around.
• See lesser-known attractions and sites.
• Get off the beaten track.

Hop-On, Hop-Off Big Bus Tours Rome Sightseeing

Although I usually explore new destinations on foot, a hop-on, hop-off bus tour is another great way to sightsee Rome. During my recent trip to Rome, I joined Big Bus Tours Rome, the flexible bus tour that allows you to explore places of interest in Rome for a day or two. If you’re into photography, the double-decker bus tour offers a unique vantage point and shares interesting facts about Rome’s history. If you’re visiting Rome during the summer months, take it from me, join the Rome tours to avoid the scorching heat – you’ll thank me later!

Since Big Bus Tours Rome provides a general overview of the city, this tour is perfect if you’re short on time. The tour lasts two hours (if you don’t hop off) and along the way, you’ll drive past landmarks like the Colosseum, the Vatican, and Circus Maximus. You’ll also discover lots of hidden gems scattered throughout the city.

Touring With Big Bus Tours Rome

Table of Contents

Tour Amenities 

Rome routes, basilica santa maria maggiore, circus maximus, bus tour pricing: .

Onboard you’re given free headphones and rain ponchos when it’s raining. Available in nine languages, the pre-recorded commentary provides lots of historical insight. I also enjoyed the Italian-inspired instrumentals that played in between segments.

Wi-Fi is complimentary so feel free to share your favorite memories from the tour with your family and friends via email or social media.

With a focus on flexibility and convenience, Big Bus Tours Rome operates Monday to Sunday and runs every twenty minutes. There are two routes, the Red Route on weekdays and the Blue Route on weekends and holidays.

The Red Route (City Centre Loop) had eight stops many of which were right in front of popular landmarks or within walking distance. We started the Rome bus tour at Termini Railway Station (Stop 1) and we later hopped off near Trevi Fountain (Stop 7).

As a bonus, Big Bus Tours Rome also offers exclusive guided walking tours for customers who want to explore Rome’s narrow cobblestone streets. Although I didn’t get to join any of the free walking tours, here are my favorite highlights from Big Bus Tours Rome as well as some fun facts!

Big Bus Tours Rome Highlights

As one of the oldest and largest churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary, The Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore is a stunning basilica that captivates the eyes and hearts of anyone lucky enough to see it for themselves.

The Baroque-style basilica dates back to the 5th-century with plans formulated as early as 431 A.D. The basilica is known for being one of the most ornate early Christian churches.

Fun Fact: The Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore is home to the manger of Jesus. Underneath the high altar, the manger is concealed in a crystal shrine.

Theatre Marcello in Rome. 

The Colosseum, also known as the “Flavian Amphitheatre”, is the world’s largest amphitheater. You might remember the Colosseum from history class (years ago) or, if you weren’t one for paying attention, then think of the movie “Gladiator”.

Emperor Vespasian gifted the people of Rome a new stadium designed to satisfy the city’s passion for entertainment.

Only taking ten years to complete, this mega-arena held up to 80,000 enthused spectators.

Back in the day, the Colosseum was Rome’s premier venue for public spectacles, such as comedies, dramas, and tragedies based on Roman mythology. Enactments of famous battles, animal hunts, and even mock naval battles were also showcased here.

Circus Maximus was the third stop on our bus route. It was the largest stadium in ancient Rome and the main venue for chariot racing. Right next to the Palatine Hill, it held up to 250,000 people (about ¼ of Rome’s population).

Rumored to have been first introduced to Rome by the first king of Rome, it was the fifth king of Rome, Tarquinius Priscus, who ordered a track be built between the Palatine and Aventine hills during the mid-6th century B.C.

Throughout history, the Circus Maximus endured three fires. Although the fires damaged the stadium, each fire led to a new, more refined Circus Maximus. The last of the fires resulted in what you see today, a three-story high stone stadium.

Today the Circus Maximus is a public park and another great place to run in Rome .

Fun Fact: The last chariot race at the Circus Maximus was held in 549 A.D., almost 1,000 years after the stadium was built.

Trevi Fountain

The Fontana di Trevi or Trevi Fountain is the largest Baroque-style fountain in Rome. The Fontana di Trevi has experienced centuries of construction dating back to as early as 19 B.C.!

Trevi Fountain was originally one of the main aqueducts in Rome, however by the 6th century A.D, the Ostrogoths destroyed many of the aqueducts.

During the Renaissance, the aqueducts were transformed into something spectacular for the people of Rome to enjoy. The Trevi Fountain was finally completed in 1762.

At night, LED lights illuminate the fountain and capture its incredible beauty. Although packed with tourist, squeeze through to take your obligatory selfie.

Fun Fact: If you want to return to Rome, tradition says stand with your back facing away from the fountain and throw a coin into Trevi with your right hand over your left shoulder. Every day the city collects the coins to help the needy.

I tossed my first coin into Trevi Fountain last summer so I’m looking forward to my return back to Rome soon!

For more highlights in Rome, check out Rudderless’ video about how he spent two fun-filled days in Rome – doesn’t his pasta dish look heavenly?

Classic Big Bus Tours Rome: 27,00 € online or 30,00 € on the street.

Money Tip:  Save 10% by booking online.

This is a collaborative post with Big Bus Tours Rome, all onions are my own.

Danielle Desir Corbett paid off $63,000 of student loan debt in 4 years, bought a house at 27, and has traveled to 27 countries, including her favorites, Iceland, China, and Bermuda. Go here to learn Danielle’s incredible story, from struggling financially and in debt to finding creative ways to earn more and live on her terms. Listen to The Thought Card Podcast , where Danielle shares how you can creatively travel more and build wealth regardless of your current financial situation. Reach out to Danielle by contacting: thethoughtcard (at) gmail (dot) com.

Amazing work, Danielle!! Thanks for the depth of knowledge and experience you provide on your site!❤️❤️

I have never been to Rome and I really want to go. As you said here, there are many sights to see and I would want to try and see them all. Do you think it would be a good idea to get a tour guide while I am there or just try stuff out by myself?

I think getting a tour guide vs. doing it on your own depends on your budget and interest in really diving deep into the culture and history. Free walking tours is a great alternative for those on a budget.

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Hop on Hop off Rome Bus Tours – Which one Is Best?

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Rome is an exciting and fascinating city, and the best way to see and do everything is often with a hop on hop off bus tour. They can be a fantastic way to travel around with convenience and ease, without the added hassle of working out how to use public transport, or worrying about maps.  Read on to find out more information about some of the best hop on hop off tours in Rome , as well as details about various routes, attraction passes and more.

Ready to get going to Rome? Check out this link to book now a hop on hop off Rome bus tour .

What are the best hop on hop off Rome bus tour companies?

Hop on hop off tours can make exploring a new city much more enjoyable, as you can get straight to the top attractions in Rome, without having to take lengthy connections or deal with any confusing maps. Instead, simply ride the bus and enjoy the scenic views across the city as you travel.

Hop on hop off tours can also provide a more cost effective option, as you don’t need to spend lots of money on private taxis, while still travelling in comfort throughout.

Check out some fantastic options for bus tours in Rome.

1 – Big Bus

Big Bus is one of the most popular and comprehensive bus tour providers in Rome, with a variety of stops all over the city, to make sure you can experience the best of it during your time there.

Big Bus’s Red Route takes you on a hop on hop off tour through the main attractions around Rome, including the Colosseum, the Vatican and more. There are eight stops in total, the busses leave every 11 minutes and the tour runs from 9am to 8pm daily.

• Visit Big Bus official website

2 – City Sightseeing

City Sightseeing provides tourists in Rome with a great value option to get around the city easily, with several stops taking you around the most popular sights around Rome.

City Sightseeing has one main route that goes through Rome, stopping at all of the main highlights, including the Vatican, the Colosseum and the Piazza Venezia. With free WiFi on board, audio guides in 8 languages, walking tours in 5 languages and a free app from the bus tour provider to offer useful information as you travel, making it an ideal option for a short stay in the city.

• Visit City Sightseeing official website

3 – Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi (formerly Roma Cristiana)

Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi provides a specialised hop on hop off bus tour in Rome, focusing primarily on more of the religious sights and locations around the city. For travellers interested in exploring Rome’s religious culture, this can be a great choice.

The Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi bus tour has a single route with 14 stops that provide a comprehensive tour of the city. The tour includes an audio guide in eight major languages, and covers all key tourist hotspots, including the Colosseum and Roman Forum, as well as more religious sites, such as the Vatican and the Basilica di San Giovanni.

• Visit Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi official website

4 – I love Rome (Gray Line Rome)

Gray Line provides a comprehensive bus tour of Rome, featuring a wide range of the city’s diverse artistic and cultural attractions. With audio guides available in 12 languages and on board Wi-Fi, it is a convenient and comfortable option to help you explore the city.

Gray Line Rome offers a single route, the so called Pink Route, with 8 stops, covering a range of attractions all across the city, such as Vatican City, the Spanish Steps, the Piazza Venezia shopping areas and more.

• Visit I love Rome official website

How do you find discounted hop on hop off Rome bus tours tickets?

Using a hop on hop off tour can be one of the most enjoyable and fun ways to explore a city like Rome where there is so much to discover. If you look ahead before your travel dates, it’s often possible to get a great deal on ticket prices, with exclusive discounts and special offers available, rather than buying on the bus itself.

Here are some options to help you save money on bus tours:

1- Check out discounted tickets on travel websites

Make sure you check out deals and promotions on travel websites ahead of your trip, as they will often have the best prices around. Check out providers such as Headout or Viator for great packages. It’s also a good idea to check the bus tour provider directly, as they will also feature online exclusive prices.

• Compare discounted Rome bus tours tickets

2 – Book an attractions pass

With such a rich historic and cultural heritage, Rome is a fascinating city, but it can soon add up when trying to visit all of the city’s big attractions.

Luckily, attractions passes are a great way of making your visit more affordable, as they will often include skip the line and fast track entry to key destinations, as well as added benefits such as their own hop on hop off tours.

Here are some of the best attractions passes available around Rome.

The Omnia Pass is one of the most popular tourist passes in Rome, as it provides free entry to a variety of the most popular attractions in the city, including Palatine Hill and the Colosseum. It also includes free entry to the Vatican City Museums and sights around the area, making it much more easier to explore, without having to wait in line.

While the pass does not provide access to a hop on hop off bus tour, you do get a 3 day travel card, which can be used to travel around the main parts of the city.

Visit official website

The Roma Pass is available for 48 or 72 hour options, making it a more versatile choice when trying to decide which attractions pass to pick. The pass provides free entry to a variety of tourist attractions, as well as free access to the public transport system.

You’ll also get discounted entry for over 80 other top events and attractions around the city, and sip the line entrance to a number of the most popular galleries and museums around Rome.

We hope that this page has provided plenty of useful information to help you plan your visit to Rome!

Big Bus Rome Tours: The Best Way To Explore The Eternal City

Things to do in Rome Rome Tours Hop On Hop Off Rome Big Bus Rome Tours

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Italy's timeless capital aboard our iconic open-top double-decker buses. With the freedom to hop on and off at your leisure, you'll experience Rome's most renowned landmarks, from the grandeur of the Colosseum and the majesty of St. Peter's Basilica to the charm of the Trevi Fountain and the bustling streets of Trastevere. Our expertly crafted routes and engaging multilingual audio commentary ensure a seamless exploration of the city's rich history and culture. Get ready to immerse yourself in the splendor of Rome with Big Bus Tours.

Why take a Big Bus Rome tour?

#1 flexibility.

Big Bus Rome offers hop-on-hop-off tours, allowing you to explore Rome at your own pace. Hop off at any stop that catches your interest, and hop back on when you're ready to move on to the next attraction.

#2 Comprehensive Routes

The bus covers multiple routes, encompassing all of Rome's must-see landmarks, ensuring you won't miss any iconic sights during your visit.

#3 Informative Commentary

You can enjoy insightful and entertaining audio commentary available in multiple languages, providing fascinating historical and cultural insights about the city's landmarks and neighborhoods.

#4 Top-Deck Views

The open-top double-decker bus provides unparalleled panoramic views of Rome's attractions, perfect for capturing stunning photographs and creating lasting memories.

#5 Easy Transportation

Big Bus Rome eliminates the hassle of navigating public transportation or finding parking, making it an ideal option for tourists looking for a stress-free way to explore the city.

#6 Accessible Stops

The bus stops at all major attractions and landmarks, making it convenient to access Rome's renowned historical sites without wasting time searching for parking or walking long distances.

Big Bus Rome Tickets

Big bus rome routes.

Big Bus offers 2 primary routes for its hop-on-hop-off tours in Rome - Red Route & Purple Route.

Number of Stops : 8 Tour Duration : 1 hour, 40 minutes Frequency : Every 10-20 minutes

The Red Route has 8 stops on its way where you can hop on or off. These stops are:

• Termini Station
• Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore
• Circo Massimo
• Piazza Venezia
• Vatican City & Castel Sant’Angelo
• Ludovisi/Spanish Steps
• Piazza Barberini/Spanish Steps

The first tour from Termini begins at 8:30 AM and the last tour at 7:10 PM.

Purple Route - Catacombs and Caracalla Circuit

Number of Stops : 10 Tour Duration : 1 hour Frequency : Every 60 minutes

The Purple Route has 10 stops on its way where you can hop on or off. These stops are:

• Porta San Sebastiano
• Catacombs and Church of San Sebastiano
• Caffarella Park
• Domine Quo Vadis
• Terme di Caracalla

The first tour from Termini begins at 9:00 AM and the last tour at 5:00 PM.

Big Bus Rome also operates a night tour that will take you past all the major landmarks of Rome lit beautifully at night under the dark Roman sky. The route is the same as the Red Route mentioned above. The only difference being that the night tour is a non-stop tour and not one where you can hop on and off at the various stops.

Timing : 7:30 PM Tour Duration : 1 hour

Use Big Bus Rome Discount Code and save €6 on your first booking

Advantages of using Big Bus Rome

• Big Bus Tours are the most well established and reputed tours of Rome, hence providing great service.
• Their large fleet of buses running over different routes cover all major attractions of Rome.
• The average waiting time is hardly 15-20 minutes because of their high frequency of buses. You end up wasting less time giving you more time at your places of interest.
• Their ultra modern air-conditioned double decker buses are very well maintained and equipped with the latest facilities.
• Most of the tours include free exclusive guided walking tours and 1 hour night tour which are hugely popular.

What is Big Bus Rome, and what does it offer?

Big Bus Rome is a hop-on-hop-off sightseeing tour that takes you to Rome's most iconic landmarks aboard an open-top double-decker bus. It offers flexible tour options, informative audio commentary, and the chance to explore the city's attractions at your own pace.

How do I start my Big Bus Rome tour?

Simply present your e-ticket or voucher at any designated Big Bus stop in Rome, and our staff will provide you with a physical ticket. Then, hop on the next available bus and begin your adventure.

How long is the validity of my Big Bus Rome ticket?

he validity of your ticket depends on the ticket type you purchased. Tickets are available for 24, 48, or 72 hours, giving you the flexibility to explore Rome over one, two, or three consecutive days.

Are the tickets for Big Bus Rome inclusive of all attractions?

While the ticket includes access to all Big Bus Rome routes and attractions, some specific attractions may require separate entry fees. Refer to the ticket details or inquire with our staff for more information.

How often do the Big Bus Rome buses operate?

Buses typically run every 10-20 minutes, depending on the season and traffic conditions. Please check the timetable or inquire with our staff for the most up-to-date information.

Sachin Kumar

Having lived and worked in Bangalore and Singapore before moving to Dubai, Sachin is one of the many expatriates who've come together over the years to knit the fabric of Dubai’s global culture. An avid urban explorer and photographer, he has spent countless hours uncovering hidden gems in these cities - eating in ramshackled establishments that only the cab drivers frequent, discovering underground markets, exploring abandoned buildings and staying with families that may or may not like him.

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Big Bus Rome Panoramic Night Tour

• 1 Hour Panoramic Night Tour
• Informative pre-recorded commentary in English, Italian, Spanish, French and German
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Infants must sit on laps
• Transportation is wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Piazza Navona
• Trevi Fountain
• Palazzo Barberini
• Campo de' Fiori
• Circus Maximus

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• larissabQ4149ZC 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Do not book on BigBus Rome. Do not book this tour. The app for the walking tour doesn't work. The on-board audio was not working on all buses. Total rip off, and no help available when we frequently asked. Online customer support was borderline rude and basically blamed us for their malfunctioning technology. Read more Written April 26, 2024
• Batt75 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Simple way to get a lay of the land! Great way to see Rome if you have never been before. Simple and inexpensive tour by bus. Basically, makes a big circle of the ancient Rome area. Takes about 90 minutes to complete the tour. Narration is provided along the way by earphones, provided on the bus. You can get a sense of where everything is located, and then hop off to scout around on your own. We used this trip to identify some sites we wanted to investigate further. Ticket is good for a specified day or days, so plenty of time to explore. Happy trails!! Read more Written April 26, 2024
• s0phiyak 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Stay away Driver very unfriendly and knew no English. The digital guide didn't match the things we were seeing, either they didn't cover them or they kept talking about things that has passed ages ago and no announcement was made for stops. So by the time we figured out the stops and wanted to get off and asked the driver, he would say no no next stop and we had missed the stop even though the bus actually never stopped there in the first place. But how are you supposed to know the stops if you are tourist if the bus just keeps going. Terrible. Stay away. Yuk. Do better big Bus Read more Written April 20, 2024
• gslaughter 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Good experience but could be better. Overall, the experience was good. We were able to see the sights from the bus, and then go back to see some up close. There were a few points that could have been better. Our first trip around was on the Big Bus “Red” line. There was no address for the bus stop where we wanted to get on, so we wandered the general area until we found it. When we got on, no one told us to grab headphones and a map. So, another passenger told us where to find them, and we then had an enjoyable ride around the city. When we went after lunch to hop back on they directed us to the Omnia “Yellow” line. This bus went so slowly, and sat at each stop for an extended time. They also had minimal narration to point out things to be seen along the way. So, all in all, it was a good, but not great experience. Read more Written April 14, 2024
• Kirstie H 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Great experience Great would do it again, great to see the city. Also good to take a break from walking. Easy to navigate and find drop off and pick up points Read more Written April 12, 2024
• cweldon 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Good tour We did the big bus tour as we do in many places. The tour itself wasn’t a problem except maybe having to go to one of two places to validate the voucher and get tickets, most bus tours allowed it at any pickup point. Also I guess the bus can’t go into some which means you miss a number of places to see. Read more Written April 6, 2024
• ianalexanderd2020 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Walking is just as fast and you see more Walking is just as fast and you see more, in the time it took to wait for the connecting bus we could have already arrived at our destination. Read more Written April 6, 2024
• jima614 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Rome Hop-on/off Perfect venue to gain your understanding of Rome. Go on the complete tour to understand the city then begin your hop-off-on to the places you want to visit in detail. Read more Written April 4, 2024
• weazelw 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great way to see the City Greatest way to get a look at this enormous city, with a running commentary in several languages (choose yours from the selection) then sit back and enjoy the ride, rug up if you want to sit up top, can get quite cool after a while. Read more Written March 29, 2024
• BethL589 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Brilliant for limited mobility No queues excellent tours, brilliant for people with limited mobility to see the vast city. Booked a 2 day ticket for family before we went and used the app would recommend Read more Written March 26, 2024
• 254mom 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great experience with Big Bus Rome Hop On/Off My family and I had a great experience with this Bus Tour company. I purchased a 24-hour pass and we were able to use it without any issues. We got on the bus from the Termini Train station and stayed on the bus the entire time to see all the major attractions and to get a sense of where everything was on our first day. On the next day, we went to one of the pick up sites in order to hop back on the bus after a morning tour. We were all too tired to walk back to our hotel so it was convenient to be able to hop back on the bus. I downloaded their app so it was easy to track when/where the next bus would be arriving or departing. Read more Written March 25, 2024
• Getaway10082948730 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Dont use big bus booked 3 days on the big bus paid 86 euros refused access onto the bus the 2nd day told to get of the bus and not to waste there time tried to resolve this with big bus to no avail would recommend use a different bus booking ref SZSD1P4B Read more Written March 23, 2024
• Annio_7 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Get your bearings early! Great way to see the city at start of your trip, would recommend. We travelled off peak so no queues, plenty of seats. Good way to find out where you may wish to spend more time. Weather we had was dry and warm so pleasant on open top bus. Booked as part of GoCity app. Read more Written March 18, 2024
• JustMyOpinion09 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great value for money The buses are a great way to see the city and drop off at all the main sightseeing places. We brough the 48h pass which starts when you first you it and run for 48hs Read more Written March 18, 2024
• 14jedn 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Book a different bus tour to avoid massive wait times We bought the ticket for this service and then spent close to an hour waiting for a bus that arrived totally packed. In the time we waited other tour providers had three buses. Clearly there are better tour operators available in Rome. Read more Written March 10, 2024

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Big Bus Rome Panoramic Night Tour provided by Big Bus Tours

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