35 AWESOME Tours in Rome [December 2024!]

Rome is called the Eternal City for a reason. Stone arches, ornate churches, and grand monuments have existed here for thousands of years, many of which remain untouched since the day they were built.

Only in Rome can you walk the same cobblestone streets that Emperors and gladiators once touched. Every alley, every corner, and every stone in Rome has a history and story behind it.

In a city rich with culture, you may find it overwhelming to see everything Rome has to offer. But with the right tour, you can see more and gain a deeper understanding of what makes Rome so unique.

If you’re looking for an action-packed itinerary, we’ve curated a list of the best tours to book for the ultimate Roman experience!

#1 – Colosseum and Arena Flour Tour

• VIP access to the arena floor

• Skip the line tickets

• Cost: $$

• Duration of tour: 1.5 hours

Explore one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks with the ultimate tour of the Colosseum! With a private guide, you’ll skip the line and head straight to the arena floor, an area often restricted to most visitors.

Once inside, you’ll see where fierce gladiator battles took place thousands of years ago, and where 50,000 spectators watched from the sidelines. Then continue the tour through the rest of the Colosseum, soaking up the atmosphere and admiring the 1st-century architecture.

#2 – Secret Food Rome Tour

• Ten restaurants and market stops

• Non-touristy places

• Cost: $$

• Duration of tour: 3 hours

Some of the best restaurants in Rome are hidden and tucked away from the hoards of tourists and crowds. And on the Secret Food Tour, you’ll discover restaurants and cafes that only locals are aware of.

Stop by ten different restaurants and taste homemade pizza, risotto balls, cannoli, and even gelato. To top it off, you’ll end the day sampling a secret mystery dish from one of our favorite places!

 

#3 – Scooter Rental and Colosseum Tour

• Full day scooter rental

• 3-hour guided Colosseum tour

• Cost: $$

• Duration of tour: 1 day

Zip through the streets of Rome like a local on your very own 50cc scooter! Spend the day whizzing through narrow alleys, visiting landmarks, or simply enjoying the atmosphere of the city.

This tour also includes skip the line tickets and a 3-hour guided tour of the Colosseum. Once your tour is done, jump back on your scooter and continue sightseeing for the day!

 

#4 – Baroque Music Tour

• Visit Sant’Agnese in Agone

• Live Baroque concert

• Cost: $

• Duration of tour: 1 hour

Your jaw will drop as you wander through the Baroque church of Sant’Agnese in Agone, listening to live music written by the greatest composers of the time.

Marvel at the ornate frescos by Bernini, Borromini, and Rainaldi that adorn the walls of the 17th-century church, and immerse yourself in a live, Baroque concert! You’ll also see singers, dancers, historians, and musicians during this once in a lifetime experience.

 

#5 – Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Early Morning Tour

• Skip the line for the Sistine Chapel

• Pick up transportation from your hotel

• Cost: $$$

• Duration of tour: 2.5 hours

Skips the crowds by visiting the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel when the sun goes up! This package includes transportation to the Vatican from your hotel, so you’re not wasting any time walking on your own.

Once you arrive, your professional guide will take you through the largest art collection in the world. After visiting Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, you’ll end your tour with a walk through the impressive St. Peter’s Basilica.

 

Editor’s Recommendation – These are the 21 BEST Museums in Rome!

 

#6 – Rome in One Day Tour

• Five iconic sights

• Skip the line tickets

• Cost: $$$

• Duration of tour: 6.5 hours

Short on time? See all of Rome’s best highlights in one day and experience the best of what the city has to offer. On this tour, you’ll visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum!

Best of all, you’ll have skip the line tickets and a professional guide, so you can make the most of the day you have!

 

#7 – Castel Sant’Angelo Small Group Tour

• See the tomb of Emperor Hadrian

• Panoramic rooftop views

• Cost: $$

• Duration of tour: 2 hours

Nestled on the banks of the Tiber River stands Castel Sant’Angelo, the mausoleum, and museum dedicated to Emperor Hadrian. On this intimate tour, you’ll skip the line and enter gates and learn about the history and importance of this 2,000-year-old cylindrical castle.

Inside, you’ll visit Emperor Hadrian’s tomb, Michelangelo’s courtyard, and of course, soak in the sweeping views from the rooftop courtyard. It’s really one of the best views in all of Rome!

 

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#8 – Castel Sant’Angelo Private Tour

• Learn about the famous Castel Sant’Angelo Bridge

• Visit the Popish Rooms and prison

• Cost: $$$

• Duration of tour: 2 – 3 hours

If you want to see Castel Sant’Angelo on your own, but would like a professional guide to deepen your experience, then a private tour is ideal. Your tour starts from the Castel Sant’Angelo bridge, continuing inside the fortress to visit the Popish Rooms, Emperor Hadrian’s tomb, and even the prison areas.

Best of all, you’ll have the professional guide all to yourself, so you can ask as many questions as you’d like!

 

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#9 – Mobile App Tour

• Over 130 points of interest

• Offline maps and bus schedule

• Cost: $

• Duration of tour: Up to 72 hours

If you prefer to experience Rome at your own pace, then at least travel with a handy mobile app guide! Downloaded directly to your smartphone, the app contains walking itineraries, bus and tram schedules, digital maps, and information on over 130 points of interest around the city.

Whenever you reach a landmark or sight, pull up the app and listen to audio clips, look at pictures, or read the text about what you’re looking at.

 

#10 – Fiat 500 Tour

• Personal chauffeur and guide

• Cappuccino and Espresso included

• Cost: $$$$

• Duration of tour: 3 hours

Explore the city in one the most traditional Italian way possible – with a vintage Fiat 500! This 3-hour tour comes with your chauffeur tour guide, who’ll drive you to all the best sights in Rome as you relax in comfort from the inside of your Fiat 500.

And since you’re in a car, you can see must more than your average walking tour! Visit Colosseum, Arch of Constantine, and even cross the river to the charming neighborhood of Trastevere.

 

#11 – Hop-On & Hop-Off Bus Tour

• Eight stops around Rome

• Four free walking tours

• Cost: $

• Duration of tour: up to 24 hours

Choose the sights you want to see by taking a Hop-On & Hop-Off Bus Tour of Rome! Listen to informative commentary as you’re driven to the best places in Rome, such as the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, and the Vatican.

And to top it off,  you’ll be able to take part in one of the four free walking tours offered at the stops. It’s one of the easiest ways to get around and sightsee in Rome!

 

#12 – Underground Colosseum Tour

• Walk the arena floor

• Explore the underground rooms and tunnels

• Cost: $$$

• Duration of tour: 2 hours

See what lurks beneath the floors of one of the most gruesome battlefields in the world. This tour takes you underneath the infamous Colosseum to explore rooms, tunnels, and champers that are often off-limits to most visitors.

After exploring the dark depths of the Colosseum, you’ll walk up to the main arena floor and stand in the same place where the viciously fierce gladiator battles took place.

 

#13 – Vatican Tour and Ancient Rome Segway Combo

• Walk the arena floor

• Explore the underground rooms and tunnels

• Cost: $$$

• Duration of tour: 2 hours

Start your day with a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, where you’ll stand face to face with the exemplary Sistine Chapel. After, walk through St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the largest cathedrals in the world.

The rest of the afternoon is spent rolling through the rest of Rome on a Segway! Your guide will take you past the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and through Circus Maximus for an all-encompassing tour of the Eternal City.

 

#14 – Family-Friendly Scavenger Hunt Tour

• Skip the line Colosseum tickets

• Exciting scavenger hunt with prizes

• Cost: $$$

• Duration of tour: 2.5 hours

Kids of all ages will enjoy racing through the heart of Rome on an exciting scavenger hunt! Unlike most city tours, this family-friendly tour is fun and educational for parents as well as the little ones.

Your guide will take you to the best sights around ancient Rome. And on your tour, you’ll be able to step inside the Colosseum with skip the line tickets for the whole family.

 

#15 – Private Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill Tour

• Skip the line Colosseum tickets

• Exciting scavenger hunt with prizes

• Cost: $$$

• Duration of tour: 2.5 hours

Visit Rome’s top attractions like a VIP on this private tour of the Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill. Your guide will customize the tour to your interests, whether you want to spend more time walking along the Roman Forum or exploring the battlefield of the Colosseum.

Most importantly, your tour comes with skip the line access and pre-reserved tickets, so there’s not waiting around! Make the most of your time in this wonderful city!

 

#16 – Bus Tour of Rome from Civitavecchia Port

• Air-conditioned bus

• See more stops than other bus tours

• Cost: $$

• Duration of tour: 7 hours

Beat the Rome heat and venture through the city on a panoramic tour inside an air-conditioned bus! You’ll catch the bus at Civitavecchia port, and travel to other top attractions like Piazza dei Tribunali, St. Peter’s Basilica, Tiberine Island, and the Trevi Fountain.

Your bus tour includes a guide who will inform you on all the sights and locations around the city. This is truly one of the most comfortable ways to see Rome!

 

#17 – Christian Rome Tour

• Visit churches and monuments by bus

• Lunch included

• Cost: $$$$

• Duration of tour: 8 hours

Home to over 900 churches, Rome is arguably one of the most religious cities in the world. On this tour, you’ll see some of the most influential sights associated with the Catholic church, including Basilica St. John Lateran, the Christian Catacombs, and Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.

But first, your tour starts with a guided walk of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. And when you get hungry, you and your guide will stop at a traditional Italian restaurant for lunch!

 

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#18 – Rome Golf Cart Tour

• Custom itinerary

• A unique method of transportation

• Cost: $$$$

• Duration of tour: 3 hours

For a one-of-a-kind experience, don’t visit Rome by scooter, car, or bus. Explore it on a golf cart! You and your guide will whizz through the city, visiting sights that are often unreachable on foot. Drive by Aventine and Celio hills, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Venezia, and finally Piazza del Popolo.

However, as this is a private tour, you can customize your experience to your taste! Just let your guide know where you want to travel, and he’ll make your wish come true!

 

#19 – E-Bike 3D Virtual Tour

• Use 3D virtual reality glasses

• See how life was like in ancient Rome

• Cost: $$

• Duration of tour: 3 hours

Step back in time and see Rome how it existed almost 2,000 years ago! As you make your way around the city on an e-bike, you’ll stop and peek through your 3D virtual reality glasses to see reconstructions of monuments like Circus Maximus, Trajan forum Pantheon, Navona square, and Campo dei Fiori. You will even get a glimpse of buildings that no longer exist in the present day!

 

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#20 – Colosseum and Food Tour

• Wine and food pairings

• Skip the line Colosseum tickets

• Cost: $$$$

• Duration of tour: 4 hours

Combining Rome’s most iconic landmark with it’s undeniably love for good food, the Colosseum and Food Tour is the ultimate way to soak in Roman culture. After you tour the Colosseum in your small tour group, you’ll make your way to the Monti district for some tasty treats.

Snack on fried pizza, salami and ham, gelato, and even a glass or two of wine! This is a great tour if you want to see the main sights, but also want to eat like a local.

#21 – Trastevere Segway Tour

• Easy one-hour tour

• Four itineraries to choose between

• Cost: $$

• Duration of tour: 1 hour

Few neighborhoods are as charming and alluring as Trastevere. And what better way to soak in the beauty than by cruising in style on a Segway? With four different itineraries to choose from, your guide will lead you through different parts of this stunning district across the Tiber River.

As you glide through the streets, notice the ivy-lined buildings, umbrella filled cafes, and happy locals sipping on aperitvo.

 

#22 – Self-Guided Pantheon Tour

• Explore the Pantheon at your own pace

• 3D interactive map

• Cost: $

• Duration of tour: 30 minutes

Even if you only have 30 minutes, you can still enjoy the amazing architecture of Rome’s Pantheon building! With this self-guided audio tour, you’ll learn all about the history and construction of the Patheon, as well as the different paintings that hang around the building itself.

The tour even comes with an interactive 3D map, so you don’t miss a single thing on your visit. You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding and appreciated for this stunning attraction.

 

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#23 – Unusual Rome Tour by Bike

• Bike or E-bike ride

• Secret, mysterious locations

• Cost: $$

• Duration of tour: 4 hours

In a city as large as Rome, you’re bound to uncover hidden gems and dark secrets! Hope on a bike (or upgrade to an electric bike), and explore the backstreets of the city.

Your itinerary includes a trip to Circus Maximus, Aventine Hill, and Trastevere, but the rest is kept a mystery. You’ll have to take the tour for yourself to see what awaits!

 

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#24 – Private Food Tour

• Fresh, seasonal snacks

• Glass of wine

• Cost: $$$$

• Duration of tour: 3 hours

Indulge in a gastronomic adventure with this 3-hour inclusive food tour of Rome! You’ll visit (and taste) your way through various neighborhoods in the city. Start with a cup of espresso, then sample some mortadella, porchetta, and even slices of pizza.

You’ll discover some of the top restaurants and cafes that are usually just frequented by locals. You’ll be a true Roman by the time you’re done with the tour!

 

#25 – Colosseum Underground Evening Tour

• Skip the line tour

• A glass of wine or prosecco to start

• Cost: $$$

• Duration of tour: 2 hours

Nothing is as impressive as Rome by night. And when the sun goes down, you can see the illuminated city in all its glory! You’ll start your Colosseum Underground Evening Tour with a glass of wine or prosecco, before skipping the line and heading straight for the arena floor.

Your guide will tell you stories of fierce gladiators, wild animals, and blood-thirsty spectators as you enjoy the Colosseum in the moonlight.

 

#26 – Trastevere Night Food Tour

• All inclusive food and wine

• Visit the heart of Rome’s nightlife

• Cost: $$$

• Duration of tour: 4 hours

The bustling neighborhood of Trastevere is one of the best places for nightlife and dining in Rome. This sunset tour takes you to all the good hot spots where the locals flock to for aperitvo or dinner.

Visit four different places and try truffles, Italian meats and cheeses, and even freshly made pizza and pasta! Come hungry, because you’ll want to savor everything in sight!

 

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#27 – Catacombs and the Appian Way Tour

• Walk the ancient Appian Way

• Bus tour outside the city center

• Cost: $$

• Duration of tour: 3 hours

This day trip from Rome takes you outside the city center and into the heart of the Roman Empire. Visit the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella and the iconic 2,000-year-old catacombs where thousands of ancient Romans were buried.

You’ll even walk the Appian Way, one of the essential transportation routes in all of Italy. With this tour, you can step back in time and see what early Rome must have looked like!

 

#28 – Private Crypts and Catacombs Tour

• Multiple crypts and catacomb visits

• Be chauffered by a private driver

• Cost: $$$$

• Duration of tour: 5 hours

To see a darker side of Rome, book the eerie but educational Crypts and Catacombs tour! Your private guide will take you by car to some of the darkest, deepest underworlds of Rome, including the Capuchin Church Crypts, the catacombs of San Callisto, and the San Clemente Church crypts.

Although it may be a harrowing experience to see centuries of buried bodies and skeletons, the catacombs and crypts are still a unique hidden wonder of Rome.

 

#29 – Appia Antica Electric Bike Tour

• Visit multiple attractions by bike

• Ride down Appian Way

• Cost: $$

• Duration of tour: 3 hours

Cruise down one of the most influential roads in all of Rome on this 3-hour electric bike tour! Appian Way may run from Rome to Brindisi, but you’ll cycle from the Colosseum for a few miles past the Roman aqueducts and the Terme di Caracalla.

Your tour guide will point out all the important locations on your ride! To top off the day, you’ll race around Circus Maximus like a real Roman chariot!

 

#30 – Rome Night Walking Tour

• Small group walking tour

• Guided by an art historian

• Cost: $$

• Duration of tour: 3 hours

Experience the sights and sounds of Rome by moonlight on your evening walking tour. Your knowledgeable guide is versed in art history and will take you past famous piazzas, fountains, and attractions while telling you stories and facts that will make the city come alive.

Bring your camera, some comfortable walking shoes, and an eager mind as you wander the backstreets of Rome!

 

#31 – Papal Audience & Imperial Rome Tour

• See the Pope in person!

• Visit the top ancient Roman sites

• Cost: $$$$

• Duration of tour: 8 hours

No trip to the Vatican would be complete without catching a glimpse of the Pope himself! Get picked up at your hotel and arrive at St. Peter’s Basilica just in time for Pope Francesco’s apostolic blessing.

After the speech, you’ll be treated to a delicious local Italian lunch before heading to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. This tour combines the best of the Vatican and ancient Rome!

 

#32 – Visit Rome Platinum Pass

• Tickets for Rome’s top attractions

• 72-hour transportation pass

• Cost: $$$$

• Duration of tour: Valid for 30 days

If you have a few days in Rome, then the Rome Platinum Pass is a no-brainer! The pass includes tickets and access to the top sights in Rome, like Castel Sant’Angelo, St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel, and the Colosseum. Most of the tickets also come with fast-access entrance and even a live guided tour.

To top it off, a 72-hour transportation pass is included so that you can make your way around the city by bus, metro, or tram!

 

#33 – Jewish Ghetto and Synagogue Tour

• Walking neighborhood tour

• Tickets to Jewish Museum and Great Synagogue

• Cost: $$

• Duration of tour: 3 hours

Walk through the streets of Rome’s Jewish Ghetto and see life through the eyes of the Jewish community! Your guide will tell you the history of the neighborhood, and how the ghetto was essentially a prison for Jewish residents.

The tour also includes tickets to the Jewish Museum and Great Synagogue, two of the neighborhood’s top attractions.

 

#34 – Villa Borghese Segway Tour

• Soak in everything in Villa Borghese

• Knowledgeable guide

• Cost: $$$

• Duration of tour: 3 hours

Glide by Segway through Villa Borghese, one of the most impressive parks in all of Rome! Enjoy the serene, tranquil atmosphere of the park, and admire the stunning architecture of the Canonica Museum, little House of Roses, and the Temple of Diana.

Your knowledgable guide will take you out of the hustle of the city and into the peaceful, lush nature of Villa Borghese for an unforgettable experience.

 

#35 – Wine and Cheese Tasting Tour

• Soak in everything in Villa Borghese

• Knowledgeable guide

• Cost: $$$

• Duration of tour: 3 hours

Italy is known for many things, especially for its vast variety of wine and cheese! On this tour, you’ll visit a traditional Roman wine bar, which has been family run since the mid-1900s. Your sommelier will tell you the best way to enjoy the wine, as well as how to distinguish wines from different Italian regions.

Each wine is paired with a different snack and cheese, which makes sampling all the more fun!

 

FAQs

How do I book a Rome tour?

With millions of tourists visiting Rome each year, it’s best to book your tour in advance to guarantee admittance. You can check different tours and prices directly with getyourguide.com. They offer a variety of tours and activities for every interest!

How much do tours in Rome cost?

The price of your tour will depend on several factors; however, you can expect most tours to be around the range of 40 – 100 Euros per person. Of course, private or full day tours will likely be more expensive.

How long do tours in Rome last?

Most tours in Rome last between 2 – 5 hours. However, you may book a full-day tour that lasts up to 8 hours, and visits multiple sites around the city. You might also find walking tours that are shorter, lasting around 1 hour.

What should I pack?

Depending on your tour, you will want to pack comfortable clothes, shoes, and water to keep you hydrated. Keep in mind that summers in Rome can be brutal, so you’ll want to bring sunscreen and possibly a hat for protection.

Conclusion

Home to the Catholic Church, the largest amphitheater, and even the birthplace of western civilization, Rome is one of the most important cities in the world. And with a thriving gastronomic scene, it also happens to be one of the tastiest!

And even with these exciting experiences, you may still only scratch the surface of Rome. But that’s what makes this city so unique. No matter how many times you come to Rome, there is always something new and different to see.

So don’t worry if you aren’t able to experience everything you wanted to see during your visit. Just turn around and toss your coin into the Trevi Fountain. We know you’ll be back to visit real soon!

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