italian tours from rome

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Italy Tours & Trips from Rome

Find your perfect adventure! We have 351 tours of Italy that start in Rome, Italy. The most popular month is September, and tour lengths range between 3 and 23 days.

250+ Italy tour packages from Rome with 6,098 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Christmas & New Year

Mamma Mia! - 13 Days/12 Nights

Excellent tour! Great tour to see a lot in the 13 day time frame.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

The Italian Dream

Plenty of time to explore on our own and excellent guidance to make the most of our time in each location.

Classical Italy

Amazing tour well organised, very helpful and professional.

• Coach / Bus

Italy from North to South

Great trip and great adventure

Italian Discovery

Great way to see a large part of Italy. Very well organized and run.

Best of Italy (Summer, 13 Days)

I had a wonderful experience, but be forewarned it is a lot. You spend a lot of time on the coach.

Italy City Break - 5 Days

The hotel (St. Martin) did not have our vouchers at our initial hotel upon arrival in Italy.

UNESCO Jewels: Best of Italy - Rome, Florence, Venice in 5 days

It was a fantastsic tour! Clara, so knowledgeable and always so helpful.

UNESCO Jewels: Best of Italy - Rome, Florence, Venice in 8 days

Rome is beautiful and I will definitely be returning. Thank you very much.

Discover Italy end Milan

The tour was an overall great experience, with the sights and information provided being very informative.

• Sightseeing

Deluxe Italian Escape with picturesque Cinque Terre

The hotels they selected for us were perfect as they were on the upper side of hotels ratings.

Italian Holiday (7 Days)

Excellent tour. Amazing food and experiences.

Mamma Mia! Best of Italy

Italy was a beatiful country and thanks to the very detailed and organized itineary, we felt like we got the best potential tour possible for 8 days.

Italy Escape - 10 Days

Taste of Italy (11 destinations)

We had a fabulous time on our Italy tour, it exceeded all of our expectations! Truly a trip of a lifetime.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

What people love about Italy Tours from Rome

Amazing experience. All of the tour guides I had (Ned, Meaghan, Lorenzo and Amy) were so kind, helpful, knowledgable and FUN!!) I can’t thank them enough for making my first trip to Italy amazing. There were so many beautiful sights to see, delicious food and new friendships made. Thank you for the trip of a life time. Melissa C

Tour really amizing, the driver and tour guid, food and location was very good, but a first day and last day hotel accomodation is not good very small shower, the bed is like rocking, the last tour scheduled from vasilica to collesium there no travelling car and is not good for us to take a taxi by our own and some a taxi driver is not honest.

The tour was comfortable and on time and our guide was lovely

Tours starting from Rome

• Rome to Rome tours (185)
• Rome to Venice tours (71)
• Rome to Milan tours (19)
• Rome to Palermo tours (12)
• Rome to La Spezia tours (11)
• Rome to Taormina tours (9)
• Rome to Sorrento tours (8)
• Rome to Florence tours (7)
• Rome to Naples tours (7)
• Family from Rome (249)
• Explorer from Rome (228)
• In-depth Cultural from Rome (161)
• Coach / Bus from Rome (92)
• Private from Rome (46)
• Self-Guided from Rome (30)
• Train & Rail from Rome (16)
• Custom from Rome (16)
• Food & Culinary from Rome (11)
• Active from Rome (8)
• Hiking & Trekking from Rome (5)
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From iconic ancient sights to tiny trattorias, Rome has no shortage of wonders. We’re honored to hav...

Our tours in Rome

Pristine Sistine at Closing Time: Late Entry Vatican Tour

Pompeii Tour from Rome with Amalfi Coast Drive

Premium Colosseum Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Crypts, Bones & Catacombs: An Underground Tour of Rome

Pristine Sistine™ Early Entrance Small Group Vatican Tour

Rome Pasta-Making Class: Cook, Dine & Drink Wine with a Local Chef

The Complete Vatican Tour with Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica

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

Gladiator’s Gate: Special Access Colosseum Tour with Arena Floor

Welcome to Rome: City Stroll with Gelato Tasting

Colosseum & Roman Forum with VIP Caesar's Palace Tour

Borghese Gallery Tour & Tickets: With Bernini, Caravaggio & Raphael

Taste Rome Like a Local: Jewish Quarter & Trastevere Food Tour with Rooftop Aperitivo

Alone in Rome's Catacombs: Exclusive After-Hours Tour with Bone Crypt

Boat-Hopping on the Amalfi Coast: Day Trip from Rome

Tuscany Day Trip from Rome with Winery Lunch & Medieval Towns

St. Peter’s Basilica from Top to Bottom with Dome Climb & Crypt

Trastevere at Sunset: Rome Food & Wine Tour

Tastes & Traditions of Rome: Testaccio Food and Market Tour

VIP Vatican Key Master’s Tour: Unlock the Sistine Chapel

Best of Rome Walking Tour with Quick Access Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Alone In The Vatican: Exclusive VIP Access Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tour

Pompeii with Panoramic Winery Lunch on Vesuvius: Day Trip from Rome

Roman Icons: Castel Sant'Angelo to Pantheon Tour with Panoramic View

Rome Pizza Making Class in Trastevere

VIP Colosseum Underground Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

VIP Colosseum at Night Tour with Underground & Arena Floor

What to know about rome from our local guides.

“If you're visiting Rome for the first time and staying for a few days, you definitely should see the historic center , the important squares (like Piazza Navona and the Spanish Steps ) the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon , the Vatican Museums (even better, do the Key Master’s Tour where you get to unlock the various rooms of the Vatican Museums together with the clavigero of the Vatican) and St. Peter's Basilica , Trastevere and of course the Colosseum . If you’re a returning visitor or are staying for more time, you should definitely include other museums such as the Capitoline Museums, Palazzo Altemps, Castel Sant'Angelo or even a day trip to Tivoli or the Castelli Romani area.”

“ Testaccio , where I actually live. It's basically 10 minutes away from all the most important tourist areas but without being touristy itself. There you can find the ‘locals’ and learn about their habits.” Federica, Rome guide since 2007

“My favourites are the church of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane, the Villa Borghese and the Theatre of Marcellus.” Andy, Rome guide since 2012

“I love Aventine Hill with its churches and gardens, the lesser-known part of Trastevere around Piazza dei Mercanti, Capitoline Hill, and the Roman Aqueducts.” Chiara, Rome guide since 1998

Rome is a fantastic city to explore with little ones in tow. For families looking to get an overview of Rome’s most iconic sights on a low-impact walking tour, our Welcome to Rome City Stroll is an excellent option that includes a gelato break.

Want to experience Rome's most iconic location in a family-friendly way? Kids of all ages will love the chance to step out onto the arena floor of the Colosseum just like the gladiators did!

Last but not least, don’t miss the chance to make your own homemade pasta or take a food tour in the family-friendly Testaccio neighborhood complete with freshly baked pastries, pizza, pasta, Roman-style panino sandwiches, and gelato for dessert! There’s no better way to introduce kids to Rome’s delicious cuisine.

Rome offers something for everyone no matter what time of year you visit. We polled our expert guides and found that there’s really no bad time of year to visit—it all depends on the experience you’re hoping to have!

“The best moments to visit Rome are spring and autumn because of the good weather, but I also suggest winter because of the peaceful moments that are easily found due to the low season.” Cristina T, Rome guide since 2011

“The Lungotevere is wonderful during July and August when the kiosks and restaurants by the river are open in the evening.” Andy, Rome guide since 2012

“I would prefer January and February because the city is very quiet and not busy as in summer and spring.” Flavia, Rome guide since 2016

Italy is famous for its food—but even in Rome, not all restaurants are created equal. So how can you tell the authentic spots from the tourist traps?

First, head away from the big attractions—at least a few blocks. That’s not to say there are absolutely no good restaurants near the Colosseum or the Trevi Fountain—but most eateries near major monuments don’t exactly cater to locals.

Next, pay no attention to places with staff outside inviting you to eat there, or with large photos of the food visible. Romans don’t need to be told where or what to eat!

Finally, if a place is crowded and full of the sounds of chatter in Italian, it’s likely a safe bet that you’re in a local spot. This might mean shifting your mealtimes a bit later than what you’re used to (most Romans won’t eat lunch or dinner until at least 1 and 8 pm respectively), but it’s well worth the wait.

Looking for a few specific recommendations to get you started! Here are a few of our guide team’s favorite restaurants in Rome.

“Go to Checco er Carrettiere for vintage Roman vibes in the heart of Trastevere, some of the best supplì, and an extensive wine list.” Mirko, Rome guide since 2015

“PopiPopi in Trastevere (where I live) is still a typical Roman restaurant where a lot of local families go. The food is great and the waiters are professional but also caring and warm with every client. Cul de Sac has an unusual menu with top quality products and wines. And Court Delicati is an excellent, authentic Asian restaurant in a city where good ethnic food may be harder to find than in other European capitals.” Chiara, Rome guide since 1998

There’s a lot to love about Rome, but one major plus is its central location in Italy, making it easy to travel all around the boot. A day trip to Tuscany makes a wonderful addition to your Italian holiday, with the opportunity to explore charming hillside villages and the famed Chianti wine region. Heading south, the Amalfi Coast and Pompeii are well worth the trip, and for the wine lovers, a winery visit on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you won’t soon forget.

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Tuscany & Florence

Amalfi & pompeii, milan & como.

Uncover the Hidden Gems of Italy

Rome Catacombs Tour: Discover the Eerie Underworld of the City

St. Peter’s Basilica, Dome Climb, and Underground Tour – Discover the Secrets of the Most Iconic Church in the World

Vatican Tour: Discover the Magnificence of the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel

Colosseum Arena Tour – Step into the Footsteps of Gladiators with Ancient city Access

Colosseum Night Tour – Experience Rome’s Iconic Landmark in a New Light

Explore Ancient Rome: Palatine Hill Tickets

Colosseum Skip-the-Line Tour with Roman Forum Access

Tripadvisor customers have rated 'whats in italy tours' as a travelers' choice for 2022, colosseum tours, entry tickets, vatican tours, you'll receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance of most experiences., top destination.

Day Trips From Rome

Private day trips from rome with whats in italy tours.

Day Trips from Rome : Rome, the capital of Italy, is a beautiful city home to a plethora of attractions for tourists. Many amazing temptations are located nearby, which are best for day trips from Rome. This is why it is flocked by tourists from all around the world each year.

The windy sea breeze at Ostia, the cool air of Tivoli, and the lavish villas built at the Alban Hills are some of the attractions we can help you explore through our day trips from Rome.

Experience Art, History, Adventure & Beauty All Together

Rome was once roamed by emperors, cardinals, popes, and the city’s merchants. It is the best place to serve as a base for day trips to Capri, Pompeii, the Bay of Naples, Amalfi Coast, Florence, and the Hill Towns of Tuscany.

The locations are full of art, history, natural beauty, mesmerizing landscapes, hills, and architecture. All this makes Rome worth visiting, especially the day trips.

What do We Cover in Our Day Trips from Rome?

Day trips from Rome by Whats In Italy Tours cover all the famous locations such as:

Ostia:  The historic excavated city depicting imperial Rome

Tivoli:  Famous for the UNESCO world heritage sites

Pompeii:  The second-largest excavated city, Mount Vesuvius – Beautiful & Stunning Views

The Amalfi Coast:  Famous for the amazing ride

The Island of Capri:  One of the most beautiful in the world.

We also include many other places, but these are among the most in demand by tourists from all around the world.

Facilities Covered in Day Trips from Rome by Whats In Italy Tours

What’s In Italy Tours wants to make your day trip from Rome as memorable and enjoyable as you want it to be. This is why we have included all the necessary facilities to ensure a smooth, safe, and full of fun tour for you and your family.

Air-Conditioned Buses

All our day trips are covered by air-conditioned coaches to easily transport you to and back to Rome.

An English Speaking Tour Guide to assist you along the entire trip in sharing the site’s history and all the important landmarks that are a must-see.

Small Groups

We offer facilities and make arrangements for up to a group of 20 to 30 people.

Special Discounts

We also include special discounts and offers from time to time. Subscribe to our mailing list and stay in touch with our updates and special discounts for your favorite day trips.

Book one or more of Your Day Trips from Rome Today!

Rome’s scenic locations, deep history, fascinating art, mind-blowing architecture, rich culture, and delicious meals combined with all our modern-day tour facilities are available at an unbeatable price to ensure a lovely time for you and your friends!

Then what are you waiting for? Waste no time and book one of your day trips from Rome with Whats In Italy Tours to have a journey of a lifetime!

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Rome Tours & Day Trips from Rome

The fastest way to choose and book your first private Rome Tour Check out our tours and services included.

or Contact Us .

Our company is based in Rome and has been working in the tourism sector for over 20 years. Thanks to the experience gained over time, we are able to offer private luxury tours of Rome and surroundings at the Best Price Guaranteed! All our tours are private, for a maximum of eight passengers per vehicle. You will have at your disposal a personal chauffeur who will be able to advise you on all your requests. Our tours are customizable: we propose and you decide.

We specialize in private tours of Rome and surroundings for small groups (8 people), but thanks to our many vehicles we have the possibility to organize tours for large groups, even up to 50 people.

Our Services

Best quality, customer support, fantastic places, local guide, personal chauffeur, custom tour, popular rome tour destinations, we offer custom rome tours and day trips from rome to the most important italian cities., rome driving tour.

We will drive you through the most ancient and important landmarks.

• Italy – Rome

Pompeii Tour

Full Day Pompeii Tour from Rome with Mt. Vesuvius Volcano.

• Naples – Pompeii

Florence Tour

Full Day Best of Florence with Uffizi Gallery, Statue of David and Florence Cathedral.

• Italy – Florence

Why Choose Us

Best prices.

• On Italy In Tours will always find the best prices for private tours.

PRIVATE CHAUFFEUR

• Driver guide service plus a local guide that  comes with you during the sightseeing, with no extra costs.

CUSTOMIZE EXPERIENCE

• The possibility to customize your experience in order to choose the best for you.
• The privilege of seeing the cities from a local tour guide’s point of view.

Our Reviews

Bruno is the best. He is very kind and we have lovely time with him and he is very funny! We book Pompeii tour and Florence tour Liya was really great experience highly recommend thanks a lot Bruno we love you.

Nathalie Haddad Pompeii & Florence

Bruno was just great and such a funny guy with bunch of humours and lots of energy. Always on time. Excellent service, really recommended. We ride a Great luxury comfort van, its a Mercedes benz V class. We had more place to see, Bruno took us to our requested tourism objects.

Fauzi Oji Rome Tour

Great and fantastic expriance we have best time and holiday with the company of Bruno. Good driver and nice car. We visit everwhere and bulruno take us to the best resturante and lovely ice cream. The full day in amalficost was incredible. I really enjoyed and i fell gery happy with my family. We was in 6 person and we have a luxury van for all.

Karim Al Shaar Amalfi Coast

Shuttle Transfer to Rome Fiumicino Airport

Civitavecchia: Shuttle Transfer to Rome Fiumicino Airport Reach Rome Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport without stress or delays with this convenient shared...

Private Transfer Civitavecchia to Rome City or Airport

Private Transfers with Italy in Tour: Seamless Travel from Civitavecchia to Rome Highlights Start or end your cruise to Rome worry-free...

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...

When in Rome Tours

Guided tours in rome, vatican city and pompeii, italy.

Rome is open, travelers are here and our tours are back on schedule.

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VATICAN TOUR & ST. PETER'S DOME CLIMB

The original all-inclusive Vatican City experience featuring a climb to the top of St. Peter’s Dome for an incredible view of Rome followed by our award-winning tour of the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel.

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• Hour Glass 5 Hours

ROME, THE VATICAN, WINE EXCURSIONS & POMPEII

Guided tours of rome.

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Guided Vatican Tours

Rome food & wine tours, guided pompeii tours, private tours.

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Entire Vatican & Vatacombs: Flagship Vatican Tour

Our Flagship Tour of the Vatican and Vatacombs. Spend hours browsing world-class art and sculpture inside the Vatican City with an expert art historian guide!

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• Hour Glass 4.5 Hours

Entire Vatican & Heart of Rome Tour

Enjoy two days in Rome, Italy. See all of the most important landmarks and still have both afternoons free to explore, eat, drink, and people watch on your own.

• Hour Glass 2.5 Hours

Vatican Ticket & St. Peter's Dome Climb

Visit St. Peter’s Dome in the Vatican. Meet your guide on St. Peter’s Square and stroll across the piazza into the Vatican City, where your climb begins.

5-STAR REVIEWS FROM OUR CLIENTS

Massimo gave an insightful, humorous and non-forgettable tour. It was my first time in Rome and I could not have spent it better! Also great to skip the lines for the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

I recently had a tour at the Vatican and dome climb amazing experience, our guide was chiara and couldn’t of asked for a better guide, so friendly knowledgeable and enthusiastic and definitely made the day fun enjoyable and an incredible experience, I would highly recommend the company and chiara as a guide.

The best guide in Rome you can wish for. We spent with Chiara a beautiful day in the Vatican. She was absolutely the best, energetic, funny and knew all about everything. She answered all our questions with a smile. I have never experienced such an amazing tour of the city in my life. Thank you and we totally recommend.

We missed the start of the tour.but Roberta let us join later,and allowed us to come back the next day to see the bits we missed..our guide massimo was super.funny and very friendly...not disappointed.

Our tour guide was Luigi, he was great. From the start Luigi made it a point to connect with each person, from learning our names to speaking with us each. You could see his passion for what he was telling us about each room and the contents. He gave us information and explain it in a way that it made sense.

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Experience Italy differently. Enjoy one-of-a-kind experiences and uncover local secrets when our friends across the country open their doors to you. Here’s just a sample of the rich experiences you can expect.

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“Uffizi Gallery in Florence is a world class museum with an incredible renaissance art collection. Enjoy a guided tour with a Local Specialist to make the experience more memorable, especially when in front of Botticelli’s stunning ‘Birth of Venus’ painting”

Pino, Travel Director

See Michelangelo's frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel

One of the most important structures of the Catholic faith, the Vatican City’s Sistine Chapel is a must-see on a tour of Italy. Though the chapel walls have witnessed centuries of worship, it’s the renaissance ceiling paintings of Michelangelo that will leave you in awe.

Visit the glamorous Isle of Capri

Enjoy the classic Italian summer in Italy’s picture-perfect Gulf of Naples. Famed for its crystal grottos, dramatic coastlines and endless glamour, our trips to Italy are complete with a day of freedom spent under a striped umbrella, watching sailboats pass by.

Cruise your way through Venice

The charm found in the canals of Venice is nothing short of irresistible. Admire gothic palaces and postcard bridges whilst adrift in a gondola, gaining an understanding of life in a city that floats. Exploring a city by foot will never be the same after a trip to Venice.

Journey to the well-preserved ruins of Pompeii

An unfathomable history lesson is found in the archaeological ruins of Pompeii. Buried and preserved by the ash of a volcano eruption in the year 79, in this Italian town you will discover the progressive life of early Roman times as you walk within the parameters of an open-air time capsule of life on Earth.

Go shopping in Italy's fashion capital Milan

Armani, Gucci, Prada and Versace. These are some of the prestigious fashion brands that call the Italian city of Milan home. In between yearning through boutiques and department stores, stop to sample the city’s delicacies like breaded veal cutlet and ossobuco.

Our top 5 things to do in Italy

It's the moments of quiet stillness that take your breath away on a Trafalgar tour through Italy. Sitting in the calm halls of the Vatican. Floating on the canals of Venice. Standing beside the ruins of Pompeii.

Uffizi Gallery

The Tuscan capital is home to Uffizi Gallery, where the brushworks of art’s true masters are found. Names like Raffaello, Leonardo, and Michelangelo dress Uffizi’s grand pink walls, whilst internal courtyards leading to the Arno River will show you the building’s architectural brilliance.

Vatican Museums

A collection of Christian artwork that spans centuries and stirs the soul is found in Rome’s Vatican Museums. From the intricate ceiling by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel to the detailed Pope portraits from the 16th century to today, you will be lost for words once inside this blessed museum complex.

Doge's Palace

Home to the leader of Venice from its opening in 1340, Doge’s Palace summarizes the sparkle of this city. An opulent example of Venetian Gothic architecture and home to numerous historical works, this museum is a must when you visit Venice.

Best museums in Italy

The epicenter of the Catholic faith and the birthplace of art’s most renowned masters. Our guided tours of Italy will take you to the many museums found here, whether in the Sistine Chapel, by the canals of Venice or in the grand galleries of Tuscany.

The authentic carbonara experience will take place in Rome, covered in salty Pecorino Romano cheese. A simple dish inspiring heart-warming meal times, this pasta will connect you with Italy’s rich culinary customs - an impressive evolution from its supposed heritage as a coal-miner’s meal.

Pollo alla Cacciatora

Literally translating to ‘hunter’ in Italian, cacciatore offers an appreciation for Italy’s meals of days gone by. Typically a preparation of rabbit or chicken, it’s the simmering tomato stew that makes this dish so mouthwatering. Satisfy a genuine hunger and consume with hand-ripped bread.

Italy tours are best served with an oversized slice of tiramisu. Cementing this country's obsession with espresso, this cake of layered biscuits soaked in coffee is the perfect after hours pick-me-up before an evening stroll through the charming streets.

Best food in Italy

A date with Italian food will likely start and end with a slice of pizza. But it’s the menu items that we share with you in between that will take your appreciation to new heights; think cacciatore and Carbonara with a slice of tiramisu in between.

What to pack for Italy

A classic linen outfit

The Italians are famous for their equal parts glamorous and effortless dress sense. Look the part with a few ensembles featuring classic linens in navy and white.

A blank journal

With the wealth of inspiration tucked into every corner of Italy, you might find yourself compelled to write down notes or memories. At the very least to remember the traditional Italian recipes you learn.

With such a large expanse of space to explore, on some days, long journeys are unavoidable. The scenery will provide plenty of visual entertainment, while headphones can be used to listen to some local music or enjoy podcasts about Italian history, culture and politics when you're not enjoying the storytelling from your Travel Director.

A small blanket

When exploring the soul-stirring setting of Tuscany, a picnic may call. Come prepared with a small blanket to cover in wine and cheese.

Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes

A classic memoir that brought the romance of Tuscany to the world, there’s no better time to read this book than when venturing through the country yourself.

Pack for sustainable travel

Consider your environmental impact when you next take a trip and go single-use-plastic-free by packing a reusable water bottle, a steel straw, your own shopping bags and reusable toiletry bottles.

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EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

TAUCK'S YELLOW ROADS – Encounter spectacular scenery around every bend on a drive along the celebrated Amalfi Coast – the perfect blending of earth, sea and sky

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – After-hours guided visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, without the crowds – see the Vatican treasures at your own pace

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – Avoid the lines and the crowds during an exclusive after-hours tour of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, when it's closed to the public and it's all yours to savor

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

A boat cruise along the Mediterranean shores of Cinque Terre for an in-depth look at these remote, centuries-old coastal villages (weather permitting)

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Active components such as hiking, bicycling and walking longer distances may be included, and hills and/or uneven terrain may be encountered on several days. Guests should be able to walk two to three miles and stand for long periods of time with no difficulty.

Often robust – may include long days, active sightseeing, early starts, evening activities, significant travel times.

Along Europe's Scenic "Yellow Roads"

Think of Italy and a host of images comes to mind... the glories of Rome, taking shape in the now silent roars of the Colosseum, priceless works of art by Michelangelo and other famed Italian artists whose masterpieces eternally evoke awe in Europe's greatest museums...

Discover bella Italia on one of Tauck's most popular journeys... in scenic Tuscan hill towns, centuries-old cities and countryside villages, and along the Amalfi Coast… in the treasures of Florence, coloring an era of enlightenment with a rich palette of paintings and architecture by Renaissance luminaries like da Vinci, Botticelli and Brunelleschi... along saltwater roads in Venice lined with magnificent palaces frozen in time... in sun-dappled Tuscan villages, medieval icons reigning over vineyard-draped landscapes that produce wines and foods that are regionally inspired, locally flavored and ultimately delizioso... and on an after-hours guided visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel for an extraordinary look at ageless masterpieces – without the crowds – during a three-night stay in the Eternal City...

A trattoria lunch in Orvieto

Enjoy lunch at a traditional trattoria in orvieto.

By definition, an Italian "trattoria" is an eatery that's a bit more formal than an "osteria" (which traditionally emphasize wine over the simple food they serve) but less formal than a "ristorante." In any case, the typical trattoria is a casual, welcoming establishment that serves plentiful portions of well-prepared local or regional specialties, often "family style" and without a printed menu. While visiting the Umbrian hill town of Orvieto, you'll enjoy a traditional lunch at just such a place – a trattoria about which one guest said, "the ambiance is rustic and down to earth... I almost felt like I was in someone's welcoming home dining room..."

The Westin Excelsior, Florence

Nights 9, 10 and 11

Enjoy your own personal Renaissance at The Westin Excelsior, Florence

The Westin Excelsior, Florence is an undisputed masterpiece in its own right: a stunning Renaissance palace with cutting-edge contemporary interiors, flawlessly paired with unique Renaissance features. The perfect mix of style and design, each of its guest rooms and suites is beautifully decorated in period style, offering a taste of Florentine tradition. No wonder it's been voted one of the 500 best hotels in the world by the readers of Travel + Leisure…

Ancient Pompeii... frozen in time

Back to 1st century pompeii.

Pompeii was a prosperous Roman city with a population of approximately 27,000 souls until August 24, 79 AD – the fateful day that Mount Vesuvius erupted and completely buried it and its inhabitants under a blanket of volcanic ash. And there it sat until its discovery by an architect more than 1,500 years later. It would be another 150 years before some of the world's earliest archaeologists began excavating the site in the 1740s, slowly revealing a city frozen in time. Today, as you walk with a local guide among the remains of Pompeii's buildings and streets – still an active archaeological site – you'll get a firsthand glimpse of what life might have been like in the Roman Empire during the 1st century AD.

From start to finish, this trip was so wonderful... Every day was special; I think I might actually take this same tour again in a few years!

2022 Tauck Guest

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All the information you need for this journey at your fingertips – day-by-day details, map, hotel descriptions, key highlights and more.

Where you stay is an important part of your journey – with Tauck, accommodations have been handpicked and carefully selected for their location and ambiance, enhancing the destinations you explore. Download accommodation details and your travel plans begin!

Tour Planner

Download the details to make planning your trip easier - including an itinerary overview, pricing based on your selected departure date and accommodations, plus protection plan costs.

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Overnight Accommodations

Extend your stay

Arrive Early

Hilton sorrento palace.

Sorrento, Italy

InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace

Rome, Italy

Sina Brufani

Perugia, Italy

Bagni di Pisa

Pisa, Italy

Nights 9-11

Florence, Italy

Nights 12-13

Hotel Monaco and Grand Canal

Venice, Italy

Your Journey

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About Booking This Tour

Required Documents

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally , you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey for entry into Italy; however, you do not need a visa for the short duration of this tour.

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally , you should contact an embassy or consulate of Italy to determine what travel documentation is required.

Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.

We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

Venice Visitor Fee – Exemption Request Instructions:

• Go to the Exemption Request page on the City of Venice's website:  https://cda.comune.venezia.it/en/richiestaEsenzione  
• Under "Reason for requesting exemption" select "I am a guest of an accommodation facility located in the municipality of Venice."
• Select "Request exemption."
• Enter the dates you'll be entering and leaving Venice. (These dates can be found in the personal travel documents you received via email from Tauck.) Hit "Next."
• Enter your personal details. (For "Date of birth," click on the blank field. A calendar page showing the current month and year will appear. Click repeatedly in this header area to navigate to the century of your birth, then select the appropriate decade, year, month and day.) You will also enter your place of birth, email and home residence.  For "Residence," enter your home address in the USA
• Under "Accommodation and address name," search for or manually enter the name and address of your hotel in Venice. Please note: The name and address of your Venice hotel can be found in the personal travel documents you received via email from Tauck. Read the Privacy Policy by clicking the link (this will activate the check box), then check the box and select "Next."
• If you are traveling with friends or family, select "Add Holder" and fill out their details. Complete this step for everyone in your travel party, then select "Next."
• On the Contact Information page: If you select PHONE you will need to enter your phone number and then make a toll-free call to the number listed on the subsequent page, within the indicated time. If you select EMAIL you will need to enter your email address, and you will then receive an OTP code via that email address to enter on the subsequent page of the application. 
• Verify that all the information you've entered is correct, then click "Confirm."
• You will then be brought to a page where you can download the required QR code for your visit to Venice. (We recommend emailing the QR code to yourself, to ensure easy access to it later.) Please note that you will need to keep your QR code with you throughout your time in Venice, as failure to do so may result in a fine.

How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

• Tour Name and Departure Date
• Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Email Address*
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
• Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number  of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

* Required Fields

Deposits & Final Payment

Deposits and fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $600 per person

Final Payments:

Final Payment is due to Tauck  90  days before departure for lands trips, and  120  days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Travel Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Tauck's Guest Protection

Tauck's Guest Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. Guest Protection includes the following:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON up to the day before departure and receive a money-back refund (except in Extreme Circumstances*) on the land tour cost, based on your original method of payment.

*Extreme Circumstances:  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.

Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation –  If you must cancel your tour due to a covered reason, the plan provides coverage for the amount you paid for your travel arrangements. Since the non-insurance cancellation waiver takes care of the land package cancellation fees already, this benefit reimburses the airfare cancellation charges up to the value of your original airfare purchase.
• Trip Interruption –  If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.
• Travel Delay –  Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
• Medical Expense –  Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection –  Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.
• Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services –  Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Guest Protection is: $559  per person

This protection provides insurance coverage that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Guest Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included with initial payment. Fees are based on costs as of July 1, 2021, and are subject to change. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your tour reservation. Guest Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

The Guest Protection plan waives cancellation fees outlined below, provided we are notified of cancellation before your tour departs. Tour cancellation fees are waived regardless of reason, without written notice, and Tauck will refund land tour cost.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit  affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACGPPINTL .

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees. If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Guest Protection Plan:

Loss of Guest Protection fee, per person 

Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Guest Protection Plan :

90 days or more before departure = $600 per person

89-8 days before departure = $900 per person

7-1 days before departure = $1500 per person

Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation terms outlined herein.

Note:  All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Guest Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here  to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE:  Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS:   are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE:   Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Checked Luggage – General

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much stricter in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Carry-on Luggage - General

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

VACCINATIONS  

If you are a resident of the U.S.,  no vaccinations are currently required for travel to Italy. For complete vaccination and inoculation information please contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to obtain information regarding vaccinations that may be required for your journey. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 800-232-4636 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC website by clicking  here.

If you are a resident of another country,  please contact an embassy or consulate of Italy to determine what vaccination(s) may be required for your travel.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

While drinking water is generally safe at all our hotels, bottled water will be available wherever the local water is not fit to drink. We also provide bottled water on the motor coaches.

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

Classic Italy covers 1,270 mi (2,043 km) and, though paced to accommodate all our guests, is nonetheless an active and extensive tour. To enjoy this tour, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. Italy is home to innumerable historic buildings and sites, some dating from antiquity. Therefore, roads, walkways and architecture will present difficulties for some guests with physical disabilities. You will encounter cobblestone streets, narrow passageways, and some steep and winding staircases. For the most part, however, the amount of walking you do at the various sites and towns is at your discretion.

In addition, coach travel along the many "Yellow Roads" on this tour are very windy and may cause you some discomfort if you are prone to motion sickness. If you are, we advise bringing motion sickness remedies or medication with you.

We regret that this Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters.  Likewise, we regret that we're unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs.  The responsibility of the Tauck Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest.  Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it. 

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!

You can view the reading list  here.

The weather in Italy is temperate and unpredictable. Generally, spring and fall average high temperatures range from 55 to 75°F (13 to 24°C) and summer high temperatures range from 75 to 85°F (24 to 29°C). Rain falls evenly throughout the year in Venice, but more seasonally in Rome and Sorrento, where summers are dryer than winters. Venice experiences very high humidity, with hot weather in July and August. Due to its location on the Adriatic coast, Venice often experiences thunderstorms and rain showers which, particularly in spring and autumn, tend to cause flooding, known as the 'acqua alta'.

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website by clicking here.

What To Pack

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with Necessary Gear who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site .

When packing for your trip to Italy, it is important to keep in mind the time of year you are traveling and the current weather conditions for that time. The climate of northern Italy ranges from Alpine near Switzerland to continental along the Po River to Venice. Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. Generally, during the day, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Cool weather at higher elevations or at night will require warmer, layered clothing.

In Europe, especially in finer restaurants, it is generally customary to dress somewhat formally. Slacks or a dress for women and a jacket for men are acceptable dining attire. It is advisable to avoid wearing jeans, sneakers or shorts for dinner. You may also wish to dress up a bit for the welcome reception and the farewell dinner, but certainly be comfortable.

Most Catholic churches in Italy require that your knees and shoulders be covered when you enter, even during the hot days of summer.

You will find a hair dryer located in your hotel guest room. By law in Italy, irons and ironing boards are not made available to guests at hotels. Valet laundry and dry cleaning services are available for a fee.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.

Following is a list of recommended items to pack for your trip to northern Italy:

• Casual daytime wear – shorts, slacks, long and short-sleeved shirts
• An optional jacket and tie for men
• Casually elegant evening wear for ladies
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
• A light sweater or jacket for higher elevations or a breezy night
• Binoculars (7x50 preferably)
• Insect repellent
• Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and chargers
• Lightweight, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
• Travel alarm clock/cell phone with alarm function (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms)
• Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
• Reusable zipper-lock bags or other waterproof bags
• Daypack for camera equipment
• Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
• Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room while traveling

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Escorted Tours to Italy | Travel to Italy

Perillo Tours has been America’s leader in Italy travel since 1945. The following escorted tours have been enjoyed for over 40 years by more than 750,000 of our guests. Each itinerary . . . activity . . . hotel . . . and meal . . . has been personally selected, continuously innovated, and expertly perfected by Steve Perillo, according to the highest standards of founder Joseph Perillo and Mr. Italy himself – Mario Perillo. Chances are, YOU know someone who’s enjoyed one of our famous Italy tours! We are excited to release some 2025 tours earlier than others based on the exceptional demand we have been receiving for next year. The remainder of our Italy portfolio and other destinations will be added to our website in the next few weeks. 

Starting at $5995

Perillo's Italy North Classic is the largest selling Italy tour in history. Developed in 1975 by Mario Perillo and Lucio Massari, it remains our most popular itinerary today. The 'Continental' tour delivers the identical itinerary (in reverse) but without dinners.

Starting at $5395

Perillo's Italy North Classic is the largest selling Italy tour in history. Developed in 1975 by Mario Perillo and Lucio Massari, it remains our most popular itinerary today. The 'Continental' tour delivers the identical itinerary (in reverse) but without dinners and without Milan.

Starting at $4295

Our Marco Polo Tour is the counterpart to our Vesuvius Tour. One featuring Venice, the other featuring Sorrento. Either way, you can be assured that Steve Perillo has hand-selected every hotel, restaurant, sightseeing experience and guide that will make your vacation the memory of a lifetime.

Lemon trees and vineyards cascade down the terraced cliffs to the sea. Soft sea breezes mix with the scent of fresh basil, tomatoes and olive oil. Capri sparkles in the distance. Welcome to Amalfi! This is a no-holds-barred invitation to live life to the fullest.

Starting at $3795

There's no place on earth like Sicily. A true melting pot of cultures, you'll see Greek and Asian influences in the exotic architecture, unique cuisine and faces of her people. If you happen to be of Sicilian heritage, you'll be surprised by how the 'old country' has very much joined the 21st century while retaining its special charm.

This 12-day tour includes 2 of the most beautiful regions of Italy: Campania & Puglia. The south of Italy is known in Italian as the 'Mezzogiorno' (Midday) region; some of the oldest and most important historical towns in Italy are located here as well as some of the best food in all of Italy! You’ll be able to try a margherita pizza in the city where it was invented – Naples! Explore the beautiful region of Puglia which has a culture, history, and a dialect all its own. Discover the Trulli in Alberobello and explore Lecce, also known as the “Florence of the South”. You'll be surprised by how the 'old country' has very much joined the 21st century while retaining its special charm.

Discover the region of Umbria, also known as "the Green Heart of Italy", along with Tuscany and Rome on this new 11 day tour. Enjoy a wine tasting and an unforgettable hands-on cooking class with a Tuscan chef! Go on an exciting truffle hunt with a truffle hunter and his trained dogs. Visit the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and discover Gubbio, a well-preserved medieval town dating back to the Etruscan period.

Important: There are many steps and different buildings in Castello di Spaltena, the hotel in Tuscany. Anyone with reduced mobility should consider a different tour.

Starting at $4695

Starting at $4850

Starting at $5875

Perillo's Italy North Classic is the largest selling Italy tour in history. Developed in 1975 by Mario Perillo and Lucio Massari, it remains our most popular itinerary today. This departure will be staying in superior/deluxe  hotels.

Starting at $4950

Starting at $3995

Starting at $3395

The 'Continental' gives you the chance to dine on your own in Italy! Your tour guide will be happy to suggest everything from trattorias to the finest dining experiences.

Starting at $4225

The Renaissance was a rediscovery of classical Greek culture in Italy, and especially Florence.

Michelangelo and Leonard da Vinci were the big names of this period.

But on this deluxe 9-day tour, you’ll also meet the many other creative geniuses of the Renaissance!

Starting at $3295

Due to popular demand this tour is also now available with similar options on additional dates not show here:

• Mar 28 - Apr 4
• Apr 21 - Apr 29

Starting at $3695

If you're looking for a compact and affordable Italy Vacation - Our Vesuvius Tour is perfect! The itinerary is meticulously crafted by Steve Perillo and his team to run like a 'Swiss Watch' and be lots of fun too!

• Sep 5 - Sep 14
• Oct 3 - Oct 12
• Oct 17 - Oct 26

On this Perillo tour, you'll experience firsthand the wonders of Northern Italy. This treasure packed tours takes you throughout the celebrated northern gems including Bologna, Rapallo, Stresa, Parma, Venice, Cinque Terre, La Spezia, Portofino, Lugano, Lake Como.

format_quote Testimonials

We just went to thank you for all your assistance in helping us plan our trip to Italy. We enjoyed every aspect of the trip. This was our first European trip and we did not know what to expect. Thank you again for your great service.

Mirna was a superb tour leader – the best I’ve had on multiple trips and tours worldwide!. Not only was she super organized and knowledgeable, she was extremely patient! Mirna handled all the guests professionally, tactfully and effectively. I would recommend Perillo Tours to anyone!

Mr. & Mrs. J.A.

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Get to know Venus de Milo, Liberty Leading the People, and Napoleon's Coronation like never before

( 443 ) From: $84.70

Sagrada Familia

Unbeatable Barcelona in a Day Tour

Discover the real culture of the city at Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, and the Gothic Quarter

( 276 ) From: $124.25

After Hours Rome Catacombs Tour with Capuchin Crypts

Experience Rome’s creepy underground tombs and eerie bone displays on this exclusive night tour

( 39 ) as low as $90.97

Rome Catacombs Tour and Capuchin Crypts with Transportation

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

( 354 ) as low as $71.14

Paris in a Day Tour with Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Seine River Cruise

See the Mona Lisa, Sacre-Coeur, and Moulin Rouge with organized transportation and an expert guide

( 268 ) as low as $143.54

Golf Cart Appian Way Tour

Rome’s Catacombs and Appian Way Golf Cart Small Group Tour

Escape the crowds and journey through ancient roads and underground tombs alongside an expert guide

( 8 ) From: $107.35

Rome Sightseeing Tour by Golf Cart

Whiz through Rome to see the Colosseum, Vatican, Roman Forum, Oppian Hill, Tiber Island, and more!

( 32 ) From: $361.60

Florence Accademia Gallery Express Guided Tour

Skip the line, marvel at renowned masterpieces and see Michelangelo’s iconic David statue!

( 4 ) From: $51.98

Florence in a Day Combo Tour with David and Uffizi

Explore Accademia Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, Florence Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, and so much more

( 216 ) From: $129.90

Florence Walking Tour with Statue of David

Uncover the best of Florence at the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio, and skip the line at Accademia

( 481 ) From: $67.75

Skip the Line Uffizi Gallery Tour

See Botticelli, Caravaggio, and Michelangelo's masterpieces in Florence's famous Uffizi Gallery

( 362 ) as low as $71.99

Skip the line

Ultimate Palace of Versailles Tour from Paris

Breeze past the lines for the palace and gardens with a friendly English speaking guide

( 505 ) as low as $86.44

Exclusive Florence Duomo and Secret Terraces Tour

Discover Florence's Duomo with our small group, skip the line tour with hidden terrace access

( 1 ) as low as $86.44

Louvre at Closing Time Tour with Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo

See the best of the Louvre with fewer crowds and a passionate guide on this late afternoon tour

( 216 ) From: $79.05

Privileged Entrance Colosseum Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

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

( 545 ) From: $64.41

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Celebrate two distinctive regions of Italy that each host an iconic culture, cuisine, and history. Rome and Sicily stand as testaments to ancient and modern marvels, and their endless enchanting qualities are waiting for your discovery. Explore the variety of Italy with your Rome and Sicily itinerary from Zicasso.

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8  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $2,859

Combine traditional flavor with ancient history, and Baroque charm with rich landscapes during your custom-tailored wine tour of Sicily for seniors. The indelible marks of ancient settlers gave rise to stunning culinary delights while elegant towns capture the grandeur of former kingdoms. Your immersive tour will highlight the treasured sunsets in Noto and luxurious coastline at Marzamemi, as well as the bountiful vineyards that spread across the foothills of Mount Etna. You will capture the spirit of the local markets that reveal customary recipes and explore the isolated islands that overflow with hidden splendors to shape your perfect blend of the past and present of Sicily.

7  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $2,501

Romance will be in the air during this 7-day couple’s vacation to the stunning island of Sicily. Explore the best parts of the island as you uncover the beauty, history, and delicious food of Italy’s largest island. Dinners for two and exclusive experiences will be yours to enjoy as you indulge in all Sicily has to offer during this remarkable and unforgettable vacation.

14  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $5,007

While in Italy, you can sink into luxury and let the ancient world spring to life around you. Mosaics from Pompeii remain vibrant with lifelike images and exciting colors as Greek ruins rise out of the mountaintops and plains of Sicily. The Mediterranean Sea brushes at the beaches and boulders that line the Amalfi Coast. Hidden waterfalls feed abandoned paper mills and a treasure trove of artwork decorates the galleries of the Vatican Museums. Your custom tailored tour combines the wonders of the landscape and the splendors of history for a special expression of Southern Italy’s unforgettable and distinguished culture.

10  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $3,575

Become gladiators, search for priceless paintings, and indulge in unforgettable adventures with a custom tailored family-friendly Italy itinerary. Relish a chance to blend fun and education with culture that the kids can touch. Knead handmade pasta dough under the guidance of a private chef and then wander through hidden corridors and along the labyrinthine Hypogeum in the Colosseum. Explore extinct volcanic craters and learn the art of making fresh gelato in a medieval town. Your private family Italy tour itinerary will offer flavorful delights, ancient marvels, and secret catacombs to create memories that will last a lifetime.

12  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $9,199

The wonders of Rome, the coastal Campania region, and Sicily come alive on this 11-day tour of Italy's southern half. From the Italian capital to the bustling port city of Palermo, enjoy a balanced itinerary that combines guided excursions, food tours, and ample free time to bask in all that is best of the regions you visit.

9  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $3,217

Capture the romance of Italy during your custom-tailored Sicily wine tour for couples. Revel in the perfect mixture of seductive history and enchanting flavors with private tours that offer exclusive access to boutique vineyards from Palermo to Marsala. The art and artistry of tradition bring a deep well of heritage that spans the millennia and shapes the captivating ambiance in which you will find Byzantine mosaics, ancient Greek architecture, delicate olive oil, and complex wines. Relax in the beauty of seaside towns, indulge in the splendor of golden architecture, and embrace the immersive panoramas seen during your luxurious wine tour of Sicily.

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Rome was called the “ Eternal City ” by the ancient Romans because they believed that no matter what happened in the rest of the world, the city of Rome would always remain standing . Exploring the city center by foot surrounded by glorious monuments and colossal remains takes you back in time to the “glory that was Rome”.

Rome Travel Guide

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Why visit Rome?  

With its unparalleled history, Rome is the third most visited city in Europe and the fourteenth worldwide. It attracts visitors from all over the world who are impatient to discover the city’s impressive monuments and archaeological sites ; not to mention its renowned cuisine and its lively atmosphere.

When exploring the Colosseum , visitors will easily imagine how the gladiators fought for their lives in the arena, cheered by the crowd. In the Circus Maximus , travelers will picture the chariots crashing into each other in order to be first in the race, and in the Roman Forum visualize what the Roman public life was like.

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top activities

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour Skip the endless queues for the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel—explore the most iconic landmarks in the Vatican City accompanied by an expert guide .

Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums + St Peter's Basilica On this tour, you'll get access to the Sistine Chapel first thing in the morning, avoiding all the crowds . We'll also visit  St Peter's Basilica .

Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Tour Travel back in time to Ancient Rome and discover the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill on this guided tour with priority access !

Colosseum Tour + Gladiator's Entrance When in Rome, don’t miss the eternal Colosseum! Access the arena through the Gladiator’s Gate, the entrance used by the ancient Roman fighters.

Borghese Gallery Guided Tour Discover the extraordinary collection of paintings and sculptures housed in the Borghese Gallery , one of Rome's must-see art museums .

Florence & Pisa Day Trip Discover two incredible jewels in Tuscany on our Florence & Pisa Day Trip from Rome. You'll see the Duomo , the Ponte Vecchio and the Leaning Tower .

Pompeii & Naples Day Trip Set off on a full day trip and discover the ruins of Pompeii , followed by a panoramic tour of Naples , one of the world's oldest constantly populated cities.

Rome Night Tour On this night tour of Rome ,   we'll visit the most iconic piazzas , streets and monuments of the Italian capital when the city comes to life at dusk.

Rome Fiumicino Airport Shuttle Bus Are you travelling to Rome? Book this shuttle bus between Fiumicino Airport and Rome so you can get into the city centre comfortably and quickly.

Italian Pasta & Tiramisu Workshop If you love Italian cuisine, then don't miss out on this  Italian Pasta and Tiramisu Workshop . You'll learn how to make some staple Italian dishes!

Day Trip to Venice by High Speed Train Experience a day trip from Rome to Venice on a high-speed train and explore its beautiful canals and historic centre at your own pace.

Audience With Pope Francis An audience with Pope Francis is a unique spiritual experience . Your guide will take care of everything, so you can go relaxed.

Castel Sant'Angelo Tour + Terrace Access A refuge for popes and an ancient Roman mausoleum , Castel Sant'Angelo harbours great secrets. On this guided tour we'll unveil its most hidden mysteries.

Rome Ciampino Airport Shuttle Bus With this shuttle service between Ciampino Airport and Rome, you'll be in the centre of the Italian capital in less than an hour. The eternal city awaits you!

Rome Electric Tuk Tuk Tour Explore the Eternal City through an eco-conscious lens with our electric tuk tuk tour of Rome  and roam the Italian capital's streets in a zero-emission vehicle!

St Peter's Basilica Guided Tour + Dome Climb Enjoy the best views of Rome by climbing the 320 steps leading up to the dome of St. Peter's . We'll also visit the interior of the Basilica!

Set off on a day trip from Rome across the Italian countryside to discover the birthplace of St Francis  in the charming town of Assisi .

Rome Sightseeing Cruise on the Tiber River Take a sightseeing cruise along the Tiber River and enjoy spectacular 360º views of Rome from the water. You can hop on and off as many times as you want!

This tourist bus is the perfect way to discover Rome . You can choose different routes with numerous stops and hop on and off as many times as you want!

Trastevere Food Tour Feast your eyes and stomach during a 3-hour food tour in Trastevere, one of Rome’s most bohemian neighborhoods and sample the delicious Italian gastronomy.

Private Walking Tour of Rome Explore the Eternal City's most iconic sights accompanied by an expert guide just for you and your partner, family or friends.  Discover the best of Rome !

Basilicas Tour and Secret Underground Catacombs Discover some of the most symbolic sites in Christian history: the Catacombs and two of the world's most important Basilicas on this tour of the Eternal City.

Papal Audience & Vatican Museums Tour Enjoy this unique experience of the Holy See with this combination tour which includes an  audience with Pope Francis and a visit to the Vatican Museums .

Roam the underbelly of Rome on this tour of its underground system . Walk  the Appian Way and Caffarella and   dive into the lesser-known side of the Eternal City !

Trevi Fountain and its Underground World On this  tour of the Trevi Fountain and its underground world , we'll reveal the hidden treasures and history of the most  fountain in Rome . 

Ponza Island Day Trip Enjoy a  day trip from Rome to Ponza Island . Cruise along the waters, feel the breeze in your hair and cool off with a dip in the Tyrrhenian Sea!

Hadrian's Villa and Villa d'Este Day Trip Visit the two treasures of Tivoli on this day trip: Hadrian's Villa, Roman Emperor's retreat, and Villa d'Este, a Renaissance mansion with magnificent gardens.

Tuk Tuk Tour around Rome Tour Rome in the most comfortable way on this tuk tuk tour. We'll explore its seven hills and learn tons of historical fun facts about the eternal city.

OMNIA Rome & Vatican Card The OMNIA Card is a sightseeing pass that includes priority access to Rome’s main attractions like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Vatican City .

Palazzo Santa Chiara Opera Concert Treat yourself to a unique experience during your stay in Rome when you attend a fantastic opera concert at the Palazzo Santa Chiara .

Castel Sant'Angelo Ticket + Audio Guide Explore the intriguing history of Castel Sant'Angelo with this admission ticket + audio guide. Uncover the mysteries of one of Rome's most cryptic monuments !

Rome Mysteries & Legends Free Tour Wandering ghosts and enigmas in Caravaggio's works ... Discover the hidden side of the city with this free tour of Rome's mysteries and legends.

Baths of Caracalla & Circus Maximus Guided Tour Go back in time on this walking tour of the Bath of Caracalla, the most luxurious thermae of the Roman Empire . Then marvel at the remains of the Circus Maximus.

Rome Pub Crawl Are you ready to discover the vibrant nightlife of the Italian capital ? Join us on this pub crawl through Rome and experience it for yourself!

Free Walking Tour of Rome The city of the Caesars, of Baroque and, of course, The Eternal City. Discover Rome with this free walking tour of the Italian capital .

Italian Pizza Workshop Visit Rome and enjoy a delicious pizza made with your own hands . Try this Italian Pizza Workshop and learn how to make one of the country's most famous dishes.

Rome Photo Tour Discover the most Instagrammable locations in the Italian capital and show off your trip with this Rome Photo Tour.  Benvenuti a Roma !

Rome Hard Rock Cafe Come to the Rome Hard Rock Cafe and enjoy an exquisite menu of American food in an emblematic place where the rhythm of rock is felt in every corner. 

Welcome to Rome Tickets Immerse yourself in Rome's thrilling history when you buy a ticket for the fascinating Welcome to Rome multimedia experience .

The impressive dome of the Pantheon of Agrippa has fascinated the whole world for centuries. Discover it with this guided tour of Ancient Rome .

St. Peter's Basilica Tickets: Dome Access + Audioguide Secure your ticket to St. Peter's Basilica for an experience that includes access to its magnificent dome and a self-guided tour with an English audio guide .

Mostra di Leonardo Ticket Discover some of the most amazing inventions by the Italian genius Leonardo da Vinci with this ticket to the Mostra di Leonardo museum.

The Three Tenors Concert The church of  St. Paul's Within the Walls in Rome opens its doors to you to offer you the show The Three Tenors. Enjoy an unforgettable opera concerto.

Rome Catacombs Tour & Appian Way Visit the catacombs of Rome with an expert English-speaking guide during a 3-hour half day-trip, also discovering the fascinating Villa di Massenzio.

Ostia Antica Half-Day Tour from Rome Discover the legacy of the Imperial City on a guided tour of Ostia Antica, an ancient harbor town only 30 km from Rome. Travel back in time with this tour!

La Traviata with Ballet Entrance Ticket Enjoy one of the most famous operas of all time in the magical setting of the St Paul's Within the Walls Church with this La Traviata Ballet Entrance Ticket.

Capitoline Museum Guided Tour Marvel at one of Rome’s most important museums , the Capitoline Museums, followed by a visit to Piazza del Campidoglio on top of the Capitoline Hill.

Visit the largest Roman amphitheater in the world on this guided tour of the Colosseum. An absolute must if you're in the Italian capital!

Capri Day Trip Like the writers and artists before you, you'll fall in love with Capri on this unmissable tour. Discover the island's myths, legends and Blue Grotto .

Rome Bike Tour Tour the Italian capital on two wheels whilst you enjoy an electric bike tour of the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Roman Forum and much more .

Tiber River Cruise with Appetizer Discover Rome from a privileged perspective as you relax with this Tiber River Cruise with Appetizer. You'll see symbolic places such as the Umberto I Bridge.

Trastevere and Jewish Ghetto Tour Enjoy a walking guided tour of Trastevere and the Jewish Ghetto and soak up the neighborhood’s bohemian atmosphere with numerous landmarks to visit.

Rome Squares and Fountains Guided Tour Set off on a walking guided tour of Rome and discover some of its iconic landmarks, such as the Fontana di Trevi, Piazza di Spagna, and Piazza Navona .

Wine Tasting in Rome Italy is world-renowned for its tradition of wine-making. Indulge your senses on this wine tasting tour of Rome with an expert sommelier!

Rome Fascist History Tour discover the architecture designed in Rome at the time of Benito Mussolini's fascist dictatorship with this Rome Fascist History Tour.

Go City: Rome Explorer Pass The Go City: Roma Explorer Pass  tourist card gives you access to the  main attractions in the Italian capital, such as the Sistine Chapel and the Colosseum.

Janiculum, Trastevere and Jewish Quarter Guided Tour On this fascinating tour of the Gianicolo , Trastevere and   the Jewish Quarter  in Rome, we'll gain a truly unique perspective of the Italian capital.

Rome: Angels and Demons, the Illuminati Adventure Quest Impersonate Robert Langdon himself for a day in this puzzle hunt in Rome: Angels and Demons , the Illuminati Hunt. The best way to explore the city!

Bioparco di Roma Ticket With your ticket to the Bioparco of Rome you will discover this zoo located in the heart of the city, inside Villa Borghese, an ideal plan for families!

Entrance to IKONO Rome Looking for a unique plan in the Italian capital? With a ticket to IKONO Rome , you'll get to explore this creative space and become a part of the art!

Rome Street Art Tour Discover secrets and the most interesting glimpses throughout the most colourful district with this Rome Street Art Tour. Explore the captivating capital city!

Lake Albano Kayak Tour If you're in Rome and want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city , join us on this kayak tour on Lake Albano .

Roma World Entrance Ticket Don't miss out on your ticket to Roma World , a theme park in which you'll travel back in time to the ancient and powerful Roman Empire .

Private Photoshoot outside of the Colosseum Remember your trip to Rome forever with this private photoshoot outside the Colosseum - we'll make sure you look your best beside the iconic monument!

Cinecittà World Ticket With this entrance ticket to Cinecittà World you can visit real film sets and travel to the imaginary worlds of movies and TV series .

Ischia 5-Day Tour Are you in Rome? Join us to visit the most beautiful islands in the Napolitan archipelago  on this  5-day tour of Ischia . You'll love it!

Roma World Ticket + Roma on Fire Show With this ticket to Roma World, you'll be able to enjoy a visit to this amazing theme park about the Roman Empire  on the outskirts of the Italian capital.

Private Tuk-Tuk Tour of Rome Would you like to see the Eternal City in the most comfortable way ? On this private tuk-tuk tour of Rome , we'll tour the capital of Italy in an exclusive group.

Capri + Pompeii Day Trip Pompeii and Capri  are two must-see stops in Campania. Discover their history and beauty on this day trip from Rome . Don't miss out!

Aqua World Ticket Do you want to combat the heat in Rome ? With this ticket to Aqua World, you'll have a blast at the swimming pools and slides at  Cinecittà World

Naples to Capri Tour: 2/3 Days Relax in southern Italy with this Naples to Capri Tour lasting 2/3 days. Discover Pompeii's incredible history, Sorrento's cuisine and Capri's beauty .

Florence Excursion by High Speed Train Known as the "City of Art", Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. On this day trip, we'll tour its historic centre and the Uffizi Gallery.

5 Day Tour: The Best of Italy The best of Italy in just 5 days! Asisi, Siena, Florence, Bologna, Padua, Venice and Montepulciano  are the cities we take in on the tour.

Colosseum Guided Night Visit Visit one of Rome's most iconic monuments all lit up at the most magical time of day on our  Colosseum Guided Night Visit at dusk .

Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo Day Trip From Pope Alexander VII to Benedict XVI , numerous popes have spent the holidays at the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo . Explore its links with the Vatican!

The Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi With this classical music concert, you'll experience all Four Seasons of the famous Antonio Vivaldi . An unforgettable concert in an incomparable setting!

Vatican Museums Private Tour Step into the legacy of the Italian city-state on this Vatican Private Tour. Visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel with just your family or friends!

Colosseum Private Tour Discover the World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World with this  Colosseum Private Tour . Explore the Roman site with an exclusive guide.

Day Trip to Siena, San Gimignano and Chianti On this tour to Siena, San Gimignano and Chianti , we'll discover the beautiful region of Tuscany - including medieval towns, and a visit to a wine cellar!

Rome Layover Tour Take advantage of your time at Rome airport to explore the Italian capital with this Rome Layover Tour. You'll discover the charm of the beautiful Eternal City.

Rome Private Day Trips Explore the beautiful Italian cities of Naples, Pompeii, Ostia or Assisi with these Rome Private Day Trips. You'll have an exclusive guide just for your group.

Pompeii & Minori Tour: 3 Days Discover the impressive ruins of Pompeii , explore the Almafi Coast  & enjoy 2 nights in Minori on this incredible 3-day tour.

Capri Tour: 2/3 Days Be captivated by the glamour of the Italian island with this Capri Tour lasting 2 or 3 days. Explore the fascinating Mediterranean cave, the Blue Grotto.

Rome Private Tour with Driver Fall in love with Rome with this private tour with driver. Choose your route, and enjoy a comfortable tour solely for you and your travel companions.

Vatican Gardens + Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Ticket Discover the green lung of Vatican City on this tour of its gardens. You'll also visit the Sistine Chapel and take a self-guided tour of the Vatican Museums.

The most complete guide of Rome

This guide has been written by travelers like yourself and it's designed to help you plan your stay in Rome, so that you get the most out of the city as possible, whether you're staying for 2 days or a month. Find out what the top attractions  and the best places to eat are, which museums are worthwhile, and where to stay in Rome. If you’re traveling on a budget, we have also an article on how to save money while visiting this fascinating city, and the daily costs , so that you're prepared before getting to Italy.

The information provided in this guide was updated in  January 2023 . If you find a mistake or would like to make a suggestion, please do not hesitate to  contact us .

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20 Best Things to Do in Rome, According to Locals

From picnicking in the shadow of ancient aqueducts to sipping cocktails at the hottest new rooftop bar, these are the best things to do in Rome.

Laura Itzkowitz is a freelance writer and editor based in Rome. She has been contributing to Travel + Leisure since 2014, when she started as a fact checker before becoming a contributing digital editor in 2015 and going freelance in 2016. She has also held positions as a contributing editor at The Points Guy and the NYC cities editor at DuJour Magazine. In addition to Travel + Leisure , her writing has appeared in Architectural Digest , Surface Magazine , Brooklyn Magazine , T Magazine , The Wall Street Journal , Vogue, GQ, Departures, Afar, Fodor's, Town & Country , Condé Nast Traveler , Robb Report , Hemispheres, and others. When she's not jetsetting around Italy and beyond, she can be found in Rome, enjoying some cacio e pepe or relaxing at home with her husband and two dogs. Originally from the Boston area, Laura moved to New York City in 2011 to pursue a master's degree in creative writing and translation at Columbia University. She also holds a bachelor's degree in French from Smith College. * 10+ years of experience writing and editing * Co-wrote "New York: Hidden Bars & Restaurants," an award-winning guide to New York City's speakeasy scene published by Jonglez Editions in 2015 * Contributed to "Fodor's Brooklyn," published by Penguin Random House in 2015, which won silver in the Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism competition * Contributed an essay to "Epic Hikes of Europe," published by Lonely Planet in 2021 * Updated the 2022 edition of "Fodor's Essential Italy"

© Marco Bottigelli/Getty Images

When planning a trip to Rome, first-time visitors usually want to check the Colosseum and the Vatican off their lists, throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain, and indulge in heaping plates of pasta, pizza, and gelato. And while those things are all worth doing, there’s so much more to do in the Eternal City.

Just consider that aside from the Vatican, Rome is home to more than 900 churches — and many of them contain precious works of art. And the Colosseum is just one of many archeological sites where you can learn more about the Roman Empire. But Rome is far from stuck in the past, and some of the best things to do include seeing modern and contemporary art exhibitions, admiring 1930s architecture, spotting street art, and checking out the city’s swanky new hotels.

Of course, Romans are passionate about food and wine, and everyone has their favorite places for pizza, pasta, gelato, coffee, wine, and cocktails. In fact, it would be easy to plan a whole trip to Rome around meals and aperitivos. You could start your day with a cappuccino at an old-school café, twirl spaghetti carbonara, sip an Aperol spritz at a rooftop bar, eat award-winning pizza, and sample some of the city’s most unusual gelato flavors all in a day.

Having lived in Rome for nearly five years and having visited many times before that, I’ve tried to take advantage of every chance I can get to visit the best museums and archeological sites, explore under-the-radar neighborhoods, peek inside aristocratic palaces, see masterpieces inside churches, and eat my way across the city. But don’t take it from me — I’ve also tapped a couple of in-the-know locals who run some of Rome’s best tour companies for their recommendations. Read on for the 20 best things to do in Rome.

Visit archeological sites beyond the Colosseum.

Tomás Guardia Bencomo/Getty Images

As an archeologist and CEO of the luxury tour company Roma Experience , Elisa Valeria Bove knows all the best archeological sites in and around Rome. Her personal favorite? The Appia Antica and Quintili’s Villa , which is found along the ancient Roman road. “Once called the 'road of fire', for me it is the road of wonders,” she says, calling it “the most romantic and imposing archeological site of Rome.” About a half-hour drive outside the center of Rome, these sites draw only a tiny fraction of the amount of people that crowd the Colosseum, so visiting them is a much more relaxed experience.

Embrace the coffee culture.

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“Every Italian has their neighborhood bar, and Retrobottega is mine,” says Annie Ojile, who runs the Vespa tour company Scooteroma and has been living in Rome for more than 15 years. “I like to have a cold coffee, especially in the summer months, so I’ve fallen in love with espresso tonic, which is espresso on ice with tonic water. It’s fabulous and refreshing.”

For an old-school Italian coffee bar, Bove recommends La Tazza d’Oro near the Pantheon, which opened in 1944 and still roasts its own beans. “In the summer you can have an amazing coffee granita with whipped cream — exactly what’s needed during a tour,” she says.

See artistic treasures at the world’s oldest museum.

Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure

While the Vatican Museums may be more famous, the Capitoline Museums atop the Capitoline Hill are actually the oldest museum in the world. “Crossing each room, you have a clear idea of the grandiosity of the Roman civilization, from the monarchy, passing through the republic and imperial eras,” says Bove, calling it “the evolution of Rome in one museum — a trip within a trip.” Don’t miss the incredible panoramas of the Roman Forum.

Try the quartet of Roman pastas.

Photo by Rafa Elias/Getty Images

The most classic Roman pastas are essentially variations of the same recipe. Cacio e pepe is made with just pecorino and pepper. Add guanciale (pork cheek) and you’ve got la gricia . Add an egg to la gricia and you’ve got carbonara . Substitute tomato sauce for the egg and you’ve got amatriciana . Try them all at a quintessentially Roman restaurant like Da Enzo al 29 , Checco Er Carettiere , or Salumeria Roscioli and decide which one is your favorite.

Picnic in the shadow of ancient aqueducts.

TFILM/Getty Images

On sunny days — especially weekends and public holidays — locals love to pack a picnic or pop into a deli to grab a sandwich and head out to one of the city’s green, leafy parks. While the most famous and centrally located park is the Villa Borghese, the Parco degli Acquedotti is a local favorite — and you can reach it on the metro. “A stroll here is stepping into the past, a perfect place for a picnic, to run or cycle,” says Bove. “The owners of this spot are the aqueducts: six of the 11 of the ancient city of Rome can be admired in this charming location.”

Shop for local souvenirs.

Courtesy of Booktique

Skip the ubiquitous shops selling cheap souvenirs made elsewhere and support small local businesses instead. “What I love about Booktique is that the owners’ history is with books and museum shops and they have a way to present all their treasures in a very interesting, cheeky, chic way,” says Ojile. “I buy every single gift there, and I’m not exaggerating at all. I also buy myself many gifts there — candles, hand soap, art for my house, canvas bags.” Booktique has two locations near the Pantheon and Piazza Navona.

Find all the Caravaggios in Rome.

Michelangelo Merisi (better known as Caravaggio) was one of the masters of Baroque painting. He was particularly known for using a technique called chiaroscuro , which is essentially the dramatic contrast between light and dark. There are about 25 of his works in Rome, many of which can be seen in museums such as Galleria Borghese , Palazzo Barberini , and the aforementioned Capitoline Museums, as well as churches like San Luigi dei Francesi, Santa Maria del Popolo, and Sant’Agostino. You could go on a treasure hunt looking for them all.

Stroll down Via Margutta, the artists’ street.

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Tucked away between the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo, the charming, cobblestoned Via Margutta is known as the artists’ street because historically, it was a hub for artists, including Picasso, and there are still many art galleries there today. Bove calls it, “A peaceful place in the heart of Rome, just a few minutes from the crowded Spanish Steps, to get lost in the magnificent art galleries and discover the painters of Via Margutta.”

Via Margutta also has some fascinating cinematic history. Famed filmmaker Federico Fellini lived on this street (there’s a plaque on his building) and part of "Roman Holiday" starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck was filmed in the same apartment complex where Picasso lived. For a unique souvenir, stop by La Bottega del Marmoraro , where artisan Sandro Fiorentino still carves marble plaques by hand — many with witty phrases.

Visit a winery on the outskirts of the city.

Courtesy of Tenuta di Fiorano

Did you know there are vineyards and wineries on the edges of Rome? Bove’s favorite, Tenuta di Fiorano , is owned by Prince Alessandrojacopo Boncompagni Ludovisi. “It doesn’t happen every day that a prince welcomes you in his estate like an old friend,” she remarks. “I always admired the will he has to respect the history of his family and the territory where he decided to plant his vineyard, creating one of the excellences of Italy.”

Try unusual gelato flavors.

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There are plenty of excellent gelaterias all over the city, but to taste some unusual flavors, you have to go to Torcè . “They have these unusual flavors like black sesame. I tried their tomato gelato, which is excellent with mozzarella. Torcè has done phenomenal things,” says Bove. In addition to their award-winning Majani chocolate gelato, they make savory flavors like gorgonzola, carbonara, and cacio e pepe.

Go street art hunting.

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“Street art has an expiration date — you never know how long the piece is going to last — so it’s always fun to go find new pieces,” says Ojile. “I just love gliding over the cobblestones on my cherry red wheels and making random stops when I find new or revisit old pieces of street art.” Ojile recommends exploring neighborhoods like Testaccio, Ostiense, and Garbatella, where there’s a proliferation of murals and paste art. You can also see some cool street art in San Lorenzo and Pigneto, which are two of the city’s most up-and-coming neighborhoods.

See an ancient monument and modern art at the Ara Pacis.

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“The year after I moved to Rome, they started building the Ara Pacis and I will always remember that there was this big scandal because it was the first new piece of architecture to be built in the historic center since Mussolini’s era,” Ojile recalls. The sleek, white building was designed by Richard Meier to house the ancient Altar of Peace built for Emperor Augustus. Upstairs you can see the ancient altar, while the lower level shows rotating exhibitions dedicated to modern art, design, cinema, or photography. “Now I live five minutes from it and they have really stellar photography shows and exhibitions and I absolutely love it. I go to every show,” Ojile says.

Peek inside aristocratic palaces.

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Want to see how Roman nobility lived? A handful of aristocratic palaces have been opened up as museums, allowing visitors to glimpse at their incredible art collections and opulent décor. Palazzo Colonna , which was a filming location for "Roman Holiday," is open on Friday and Saturday mornings. Palazzo Doria Pamphilj , meanwhile, has a gorgeous hall of mirrors inspired by the one at Versailles. Villa Farnesina in Trastevere contains breathtaking frescoes by Raphael.

Have an aperitivo at a rooftop bar.

At the end of the day, there are few experiences as magical as sipping a drink while watching the sunset over the city’s terracotta rooftops. Luckily Rome has plenty of rooftop bars to choose from. Bove’s pick is Otivm Roof Bar overlooking the Capitoline Hill, while Ojile raves about Terrazza Flores above El Porteño, a chic Argentinian restaurant. “This is where you’ll find me this summer soaking in the gorgeous views and sipping on my Porteño cocktail,” she says.

Try one of the city’s new wave of pizzerias.

Courtesy of Seu Pizza Illuminati

Pizza never went out of style, but lately there are more and more pizzerias upping the ante with creative offerings and top-notch quality. Rome has 10 pizzerias ranked among the best in Italy by the judges at Top 50 Pizza. Among the top are Seu Pizza Illuminati in Trastevere, which serves gourmet Neapolitan-style pizza by Pier Daniele Seu; 180 Grammi in the up-and-coming neighborhood of Centocelle, where pizzaiolo Jacopo Mercuro makes thin-crust Roman pizza with all kinds of creative toppings; and Sbanco , where the dough is somewhere in between Neapolitan and Roman style and the fritti (fried appetizers) are divine.

Sip cutting-edge cocktails at Drink Kong.

Courtesy of Drink Kong

For Ojile, a perfect night out starts with dinner in Monti at a restaurant like Rocco or La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali and ends at Drink Kong , which is ranked as one of the world’s 50 best bars. “It’s like an ‘80s dreamland with amazing cocktails,” she notes. The aesthetic is inspired by Japanese film noir and the wildly creative drinks are dreamt up by Irish-Italian bartender Patrick Pistolesi, who has been a fixture on the city’s nightlife scene for decades.

Book a stay at a luxury hotel.

Courtesy of Bulgari Hotel Roma

Rome is having a hospitality renaissance , with one luxe five-star hotel opening after the next. Some of the buzziest recent openings include It List hotel the Six Senses Rome , a sleek, modern hotel for wellness and sustainability-minded travelers; the Bulgari Hotel Rome , known for its gorgeous design and restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Niko Romito; the Rome Edition , which occupies a Rationalist building near Via Veneto and has a restaurant by the team behind cult-favorite spot Pianostrada (also on the It List); and Anantara Palazzo Naiadi , which has a cool rooftop restaurant and a gourmet restaurant on the ground floor.

Venture out to EUR.

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The neighborhood known as EUR on the southern edge of Rome is a must-see destination for fans of 1930s and ‘40s Rationalist architecture. Mussolini built the neighborhood for the Esposizione Universale Romana of 1942, which never took place because of the Second World War. The most alluring building, architecturally speaking, is the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana (better known as the Colosseo Quadrato, or Square Colosseum), which now houses Fendi’s headquarters. EUR is also home to an amusement park called Luneur Park , the Nuvola Convention Center , and a location of Torcè.

See the Cinecittà Film Studios.

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Rome was once known as “Hollywood on the Tiber” because so many movies were filmed here. While some were filmed on location, many were shot at Cinecittà Studios , which is still an active filming studio. Part of it is open to visitors, including several exhibitions dedicated to film history (there’s one all about Fellini). You can visit the exhibitions on your own or sign up for a guided tour to learn more about the studio’s history and see the set of HBO’s Rome .

Sample wine at an enoteca.

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An enoteca is essentially just a wine bar, but they can range from simple and spartan to classy, elegant affairs. They usually have a wide selection of bottles and often a good variety of wines by the glass. Some just have small bites like meat and cheese boards, while others have full menus. For the best enoteca in Rome, Bove recommends Achilli al Parlamento , saying they have “an incredible selection of wine labels at cost price. If you are a lover of great wines, you can’t skip this place.”

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Rome Italy- Guided Tour or not? - Rome Forum

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Rome Italy- Guided Tour or not?

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8 replies to this topic

Not sure what you mean by "perks."

How do you normally travel - do you like to be on guided tours or would you rather visit at your own pace?

Thank you. Do guided tours move quicker through the entrance line?

The security line is normally very efficient - expect it to be 15 or 20 minutes more or less.

There isn't any advantage visiting via a tour vs entry ticket.

You never answered the question, do you prefer tours or doing it on your own?

No one skips the security line, regardless if they are on a tour or not. By buying advanced entry tickets or a tour you bypass the ticket lines, but not the security line so there is no advantage of buying a guided tour if you just want to bypass the ticket lines. If you don't normally do guided tours I would say to just purchase general entry tickets.

Now, a few places mandate that you go on a guided tour. For example, when you visit a catacomb, they will require you to go with a guide, which is provided as part of your admission price; the same is true for the Scavi tour under St. Peter’s Basilica. This is not the case, however, for the majority of sights.

With respect to the Vatican Museums, they are enormous, and absolutely packed – with both artwork and people! Consequently, some people like the ease of a guided tour (usually about two to three hours) to show them some of the works of art (among the thousands on display) that are considered "masterpieces" and then guide them through the vast museums to the Sistine Chapel . There are also a few parts of the Vatican Museums that are only open to people on a guided tour, such as the Chapel of Nicholas V (the “Niccoline Chapel”), the Bramante Staircase, and the Cabinet of the Masks. The official Vatican Museums website offers tours of these “hidden museums,” as do some tour companies.

Some tour companies give a 3 or 4 hour tour of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. If the tour company has an agreement with the Vatican Museums to use the side door/passageway from the Sistine Chapel, the tour can be a time-saver as it will leave the museums from the Sistine Chapel and take you directly to St. Peter’s Basilica. The downside is that you cannot re-enter the museums later without another ticket. Note that as of this date, the official Vatican Museums is NOT offering a tour that includes the basilica. Also be aware that the use of the side door/passageway going from the Sistine Chapel to St. Peter’s Basilica has been very erratic in 2023-2024 – if your tour company can’t use the side door, you may end up exiting the Vatican Museums from the exit at the front of the museums, walking around the Vatican Walls, and queuing up again to enter the basilica. So, if you want a tour company that can use the side door, make sure that they have the ability to use it before booking a tour.

Regarding the Colosseum, in general it is relatively easy to understand and has good signage, so I don’t think a guided tour is absolutely necessary. However, if you want a guided tour of the Colosseum, the most reasonably priced will be the group tour offered through the official website.

Of all the places in Rome that most benefit from a guided tour, in my opinion that would be the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill . These are very large, very complex sites, where much lies in ruins, and therefore it can be very difficult to understand and appreciate them. These places were, however, the very heart of ancient Rome, with amazing history and some fabulous myths associated with them. I’ve had some very intelligent friends who walked through the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill and said that all they saw were some piles of rubble; years later they took a guided tour and had a completely different experience. A good tour guide can make these places come alive and make your visit much more meaningful. Currently, the official Colosseum website is not offering a tour that hits the three sites. Many tour companies, however, offer group walking tours (3-4 hours) that cover the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill and Colosseum.

With respect to an “introduction to Rome,” I really don’t think a guided tour is needed. The historic center of Rome is actually quite small, and very walkable.

Thank you so much! I'm very grateful for the detailed response.

You are very welcome. Glad it helped.

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Italy family holidays: The best child-friendly Italian escapes

From Emilia-Romagna to Sardinia, here's where to go for an Italian family holiday

From brilliant Blue Flag beaches and national parks chock-a-block with thrilling outdoor pursuits to scintillating cities and world-class art galleries, all ages get their share of the fun during a family holiday here. And, of course, there's the fabulous cuisine that plays a huge part in families choosing to travel to Italy time and again.

The best family hotels in Italy come in a grand variety of guises, with an option to suit everyone. Many parents choose serviced apartments or apart-hotels for their flexibility and because, in a country with such wonderful places to eat on every street corner, they often don’t need a traditional hotel with its own restaurant.

Others, meanwhile, might opt for a family-friendly resort such as the Masseria Torre Coccaro Boutique Hotel in Puglia or Stazzo Lu Ciaccaru in Sardinia for a full-scale immersion in the best of Italian hospitality – and a spoiling escape.

From Venice to Vesuvius and Tuscany to the Tremiti Islands of Puglia , we’ve looked at the best things to see and do with kids in Italy, as well as recommending the top family-friendly places to stay.

These are the best Italy family holiday destinations to explore next, whether you're with small kids or big ones.

The Italian Lakes

With 120 beaches, water sports and the country’s largest theme park, Gardaland, Italy’s northern lakes are a fantastic family playground and freshwater alternative to the seaside. It’s not all about the Clooneys and super-glam hotels here – although there are plenty of the latter for those with a taste for the finer things in life.

Part of the Lombardy region, this area of Italy offers outdoorsy fun galore including hiking, swimming, water-skiing, sailing, canoeing, mountain-biking and tree-top adventures at and around lakes that include Garda, Menaggio, Como, Maggiore and Orta. Don’t miss the Borromean Islands, especially Isola Madre with its lovely gardens and puppet theatre.

Where to stay:

A Modernist low-rise that lets the surrounding landscapes take centre stage, Vivere Suites , near Lake Garda, offers a contemporary take on a classic agriturismo in the form of four sleek suites with their own garden and kitchenettes. Three of them sleep four people and offer direct access to the sparkling swimming pool.

Within an old vineyard still producing its own wine, the property organises family excursions including climbing and canyoning, and there’s on-site yoga and bike hire too.

The Dolomites

A UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site embracing one national park and several regional parks, this breathtaking part of north-eastern Italy is a place to challenge yourself as a family, with thrills and spills including vie ferrate (protected paths with iron lines, created in World War I) and long-distance alte vie (‘high paths’) dotted with overnight rifugi (huts) for the ultimate in mountain adventures.

Other adrenaline-spiking activities here in spring, summer and autumn include climbing, base-jumping, hang-gliding and paragliding, while in winter the Dolomites are famous for skiing. Canazei is perhaps its most family-friendly ski resort, and as an added bonus links to the spectacular Sella Ronda circuit.

As the name suggests, Selva di Val Gardena’s Cycling Hotel Linder welcomes bikers – there’s bike hire, guided rides and a bike room with equipment and storage. But it’s also perfect for hikers, skiers or anyone who wants to take in the mountain air and scenery while enjoying good food in its Steak Stube.

After plenty of exercise, retreat to the Linder’s Sky Spa with its pool with a view. Rooms include cosy family options that sleep four.

Often seen as the preserve of couples and art students, Venice has lots to intrigue and fascinate kids of different ages: quirky boat travel (gondolas, vaporetti and traghetti), nearby beaches and islands, and a quirky assortment of mask-makers, glass-blowers and lace-creators.

It’s also a road-traffic-free city, which makes for very pleasant (and safe) ambling with a gelato in hand, spotting winged lions (the symbol of Venice) and grotesque carvings on palaces and churches. A particular hit with kids is the Doge's Palace with its giant steps and lion's head with a hole in its mouth (said to bite if you tell a lie).

Offering brilliant value in a city not known for its bargains, the Charming Palace Corte Del Teatro has a fantastic location two minutes’ stroll from the Rialto and five minutes from San Marco.

Sleeping four or five, its airy apartments are a blend of original features including exposed beams with contemporary furnishings, moody modern hues and contemporary kitchens. Some come with a balcony and a canal view.

Emilia-Romagna

A northern region with both medieval cities and lively seaside resorts (on the stylish Riviera Romagnola), Emilia-Romagna is often overlooked in favour of splashier destinations. Yet it boasts a fascinating capital, Bologna, with a rich Etruscan history and the distinction of being where Bolognese sauce originated (though here it's referred to as ragù ) .

Meanwhile, nearby Modena is famous for its balsamic vinegar but also delights petrol-heads of all ages with its Enzo Ferrari Museum – part of the region’s ‘Motor Valley’ with its famous racetracks and luxury car manufacturers.

Perfect for urban explorers who want to make the most of Bologna’s fabulous dining spots, the six apartments of Residence Le Porte are in the heart of the action just steps from Piazza Maggiore and the Nettuno fountain.

Most have views of the city’s famous Two Towers (both leaning), and the largest, which sleep up to five, also have private terraces.

One of the world's greatest cities, the Italian capital is a place where the past comes to vivid life in iconic sights including the Colosseum, the Forum, the Pantheon, Vatican and the Trevi Fountain.

It can all get a bit hot and hectic, though – in which case beat a retreat to green spaces such as the Farnese Gardens, Borghese Gardens and Janiculum (Gianicolo Hill) with its carriage rides and puppet shows. And don’t miss a stroll in the neighbourhoods of San Lorenzo and Trastevere – fantastic places for local cooking at very reasonable prices.

The oldest hotel in Rome, the 9Hotel Cesàri first opened its doors in 1787. Today it’s a welcoming boutique property with charming modern decor, family rooms, panoramic views over the city from its rooftop (which is perfect for breakfasts including delicious cheese platers) and a late-opening cocktail bar.

It’s hard to know where to start with this bewitching region, but Florence is a must for its art, architecture and museums, its boat trips on the Arno and its Boboli Gardens with their grottoes, statues and fountains. Siena, Pisa and Lucca are also must-sees for their unique sights, while the Apuan Alps running parallel to the coast are great for hiking, caving, horse-riding and other activities, and there’s island-hopping to be done to Elba and other gems.

Tuscany is also about its food, which is child-friendly to the max, whether you’re stopping off for gelato while sightseeing or sitting down to a feast in one of the countless trattorias or pizzerias that dot the cities and countryside.

In Florence, Residence Hilda near the iconic Duomo and Michelangelo’s David has suites with kitchens for up to three, featuring Starck chairs, artisan furnishings and teak flooring. The best has Juliet windows with three balconies and a side view of the Cathedral.

Restaurant bookings and art exhibition tickets can be taken care of for you, along with grocery deliveries, babysitting and bike hire.

Naples and Campania

The birthplace of pizza is a brilliant place to visit with older kids and teens, who tend to love its chaotic, rough-around-the-edges vibe and break-neck pace of life. Naples’ sights are truly epic: think ancient catacombs, the crater of Vesuvius and the nearby archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum. And of course, this is another outstanding foodie destination too.

When you’ve explored the city, you can simply hop aboard a ferry from the harbour to one of the islands in the Bay of Naples for a fabulous two-centre holiday – perhaps Procida or Ischia with their quiet beaches.

Welcoming children aged 12+, the Palazzo d’Auria Aparthotel sits in the heart of the city surrounded by the best museums and pizzerias.

Occupying a gorgeous 1500s building, it has seven light-flooded suites with well-equipped kitchens and and a concierge organising museum discounts, boat-trips, restaurant reservations and more.

Puglia, or Apulia, the region making up the heel of Italy’s ‘boot’ and the coastline north of it (Italy’s longest), offers up the white-sand beaches of the Salentina peninsula, vineyards and beauty spots including the Alimini lakes, Porto Selvaggio, Otranto harbour and Alberobello with its UNESCO-listed trulli – dry stone huts with conical roofs (some turned into B&Bs or rental cottages).

With kids, make a beeline for the Parco Nazionale del Gargano, where you can sign up for guided walks or Jeep, quad-bike or mountain-bike tours. The park includes the Isole Tremiti, ringed by almost shockingly clear Adriatic waters. The seaside resorts of Vieste and Peschici are also charming.

A divine spot for a splurge, the family-run Masseria Torre Coccaro Boutique Hotel in a 16th-century fortified farmhouse mixes adult indulgences including an Aveda spa with family amenities.

There are two beach clubs (one with a kids’ club), a water park, nature-centred activities including bike tours to cheese farms and a fish market, and a cookery school. Many of the rooms, suites and villas have private pools.

With some of the Med’s best stretches of sand and a largely unbuilt-up coastline, this island lures families with laidback its beach life and its water sports, including sailing and snorkelling in crystalline waters. But there are other big draws, including the spectacular Trenino Verde (Little Green Train) through mountains and meadows.

Other highlights include the ancient tombs of the Anghelu Ruju Necropolis, the celeb-magnet ancient harbour of Porto Cervo, and Neptune's Grotto, accessible only via the Escala del Cabirol – 656 'goat steps' carved into the cliffside – or boat.

Stazzo Lu Ciaccaru in its own 32 hectares of hills and gardens full of ancient olive grove and fruit trees is a country estate just 10 minutes from the beaches of Capriccioli, Romazzino and Pevero.

Some of its stylish rooms have their own pool; there are also three resort pools, a massage gazebo and local excursions and activities. The kitchen serves up dishes both from the island and Tuscany.

Another glorious Italian island to discover, Sicily is centred on Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe. You can catch a cable-car to the top for breathtaking views, of better still, enjoy a 4X4 ride over its volcanic landscape.

Also unmissable is the Sicilian capital of Palermo, awash in Greek, Roman and Byzantine ruins and catacombs, as well as wonderful places to indulge in the island’s delicious, healthy, and superb-value cuisine.

Where to Stay:

There are suites sleeping up to four at Villa Boscarino , including one with an intricate loggia balcony and one with original frescoed ceilings and a circular Jacuzzi.

A place to really get away from it all, this boutique hotel is nestled in a delightful Mediterranean garden with a lovely pool in the high-summer months.

More Italian holiday ideas:

- The best hotels in Sorrento

- A guide to the Italian Lakes

- The best foodie regions in Italy

- A look at Lake Orta, Italy's hidden gem

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An Easy Travel Guide to Rome, Italy

V isiting the Eternal City for the first time? Rome is one of the most visited cities in Italy and we created an easy travel guide to Rome so that you know the best things to see and do.

In this post, we’re sharing all we’ve learned from our vacations in Rome to help you plan your getaway. We’ll cover the most popular neighborhoods, the best things to see and do, how to get around in Rome, the best time of the year to visit, how to get to central Rome from FCO Airport, and tips for traveling.

Where is Rome

Rome is located in the region of Lazio, near the and is undoubtedly one of the most popular destinations in Italy. It has the highest population of all cities in Italy and sits about 1 hour from the western coast.

And when it comes to tourism, it’s no surprise that visitors from around the globe travel to Rome to see its beauty and Renaissance art, experience Roman cuisine and Italian cooking , shop the fashion capital, discover the piazzas and fountains, explore the historical landmarks, or even practice Italian phrases that they’ve learned.

The various neighborhoods are the most widely visited by tourists because they are where most attractions can be found. Traveling through the city is easy on foot, but you should also consider the Rome sightseeing bus or the Rome golf cart tours .

The Best Time of Year to Visit Rome

Rome can be extremely uncomfortable in the summer months (primarily June through September). In April and May, the spring temperatures are nice, the mornings are cool, and by noon you probably won’t need a jacket.

The Best Things to See and Do (by Neighborhood)

Each neighborhood of Rome has museums, churches, gardens, parks, and iconic spots to visit. This list gives a brief description of each district, and helps you understand what to see in each neighborhood. It will come in handy for deciding where to stay in Rome while planning your trip.

You may need to take public transportation to reach a specific neighborhood depending on where you stay. However, once you arrive, the area is completely walkable and getting from one point of interest to another is easy.

Modern Center

This neighborhood is located around Via Veneto and the Spanish Steps, the Modern Center neighborhood combines classic and contemporary influences. It has a mix of upscale boutiques, trendy cafes, and luxurious hotels, making it a hub for shopping, dining, and experiencing the modern side of Rome.

Palazzo del Quirinale

Complesso delle Quattro Fontane

Trevi Fountain

Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica a Pallazo

Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri

Castro Pretorio

Chiesa di Santa Maria della Vittoria

Museo e Cripto dei Frati Cappuccini

The heart of Rome’s historic center, the Old Rome neighborhood captivates with its cobblestone streets, charming piazzas, and awe-inspiring landmarks like the Pantheon and Piazza Navona.

Scalinta di Trinita dei Monti (Spanish Steps)

Museo dell’Ara Pacis

Campo de’ Fiori

Palazza Farnese

Piazza Navona

Museo di Roma Palazzo Braschi

Chiesa di San Luigi dei Francesi

Chiesa di Sant’Agnese in Agone

By far this is the most popular neighborhood in Rome for travelers. Trastevere is a bohemian neighborhood located on the west bank of the Tiber River. It is known for it narrow, winding streets, nightlife, and charming piazzas. Trastevere has a lively atmosphere with trendy bars, and traditional trattorias.

Villa Farnesina

Galleria Corsini

Basilica di Santa Maria

Orto Botanico

Home to the iconic Colosseum, the Colosseum neighborhood in Rome immerses visitors in ancient history as they explore the grandeur of the Roman Empire, marvel at ancient ruins, and soak in the architectural splendor of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Roman Forum

Palatine Hill

Bocca della Verita

Circo Massimo

Piazza Venezia

Altare della Patria

Aventino – Tastaccio

Testaccio is a historic working-class neighborhood that has transformed into a culinary hotspot. It offers a vibrant food scene with traditional trattorias, gourmet restaurants, and a bustling food market.

Basilicia di San Giovanni

Terme di Caracalla

Knights of Malta Keyhole

Esquilino – San Giovanni

Located near Termini Station, the Esquilino neighborhood is a melting pot of cultures and flavors. Known for its diverse immigrant communities, Esquilino is a mix of ethnic restaurants, colorful markets, and architectural gems like the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore.

Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore

Palazzo Massimo alle Terme

Museo Nazionale Romano

Basilica di San Pietro in Vincole

Nomentano combines residential tranquility with commercial areas. This neighborhood is characterized by its leafy parks, elegant villas, and the iconic University La Sapienza. There is a mix of students, locals, and dining. Nomentano has a relaxed and intellectual atmosphere.

Sapienza University

North Center

The North Center neighborhood of Rome, encompassing areas like Villa Borghese and Parioli, presents a more tranquil and residential atmosphere. With its leafy parks, elegant villas, and cultural institutions like the Galleria Borghese, this area provides a peaceful retreat from the city center.

• Museo e Galleria Borghese
• Villa Borghese
• La Galleria Nazionale
• Museo Nazionale Etrusce di Villa Guilia

Vatican City

Vatican City is the smallest independent state in the world and the spiritual center of Catholicism. Home to St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel, this iconic neighborhood offers a rich blend of religious significance, magnificent art, and awe-inspiring architecture.

St. Peter’s Basilica

Vatican Gardens

Vatican Museums

Castel Sant’Angelo

Southern Rome

The southern part of Rome is less touristy and has an authentic atmosphere that portrays a taste of local Roman life. From food markets and traditional trattorias to vibrant street art and a strong sense of community, Southern Rome provides a glimpse into the city’s everyday charm.

Via Appia Antica

Catacombe di San Sebastiano

Catacombe di San Callisto

Museo Capitoline Centrale Montemartini

How to Get Around Rome

Getting around the cobbled-stoned streets of Rome is not hard. I’ve walked, biked, and bused throughout Rome and loved it! All are great ways to get around and the method you choose depends on how much time you have and your personal preference.

I recommend the  Big Bus Tour  or a Golf Cart Tour in Rome if you are short on time or if you booked your travel in the dead heat of summer (which can be intensely hot).

With these tours, you’ll see all the top Rome attractions with audio commentary in your language of choice. If you choose an open top tour bus, the added benefit is free wi-fi and for 3 extra euros, you can use your ticket for two days (it is worth it).

When it comes to seeing Rome, walking can not be avoided especially when getting to an attraction that require climbing hilly pathways or navigating ancient streets. In my opinion, being on foot is one of the best ways to travel in Rome.

Exploring the narrow streets can lead you to the most marvelous pasta, the creamiest gelato, or the most perfect pasta! I highly recommend visiting the Trastevere neighborhood for  Italian street food . 

Public Transportation

This is the best option for getting to a part of town that is more than 20 minutes on foot, especially if visiting a museum or park. Save your energy and use public transportation for less than 2 euros. You can purchase them at the tobacconist store.

You will need to validate your ticket upon boarding the bus (it’s an honor system). Getting caught with an un-validated ticket can result in a fine. You should also use a really good map of Rome. 

Bike or Vespa

Peddling around the city on your own time feels so liberating. Bike rental is very affordable and is an enjoyable way to experience the outdoors, get some exercise to make up for all the  Italian breakfasts  that you eat, and explore Rome.

You can find rentals for as little as 13 euros for 24 hours, complete with lock, for a standard bike. The price for e-bikes is higher.

Getting around on a two-passenger scooter is loads of fun!  Rent a Vespa to skirt traffic or explore outside the city. They can be rented by the hour or day. This will make your trip to Rome memorable as you travel in true Italian style!

How to Get to Central Rome from FCO Airport

There are several options to get from Leonardo da Vinci International Airport to the center of the city. I found the train to be the quickest and most affordable especially if you’ve had a long day of travel and want to get to Termini station.  

The most economical way to get from the airport to the city center is via a shuttle bus service from the airport. You can travel conveniently between Rome’s city center and the airport and take pleasure in a stress-free arrival or departure from the city.

The ride takes about 50 minutes and departures run from the airport every 30 to 40 minutes so you have time to collect your luggage. Shuttles stop in Terminal 3’s arrivals section. Look for the respective service at the arrival platform.

Terravision offers a shuttle service for less than 8 euros it’s quite popular. The buses are air-conditioned and there is no cost to bring your luggage aboard. It goes directly to Termini station with no extra stops. 

Another option is the public transportation system, which costs about 6 euros. The bus stops multiple times in the city center, including one close to the Vatican and one at Termini Station, throughout the 45- to 1-hour one-way trip.

Buses halt in Terminal 3’s arrivals section, at number 14. You can purchase tickets at the airport desk or online. 

A taxi is quite expensive. It will set you back almost 50 euros and the ride takes just as long as a shuttle service (about 50 minutes). You can find the taxis at the arrival level of Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.

The Leonardo Express train is less than 20 euros and runs every 15 minutes during peak periods. It is operated by Trenitalia and the ride takes about 30 to 40 minutes.

If you wait to collect your luggage, and then make your way to the window or kiosk to purchase your ticket, note that many others will be doing the same. Hate long lines? You can purchase tickets in advance and be ready for validation after boarding the train.

I can’t recommend a car rental unless you plan a day trip and need a set of wheels. Rome is completely walkable. Not to mention, even Italians know that finding a parking space can be a hassle.

Tips for Visiting Rome

I adore visiting Italy. And no trip would be complete without seeing some of the most iconic and historic spots in the Eternal City.

Don’t make the mistake (that I made on my first trip) and skip these incredible spots! Fortunately, I was able to see them on return visits!

Whether you are visiting the Vatican for the first time or returning because you tossed a coin into the Trevi fountain, these Rome travel tips will come in handy to make your stay enjoyable.

• Be prepared! Read these tips on the essentials for an international flight .
• Think comfort when flying coach , it will help you stay calm and confident.
• Beware of scammers, pickpockets, and panhandlers. It’s a thing in Europe and it can happen when you least expect it. 

So, what are you waiting for? Book that flight to Rome and thank me later.

History | May 31, 2024

Rome’s Talking Statues Have Served as Sites of Dissent for Centuries

Beginning in the Renaissance, locals affixed verses protesting various societal ills to six sculptures scattered across the Italian city

Elizabeth Djinis

History Correspondent

A grand tour of Rome’s iconic sculptures often includes a few staples: the Vatican Museums’ writhing Laocoön ; the Capitoline Museums’ Dying Gaul , taking his last breath; and Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s Rape of Proserpina , with those indelible fingerprints left on the goddess’s leg.

But some statues that dot the Italian capital are lesser known. They may not offer much to look at, but they always have a lot to say. Six sculptures in particular, each with its own personality and name, were installed in Rome’s center around the time of the Renaissance and quickly became sites to express political discontent. Locals tacked disgruntled but clever verses onto the busts, writing satires that bemoaned the pope, the city’s bourgeoisie and the corrupt nature of those who held power. As a group, Abate Luigi, Pasquino, Il Facchino, Madama Lucrezia, Marforio and Il Babuino earned the nickname of Rome’s statue parlanti , or talking statues, not because they actually spoke, but because they gave the people a physical way to have an anonymous voice.

Of the six, it is Pasquino , the alleged head and torso of a Greek hero—likely the Mycenaean king Menelaus, carrying the body of fallen warrior Patroclus—that rose to the forefront. Mounted just steps away from the Piazza Navona, the statue stands near the Via Papalis, a papal processional route that was once “one of the most desirable and prestigious [Roman] streets on which to live or to have a business,” says Valeria Cafà , a former conservator at the Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia.

It was in this area that Cardinal Oliviero Carafa decided to build his estate, Palazzo Orsini, around the turn of the 16th century. During construction of this opulent structure, workers found the “turbaned or helmeted head and muscular upper torso and forelegs” of a sculpture, as well as “merely a slice of torso from below the breast to the upper edge of the pubic hair,” writes Leonard Barkan in Unearthing the Past: Archaeology and Aesthetics in the Making of Renaissance Culture .

“The malformed and badly damaged figure was immediately recognized as a marble Hellenistic statue,” wrote scholar Christopher Gilbert in a 2015 paper on Pasquino’s rhetorical role. “Carafa had the statue installed in the Piazza Navona during celebrations for [the Feast of Saint Mark] and instituted a ceremonial routine of adorning it in mythic garb so that each year it assumed an ancient guise.” At the annual feast , workers dressed up and restored the torso and head, often in rudimentary ways, with stucco or papier-mâché.

The statue’s name is inspired by a historical figure who might have been “a schoolmaster, a teacher, a cobbler, a barber or some other vocation entirely,” according to Gilbert. Many chroniclers maintained that the real Pasquino was a tailor to the Roman court, someone who had access to the affairs of elite Romans and could serve as what Gilbert called “a folk messenger of sorts.”

Pasquino’s sculpted namesake occupied an “ambiguous role from the very beginning” of its Renaissance rediscovery, says Maddalena Spagnolo , an art historian at the University of Naples Federico II and the author of Pasquino in the Square: A Statue in Rome Between Art and Vituperation . Rome’s residents used the statue to both “support the pope and at the same time criticize the pope and his inner circle,” Spagnolo adds.

Despite never serving as pope himself, Carafa was one of the most powerful players in 15th- and 16th-century Rome. Born in Naples in 1430 , he was elected cardinal in September 1467 and was known for his “erudition, as well as the integrity and piety of his life,” wrote scholar Anne Reynolds in a 1985 paper . “Although a serious candidate for the papacy on several occasions, Carafa never attained that position. His prestige and authority, however, were unquestionable.”

Pasquino’s mounting in the piazza can be dated to no later than 1501 by literary sources. But Spagnolo speculates that Carafa may have chosen to display Pasquino even earlier, around the time of Pope Alexander VI ’s possesso in 1492, when the Christian spiritual leader officially assumed his duties in the city of Rome. On that day, the Borgia pope used the Via Papalis as a ceremonial route, similar to how the ancient Romans conducted their military triumphs through the Campus Martius.

“Everyone who had a house on the Via Papalis was supposed to show joy and agreement for the new pope,” Spagnolo says. Carafa’s installation of Pasquino paid homage to Alexander while simultaneously displaying the cardinal’s “power with this beautiful, huge palace” and accompanying ancient statue.

It didn’t take long for Pasquino to give voice to discontent instead of ceremonial joy. On August 13, 1501, the statue spoke his first words , as recorded in the Latin diary of Johann Burchard, master of ceremonies at the papal court. The lines referenced the Borgia family’s coat of arms (which features an ox), as well as the crest (featuring a wheel) of Cardinal Jorge da Costa, who was thought to be a potential successor to Alexander:

I predicted that you, an ox, would be pope. And now I say that you will die if you leave this place. The wheel, keeping pace with the herdsman, will follow.

The same message was then posted throughout different parts of the city, where it certainly had the intended effect.

“The pope was impressed by what he read on the paper on Pasquino, and he was very superstitious,” Spagnolo says. “He read this, and he decided to never leave Rome again.”

The problem with Pasquino has always been to what extent scholars can say that pasquinades, as the messages left near the statue are called, represented the feelings of the people rather than warring political factions. One fact is certain, according to Spagnolo: All of the political invectives against the pope that were tacked onto the talking statues and later published by scholars were “not written by poor people, but by people who were very much [involved in the] papal court.”

Famed satirist and self-described “Scourge of Princes” Pietro Aretino even “claimed Pasquino’s voice as his own,” wrote scholar Laurie Shepard in a 2016 journal article . This dispels the notion of the statue as the true spokesperson of the Roman populace, as he represented only a small segment of those already in the know. In fact, his messages may have been planted to further the aims of the powerful few. As Spagnolo points out, the initial pasquinade that kept Alexander in Rome for the rest of his life was planned by allies inside the Vatican.

Prominent pasquinades often skewered powerful families and the current pope, who was criticized for whatever his preferred method of corruption was. Under Urban VIII , who served as pope from 1623 to 1644 and was a member of the prominent Barberini family, Pasquino offered a succinct bon mot : “What the barbarians did not do, the Barberinis did.” This comment was likely a reaction to Urban’s choice to strip bronze from the Pantheon, “the only ancient Roman building that had survived more or less intact” into the 17th century, as Oxford Reference notes. The pope used the metal to build fortifications at Castel Sant’Angelo, arguing that it “was more important to defend the Holy See than to keep the rain out of the Pantheon porch.”

Laurie Nussdorfer , an emeritus historian at Wesleyan University, says the pasquinade was “a really wonderful comment from … people in the city that these antiquities are theirs. It’s not okay for the pope to just come in there and do things with them.”

Yet the perennial tension of where these messages originated persists. Spagnolo attributes the confusion in part to dissimulation, which was the papal court’s modus operandi. In many ways, she explains, the pasquinades were “the product of a cultivated milieu that imitated the language of the mob but expressed the views of one faction … or another and did not aim to attack the authority of the papacy.”

Wherever the satires came from, it was inevitably the common people who faced punishment if they were discovered with a pasquinade in hand. The authors were “impossible to find,” Spagnolo says, but even those who kept the notes in their pocket, repeated them to others or copied them could be found guilty of a crime. As Nussdorfer wrote in a 1987 journal article , in 1636, an aristocrat “lost his head in Rome merely for possessing a manuscript of pasquinades that made fun of Urban VIII’s government.” Proximity to Pasquino and his rhetoric carried inherent danger—but just how much danger depended on the level of power one had.

“It struck me in looking at the history of graffiti that there is a very deep culture of humor in Rome in particular and a deep culture of scratching the surface of public buildings and public statuary,” Gilbert tells Smithsonian magazine. “In the Renaissance itself, which was a moment of revival of art and architecture in an attempt to restore the glory of Rome, … you get a tradition of defacing all of that architecture.”

This defacement ruined Pasquino’s chances of one day being displayed in a museum, where the statue could perhaps be restored to its former glory. In the early 19th century, rampant debate over whether the statue should be moved to a museum ensued. Due to fear of backlash and never-ending pasquinades, and in recognition of the sculpture’s popular status (a descriptor derived from the Latin word populus , or the people), officials decided Pasquino was meant to stay in the piazza.

Pasquino’s fate differs from that of Marforio , the second-most famous of the talking statues and the only one housed in a museum: namely, Rome’s Capitoline Museums . A first-century reclining statue of a male god, likely the personification of the ocean or a river, the statue was discovered in the Forum of Augustus in the 16th century. It was first placed near the Piazza Venezia before being moved to its current home on the Capitoline Hill in the late 1500s. The hulking Marforio had a teasing, almost antagonistic relationship with Pasquino. The pair often sparred with each other in note form. In 1589, when the Tiber River flooded, Pasquino supposedly prayed to be placed up with Marforio in a protected spot. But the verdict was that the Roman people would not allow it. After all, says Spagnolo, Pasquino had a “sad and smelly tongue.”

The talking statues began to seep their way into the quotidian culture of Rome, of note even to foreign visitors. In 1667, Austrian lawyer Joahann Theodor Sprenger wrote about a trio of the sculptures, delineating their various audiences:

Pasquino has two rivals, one the Facchino on Via Lata, the other Marforio on the Capitoline. Pasquino is addressed to the aristocrats, Marforio to the middle class, Facchino to the peasants.

Much like Pasquino, each artwork carried its own folkloric connotation. Il Facchino portrayed a traditional Renaissance-era worker who toted fresh water from home to home. The sculpture’s origin is unknown, though observers once claimed that Michelangelo himself sculpted the humble water-bearer.

Madama Lucrezia , located by the Palazzo Venezia, is a colossal Roman bust that stands nearly ten feet tall. The statue depicts either the Empress Faustina or, more likely, the Egyptian goddess Isis. She takes her name from Lucrezia d’Alagno, a favorite of Alfonso V of Aragon. When Alfonso died in 1458, d’Alagno came to Rome, settling near the statue’s current home.

In typically gendered fashion, Madama Lucrezia, as the only female talking statue, is occasionally referred to as Pasquino’s paramour , Spagnolo says. But she also held an important political role in the eyes of the people. When French troops established the Roman Republic in 1798 and forced the pope into exile, Madama Lucrezia was toppled off her pedestal and plastered with the words “I can’t stand anymore.”

Abate Luigi , perhaps the most surprising candidate for talking statue status given his lack of a head, may have depicted a magistrate when he was created in the late imperial period . An inscription on the sculpture’s base does some of the talking for him:

I was once a citizen of ancient Rome, and now everyone calls me Abbot Luigi. I achieved eternal fame with Marforio and Pasquino with the urban satires. I was insulted, disgraced and buried, but here, I have a new life that is finally secure.

The last of the six talking statues is Il Babuino , or the baboon. Part of a fountain, the reclining sculpture of the faun Silenus was commissioned by merchant Alessandro Grandi around 1576. It soon took on a life and reputation of its own, leading locals to rename the street on which it stood from Via Clementina (an homage to Pope Clement VI ) to Via del Babuino.

What makes Rome’s talking statues so remarkable is how much history they contain. Each sculpture carries the stories of the pasquinades affixed to its surface, as well as its own creation centuries or even millennia ago. It is a testament to Rome’s ever-present vitality that these statues remain in use today. As Google Arts & Culture notes, “Pasquino’s base is still covered in anti-government poems, snarky asides about enemies and complaints about community affairs.”

While scholars can’t confirm that Pasquino was always a site of genuine political protest, he endures as a beacon of hope, a physical space that offers power, however imagined, to the disenfranchised. In one prescient and touching pasquinade , Pasquino addressed his own role of serving as a voice of the people for as long as possible:

Xerxes’ army had not nearly as much wealth As I have papers: I will soon become a bookseller. No man in Rome is better than me. I ask for nothing from anyone else; I am not wordy. I sit here and I’m silent. You who wish to hang a song on this filled-up wall: Be quick—I will be naked in a short time.

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Elizabeth Djinis | | READ MORE

Elizabeth Djinis is a writer and journalist based in Rome, Italy. Her work has been published in the  New York Times, National Geographic, Glamour  and  Teen Vogue,  among others.