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The Essential Guide to Student Travel for Rome

The Colosseum in Rome. Credit .

Classic films like Roman Holiday and La Dolce Vita have provided Americans and other foreigners a romanticized version of the essence of Rome during the second half of the 20 th century. One imagines Audrey Hepburn as a royal European princess cruising on a Vespa down winding, cobblestone streets, or Marcello Rubini following a helicopter carrying a statue of Christ over an ancient Roman aqueduct into Saint Peter’s Square. Rome is epitomized with images of the Pope waving to the masses from the Basilica in Vatican City. Envisioned are tiny, tucked away pizzerias offering their best crispy thin Margherita pizzas, with paesanos and tourists alike catching shade beneath oversized umbrellas, sipping on morning cappuccinos outside their favorite caffè .

These images that flood the minds of travelers whom have yet to take a trip to the ancient city pose an important question: Is this actually what Rome and the Italian lifestyle is like? The answer is, simply, yes.

There is no better place to indulge in the Italian way of life that has become so prominent through film, images and other mediums of popular culture than in the country’s capital itself. While this rings true, it is imperative to consider how taxing it can be to plan a trip for large student groups in one of the most visited cities in the world. Planning far in advance is without doubt the most important facet to cogitate when organizing a student group trip to Rome.

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Essential Tips & Advice

Rome if you want to.

Trevi Fountain

Throw a coin into Rome’s famous Trevi Fountain , and legend has it that you will one day return to the Eternal City. Travelers around the world are drawn to this mythical tradition for one obvious reason: they want to return to Rome.

Rome offers student group travelers a peerless experience with plausibly more historical significance than any other city in the world. Its architecture, history, art and culture could fascinate group visitors for weeks on end. No matter how much time is spent in Rome, travelers always tend to come back for more.

To get the most out of your group trip to Rome, the best times to visit are arguably from April to June and late September to October. Temperatures are usually mild and this is considered low travel season throughout Europe, though it could be busier in April due to Easter holiday.

Starting in mid-June, Rome becomes swarmed with tourists and remains this way until the end of summer. It can also be extremely hot during summer months, an occurrence that could be daunting with a large student group.

While winter months are usually cooler in Italy and considered off season, prices for flights are usually lower and there won’t be as many crowds at major tourist sights, a benefit to consider when traveling with large student groups.

Over the Pond and Far Away

Vatican City

When traveling with a large student group abroad, you’ll want to get the best deal on flights. There are a number of things to consider when buying international flights to Rome.

According to Business Insider , the cheapest day and time to buy a flight is on a Tuesday afternoon. Airlines tend to release weekly airfare sales on Tuesday mornings and by mid-afternoon, competing airlines will offer matched sale prices. The earliest flight of the day is also usually the cheapest, so check for outgoing early bird flights.

Consistently checking social media is another way to snag airfare deals. Low-cost carriers such as JetBlue tend to advertise on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter .

Signing up for price alerts can also help student groups get the best deal on flights. Skyscanner , Kayak , Expedia and AirfareWatchdog are just a few of many travel fare aggregator websites that provide price alerts for international travel; it’s important to check multiple sites to ensure finding the best airfare deals.

If you’ve found a great deal using a travel fare aggregate online, head to the specific airlines’ website, or call the airline and see if they have a group sales department. Many airlines have a group desk or group sales department that can offer deals for large student groups.

Keep in mind that Rome has two major international airports: Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and Ciampino-G.B. Pastine International Airport (CIA). Make sure that when searching the best deals for student groups to be looking at all airports in Rome. While FCO is the busier international airport of the two, there are sometimes cheaper flights to and from CIA.

Further aspects to consider when booking airfare for large student groups is when to book. It is a common misconception that the earlier one books a flight, the better. In reality, various aggregator websites, airlines, travel magazines and blogs agree that the best time to book a flight is two months in advance. A study from Airlines Reporting Corporation revealed that prices drop below the average fare around this time.

After arriving at the airport in Rome, there poses another great question: How will I get my large student group to our accommodation? Putting four to five students in one cab for a group between 40 to 50 or more will become incredibly costly. Luckily, Rome offers hourly bus rentals for large student groups. There is also the option to hire a bus for various city tours or multiple-day rentals. To inquire about bus rentals, click here .

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

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VATICAN TOUR & ST. PETER'S DOME CLIMB

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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.

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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.

Your Italian journey starts here

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At crown tours we believe a well curated tour or activity is the best part of any vacation… Meet the team that bring these unforgettable experiences to life!

I pay for two Netflix subscriptions because I can’t remember the login info for one of them. I like French fries in milkshakes (you're welcome) and travel is at the top of my priorities at all times.

I think you can usually tell a lot about a person from their app subscriptions as well. Well, mine are Audible, Headspace, The Financial Times, Chess.com, Lumosity, Netflix and Sleep Cycle.

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Some people call me Sofilù or Peanut but my real name is Sofia. I was born and raised in Rome, but I’m also half American.

Although I’m not very tall, I always strive to reach high objectives in life and cereal boxes.. because, for some reason, my favorite ones are always on the very top!

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Most of the people knows me as Alex, and probably that’s why almost everyone looks surprised when meeting me (funny thing from having a male name in Italy). One thing I’ll never get bored of… finding beautiful hidden gems in the eternal city and enjoying a Spritz at sunset.

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It all started when...

Christian, an enthusiastic and passionate guide fell in love with Ancient History on Palatine Hill.

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Upon release of payment and guarantee of booking, all guests are submitting compliance to the following Terms & Conditions Policy. Should any doubt or dispute with said Terms & Conditions arise before booking, it is advised to contact us before placing your booking and submitting payment. Cancellation Policy We respect that your time is valuable and want you to feel as comfortable as possible when booking with us. We have a 72-hour easy cancellation policy. Does NOT apply to all Colosseum Underground Products. Any cancellations that occur 72 hours or more before the scheduled time are eligible for a FULL REFUND or re-booked(if available) at no additional cost to the client. Cancellations between 36-72 hours before the event may be transferred to a different date/time of the same tour (if available) or another tour available in our platform. (A transfer fee between 10% to 35% may be applied) Additional charges may apply for tours at higher price. Cancellation requests made within 36 hours of the tour date/time cannot be refunded nor transferred. All cancellation requests/tour changes must be made either by email [email protected] or by calling (0039) 392 533 1594. All bookings eligible for refunds are processed within 24 hours of request. Early Colosseum Underground Booking At Crown Tours, we try our best to keep our calendar as updated as possible with the latest availabilities from the Colosseum. However, as the Colosseum gradually releases availabilities for tickets throughout the year, and the tickets for the period selected might have not been released yet, tour times might have a slight variation in time/day depending on availability. Due to new regulations of the Colosseum administration all Colosseum Underground booking are to be considered non Refundable and non trasferable within 32 days of the tour date. This would be the case with ANY SUPPLIER. We will be able to provide the availability right after the release of reservations and we will always do our best to make sure your tour will start on the same date and time chosen. In any case, if your booking will be subject to changes till that time we will inform you, and according to our cancellation policy, you will be eligible to get a full refund. Liability Crown Tours S.r.l.s. is not liable in respect of personal injury, loss or damage of luggage by the client, or death. The company is not responsible for any injury, loss, delay, inconvenience caused by natural disasters, or other events which are beyond our control or which are not preventable by reasonable diligence by Crown Tours s.r.l.s, such as war, floods, severe weather, etc. Late Arrivals for Small Group tours Upon confirmation of your booking, you will receive all relevant details on meeting locations and start times. You are asked to arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes prior to the start of the tour experience. We cannot guarantee you will find your guide if you fail to arrive at the meeting point on time. In the event this occurs, Crown Tours s.r.l.s is not responsible for any claim of refund or even partial refund. We will do our best to accommodate you if you arrive late and the tour has already begun, however, no refunds will be issued, in accordance with our cancellation policy, if you are unable to join us due to late arrival. Delays with Private Experiences / Private Transfer Services If you anticipate you will be delayed for any reason, it is your responsibility to contact our office at (+39 392 533 1594). We cannot guarantee that a rescheduled pick-up time or day will be possible at no additional charge for last minute cancellations. Discounts If you have a Discount Code or qualify for one of our promotional discounts, they must be applied BEFORE purchase. Contact us for more information. 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19 best rome tours of 2024: food, the vatican & more.

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

The Best Rome Tours

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

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

Editor’s Pick: What a Life Tours – Skip-the-line Vatican Small Group Tour

Price: Adults from 99 euros (about $108); kids from 94 euros (around $102) Duration: 3 hours

U.S. News independently paid to send Laura Itzkowitz , a freelance journalist based in Rome, on this tour to provide readers with an unbiased, first-hand perspective of what to expect. What a Life Tours – Skip-the-line Vatican Small Group Tour was selected by our team as an Editor’s Pick thanks to its popularity and favorable user reviews.

One of the largest – and most crowded – landmarks in the world, the Vatican Museums actually comprises 26 museums, plus various chapels and galleries, so while it’s a must-see attraction, it can be an overwhelming place to visit. The engaging guide leading this skip-the-line tour brought us straight to the highlights, starting with the Pinecone Courtyard and ending in St. Peter’s Basilica , where she showed us Michelangelo’s Pietà and explained why it’s the only work the artist actually signed.

Along the tour, you’ll see masterpieces from the Vatican Museums’ collection, including the ancient statue of Laocoön and his sons; the Belvedere Torso, which inspired Michelangelo; Greek Cross Hall; and the Round Hall, which contains a monumental bronze statue of Hercules. Other highlights include the Gallery of Candelabra; the Gallery of Tapestries; the Gallery of Maps, where the guide pointed out some fun facts about Italy in the 1600s; and the Sistine Chapel. Talking isn’t allowed in the Sistine Chapel, so the guide explained Michelangelo’s frescoes at the beginning of the tour. Our guide shared a deep knowledge of the artworks, and delivered her commentary with a sense of humor. However, the guide didn’t bring us to the Raphael Rooms; if this is a priority for you, you may want to book a different tour.

Tours generally operate Monday through Saturday; the first tour begins at 9:30 a.m. In addition to its variety of Vatican tours, the company also offers tours of the Colosseum and daylong tours of Rome.

Laura Itzkowitz

Why we love it:

• Groups are capped at 12 or fewer participants. 
• After the tour, stroll down Via della Conciliazione to capture perfectly framed photos of St. Peter’s Basilica.
• For a nice lunch nearby, book a table at Ristorante Arlù, a family-run eatery that’s been open since 1959. If the weather is nice, ask for a table outside on the charming cobblestone street.
• Prati, the neighborhood surrounding the Vatican, is popular for shopping, especially along Via Cola di Rienzo. Stop by il Sellaio di Serafini for a handmade leather bag, or Castroni for espresso and other gourmet foods to bring home.

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Fat Tire Tours Rome – Rome Day Segway Tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Best Rome Colosseum Tours

Laura Itzkowitz April 17, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eyes of Rome – Colosseum and Roman Forum Tour

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

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

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

Private Tours of Rome – Vatican & Sistine Chapel Private Tour

Price: From $364 Duration: 3 hours

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

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

Courtesy of Roman Food Tours

The Roman Food Tour – Prati By Sunset

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

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

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

Rex-Tours – Rome City Segway Tour

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

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

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

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Eating Europe – Twilight Trastevere Rome Food Tour

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

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

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

Rolling Rome – Rome Squares & Fountains Golf Cart Tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rome's Ultimate Free Walking Tour

Price: Free Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours

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

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

Check availability on:

Courtesy of Secret Food Tours Rome

Secret Food Tours – Rome Food Tour

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

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

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

The Roman Guy – Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You may also be interested in:

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

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

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Send us a message, get a price estimate, educational tours | ea educational advantage tours, classic italy tour – rome, florence & venice, italy educational tours student tours

Tour Highlights

• Vatican City
• St. Peter’s Basilica
• Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel
• Trevi Fountain
• Spanish Steps
• Piazza Navona
• Leather Making Demo
• Uffizi Gallery
• Doge’s Palace
• Glass Blowing Studios

Italy Student Tours for Middle Schools, High Schools and Colleges. Educational tours to Europe are a wonderful opportunity.

Day 1: depart usa.

Depart USA on an overnight flight for Rome. Meals will be served and optional inflight entertainment will be offered.

Day 2: Rome

Meet your Tour Director at the airport Hotel check-in Begin exploration with local sightseeing.

Day 3: Rome

Take a guided tour of Ancient Rome Colosseum Forum

Day 4: Rome

Visit Vatican City, St. Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel Catacombs and Appian Way

Day 5: Rome - Florence

Travel to Florence Hotel check-in Take a guided tour of Florence Visit the Duomo See a leather-making demonstration

Day 6: Florence

Enjoy a guided visit to the Uffizi Gallery Free afternoon for personal sightseeing

Day 7: Florence - Venice

Travel to Venice Hotel check-in Take a guided tour of Venice

Day 8: Venice

Visit the Doge’s Palace See a glass-blowing demonstration

Day 9: Venice

Depart Venice for the United States

Our classic student tours to Italy offer a little something for everyone. Not only do our Venice tours end with a trip to Doge’s Palace to see an incredible glass-blowing demonstration, but it offers a guided tour through ancient Rome as well. Everything that students have read about in their textbooks will come to life via our classic student tours. We believe that our classic student tours not only unlock a love of travel for students who join us, but they also unlock a love of learning. It’s impossible not to become infatuated by the rich history on display throughout our student tours in Italy. If you are an educator in search of an incredible educational tour, be sure to call our team to discuss our Venice tours.

3 Day Rome Itinerary: The Best Route for First Timers

A hh Rome, the Eternal City. I certainly feel like I will love Rome for eternity, but unfortunately, we only had three days to spend there last summer with our daughters.

I have visited Rome before, and was so excited to take Craig and our girls there to experience the city for the first time and allow them to see why it stole my heart.

Since it’s new to Craig and my daughters, I planned the perfect 3 day itinerary for Rome that ticks off all the bucket list moments, the best attractions, the highlights, and unmissable landmarks.

Craig and the girls came away ever in awe of the city, and me even more so! On my first visit, I was a backpacker who didn’t get much of a chance to dive deep into the culture – especially its delicious food- and cute neighborhoods. This was an experience that took Rome from a loved city in Europe to my favorite!

It would be a shame to keep our perfect itinerary to ourselves, so here’s what we did in 3 days in Rome!

Are 3 Days Enough To See Rome?

I would say that three days is the minimum amount of time you need to explore Rome to see the main attractions. 

It’s a huge city with a lot of history to uncover, and many of the attractions you can spend several hours in. To see the Colosseum and The Forum, you need at least half a day for both if you opt for a guided tour, which will eat into your time. Visiting The Vatican is also another half day, minimum.

If you only have three days, I have to warn you, it will be a full-on three days with little chance to stop and rest. 

If you have more time at your disposal, I recommend you spend five days in Rome.

There are also many cute neighborhoods to explore and you could also spend a day shopping, as Rome is a huge fashion hub.

Five days allows you to explore more leisurely and have a day or two simply sitting back and enjoying the beat of Rome in a piazza or coffee shop, rather than attraction hopping.

The Best 3 Day Itinerary for Rome

The following itinerary can be completed in any order. We’ve organized it so that you hit the top attractions first, with the first two days being quite full on, and the third day being more chilled.

You can swap these days around to better suit your interests. 

You should also book your attractions in advance and adjust your itinerary according to ticket availability. The Vatican Museums and The Colosseum are incredibly popular, and it’s rare you can book for the next day or on the day, so if you’ve left it to the last minute you may need to reshuffle this itinerary around to accommodate the wait. 

Day One: Historic Rome

Stop 1: the colosseum, roman forum, and palatine hill.

Ok, so you’ve come to Rome, of course your first stop has to be the Ancient Wonder of the World, The Colosseum.

This ancient amphitheater is the world’s most famous Roman monument and dates back to the year 70 AD. 

This impressive marble stadium was once large enough to house 50,000 spectators, who came to witness gladiator fights, chariot races, and other gruesome battles.

When visiting The Colosseum, we highly recommend you book a tour that gives you special access to the Arena floor. This is not accessible to all ticket holders and is only available on special tours. 

We didn’t know this, so we missed out on the opportunity to walk where gladiators stood. Sigh…don’t make the same mistake we did, check out this guided tour that includes the Arena Floor + The Forum + Palatine Hill.

Just a short walk across the road from the Colosseum is the Roman Forum, which was once the ancient market of Rome.

You can wander around the ruins of ancient government buildings, temples, and market stores.

Within The Forum complex is Palatine Hill, one of seven hills in Rome. This is an important place in Rome as it’s said to be the place where Rome’s founders, Romulus and Remus, were taken in by the she-wolf and where Hercules defeated Cacus.

You’ll find most tours offer The Forum, Colosseum, and Palatine Hill combined since they are all next to each other, so be sure to allow half a day to explore them all.

You can learn more about these three places in our complete guide to visiting the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (including all the mistakes we made!)

Stop 2: Lunch at Centro Storico or Monti

After a morning spent wandering around the ancient Roman wonders, your legs are probably tired and your stomach must be rumbling.

Head into Centro Storico, the beating heart of Rome, to find a restaurant with al fresco dining. There are so many restaurants, and you’ll find choosing between them overwhelming. 

Our top tip is to choose one down a side street, rather than in a piazza. These are much cheaper and less touristy. You’ll find most of the restaurants in the piazzas have mediocre food and high prices. This is just one of the things we wish we knew before we visited Rome .

You may also want to eat in the back streets of the Monti neighborhood, right near the Colosseum. We found a cute restaurant here that served delicious food far from the crowds at decent prices. Just leave yourself enough time to get to your next scheduled attraction.

Stop 3: The Pantheon

After lunch, head to The Pantheon to see another marvel of Roman engineering. This beautiful building was once a Pagan Temple, built in 125 AD.

It was then converted into a church by the Romans and is now a museum and resting place for Rome’s greatest artists and royals, such as  King Vittorio Emanuele II, King Umberto 1, and his wife Queen Margherita of Savoy, and the Renaissance artist, Raphael.

It’s most famous for the circular opening in the ceiling, known as “The Eye” or “The Eye of God”, which was built as the only light source for the building.

What about when it rains? I hear you ask. Well, the Romans thought about that. They built a sloping floor, with 22 hidden holes, which will transport the water into the underground cisterns.

Pretty cool, huh? 

It doesn’t take long to see The Pantheon, after all, it’s only one room, but we recommend you get the audio guide with your ticket so you can learn more about its construction and histor y. You can get your audio guide + entrance ticket here .

Stop 4: The Spanish Steps

After visiting The Pantheon, wander over to another iconic landmark, The Spanish Steps. The steps were built between 1723 and 1726. They lead from the Piazza di Spagna square to the French monastery church, Trinita dei Monti, at the top.

The steps are a great place to sit and watch people watching, but they don’t take too long to see.

Grab a coffee in the piazza or dip into the designer stores nearby (if your wallet allows).

Unfortunately, you cannot eat, drink, or smoke on the steps, so you’ll find this is just a flying visit.

Stop 5: Trevi Fountain

A short walk from The Spanish Steps takes you to another iconic landmark in Rome. The Trevi Fountain is probably the most famous fountain in the world.

It was built in 1762, following the design by Nicola Salvi, who died before it was completed, and so it was completed by Giuseppe Pannini. The design tells the story of Oceanus, the god of water. The entire fountain is 26.3 meters x 49.15 meters, making it one of the largest Baroque fountains in the world. 

One of the most unmissable things to do in Rome is throw a coin in the fountain to ensure your return to the city. The way to do it is to stand with your back to the fountain and toss a coin over your left shoulder with your right hand.

You may need to wait for the crowds to disperse a bit before you can toss your coin. Also note that the fountain is drained on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8am to 9am, so if you do deviate from this itinerary, make sure you visit the fountain in the evenings.

I also think the fountain looks beautiful when painted in the sun’s soft setting rays.

Day Two: The Vatican

Stop 1: the vatican museum and sistine chapel.

Get up early on the second day and head over to a new country – The Vatican. Although it’s the world’s smallest country, there are no border patrols or passport stamps, but it’s still cool to say you’ve walked into a new country.

The first stop has to be The Vatican Museum, which contains over 20,000 artifacts and artwork (on display, there’s a further 50,000 not on display) that has been curated by the Catholic Church over the years.

The museum was founded in the 16th century by Pope Julias II, and it’s so big you could be in there all day. In fact, the museum itself is beautiful, with gold-gilded designs and frescoes on the ceiling.

The biggest attraction of the Vatican Museum is the Sistine Chapel, which is famous for being the place where Michaelangelo painted The Hand of God. You can’t take photos inside the chapel, but it’s a wonderful place to sit and contemplate.

I highly recommend you get a guided tour so you can be shown some of the highlights, otherwise, you’ll be overwhelmed looking at everything. This is the small-group tour of the Vatican that we did.

At the very least, get a skip-the-line entrance ticket , otherwise prepare to queue for up to 2 hours.

How to Tour The Vatican: A Complete Guide To Visiting the Vatican

Stop 2: St Peter’s Basilica

Make your way over to Saint Peter’s Basilica, just across from the Vatican Museums. 

The basilica is the most holy place in the Catholic Church. It’s famous for housing several works of Renaissance art, including Michelangelo’s Pieta. It’s also the burial site of St. Peter, who was the leader of the twelve Apostles of Jesus and the first Pope.

Don’t forget this is a holy place and a pilgrimage site for many Catholics, so if you’re visiting Rome with kids , make sure they are quiet and respectful.

Again, make sure to book your skip-the-line tickets in advance to avoid queuing. It’s free to enter the actual church, but you have to pay to enter the crypt of St Peter and climb the dome. There are also often long queues to enter the church, especially in the summer.

There are also tours that take you to climb the dome and into the crypt. This is the tour that we did with Livtours .

Stop 3: Vatican Post Office

Before you leave, make a whistle stop at the post office within the walls of The Vatican to get your passport stamped. You don’t need to get a stamp, but it makes for a unique keepsake.

Stop 4: Castel Sant’Angelo

Just outside The Vatican is The Castel Sant’Angelo, which is a former fortress and prison that is also the resting place for Emperor Hadrian and his family in 135 AD. 

As the oldest castle in Italy, it’s an important historic landmark and is now a museum containing seven levels of exhibits dedicated to the fortress’s history. You can explore the Papal quarters and execution grounds, and head to the top of the tower for incredible views.

Check out skip-the-line tickets to Castel Sant Angelo here.

Stop 5: Late Lunch at Piazza Navona

There are many piazzas in Rome, each with its own unique architecture and design. One of our favorites is Piazza Navona, which is said to be the most beautiful of the squares in Rome.

It is located on the former stadium grounds, which were used for athletic competitions in 86 CE. The stadium could once hold 20,000 spectators, and it’s still easy to see how races and competitions would have looked as the square still has the same elongated shape.

Today, the square features three beautiful fountains from the 16th century; Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of Four Rivers), Fontana del Moro, and Fontana di Nettuno. 

The most famous fountain is the La Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi which was designed by Bernini and constructed in 1651 for the pope.

Surrounding the square are many trattorias where you can stop for lunch – but remember our earlier advice, you’ll find cheaper options down the side streets!

We had a delicious anchovy pizza just a block away from Piazza Navona – it was probably still considered expensive. But it was €8 and big enough to share!!

Stop 6: The Rome Catacombs

The Roman catacombs are somewhat of a hidden gem attraction, and not many people go to see them. Possibly because they are located outside the main center of Rome.

The Rome Catacombs date back to the 3rd Century AD, and were the burial place for half a million Christians and Jews, as well as 16 Popes.

They are only open to tourists with a guide, so make sure to book in advance. There are several catacombs outside the city, but the largest and most important is the Catacombs of Saint Callixtus – check out this guided tour of the Catacombs of Saint Callixtus here.

We missed them because we ran out of time, but our teen said she would have loved to go, so if you’re looking for things to do in Rome with teens , add this to your list.

Day Three: Food and Culture

Stop 1: villa borghese gardens and galleria borghese.

I’m sure your legs are aching after all the walking and attraction hopping of the first two days, so on the final day of this 3 day Rome itinerary, we’re going to take it slow.

Starting off with a breakfast picnic in the Villa Borghese Gardens. These are the third-largest landscaped gardens in the city, and are where you’ll find the Rome Zoo, Pincio’s Water Clock, and Silvano Toti Globe Theatre.

It’s the perfect place to sit under a tree with a pastry and a takeaway coffee and reminisce about how great Rome is. 

Afterward, head into the villa itself to check out the Borghese Gallery. Here you can marvel at world-renowned artwork by some of the most famous Renaissance painters such as Raphael, Titian, and Caravaggio.

Stop 2: Trastevere Food Tour

One of the most fun things we did in Rome was a food tour. Actually, we have done a few, because we love food!

We learned that there was more to Italian food than pizza and pasta, and the street food scene in Rome is actually really good.

Our favorite food tour was in the Trastevere neighborhood, because it’s more local and residential, meaning you get more home-cooked food and authentic dishes. 

If you don’t want to stay in Trastevere, here’s a guide to some other Rome food tours you might like .

We also did this Roman street food tour which was fantastic!

Stop 3: Wander around Trastevere Neighborhood

Trastevere is the former working-class district of Rome and is where you will find a vibrant, bohemian atmosphere.

It’s famous for its quaint, narrow cobbled streets, Renaissance architecture, and medieval houses. Located South of the Colosseum, it has a more local vibe, allowing you to feel the beat of Italian life without everything feeling like a tourist trap.

In the daytime, Trastevere is quiet, idyllic, and romantic. At night, it’s a haven for backpackers looking for nightlife, with lively bars and tons of energy.

We loved the Trastevere neighborhood , so don’t just come here for the food tour, spend some time walking around its quaint side streets and dip into the boutique stores.

If you haven’t done some souvenir shopping yet, this is a good place to find some more unique items to take home.

Stop 4: Janiculum Hill

What better way to end your time in Rome than by admiring sweeping city views from the top of Janiculum Hill, the second-tallest hill in the city?

Gaze out over the domes and bell towers of Rome, before heading to the church of San Pietro in Montorio which is believed to be where St Peter was crucified. There’s a small shrine on the spot where he was said to have died.

Janiculum Hill is best visited at sunset when the skies are awash in pinks and purples. This is what makes Janiculum Hill one of the most romantic places in Rome.

Map of this 3 Day Rome Itinerary

Getting around rome.

Rome is a very walkable city. As long as you have good walking shoes on, you can walk to pretty much all the attractions in this itinerary (aside from The Catacombs).

As well as walking, you can also take the metro (we don’t recommend it – it’s known to have pickpockets) or there’s an extensive bus network. There is also a tram that connects The Vatican to the Villa Borghese area.

You can also use Uber for taxis. It’s expensive, but it’s convenient if you don’t want to work out the bus network.

This is a great overview of Rome’s public transport .

Where to Stay in Rome

We love staying in the Trastevere neighborhood because it’s less touristy and quaint, but on your first trip to Rome, I actually think you’d be better off staying somewhere more central.

Palazzo Navona Hotel

The Palazzo Navona Hotel is probably the best-located hotel for a first-time visitor to Rome. It’s located near Palazzo Navona, as you can probably guess from the name, and is just a stone’s throw from the Pantheon. 

It offers 4-star luxury, with modern décor and good-sized, comfortable rooms. See rates and availability here .

Terrazze Navona

For something a little more boutique, consider Terrazze Navona, just 984 feet from Piazza Navona. It has beautiful rooms decorated in Renaissance flare but with modern amenities. See rates and availability here.

Grotta Pinta Apartments

If you prefer vacation rentals, then you can find some well-equipped, spacious apartment rentals at Grotta Pinta apartments. They have modern 1-2 bedroom apartments that can sleep up to four guests. They are just a short walk from Piazza Navona Square and feature modern furnishings and fittings.  See rates and availability here.

Best Time to Visit Rome

The best time to visit Rome is the Spring when the weather is warm and sunny, but not too hot. The summer brings with it all the crowds who are off on their school holidays. It’s also incredibly hot in the summer, which can lead to heat-related issues.

Winter tends to be cold in Rome, but not too busy. You may have a few rainy days, but you have the beauty of seeing Rome without crowds of people (well, smaller crowds).

Before You Go

This is just a snapshot of what you can do in Rome, but if you only have three days at your disposal, we honestly think this itinerary covers all the best places and attractions.

Rome is an incredible city and it’s not surprising that it’s so popular.

Before you go, we just want to leave you with some words of advice about visiting Rome;

• Keep an eye on your belongings. Rome is pretty safe, but pickpockets are rampant, especially around touristy areas.
• Wear comfy walking shoes. You can walk everywhere, but the roads are mostly cobbled, and it can take it out on your knees.
• Carry a water bottle and fill it up at the free water fountains in the piazzas.
• Try to avoid the midday heat. It gets hot in the middle of the day, especially in the summer.
• Book attractions in advance. You may miss out on seeing some of the most iconic places in Rome if you don’t!