From the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica to the cobbled streets of Trastevere, there are so many brilliant places to see in Rome. With dozens of options at your disposal, it can seem overwhelming to know where to start – and that’s where guided tours come in. We’ve done all the hard work and gathered the best tours in Rome to make your trip unforgettable.
Guided experiences are a fantastic way to see Rome’s top attractions while skipping long lines and tourist crowds. And since sites in Italy generally aren’t marked very well, local guides are better equipped to show you around and tell you exactly what you’re looking at. Plus, if you’re unfamiliar with the logistics of using public transport or entering certain places, they can take the stress away.
What’s more, tours are the perfect way to connect with locals, immerse yourself in the city’s culture, and even meet like-minded travelers.
So, without further ado, let’s take a closer look at the best tours of Rome.
General Rome Tour Recommendations
Whether you travel all the time or are about to embark on your first trip, it’s important to have some services on hand to make your tour experiences easier. Here are a few essentials we recommend to everyone that will come in handy when planning your Rome trip.
- LivTours – LivTours is best for private and semi-private tours (6 people or less). You can get 5% off with code – Untold Italy.
- Walks of Italy – For small group tours of between 16 and 20 people, use Walks of Italy.
- Devour Tours and Eating Europe – Both Devour Tours and Eating Europe are your go-to for food tours.
- Fat Tire Tours – Fat Tire Tours offers a wide variety of bike and Segway tours in Rome.
- Context Travel – For Scholar-led trips and some audio tours, try Context Travel.
- GetYourGuide – GetYourGuide has plenty of options for larger group tours.
- VoiceMap – If you opt for audio guides, then VoiceMap is a must.
Colosseum and Roman Forum
LivTours – Colosseum and Roman Forum Tour
This first private tour by LivTours is an exciting experience that gives you special access to areas that aren’t usually available to the public, including the arena floor. Your guide will provide you with a glimpse into the past, sharing the history and tales of the Colosseum.
After that, you move on to the Roman Forum. On your way, you’ll walk along the Via Sacra and see the impressive Arch of Constantine. Then, pass through ancient ruins and temples, including the Basilica of Maxentius and the Basilica of Antoninus and Pius.
LivTours – Best of Colosseum and Ancient Rome
LivTours also offers this semi-private option with similar perks, starting in the epic Colosseum, where you’ll walk across the main floor, the restricted floor area, and Caesar’s Balcony. From the arena floor, you also have a clear view of the Colosseum underground area and dungeons, which your guide will tell you all about.
The tour includes priority access to other city wonders, including the Roman Forum, which is nestled between Palatine Hill and Capitoline Hill. Then, head to the Forum next and admire the remnants of those ancient temples with views of the Circus Maximus.
Walks of Italy – Gladiator’s Gate Colosseum Tour
When traveling in a small group (up to 16), this tour by Walks of Italy is a must. After entering through the Gladiator’s Gate on the east side – a special entrance closed to the public – you’ll walk out onto the arena floor and see the amphitheater from the perspective of ancient Roman fighters.
After seeing every gorgeous detail of the Colosseum, it’s time to move on to the Forum, where an expert guide will take you through the ancient epicenter. Look forward to admiring the ruins of temples like the Temple of the Vestal Virgins, the Senate buildings, and others.
Official Guided Tours
The official website of the Parco Archeologico del Colosseo is another excellent place to find some fun tours that are a bit more exclusive. For example, if you want to explore these sites at night or want special access to the Colosseum underground, you can book here.
The underground area is extra special. It delves even deeper into the history behind gladiators at the Colosseum and lets you see secret corridors, archways, and lifts, all used almost 2,000 years ago. If that wasn’t enough, you can even indulge in a nighttime viewing of the arena and the Forum.
Context Travel – Roman Colosseum Audio Guide
If you’ve already purchased your entry ticket and decided against a conventional guided tour, don’t worry. Audio guides like this one are incredibly informative and have the added bonus of exploring the Colosseum in your own time. This one, in particular, walks you through each area in great detail, explaining the history behind what you’re seeing and giving a full-rounded experience.
Context Travel – Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Audio Guide
Much like the previous audio guide, this one is a superb addition to your adventure, but this time, around the focus shifts to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. It’s around an hour and a half, but you can pause as much as you need. The guide will describe everything you need to know about the Forum and Palatine Hill, focusing on highlights like the Flavian Palace and the Temple of the Divine Caesar.
DISCOVER: Everything you need to know on Buying tickets for the Colosseum.
Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica
LivTours – Vatican Morning Tour
What better way to kickstart your day than with a private morning viewing of the Vatican? This one is a longer affair, lasting almost four hours, but it gives you a fantastic journey through the main highlights of the Vatican.
This tour allows you to gain early morning access to the basilica to avoid the droves of tourists. Inside, you’ll admire the glory of the Sistine Chapel and marvel at the countless Renaissance masterpieces throughout the Vatican Museums. This tour also includes entry to the Vatican Secret Rooms, which are typically closed off to normal visitors.
Walks of Italy – Vatican Key Master’s Tour
Walks of Italy offers the chance to see the Vatican Museums open for the day in the early hours. As the small group tour progresses, the key master unlocks each room before the Vatican opens to the rest of the public, making you a top priority. Your guide will take you through highlights of the best displays and galleries, admiring artwork like Raphael’s School of Athens or the Gallery of Maps.
The most awe-inspiring part, though, is exclusive VIP entry to the Sistine Chapel, designed by Giovanni dei Dolci and adorned with Michelangelo’s most famous frescoes. Enjoying the chapel without the crowds is rare, but you and your group are granted this special privilege.
LivTours – Early Morning Vatican Tour
Like the one before, this tour is amazing for getting first access to the Vatican, the museums, and other popular areas, just as they open in the morning. It’s semi-private, so you and a smaller group of up to six people can walk through the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica and explore to your heart’s delight.
The guide will take you through some of the most wonderful galleries and displays, like the Gallery of Tapestries, the Raphael Rooms, and the Sistine Chapel. It ends with a skip-the-line entry to the basilica.
Walks of Italy – Pristine Sistine Tour
This experience caters to smaller groups and offers you that much-welcomed convenience, giving priority entry to the best of the Vatican as soon as the day starts. You’ll visit 11 sites, including the most popular, like St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, the Octagonal Courtyard, the Gallery of the Candelabra, and the Sistine Chapel. Plus, each person gets handed a headset so they can hear their guide crystal-clear.
Official Guided Tours
When traveling with larger groups, the official website is an excellent resource, as it offers a wide range of tours and ticket options. You can book more unique tours of the Vatican, like a Vatican City open-bus tour, which takes you around to admire St. Peter’s Basilica and the museums. You can also explore other worthwhile locales, like the Vatican Gardens, boasting a 23-hectare space filled with gorgeous fountains and sculptures.
Context Travel – Vatican All-Access Audio Guide
If you prefer an audio guide packed with information you can listen to in your own time, this one is a strong contender. Not only does it include a guide through the basilica, the museums, and the Sistine Chapel, but it also covers a visit to Castel Sant’Angelo. The best part is that it has seven guides over the eight-hour audio, from art historians to archaeologists, each specializing in a different part of the experience.
READ: Our guide to Buying tickets for the Vatican Museums.
Sightseeing Tours
LivTours – Golf Cart and Drinks Evening Tour
Get ready to explore Rome’s best sights up close and personal with this semi-private golf cart tour. A local expert will take you through the historic heart of the city, bouncing between local bars and sites, allowing you to participate in a traditional aperitivo.
Start the evening by sampling some artisanal beer, wine, and Prosecco, with some tasty local cheeses and meats on the side. Along the way, you’ll pass by some of Rome’s most well-known spots, like Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, Piazza Venezia, and plenty more. After all, there’s a lot you can see in three hours.
LivTours – Private Vespa Sidecar Tour
What is a trip to Rome without going on a Vespa ride? If you’re looking for an extra fun way to sightsee, this private Vespa sidecar tour is right up your alley. It starts in Piazza della Repubblica, where you’ll get ready for your journey ahead.
You’ll be given a headset before you go so you can hear everything your guide has to tell you about the historic landmarks and wonderful locations you’re about to see. Catch a glimpse of everything from Santa Maria Maggiore to the ancient Circus Maximus and some bustling piazzas, including Piazza Navona.
Fat Tire Tours – Rome Bike Tour
For this next one, prepare to take on a classic bike tour, with good company and even better views of the sights of the city. Your live guide will accompany you for three hours as you cycle past the best locales, stopping for photos along the way. You’ll see the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and the impressive Victor Emmanuel II monument, just to name a few.
LivTours – Bike Tour of Rome
Take a trip down the ancient road, Via Appia. On this private e-bike tour, you can catch a breath of fresh air and cycle through the countryside while passing ancient ruins and glorious churches.
You’ll start near the Circus Maximus and head past the Baths of Caracalla and the ancient Porta San Sebastiano (previously called the Porta Appia). From there, continue to see the Chiesa del Domine Quo Vadis, the Villa di Massenzio, and the ancient Temple of Romulus.
Fat Tire Tours – Rome Day Segway Tour
If you don’t feel like trekking through the streets, you can try the next best thing – a segway. This tour is fantastic for seeing a little bit of everything, bouncing from site to site without tiring yourself out along the way.
Bask in the glory of attractions like the Imperial Fora, the Trajan’s Forum, Capitoline Hill, Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta, and the Arch of Constantine. To top it off, your guide provides insightful commentary and a special Virtual Reality Experience.
Walks of Italy – Rome Catacombs Tour
It’s time to take a walk toward the more macabre and mysterious and visit the catacombs of Rome. It’s a perfect choice for those who want to learn why the catacombs were created and more about the tumultuous beginnings of Christianity in Rome.
You’ll start by gaining entry into the bone crypt in Santa Maria dell’Orazione e Morte, with skull carvings and motifs adorning the entryway and bone altars inside. From there, you’ll travel along one of Rome’s oldest and most important roads, the Via Appia, on your way to the catacombs.
Food Tours
Devour Tours – Testaccio Food and Market Tour
If you want to embrace food the Italian way, you won’t want to miss this. Traverse through Testaccio Market, one of the largest markets in the city, and enjoy an assortment of mouthwatering nibbles.
Your guide will take you through 14 tastings at eight local restaurants and market vendors. It all starts with a classic Italian breakfast – coffee and pastries. After that, you can go shopping for your own fresh produce and indulge in a hearty pasta for lunch. Then, you’ll end off with a tour of an Italian wine cellar and gelato for dessert.
Eating Europe – Twilight Trastevere
If you find yourself in the charming Trastevere neighborhood in the evening, you can grab an unforgettable lunch or dinner with Eating Europe. Usually, getting into the more popular restaurants can be challenging, so you’d have to book in advance, but this tour does all the hard work.
It includes visits to local restaurants that may be under the radar, like Da Enzo al 29 or Spirito di Vino. Indulge in anything from a succulent porchetta roast to a plate of carbonara. Your guide will then take you to the top spots for tasting local wines and gelato and share more insight about Roman Italian cuisine.
LivTours – Private Rome Food Tour
Take a turn to a more gourmet culinary experience with this private tour through the Jewish Quarter (and make sure you arrive with an empty stomach). Your professional guide will take you on a journey through the ages, diving into the history of Italian food and how it’s changed over the centuries.
You can go for lunch or dinner, but regardless, you’ll be served a complete meal, with anything from pasta to focaccia, crispy fried artichoke hearts, and wine to wash it down. Of course, no food tour in Rome would be complete without some gelato for dessert.
LISTEN: To our podcast on How to eat like a Roman.
Walking Tours
LivTours – Morning Tour of Rome
Walking tours are a phenomenal way to explore Rome, allowing you to take your time and admire every nook and cranny, but as you’d expect, the morning is the best time to do it. You’ll avoid the major crowds and get to see the city’s top sights with this semi-private experience.
It starts with a toasty cappuccino and cornetto pastry for breakfast, just to get you warmed up before your walk. You’ll traverse the quintessential locales, starting with the Spanish Steps and heading toward the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. You’ll also see some of the most beautiful fountains in Rome, including the Trevi Fountain and Bernini’s Four Rivers Fountain.
VoiceMap – Trastevere Walking Tour
Live guides aren’t for everyone, so if you enjoy exploring Rome at your own pace, opting for a voice tour like this is a fantastic call. Plus, all you need is a good pair of headphones and some comfy shoes, so pretty much anyone can enjoy it.
This one, in particular, is incredibly detailed and takes you through the vibrant neighborhood of Trastevere, from Piazza Trilussa to Piazza in Piscinula and other sights along the way. The guide includes inviting descriptions, photos of each attraction, and an easy-to-follow map. The author makes sure to pack in as much information as possible so you won’t miss a thing.
LivTours – Private Sunset Walking Tour of Rome
What’s more breathtaking than the sunset casting its glow across the cobbled streets of Rome? Not much, really, and this private walking tour takes place at the perfect time to catch it in all its glory. You’ll catch a glimpse of the locals on their evening walks, or as they call it, la passeggiata.
Your stroll takes you through the historic center, where you’ll pay a visit to a few notable places, including Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, and the Temple of Hadrian. All this is done while listening to your guide’s insights on the history of each location. Then, to conclude your walk, you’ll stop off at a local gelateria (ice cream shop).
Tours for Families
LivTours – Colosseum for Kids
Families aren’t exempt from having a good time sightseeing in Rome. You may think it’s difficult traveling with kids, but it doesn’t have to be. This tour is specifically tailored to parents with young ones and will keep both parties enthralled the entire time.
Not only will your guide show the highlights of the Colosseum, including the floor of the arena, but they’ll also entertain the kids with special activity booklets so parents can enjoy visiting the attraction without a fuss.
LivTours – Private Rome Golf Cart Tour
If you and your family want to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time, then a private golf cart tour like this is a superb option. Not only will you see famous locations, like the Colosseum and the Vatican, but you’ll also pass by some of Rome’s best hidden gems. Ever heard of the Aventine Hill Keyhole or the Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verità)? Well, your guide will show you all of that and more.
LivTours – Early Morning Vatican Family Tour
Visiting bustling attractions can be tricky when you have kids around, but this tour will help both you and the little ones enjoy the outing before it becomes too crowded. Your guide will keep the children busy with interactive activities and questions and even give them a chance to win some prizes at the end.
Meanwhile, you’ll admire the intricate frescoes and waltz through the most stunning spots in the Vatican. Admire the Raphael Rooms, the Sistine Chapel, Bernini’s bronze Baldacchino altar, and countless other masterpieces.
Rome in a Day Tours
Walks of Italy – Rome in a Day Tour
Rome in a day tours are just what you need to see the main attractions that everybody is talking about, all in a single day. This one by Walks of Italy is pretty much a full-day tour of seven and a half hours, but in that time, you’ll see the likes of the Pantheon, St. Peter’s Basilica, and so much more.
One thing to remember, though, is that lunch isn’t included, so make sure you’ve eaten breakfast and bring some snacks along. That said, your guide will give you some recommendations on where to grab a bite.
LivTours – VIP Rome in a Day Tour
Finishing off the list, we’ve got the ultimate private VIP experience to explore Rome on this full-day tour of just over nine hours. It starts with your personal chauffeur, who’ll pick you up right from your hotel and drive you to each location.
You’ll gain that all-important early-morning access to the Vatican and see all its highlights before heading to the Basilica and exploring St. Peter’s Square. From there, you’ll sightsee different piazzas, fountains, and monuments on your way to the Colosseum, where you get priority access. And if that wasn’t enough, your journey ends with a viewing of the Forums and the monumental Arch of Titus.
Best Rome Tours – Wrapped Up
At the end of the day, guided tours like these are a fantastic way to experience Rome’s most iconic landmarks, no matter if you’re traveling alone or with the whole family. Whether you aim to admire Roman churches and ancient ruins or get the most out of the city’s food scene, these experiences have you covered.
So, with all of that said, it’s about time you start planning your next journey to the Eternal City. And once you’ve had your fill of Rome, why not check out our more tours of Italy so you can explore even more of the Bel Paese?
Our team of writers and creatives at Untold Italy are experts in keeping you informed and inspired about travel in Italy. Our team collaboration involves writers, photographers and editorial staff dedicated to sharing accurate Italy travel information.
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