guided bus tour of rome

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Hop On Hop Off Rome - Bus Tours

Rome sightseeing bus tours, ( ) experiences found.

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Experience Rome in Hop On Hop Off Rome Bus Tours

Located on the Tiber River, the city has about 3000 years of history under its belt. With that amount of history, you’re going to need a reliable way to get around the city during your Rome sightseeing tour! And the best thing is that you get dropped off right in front of some of the best attractions while enjoying free walking tours with (the audio guide and commentary) during your vacation. Make your evening with your loved ones special and something extra with the boat ride combo. For flexible sightseeing, you can choose from a variety of ticket options. Save a lot of your money with the Hop-On and Hop-Off Rome bus tour with skip-the-line tickets for both the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum. It’s what to do in the city!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: what is the best time to book a hop-on hop-off rome bus tour.

Rome is crowded all year round. Summer months are incredibly crowded meaning lengthy queues and a lot of humidity. We recommend booking a Rome bus tour just outside of the summer months to explore the ‘Eternal City’ in a laid-back manner.

Q: Where do I exchange my Rome Bus tour voucher or paper ticket?

You can start your Rome tour at any of the designated bus stops. Look for your nearest stop to your hotel, and make sure to check out the route. There may be more than one route on offer, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead of arrival as there may be specific attractions you want to see.

Q: How do I find the list of Rome hop-on hop-off tour routes and stops?

Rome hop-on hop-off bus tours come with a range of options to choose from. You can check the details of relevant stops and route maps in the Product Descriptions and Useful Downloads section before booking with us.

Q: What is the validity of the ticket?

Depending on your travel plans, you can choose from 24 hours, 48 hours, or 72 hours.

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Rome Bus Tours - Hop-on Hop-off tour options and more!

By Elyssa Bernard

July 1, 2024

If you're visiting for the first time, taking one of the Rome bus tours around the city can be a great way to get a lay of the land and spot some famous landmarks right off the bat.

Is this the best way to spend a day in Rome ? Your first day in Rome?

Learn about the ins and outs, the pluses and minuses of taking a Rome bus tour, and whether it's right for you.

Rome bus tours - Everything you need to know

Most of the bus tours in Rome are hop-on-hop-off tours.

On this page we'll cover:

• Overview of the hop-on-hop-off tours in Rome

What route do the bus tours follow?

• What will you see on a Rome bus tour?
• What to expect on a Rome bus tour and how to decide if you should take one
• How much do the hop-on-hop-off bus tours cost?
• How and where to buy tickets for the hop-on-hop-off Rome bus
• Tips for making the most of your bus tour in Rome

Are the bus tours in Rome accessible?

Other types of rome bus tours you can take, overview of hop on hop off bus tours in rome.

Taking a hop-on hop-off bus tour can be the perfect way to get an overview of the city, especially those that offer an open air bus tour Rome option.

You can get on and off the bus as often as you like, so you can explore the sights that interest you most at your own pace. All the operators offer bus tours of Rome in English as well as other languages.

This is the most common type of bus tour in Rome and there are many companies offering this tour with pretty much the same itinerary.

So let's talk first about the itinerary of these tours and what you can see from the bus, and what you can see by getting off the bus.

The most common route for Rome Italy hop on hop off bus tours is:

• Start of route - Termini station
• Stop 2: Santa Maria Maggiore
• Stop 3: Colosseum
• Stop 4: Circus Maximus
• Stop 5: Piazza Venezia
• Stop 6: Vatican
• Stop 7: Piazza di Spagna/ Spanish Steps
• Stop 8: Piazza Barberini/Via Veneto

This route takes you to or near most of the major tourist attractions in Rome.

What tourist attractions can you see on a Rome bus tour?

The buses cannot go near some of Rome's must-see sites but they do have stops nearby.

So on the route above, besides the obvious sites listed there, you can also see:

Santa Maria Maggiore stop

Of course, you can (and should!) visit the stunning basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore . If you have time, you could also visit a hidden jewel of a church just around the corner from Santa Maria Maggiore, the basilica of Santa Prassede.

You may also wish to explore the charming Monti neighborhood .

Colosseum and Roman Forum stop

If you actually visit the Colosseum , your ticket includes the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill as well.

You may want to do this as part of your hop-on-hop-off ticket (you can purchase them as a combo), or you can just use the bus tour to get a quick view and then come back later for a complete walking tour of Ancient Rome.

Other sites in the area include the basilica of San Clemente, the Roman Houses at Celio, and the basilica of Saint Peter in Chains where you can see Michelangelo's sculpture of Moses.

Piazza Venezia Stop

Via dei Fori Imperiali, Via del Corso (shopping), Mamertine Prison, Capitoline Museums, and Capitoline Hill

Vatican City

If you stay on the double decker bus, you will glimpse Saint Peter's Basilica . But of course, there is so much to see in Vatican City .

If you decide to get off the bus at the Vatican stop, you can visit Castel Sant'Angelo , the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel , Saint Peter's Square , Saint Peter's Basilica , and Saint Peter's Dome . The bus ticket does not include entrance tickets to any locations, so you will need to purchase these separately, such as those for the Vatican Museums .

Piazza di Spagna/Spanish steps

The Spanish Steps are a must-see tourist attraction by themselves but there is also a lot to see nearby.

Besides being the main shopping area of Rome, you can also visit Piazza del Popolo, Trevi Fountain , the Pantheon , and Piazza Navona .

Piazza Barberini/Via Veneto

From the bus, you can spot Bernini's Triton fountain but if you get off the bus you can easily also visit the famous Capuchin Crypt, the Trevi Fountain , and the Palazzo Barberini museum.

What to expect on a Rome hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour

Most of these buses are open on top but also have a closed lower level.

The tour typically includes an audio guide in a variety of languages.

Some of the companies will also have live guides on the bus who give commentary in multiple languages.

Many of the companies say they offer free wi-fi onboard, but I would not always count on this.

You can board the bus from any of the stops and get on and off as much as you want in the time frame of the ticket you buy. (Often there are options for 24, 48, or 72 hours.)

If you stay on the bus, the entire loop takes around 1 ½ hours.

The ticket will also include a map of the city.

You can generally find discounts online if you book in advance .

Downsides of taking a hop-on-hop-off tour bus in Rome:

Is there a downside? Here are a few issues to be aware of:

• Although they say the buses come every 30 minutes, it may not always be the case and you could find yourself waiting a while for your bus. You may not be able to get on another company's bus and will have to wait for your own company's bus to come.
• The buses can get very crowded, especially in the summer. You may even find that there is no room available and you'll have to wait for the next bus to arrive.
• You may find it difficult to hear the audio guide if you are sitting on top of the bus.
• Some online comments have mentioned that it can be difficult to find the bus stop although I usually see them pretty well when I am walking around Rome.
• The bus routes do not cover all of the city, so for sights like the Appian Way (including the catacombs ), Galleria Borghese , and others further outside of the center, you will need to find an alternative route.

Should you take a Rome bus tour?

Given the above pluses and minuses, you may be wondering if the hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus is worth it.

One important thing to note is that it's not the same as using the public transport system .

The Rome bus and metro system is considerably cheaper and much more flexible in terms of schedules and routes.

So I would not consider taking the hop-on-hop-off bus as a means to just "get around Rome."

It is meant specifically to be a sightseeing tour with strategic stops that allows the visitor to get between some of the main sites in Rome .

The hop-on-hop-off bus in Rome is for you if...

I recommend a Rome hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour if it's your first time in Rome, whether you have 1 day or a week .

What I would suggest is to stay on the bus for the entire loop so you really get a lay of the land.

This is also a great option if you are jet-lagged, because you don't have to tire yourself out with a walking tour and you can absorb as much as your body and sleepy brain will allow.

Then, the second time around (or the next day), you can get off at any of the stops that interest you and explore more.

Or, if you're done with the bus tour , you can then decide to explore more on your own on foot or take some walking tours.

And, if you have limited time in Rome , this can be a great option to ensure you at least get a glimpse of all of the major sights .

The hop-on-hop-off bus in Rome tour may not be for you if...

If you love walking and want to make your own way, Rome is fairly compact and easy to walk around.

While Rome is actually hillier than you might think (7 hills of Rome!), it's still pretty easy to cover a lot of ground on foot. (Don't forget to wear super comfortable shoes!)

You may also not want to deal with the crowds on the bus or having to wait for the bus to come at the different stops.

Finally, as I mentioned above, if what you're looking for is the best Rome public transportation option , then this is not the bus for you.

Disclosure : If you make a purchase through a link on this page, I may receive a small commission - at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my site!

How much do the Rome hop-on hop-off tours cost?

Most of the Rome hop-on-hop-off bus tour companies offer various ticket options depending on the number of days you want to use the pass, the age of the passenger (adult vs. child), and any add-ons or bundles you may wish to include.

Typically a 1-day adult ticket costs around 27-30€

Typically children aged 5-15 pay around 13-15 Euros.

I say "usually" and "around" because there are often discounts when you book tickets together, and when you book online in advance.

In most cases, you can purchase 1, 2, and 3-day passes. You can also get family passes.

Often you can add on a tour and/or ticket. See below for more details about bundles.

The best way to book a Rome sightseeing tour

Can you buy your hop-on-hop-off sightseeing tour tickets on the bus.

Most bus companies do offer the option to purchase your ticket directly on board or at a kiosk near the stop.

However, keep in mind that during high season the Rome hop-on hop-off tours sell out quickly and you may find there is no room to board.

Can you pay with credit card? Even American Express?

For answers to these and other money-related issues, visit my comprehensive guide about Money in Rome.

Booking your hop-on-hop-off tickets online

If you can plan ahead, the best way to purchase your hop-on-hop-off tickets is by booking online in advance .

First of all, you'll often get a discount this way.

Second of all, as I mentioned above, sometimes in high season, you may find there is no room on board if you just show up.

Disclosure: If you make a purchase through a link on this page, I may receive a small commission - at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my site!

Gadgets to bring

I know I don't need to tell you to bring your smartphone and/or camera, but don't forget to also bring a spare battery for your camera, and a charger for your phone.

If you have an e-reader or tablet, consider bringing that as well so you can look up things about the sights you are seeing as you go along.

A water bottle is also a good idea , especially in the summer .

You can always refill it at one of the bus stops, from one of Rome's many drinking fountains - the ideal way to stay cool and hydrated!

Keep your valuables close to you - pickpockets do target tourists on these buses.

Better yet, travel with a pick-pocket-proof backpack.

Visit my page here about staying safe in Rome for more tips.

Book in advance to avoid disappointment.

If you decide to combine the bus tour with some city sightseeing on your own, i.e. you plan to actually get off and on the bus, make sure to have plenty of patience and no major time constraints , as the buses don't always run on schedule.

Yes, but with a caveat.

All the major companies who run the Rome hop-on hop off bus tours state on their websites that 'most' of their buses are accessible .

Most of the buses I see around the city are modern vehicles with wheelchair and step-free access available, but some do appear older.

I would recommend contacting your preferred bus company in advance to check they can accommodate your needs.

If you're looking for a walking tour of Rome, you'll find those on many other pages on this site.

And while this page is mostly about taking the hop-on-hop-off bus in Rome, there are a few other types of bus tours you may find useful/interesting, including trips further afield, like bus tours from Rome to Pompeii :

• Catacombs & Crypts Tour with Roman Aqueducts half-day small-group bus tour
• Civitavecchia Port: Shuttle Bus to and from Vatican City
• Panoramic Bus Tour of Rome from Civitavecchia Port
• Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius Volcano Full-Day Trip
• Day Tour of Villa D'Este & Hadrian's Villa Tivoli
• Pompeii, Amalfi Coast and Positano Day Trip
• Florence and Pisa Full-Day Tour

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Please come over to the private Romewise Facebook group and join in the conversation.

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Top attractions and tours

• Colosseum - Don't miss visiting Rome's most iconic monument
• Vatican Museums - This is where the Sistine Chapel is
• Pantheon - Book ahead and skip the line
• Galleria Borghese - You'll need to book ahead for one of Rome's best museums
• Castel Sant'Angelo - See Rome's history through its architecture
• Rome City Pass - A great way to make your Rome visits easier

Disclosure : If you make a purchase through a link on this page, I may receive a small commission - at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my site!

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Catacombs of San Callisto and Basilica of San Giovanni

• Guided tour and entrance ticket to the Catacombs of San Callisto
• Multilingual audio guide and entrance ticket to the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, the Cloister, the Scala Santa and the Sancta Sanctorum

Available languages: spanish, english, french, german, italian

Tour by night of the Colosseum and the underground

• Guided tour of the Colosseum and its underground passages
• Priority entrance to the Colosseum
• Headphones (if necessary)

Romantic tour by night on foot in the historic center of Rome

Tour on foot by night in the historic center

• Professional guide expert in art history
• Walking tour

Available languages: english, german

Street food tour by foot

Street food tour

• Guided tour of Campo de Fiori, the Jewish ghetto and Largo di Torre Argentina
• Tasting of typical Roman specialties
• Wine and beer tastings in some downtown venues
• Gluten and vegetarian options are available upon notice (although the tour is not suitable for people with celiac disease or people with severe allergies)

Available languages: inglese

Hop on hop off

Tour of rome in hop on hop off panoramic bus.

Tour of Rome in panoramic bus

• Ticket for tourist bus (depending on the option chosen)
• Set of headphones with multilingual commentary on the Panoramic tour

Audio-guide languages: spanish, chinese, dutch, english, french, german, hindi, italian, japanese, arabic, portuguese, russian

Alternative tours

Bike tour on the appia antica.

A pleasant bike ride along the ancient Via Appia of the Roman Republic. Along the way you can admire the remains of the archaeological sites of the Circus of Maxentius and Capo di Bove, as well as the tomb of the mausoleum of Cecilia Metella.

Tour in bici sull'Appia Antica

• High quality city bikes and safety helmet
• Tourist guide
• Free bike seat for children under 4 years old

Audio-guide languages: english, french, german, spanish, dutch

Bike tour from the Appia Antica to the aqueducts and catacombs of San Callisto

Bike tour from the Appia Antica to the catacombs of San Callisto

• Helmet (mandatory)
• Local guide
• Guided tour to the Catacombs of San Callisto (or San Sebastiano)
• Light lunch (departure in the morning) or aperitif (departure in the afternoon in English)

Audio-guide languages: english, dutch, german, french, spanish

Discover Rome

Discover interesting sites

archaeological sites museums

Events and exhibitions

Events you don't want to miss

Book your tickets and visits

Guided tour

Book your guided tour

Tourist transfer service

Car rental with driver

Guided Rome tours: bus, by foot and hop on hop off: recensioni e commenti

Hai visitato questo monumento? Cosa rappresenta per te? Quali consigli daresti ad un turista?

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Guided bus tours, Rome, Italy

The Line A open top sightseeing bus tour of Rome lasts 100 minutes. You have the opportunity to see all the main points of interest, including the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and the Vatican, and as the tours operate on a 'hop-on, hop-off' basis you may leave and subsequently rejoin the buses whenever and as often you like at the 8 stops on the route, giving you a chance to tick all your must-see boxes in this incredible city!

There is an accompanying audio tour available in 8 different languages (Italian, English, French, Spanish, German, Russian, Japanese and Chinese). If you decide to hop off you can download the ROME WALKING TOUR onboard, and listen to it when you want without the necessity of an Internet connection.

You can download a detailed route-map (PDF) here .

Policy on the admission of pets:

Small/medium domestic animals will be permitted on the bus only on the understanding that they are inoffensive and do not pose a risk to the bus or passengers' security. If the driver at any point decides that the animal poses a risk to passengers or the bus, they can insist that the animal is denied access to, or is removed from the bus, at any point and at their incontestable discretion and with NO right of refund.

The animal must be kept on a leash and muzzle at all times. Animals that cannot for whatever reason use a muzzle must be kept in a pet carrier. The pet carrier must be in good condition, clean, must not contain food, and must not pose a risk to other people on the bus.

Please note that the total price displayed above includes our service charge of Euro 3.50.

General information on the 'hop-on, hop-off' bus tours of Italian cities.

4.3 stars out of 5 from 23 ratings. See all 14 reviews

Illuminated Rome Panoramic Guided Tour

Starting time -

Duration 2 hours

Multi-language Audio-guides

Tour highlights

Multilingual Audio-guides:

Meeting point:

8.00pm in Via Giovanni Amendola, 32 Termini Station (Metro A e B stop Termini)

Tour description

Discover some of the main monuments of the Eternal City with its lights, where the romantic atmosphere reigns in illuminated Rome .

After a short ride by our bus, crossing Republic Square and driving along the ancient Aurelian wall , you will reach the first place where you can get off, to enjoy a nice walk through the streets of the city center in order to reach the most famous fountain of Rome, the Trevi Fountain . Actually being the facade of a building ( Poli Palace ) it’s considered a perfect fusion of architecture and sculpture. Here you can keep up the tradition of throwing coins into the fountain.

Coming back to the bus, we continue driving through the city admiring some of the most famous monuments of Rome, such as the Colosseum , the Circus Maximus , the Justice Palace , the Synagogue , having even a chance to take a beautiful picture of the illuminated St. Peter’s Basilica , to reach finally the second and last stop of this tour, along the river Tiber, from where you can reach in a few minutes one of the squares symbol of Rome, Piazza Navona . Here you can admire the beautiful Fountain of the Four Rivers by Bernini, the facade of the St. Agnese in Agone Church by Borromini, and the Moro fountain and Neptune fountain adorning the square.

The tour ends in Piazza Navona.

What's included in the price?

Things to know.

Departures are guaranteed with a minimum group of 6 participants .

Days of the week : Tuesday – Thursday – Saturday – Sunday (evening).

This tour will not take place on 24 and 31 december . 

Duration : About 2 hours

Bulky luggage is not allowed.

Cancellation policy

Buzz Buggy Tour of Rome - You Drive, We Lead!

Discover rome on our buzz-buggy tour, 4 hours of guided fun, join our convoy tours and visit all of rome’s must-sees driving buzz buggy, our mini electric wonder that takes two zip along hidden alleyways, visit characteristic neighborhoods like trastevere, cover the iconic piazzas and soak in 2.000 years of history at the colosseum..

Licensed English-speaking Guide

(other languages on request)

Radio commentary

Stops at each Site for photos and a walk-about

Buzz buggy tour (price per person).

• 1 Buggy carries two people
• included: licensed guide and buzz buggy rental

BUZZ BUGGY TOUR (price if riding solo)

• 1 Buggy for yourself

Useful info:

Everyday at 10:00 & 14:30 group of 4+ may choose time

English (other languages on request)

MEETING POINT

Vicolo D’ Orfeo 8, 00193 Rome

# OF PARTICIPANTS

REQUIREMENTS

• Driving licence (Please see FAQs)
• Credit Card

180Kg (400Lb) per Buzz

Bookings will be fully refunded if canceled up to 48 hours before tour date and time.

Book Buggy Tour:

Buggy tour itinerary.

N.B. This tour does not forsee entering any site except for St. Mary’s in Trastevere and the Pantheon, both at the guide’s discretion.

1. St. Angel Castle

5. The Roman Forum

9. Circus Maximus

13. The Pantheon

2. St. Mary in Trastevere

6. Capitoline Hill

10. Piazza del Popolo

14. St. Peter’s Square

3. The Magic Keyhole

7. Colosseum

11. The Trevi Fountain

4. The Orange Garden

8. Spanish Steps

12. Piazza Navona

12. The Pantheon

13. Piazza Navona

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My 7 Favorite Walking Tours In Rome And Why They’re Great For Solo Travelers

A nyone who has read Eat Pray Love will understand the mystique of Rome. There’s the appeal of the food, the history, the “dolce vita” lifestyle, and of course, the beauty of the people and the country. Like the author of the book, I ventured to Italy on my own but to a yoga retreat instead of an Italian language immersion. Not far from Rome in the tiny medieval town of Pitigliano, I enjoyed the camaraderie of a small group of like-minded “friends,” all eager to explore Tuscany’s small towns and venture to the thermal waters of Terme di Montecatini to slather in mud as part of the wellness experience.

This wonderful week left me refreshed and ready to travel sans a group. Spending a few days in Rome before I flew home was what I had my heart set on. I booked a room at the beautiful and centrally located Hotel Locarno and set out on my adventure. To make the most of my time and profit from the knowledge of local experts, I signed up for a range of walking tours that provided a safe, educational, and welcoming experience for solo travelers like me.

Here are my seven favorite walking tours that I took in Rome:

Walks Of Italy

1. welcome to rome twilight city & gelato tasting .

I’m a strong believer in getting the lay of the land before setting off on your own. You’ll see the “footprint” of a place, glean knowledge about its history, and profit from the experience of locals who can share their insights and answer questions. Then, you’re free to efficiently explore in more depth those places that have piqued your curiosity. This type of tour also builds confidence, especially if you’re not used to traveling by yourself. You’ll visit well-known sites like Piazza del Popolo, Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps, the Roman Forum, and the Colosseum — all giving you good reason to return for a deeper dive on your own, at your own speed.

The tour that I took with Walks of Italy was my first introduction to Rome as a solo traveler. I picked the “Welcome to Rome: Twilight City Stroll & Gelato Tasting,” as the 6:30 p.m. start best fit with my hotel check-in time and I knew that the tour would show me some good eats as well as great sites.

There’s a magic to experiencing an ancient city like Rome in the dusk hours when there are fewer cars and fewer people in the streets. You can almost imagine what it was like during Nero’s days or during the building of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. When darkness falls and lights come on, and fountains and buildings are illuminated with a romantic glow, you can truly bond with the city. The Trevi Fountain was enchanting at this hour, as was the Pantheon, while breaks for pizza and ice cream added to the almost spiritual feeling.

2. Pristine Sistine

No trip to Rome is complete without a visit to the Vatican, an independent state within the city. But as everyone knows, the crowds there can be overwhelming. Lines queue up for hours to enter the Vatican Museum and view sacred rooms and Leonardo da Vinci’s Sistine Chapel. If you arrive pretty much any time during the day, no matter what the weather, you’ll find that you need a huge dose of patience.

My suggestion to avoid this is to take a very-early private tour to unlock the doors. The number of entrants is limited and you’ll find you have the Sistine Chapel largely to yourself, as remarkable as that sounds. 

Led by Walks of Italy , I met my guide at an entrance marked ingresso gruppi at 7:15 a.m. for a “Pristine Sistine” small group tour. I was able to experience the Vatican in near silence before most people were even awake. A stiff espresso or two will motivate you to rise at the early hour required for this tour. But, even I, a committed night owl, found that the reward was worth it. I appreciated the one-on-one attention, the unhurried explanations of what was inside, and the quiet while in the chapel. After climbing the 551 stairs to the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, I happily walked past the long lines that had formed during my time indoors. 

Pro Tip: There is an elevator to the rooftop of St. Peter’s Basilica that will save you 330 steps. However, you will still need to climb the rest to the top. To avoid crowds here as well, plan a separate visit and arrive at the dome before 8 a.m. 

3. VIP Colosseum Underground Tour 

The Colosseum is a must-visit when in Rome. And now that the lower level is open for tourists, there’s even more of a demand to spend time at this well-preserved Roman amphitheater.

Again, I chose a small group, early-hour tour where I had personalized attention and no crowding. All of my questions — I had many as a travel writer — were answered without hesitation. With Walks of Italy’s skip-the-lines “VIP Colosseum Underground Tour,” I was able to roam freely, photograph without pushing people out of my way, and quietly absorb the incredible feat of construction that is the Colosseum. Starting at 8 a.m., the tour met outside the Colosseum and then continued to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. If you’re on a tight schedule, there’s a solo Colosseum-focused tour that will get you in and out with time to make an afternoon or evening flight.

Eating Europe

4. twilight trastevere timeless traditions.

Everyone knows that Italian cuisine is fabulous. But do you really understand the nuances of its preparation? Or the history behind some of the dishes? And have you met the people who put their heart and soul into the cooking? To truly appreciate this, I scheduled a “Twilight Trastevere Timeless Traditions” walking tour with Eating Europe . 

Trastevere, a medieval neighborhood across the Tiber River, has a history as a Jewish enclave and offers a blend of tradition and experimentation. This tour offered peeks into local bar favorites, street foods, and a variety of stops for snacks and bigger bites. We stuffed ourselves with prosciutto and melon, biscotti dipped in chocolate, porchetta, and suppli (traditional rice croquettes filled with mozzarella) before indulging in a pasta amatriciana and cacio e pepe dinner at a cozy trattoria. Beverages included wine (of course) at an extensive tasting in a cellar, birra, and limoncello, with a gelato stop to end. I was thankful that we were walking!

After this delicious introduction to Trastevere, I took the advice of my guide and confidently returned the next day to explore further on my own. In the Jewish Ghetto (also known as the Ghetto of Rome), I delved into the area’s culinary heritage, feasting on carciofi alla giudia at the small trattoria Nonna Betta , recommended by Anthony Bourdain in No Reservations . I also toured the Great Synagogue and wandered through the Sant’Angelo (rione of Rome) where I discovered intriguing shops selling religious and secular knickknacks. 

Archeological Tours

5. domus aurea .

I was so enamored with the magnitude of history surrounding me that I signed up for (and highly recommend) two in-progress excavations. The Domus Aurea exploration required me to wear a hard hat and took me to an active archeological dig at the site where a huge domed residence once stood across from the Colosseum. Called the “Golden House,” Domus Aurea was built by Nero to revitalize Rome after the fire of 64 A.D. 

Pro Tip: Advance reservations (including the Raphael art exhibit) are essential as the tours are only available on weekends.

6. Le Domus Romane Di Palazzo Valentini 

The fascinating story of Le Domus Romane di Palazzo Valentini came to light because of Rome’s strict regulations regarding excavation and preservation. Whenever construction is contemplated, careful consideration of the location’s potential historical significance must be taken. And, indeed, that was the case here. While cleaning up an area designated for present-day use, the remains of ancient homes were discovered beneath Palazzo Valentini; a self-guided tour is now offered. Opposite Trajan’s Column, this underground site sheds light on the lives of several generations of inhabitants dating from the days of Emperor Hadrian.

Pro Tip: If you’re claustrophobic, the archeological tours may not be for you. Both involve being underground amid crumbling ruins and semi-darkness. Also, Domus Aurea is a bit tricky to find, so allow extra time if you go.

7. Borghese Gallery 

A look at some of the works from the country’s famous artists and sculptors is di rigore when visiting Rome. I opted for a self-guided tour of the famous Borghese Gallery where I had the opportunity to admire Bernini and Canova sculptures as well as paintings by Caravaggio and Raphael. As I was short on time and this was my last night in Rome, I reserved an evening entrance when the crowds were less intense, with a chance to also stroll through the villa gardens. Guided tours are available for those who prefer a more structured visit.

When you choose to travel solo, it helps to be somewhere where it’s considered “normal.” In Rome, I felt comfortable; comfortable enough that I could ask directions, dine by myself, and join small group tours without feeling lost in the crowd. It didn’t hurt that the shopping, dining, and overall magic of this historic city was enticing around every turn, nor that my efforts to speak Italian were appreciated.

Related Reading:

• 5 Tips For Visiting Rome’s Iconic Trevi Fountain
• Why This Unique Tour In Rome Was My Favorite Way To Explore The City
• 7 Best Places To Indulge In Dolce Far Niente While Visiting Rome

This article originally appeared on TravelAwaits

My family went to Rome during the peak summer season. Our trip would've been better if we'd known these 5 things before we left.

• My family visited Rome during the peak summer season, and it was hot and crowded.
• I wish I'd bought travel insurance for my whole family and hadn't relied on the hop-on, hop-off bus.
• We should've explored more in the morning and at night to avoid the sweltering midday heat. 

When I planned a trip to Rome for my family in late July last year, I knew it was dubious timing, and I could expect the destination to be hot and crowded.

Summer is high season in Rome, and the city saw an estimated 35 million tourists that year — a huge increase from 2022. Plus, those numbers are only predicted to go up in 2024.

But, I reasoned, what choice did I have traveling with school-age kids bound by vacation schedules? We went anyway, and our trip wasn't flawless — but I definitely learned a lot.

Here's my first and best tip, unfiltered: If you can, avoid Rome in the high season when landmarks are packed shoulder to shoulder, rates are expensive, and it's extremely hot.

If you go anyway like I did, preparation is key to a successful, comfortable trip that's memorable for the right reasons.

Here are my five top takeaways to help you enjoy your stay.

Just get the travel insurance

Our trip got off to a rough start when my son got sick and couldn't travel as scheduled. Unfortunately, I only had a travel insurance policy for myself, not my whole family.

That meant my daughter and I traveled to Rome without my husband and son, and we spent hours working the phones to get them rebooked for the following day when my son was well enough to fly.

In the high season, this medically necessary reshuffling cost us a small fortune, sending us way over budget right off the bat and setting a stressful tone to the trip.

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When I returned home, I bought a travel insurance policy that covered all four named members of our family for an annual term, and I'll never travel without one again.

Sit out the midday heat indoors

Rome is beyond hot in the high season, with regular highs in the 80s and 90s Fahrenheit. (Fortunately, we missed the historic heat wave the previous week that actually forced the closure of certain European landmarks for safety.)

Try to stay indoors during the excruciating midday heat — ideally in a place with air conditioning. The best option is to plan to explore as much as possible in the cooler early mornings and evenings.

Fortunately, many top attractions are open at night, including the Colosseum , which has lighting installed to make it glow. Unfortunately, we positively baked in the sun during our daytime tour.

One thing we did right was visit Rome's catacombs at midday. I'd read it's a great thing to do during the heat because it's always cooler underground, and it was indeed a wonderful reprieve from the heat.

Spring for the pre-opening tour at the Vatican to avoid crowds

To that end, if the Vatican is on your list of must-visit landmarks in Rome , I'd strongly advise you to pay extra and book a pre-opening tour. These allow you to visit before the crowds come after the official opening time.

You can avoid the midday heat, and you may have a more spiritual experience if you're not being jostled by crowds of people wielding selfie sticks.

Book everything well in advance

Don't wing your trip during Rome's high season.

Plan to book all your tours well in advance of your travel dates — months ahead, if possible — otherwise, you'll probably find them all sold out when you try to find last-minute bookings.

If it helps, you can filter for tours with generous cancellation policies when you search on platforms such as Viator .

Manage your expectations for the hop-on, hop-off bus system

After a wonderful solo experience riding the hop-on, hop-off bus in the springtime in London, I had high hopes that this mode of transportation would be a great option for our family in Rome.

Unfortunately, our bus moved achingly slow — so much so that we were a half hour late for our Colosseum tour (which we would've had to forfeit had it not been semiprivate with a forgiving guide).

Plus, the air conditioning felt tragically ineffective as we sat in traffic for hours. It was hardly the scenic delight I'd hoped for, and I know not to depend on it for the next trip.

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