10 Best Tours In Rome

Written by Joeri Van Overloop

Rome is a city that bursts with history, culture, and charm. From the stunning Colosseum to the Vatican City, every street corner holds secrets from ancient times. With so much to see and explore in the Eternal City of Rome, it can be overwhelming to plan your itinerary. That's where tours come in handy.

Choosing the right Rome tour and see the best can make all the difference in your experience of this beautiful city. Whether you're interested in art, architecture or food, there are numerous tours available that cater to different interests and preferences. In this article, we will take you through some of the best tours in Rome so you can make an informed choice and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.

1. Early Access Vatican Museums Small-Group Tour with St. Peter’s and Sistine Chapel

If you want to avoid the crowds and experience the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Sistine Chapel in a more intimate and exclusive way, then a small-group tour with early access is the way to go.

With this Vatican tour, you will have the opportunity to enter the Vatican Museums 90 minutes before the general public, and 30 minutes before other pre-opening tours. You will enter with only a handful of others on this truly VIP experience.

The Rome tour of the Vatican museums is led by an English-speaking expert local guide who will take you through the highlights of the Vatican Museums, including the Gallery of Maps, the Gallery of Tapestries, and the Raphael Rooms. You will also have the chance to admire Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel, in a quieter and more peaceful atmosphere.

After the Sistine Chapel, you will head to St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world, where you will see the magnificent dome designed by Michelangelo, the Pietà by Michelangelo, and the Baldachin by Bernini.

The tour is limited to a small group of 12 people, ensuring a more personalized experience and the opportunity to ask questions and interact with your guide.

2. Borghese Gallery Tour

If you are an art enthusiast, the Borghese Gallery tour is one of the best Rome tours. The gallery is located in the beautiful Villa Borghese gardens, and it houses an impressive collection of artwork from some of the most renowned artists in history.

To ensure you have the best experience, it is recommended to book a guided tour. These tours typically last about two hours and are led by knowledgeable and passionate guides who can provide you with in-depth information about the artwork and the artists who created them.

During the tour, you will have the chance to admire masterpieces by artists such as Caravaggio, Bernini, and Raphael. The gallery's collection includes sculptures, paintings, and other works of art that span several centuries.

One of the benefits of taking a guided tour is that you can skip the long lines and crowds that often form at the entrance. Your guide will have pre-purchased tickets, so you can enter the gallery without any delays.

If you prefer a more personalized experience, you can also book a private tour. This option allows you to customize your itinerary and focus on the specific art collections that interests you the most.

The Borghese Gallery tour is an unforgettable experience that offers a unique glimpse into the world of Italian art. Whether you are a seasoned art connoisseur or a casual admirer, this tour is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.

3. Crypts and Catacombs Tours: Visit Secret Rome

For a unique and eerie sightseeing tour to see the highlights of Rome, then a Crypts and Catacombs Tour is one of the best tours in Rome you can take. These tours take you beneath the city's streets to explore the ancient burial sites of early Christians and see the macabre artwork created from human bones.

One of the most popular catacombs to visit is the Catacombs of Saint Callixtus. These catacombs are the largest and most well-known in Rome, with over 90 acres of underground tunnels and tombs. You'll walk through the narrow passageways and see the intricate frescoes and carvings that date back to the 2nd century.

Another popular site is the Capuchin Bone Crypt. This crypt is decorated with the bones of over 4,000 Capuchin friars and is a unique and eerie sight to behold. The crypt is divided into six rooms, each with a different theme, and the bones are arranged in intricate patterns and designs.

If you're interested in the history of Christianity, then the Crypts and Catacombs Tour is a great way to learn about the early Christian communities in Rome. You'll see the tombs of early Christian martyrs and learn about the rituals and practices of the early church.

4. Rome’s Ghetto and Trastevere Tour: Explore Medieval and Jewish Rome

If you're looking for a group tour that takes you off the beaten path and shows you a side of Rome that many tourists miss, the Ghetto and Trastevere Tour is a great way to see Rome. This Rome tour takes you through two of Rome's most interesting neighborhoods, where you'll discover a wealth of history and culture.

You start your tour in the Jewish Ghetto, which dates back to the 16th century when the Pope confined all of Rome's Jews to a small area near the Tiber River. Today, the neighborhood is a vibrant and lively area full of shops, restaurants, and synagogues. As you walk through the narrow streets, your tour guide will point out the historic landmarks and tell you about the rich history of the Jewish community in Rome.

From there, you'll cross the Tiber River and enter the Trastevere neighborhood, which is known for its bohemian atmosphere and lively nightlife. This area is full of colorful buildings, street performers, and outdoor cafes. The tour takes you through the cobbled streets of Trastevere, where you'll discover hidden squares, ancient churches, and medieval palaces.

One of the highlights of the tour is a visit to the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, which is one of the oldest churches in Rome. The church is famous for its stunning mosaics and beautiful interior. Your English-speaking guide will explain the history and significance of the church as you explore the interior.

5. Italy in a Glass: A Fun Wine Tour through the City Centre of Rome

If you are a wine lover, you should definitely consider taking a wine tasting tour in Rome. Italy in a Glass is a fun wine tour that takes you through the city centre of Rome, where you can taste some of the best wines and learn about the history of wine-making in Italy.

During the tour, you will visit some of the most famous wine bars and wine shops in Rome, where you can taste different varieties of wine, including red, white, and rosé. You will also have the opportunity to learn about the wine-making process and the different grape varieties used in Italian wines.

The tour is led by a knowledgeable guide who will provide you with interesting information about the history of wine-making in Italy and the different wine regions of the country. You will also learn about the different food pairings that go well with Italian wines.

Italy in a Glass is a great way to experience the culture and history of Italy through its wines. The wine tour is suitable for both beginners and wine connoisseurs, and it is a fun and educational experience that you will not forget.

6. Walks of Italy: Tour the Colosseum and Forum

If you're looking for a comprehensive Rome tour of the Colosseum and Forum, Walks of Italy has got you covered. With their expert guides and skip-the-line tickets, you'll be able to bypass the crowds and dive straight into the history of ancient Rome.

During the tour, you'll explore the first and second levels of the Colosseum, learning about the gladiators who fought there and the engineering marvels that made it all possible. From there, you'll head to the Roman Forum, where you'll see the remains of government buildings, temples, and marketplaces from over 2,000 years ago.

One of the best things about the Walks of Italy tour is that it's limited to a small group of 16 people or fewer. This means you'll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions and interact with your tour guide, who will be a local expert with a passion for Roman history.

7. Best of Rome in Five Hours Tour

If you only have a few hours to explore Rome, the Best of Rome in Five Hours Tour is perfect for you. This tour will take you to some of the most famous landmarks in the city, giving you a taste of the history and culture that classic Rome is famous for.

The tour of ancient Rome starts at the Colosseum, where you will learn about the history of this iconic landmark and its significance in ancient Rome. From there, you will visit the Roman Forum, the heart of the ancient city, where you can see the ruins of temples, government buildings, and public squares.

Next, you will head to the Pantheon, one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in Rome. You will learn about the history of this impressive structure and its significance in Roman history.

After that, you will visit the Trevi Fountain, one of the most famous fountains in the world. You can throw a coin into the fountain and make a wish, as the legend goes.

Finally, the tour ends at the Spanish Steps, where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the city and take some memorable photos.

8. City Walk: A Small-Group Tour around the City Center of Rome

If you want to explore Rome's city center in a small-group setting, the City Walk tour is a great option. This tour is perfect for those who want to see the highlights of Rome's city center in just a few hours.

The tour starts at the Spanish Steps, where you will have the opportunity to see the flocks of starlings circling the sky. From there, you will wander through the cobbled streets of Rome to the stunning Trevi Fountain, where you can toss a coin and make a wish.

You will also visit the Pantheon, one of Rome's best-preserved ancient Roman buildings, and Piazza Navona, a beautiful square with three magnificent fountains. The historian guide will provide you with information on the history and architecture of each site, making the experience more educational and engaging.

The City Walk tour is a medium-easy walking tour, suitable for all ages and fitness levels. The Rome tour lasts for approximately three hours, and the maximum group size is 12 people. This small-group setting allows for a more personalized experience and the opportunity to ask questions and interact with the tour guide.

9. Rome: Food and Wine Tour with Market Visit

If you're a foodie, a visit to Rome is incomplete without indulging in the city's culinary delights. One of the best ways to explore the local cuisine is by taking a food and wine tour with a food market visit in the heart of Rome.

On this food tour, you'll get to visit Rome's largest market and several other foodie venues with a knowledgeable great guide. You'll enjoy over 25 tastings of high-quality Italian products, including truffles, balsamic vinegar, pizza, pasta, gelato and more.

The tour is a perfect opportunity to learn about the history and culture of Roman cuisine while savoring its flavors. You'll discover the secrets behind the city's famous dishes and learn about the ingredients that make them so unique.

The food and wine tour with a market visit is a great way to explore the city's culinary scene with a local expert. You'll get to sample some of the best food and wine Rome has to offer, while also learning about the city's rich culinary history.

10. Rome: Skip-the-Line Tour to Colosseum, Forum & Palatine Hill

When visiting Rome, one of the must-see tourist attractions is the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. However, waiting in line for hours to enter these sites can be a frustrating experience. That's why a skip-the-line tour is a great option to consider.

With a skip-the-line tour, you can bypass the long queues and get straight into the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. This means you can spend more time exploring the sites and less time waiting in line.

There are several tour companies that offer skip the line tours to these sites, with different options to suit your needs. Some tours are guided, while others are self-guided with audio guides. Some tours also include additional attractions, such as the underground sections of the Colosseum or the Arch of Constantine.

One popular Rome tour is the VIP Colosseum Underground Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill offered by Walks. This tour takes you into one of the most exclusive parts of the Colosseum and includes a visit to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

Another option is the Skip the Line Colosseum Tour offered by Walks of Italy. This tour includes skip-the-line access to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill, with a maximum group size of 16 people.

If you're short on time, the Best Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum Guided Tour offered by Viator is a great option. This three-hour tour covers all three sites and includes a private licensed guide trained in art history and archaeology.

No matter which Rome tour you choose, a guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill is a great way to make the most of your time in Rome.