Rome Tours
Rome is an amazing city that is full of ancient history. Rome attracts visitors from all over the world making it the third most visited city worldwide. People flock to discover the city’s renowned cuisine as well as its impressive monuments and lively atmosphere. It only makes sense that there are a ton of great tours in Rome to take part in. Read below to learn more about Rome’s history, famous landmarks, and some of today’s most popular Rome tours.
A Quick History of Rome
Legend has it that Rome was founded in 753 B.C. by two twin brothers, Romulus and Remus. In the beginning, Rome was a monarchy but switched to a republic government around 509 B.C. It stayed a republic for
a few hundred years until 27 B.C. when it was overthrown and became an empire. It was during the time of the empire that Rome became one of the greatest civilizations. After the fall of the empire in
476 A.D., the Pope because a more integral part of Rome. In 1870, Rome became the capital of Italy and is today one of the most visited cities in Italy and Europe.
Famous Landmarks in Rome, Italy
Kolosai
This amphitheater was built over 2,000 years ago and at the time could hold over 50,000 people. Colosseum was created for public shows like watching gladiators fight to their death. Known for its magnificent structure and the brutal history that unfolded within its confines as the centre of Roman indulgence, the Colosseum remained active for over 500 years. Since the sixth century, it has suffered earthquakes, lootings, and even bombings during World War Two. The Colosseum was created for public shows like watching gladiator shows.
The Vatican
The Pope does not actually live in Rome, but instead in the Vatican. Vatican City is actually considered its own country and has its own postage stamp. One of the most famous attractions at the Vatican is the Sistine Chapel.
St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica is in Vatican City and was started in 1506. The construction of the church lasted over a hundred years and was not finished until 1615.
Pantheon
The Pantheon was constructed around 126 A.D. It was originally a Roman temple, but since 609 A.D. has been a Catholic church.
Catacombs of Rome
Rome has an underground world that houses over 4,000 Capuchin monk bones that were placed there over 2,000 years ago.
The Trevi Fountain
Trevi Fountain was constructed in 1732 and today is one of the most famous landmarks in Rome. It is popular to make a wish and throw a coin in the fountain. Each day, over 3,000 euros are collected from the fountain and then donated to charity.
The Spanish Steps
The Spanish steps have nothing really to do with the Spanish, except for the fact that the Spanish embassy was once at the foot of the steps. Today the Spanish Steps are the perfect location to sit down and people-watch while enjoying a gelato or picnic.
Jukwaa la Kirumi
The Roman Forum is in the center of Rome and was once the main meeting area in ancient Rome. Today visitors can see many ruins of important buildings and sculptures of the past.
What are the Best Rome Tours by City Experiences?
Colosseum Tour
City Experiences has a few guided tours in Rome that include the Colosseum.
Gladiator’s Gate gives guests special access to the Colosseum and its arena floor. Put yourself in a gladiator’s shoes and walk into the 2,000-year-old structure from the ground floor. Avoid the crowds and long entrance lines and access the arena via the Gladistor’s Gate. Hear tales of ruthless crowds and emperors, then explore the first and second levels with your guide. Guests will also get access to Palatine Hall and the Roman Forum on this tour-an area not usually accessible to the public. The VIP Colosseum Underground Tour with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill is similar to this tour. This tour includes access to the Colosseum Underground, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and the Arch of Constantine where the stories will bring the ruins to life. Stand in the spot where gladiators once clashed swords and battles raged before throngs of spectators. Learn what daily life was like in ancient Rome as you walk in the footsteps of everyday citizens among the ruins.
To get a unique experience, tourists can check out the Colosseum at sunset with the VIP Colosseum At Night Tour with Underground and Arena Floor. This tour also includes a visit to the outside of the Teatro di Marcello and an overlook of the Roman Forum.
This after-hours access will connect you through storytelling with your local expert guide as you marvel at the incredible architecture of the Colosseum.
Catacombs Tour
For those that like unique experiences, visit the Crypts, Bones, and Catacombs tour of underground Rome. With this tour, guests will ride a bus to the Capuchin Crypt, which is sometimes called The Bone Chapel where the bones of over four thousand monks lay to rest. Visitors on this tour will also stop at San Sebastian Catacombs and then Appian Way, a road dating back thousands of years ago. The tour will end at the Roman Aqueducts, unique channels constructed to provide fresh water to populated areas. While the tour takes guests all over Rome, the tour guide will be there the entire step of the way giving interesting facts and tidbits about the surrounding landmarks. This half-day small-group bus tour is guaranteed to thrill adults and children alike.
Walking Tour
If you just got to the city and you are looking for a quick guided tour around Rome, join the Welcome to Rome: Twilight City Stroll and Gelato-Tasting tour. This tour is perfect for getting acquainted with the ancient city. The English guide will take you to famous Rome attractions like Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, Pantheon, the Piazza Navona, and multiple churches. The guide will tell you about the thousand-year-old history of the city and many of the buildings. Along the way, you will pick up plenty of expert tips that you can put to use during the rest of your vacation.
VIP Key Master’s Tour
One of the most unique tours to get a peek behind the scenes with special access is joining the Key Master on a special access tour and witnessing the opening of the Vatican Museums for the day. VIP Vatican Key Master’s Tour: Unlock the Sistine Chapel. Enjoy two exquisite hours inside the museums, sharing the space with a group of no more than twenty guests in total. Spend as much time as you desire inside the museums at the conclusion of your tour. One of the best parts of this tour is the fascinating storytelling and hidden details that your official Vatican guide will reveal to you in each of the galleries that you visit. As stated in Forbes, this exclusive experience spent with the legendary key master takes you through many of the highlights of the Vatican, including the stunning Gallery of Maps, the Gallery of the Candelabra, the Raphael Room, and other locations.
Food Tour
One of the best things about visiting Italy is tasting the amazing food. Rome Street Food Tour and Pizza Making is a fun guided food tour that can give guests a taste of what the city has to offer. Visitors will take a guided tour through the Jewish Quarters and Centro Storico as they stop into some of the amazing shops and learn how the Romans eat. The tour covers seven businesses and has guests trying one of the popular Jewish-style fried artichokes, a supplì at a 200-year-old bakery, and some local beer to pair perfectly with fried codfish, a local delight. Guests will even make their own pizza by stretching the dough, placing the toppings, and popping it in the wood-fired oven! Last but not least, the night will end with dessert at a local gelateria for some gelato tasting! The entire tour takes about three hours and includes enough food to satisfy one for dinner.
Another great food tour is the Trastevere Rome: Gourmet Food and Wine Tour. This Rome tour takes you to four different bars and restaurants
in the Trastevere neighborhood. Guests will enjoy fine wine, authentic pasta,
and local meats and cheeses.
Cooking Class
If you would like to get more hands-on with making your own food, try the Pasta-Making Class: Cook and Drink Wine with a Local Chef. This three-hour cooking class has guests working side by side with a local Italian. Guests will learn all about the art of pasta making, which will even include knowing which pasta shape holds best with different kinds of sauce. With this class, students will be able to drink prosecco and aperitive, make and eat their homemade pasta, and even get a gelato-making demonstration before indulging in the dessert themselves. This is a perfect experience for the food lover.
All-in-One Rome Tour
Short on time in Rome, Italy, but want to see the best attractions in the city? The Rome in a Day Tour with the Vatican, Colosseum, and Historic Center is the perfect all-in-one tour. In one full day visitors will visit the Colosseum, the Vatican City, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and the Roman Forum.
How Many Days to Tour Rome?
While there is a lot to see in Rome, Italy, the city can easily be viewed in 3 days. City Experiences has some great Rome tours that can have you enjoying everything the city has to offer in just a few days.
Original post date: June 7, 2022