Rome is one of the most overwhelming cities to visit—there’s too much to see, eat, and do. But that’s why a great tour is a game-changer. Based on years of running guided experiences here, this guide breaks down the best Rome tours so you can skip the lines and experience the Eternal City like a pro.
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What’s Covered in This Article
- Top 6 Rome Tours You Have to Take
- Types of Rome Tours Available
- Factors to Consider
- Employee Favorites
- How to Decide
- Tour Comparison Chart
Top 6 Rome Tours You Have to Take
Special Access Colosseum Arena Floor Tour through the Gladiator’s Gate
3 Hours | €€
Walk in the footsteps of gladiators on the Colosseum floor and see the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
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Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum and Vatican Museums
7 Hours | €€€
Enter the Sistine Chapel, Roman Forum, and see St. Peter’s Dome, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and more.
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Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica
3 Hours | €€€
Skip the line and gain direct access to the Raphael Rooms, Creation of Man & Scala Regia passageway.
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Trastevere Local Food Tour in Rome
3 Hours | €€
Join a culinary guide to savor authentic Roman food, such as tasty cheese, pasta, gelato, and wine.
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Pompeii, Positano, Amalfi Coast Day Trip from Rome
13 Hours | €€€
Explore Ancient Ruins with an Archeologist, Stunning Coastal Views, and Luxury Round-Trip Transport
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Rome Catacombs Tour and Capuchin Crypts with Transportation
3.5 Hours | €€
Skip the line to explore the creepy underground world of Roman tombs then visit the Mouth of Truth.
Book Now!All Types of Rome Tours Available
In this section, we break down the different tour options by category. We find travelers often know what they want to visit, but are unsure what tour is right for them. That said, definitely look around. There are some really cool tours on this list, like the Borghese Gallery and the Catacombs!
🎨 Museum Tours in Rome
In our experience, the Vatican is one of Rome’s most impressive but overwhelming places to visit. Without a guide, it’s easy to miss the significance of what you see or waste hours navigating the crowds. A Vatican tour is non-negotiable if it’s your first time in Rome. Want fewer crowds or a more tailored visit? Opt for a night or private tour.
Top Museums Tours in Rome
Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica
3 Hours | €€€
Skip the line and gain direct access to the Raphael Rooms, Creation of Man & Scala Regia passageway.
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Private Tour of Palazzo Colonna: A Roman Noble Family’s Legacy
2 Hours | €€€€
Step inside a 1,000-year-old palace filled with Baroque art, Roman history and noble family treasure.
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Skip-the-Line Borghese Gallery Tour
2 Hours | €€
Join an intimate small-group tour and uncover Baroque masterpieces with an expert guide.
Book Now!🏛️ Ancient Rome & Archeology Tours
Seeing the Colosseum in person is a moment you won’t forget. The question to ask yourself is, do you want it to be a positive or negative memory? Taking a tour solves many challenges, including how to get tickets and what not to miss. From there, the guide brings the building to life with stories, passion, and insights. Picking the right tour (with us) is easy bc they are all great. That said, this section will help you find the one tailored to your interests.
Top Ancient Rome & Archaeology Tours
Privileged Entrance Colosseum Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
3 Hours | €
Skip the line at the Colosseum, plus Arch of Titus, Temple of Julius Caesar, and more.
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Skip-the-Line Pantheon Express Guided Tour in Rome
1 Hour | €
In one hour, visit the Pantheon and marvel at Michelangelo’s Christ the Redeemer statue.
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After Hours Rome Catacombs Tour with Capuchin Crypts
3 Hours | €€€
Experience Rome’s underground tombs and religious bone displays on this exclusive night tour.
Book Now!🚶 Day Trips from Rome & Combo Tours
Within Rome, our Rome in a Day tour is the most comprehensive combo tour, including the Colosseum and the Vatican. It’s an excellent option for “get-er-doners” who want to knock out the sightseeing. I recommend splitting these tours up in the hot summer, but your schedule will dictate your decisions. We also have a St. Peter’s Dome Climb and Sistine Chapel Combo Tour, which is quite remarkable!
Top Day Trips from Rome & Combo Tours
Positano and Amalfi Day Trip from Rome with Boat Cruise
15 Hours | €€€
Navigate along the Coast, explore the picturesque town of Positano, and enjoy a classic limoncello.
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Full Day Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius Tour from Rome
12 Hours | €€€
Skip-the-line at Pompeii, savor a three-course meal, and walk amid Mt. Vesuvius’ volcanic formations.
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Tuscany and Umbria Day Trip from Rome with Lunch and Brunello Tasting
12 Hours | €€€
Discover Civita di Bagnoregio and Orvieto, with a 3-Course meal and 5 wine tastings.
Book Now!🍝 Food & Drink Tours in Rome
Food tours in Rome aren’t just about eating. They’re cultural immersion. We recommend doing one on your first day in the city as an orientation. You’ll learn what to order (and how to order it), discover local dishes beyond carbonara, and experience Roman life at street level. The Trastevere food tour is our most iconic, but cooking classes are perfect if you’re craving a more hands-on experience.
Top Food & Drink Tours in Rome
Trastevere Local Food Tour in Rome
3 Hours | €€
Join a culinary guide to savor authentic Roman food, such as tasty cheese, pasta, gelato, and wine.
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Authentic Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class in Rome
2.5 Hours | €€
Embark on an Italian culinary adventure in a 17th-century palace near Piazza Navona!
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Rome Golf Cart Food Tour: Explore the City’s Iconic Sites and Cuisine
3.5 Hours | €€
Journey through time and taste on this small-group adventure.
Book Now!🚌 Mobility Tours in Rome
Rome can be hot in the summer, and getting around can be fatiguing with the city’s seven hills. These tours make it easy to see Rome’s wonders.
Top Mobility Tours in Rome
3-Hour Scenic Golf Cart Tour of Rome in a Small Group
3 Hours | €€€
Experience the Eternal City in complete comfort with stops at 8 iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites.
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Rome’s Appian Way, Aqueduct Park, and Catacombs by E-Bike
5 Hours | €€
Cruise through the historic Appia Antica, visit Catacombs of St. Callixtus and enjoy a light lunch.
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Small Group Tour of Rome at Night by Segway
2.5 Hours | €€
Admire the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and more, during a guided 2.5-hour journey with Virtual Reality.
Book Now!Factors to Consider When Choosing a Rome Tour
After years of helping travelers explore Rome, here are some key things we always suggest considering:
- Tour Duration – Want a full-day adventure or a short highlight tour?
- Skip-the-Line Access – Essential for Vatican and Colosseum. Don’t waste hours in line.
- Theme of Tour – Are you drawn to food, history, or ancient ruins?
- Crowd Size – Small group, private, or happy to be part of a bigger group?
- Level of Activity – Some tours include climbs or long walks. Others are relaxing rides or food-focused.
🏆 Employee Favorite Picks by Attraction
After years of running tours and hearing from travelers, here are the Rome tours we most often recommend to friends, family, and VIPs.
1. The Vatican
- Exclusive Sistine Chapel After Hours Small Group Tour – Ideal for families or small groups who want control over the pace and access.
- Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel – Our best value small group Vatican experience with early entry.
- Vatican at Closing Time with Sistine Chapel – Smaller crowds, cooler air, and an atmospheric experience.
2. The Colosseum
- Special Access Colosseum Arena Floor Tour through the Gladiator’s Gate – A killer experience for travelers with the Colosseum high on their bucket list .
3. Rome in a Day
- Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum and Vatican Museums – Ideal for first-timers who want to check off everything with zero stress.
4. Food & Drink
- Trastevere Local Food Tour – One of our top-reviewed experiences and a must for food lovers.
5. Day Trips
- Pompeii, Positano, Amalfi Coast Day Trip from Rome – Our most popular excursion outside Rome. A full day with a whole heart.
🧠 How to Decide What’s Best for You
After helping hundreds of thousands of travelers navigate Rome, here’s our simple breakdown:
- Short on time? ➜ Book “skip-the-line” tours or a full-day combo like Rome in a Day.
- Hate crowds? ➜ Private or small group tours make a big difference.
- Food lover? ➜ A Trastevere food tour or cooking class is a must.
- History buff? ➜ Colosseum Gladiator’s Gate or Catacombs tour is for you!
- Want full control? ➜ Go private and customize your day with an expert guide.
Tour Comparison Chart
| Tour Name | Duration | Skip-the-Line? | Best For | Highlights | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour | 3 hrs | ✅ Yes | Early risers, small groups | Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.9/5) |
| Rome in a Day Tour | 7 hrs | ✅ Yes | First-time visitors | Vatican, Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.8/5) |
| Gladiators Gate Colosseum Tour | 3 hrs | ✅ Yes | History lovers | Colosseum Arena Floor, Palatine Hill, Forum | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.9/5) |
| Catacombs & Capuchin Crypts | 3.5 hrs | ✅ Yes | Thrill Seekers | Ancient Catacombs, Capuchin Bone Church | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.8/5) |
| Trastevere Food Tour | 3 hrs | N/A | Food lovers | Roman Pasta, Wine, Typical Dishes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5.0/5) |
| Pompeii and Positano from Rome | 13 hrs | ✅ Yes | First-time visitors | Pompeii, Transport, Positano, Amalfi Coast | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.9/5) |
| Rome Golf Cart Tour | 3 hrs | N/A | First-time visitors | Colosseum, Pantheon, Trastever, more | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.8/5) |
Are Guided Tours in Rome Worth It?
Short answer: Absolutely! Guided tours of Rome are definitely worth it.
Why? Guided tours a depth of insight and context that you might miss out on when exploring alone. We hire amazing guides who are passionate about giving you the best possible experience—both educational and fun! Plus you can enjoy skip-the-line access to top attractions, saving you time and hassle during your exploration.
Not ready to book a tour? Find out if Rome tours are worth it.
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