The capital of Italy and Lazio region, Rome is both a modern metropolis and an Ancient City, steeped in history and mystique.

Situated on Seven Hills and knowns as the Eternal City, the city is an ideal hub for those who are visiting Italy or want to explore more of Europe.

Being served by two airports, several train and bus stations, Rome is linked to the continent and the rest of Italy by an intricate network. After all, all roads lead to Rome, right?

Blessed by warm weather (with a yearly average of 18 C / 32 F), Italy’s capital is an ideal escape at the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, whether you want to escape the cold weather, soak up the history, try out new experiences, or make meaningful memories.

With so many things to do in the city, it’s easy to forget that the entire is a dreamland, where you can explore quaint villages, gorgeous nature, historical sites, and indulge in Italian food.

That’s why, in this article, I’m sharing the top Rome tours, excursions, and experiences to add to your bucket list (in 2024), no matter your budget. Also, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance applies to all the suggestions below.

So, without further ado, Adiamo!

Pompeii Day Trip with Mount Vesuvius or Amalfi Coast Option

Both the Amalfi Coast and the majestic Vesuvius are beautiful places to spend your time.

Mt. Vesuvius became famous after burring Pompei and Herculaneum (and many others) in the cataclysmic eruption in 79AD.
You will have to get to the pickup location, in Piazza del Popolo. During the trip, you’ll enjoy the ride in an AC vehicle, listening to stories about ancient history and drama.

You’ll skip the line at Pompei and enjoy a guided tour. You’ll also hike Mount Vesuvius through the national park and wonder at the views of Nepal’s bay, or if you choose the other option you can walk on the Amalfi Coast and visit Positano.

The tour runs almost year round but make sure to check availability, as some days are not available for booking. The Amalfi option starts at around 175.88 USD per person off season and around 165 USD in season.

The Mount Vesuvius option starts at around 154 USD per person. Sadly, this option is only available between April and November.

Welcome to Rome Experience

What can you do when it rains in Rome? Or when it’s colder (than you’d like)? Or when you feel like not doing that much? This multimedia experience is both a history lesson and an audio-visual experience that’s ideal for the entire family.

It shows a summary of the Eternal City’s history in just one hour, with audio guides being available in English, Italian, French, Spanish, German, Russian, Chinese, and Japanese.

The prices is 20 USD per person and is a great choice for those who love history and want to know more about ancient Rome. Shows start every 30 min from 9 AM till 6 PM.

Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour

A guided tour, starting from Via Tunisi 4, and ending at the St Peter’s Basilica in Piazza San Pietro, it’ll uncover the architecture, art, and history of the Vatican. With different departures times, this tour will set you back around 61 to 110 USD per person, depending on the date.

Tours run from 8:10 AM until 1:30 PM. On Wednesdays, due to Papal Audience, the St. Peter’s Basilica is not accessible util 1pm. Same goes for the evening tours as well, the Basilica can’t be visited , so the organizer offers an excessive museum tour instead.

Tuscany Guided Day Trip from Rome with Lunch & Wine Tasting

A wonderful day trip to the beautiful region of Val d’Orcia, with wine tasting, local farm produce, delicious food, and history in the UNESCO site of Pienza.

Visit wine towns like Montepulciano and Motalcino and walk around Pienza. This guided tour offers the perfect option to relax and disconnect from the daily city buzz. A 3-course lunch on a Tuscan farm is included.

An approximately 12 h long escape will cost you around 110 to 144 USD per person, depending on the time you book, and it’s available almost yearly. The only downside of a long trip is that it starts pretty early, 7:30 AM. But hey, anyone can be an early bird when it comes to visiting Tuscany, right?

Rome Food & Wine Tour in Prati

A delight for your taste buds, this walking tour will guarantee you a few extra pounds even with all the walking. Experience Rome’s food scene, with this sunset tour around the district of Prati.

Taste more than 20 different foods from pizza to cheese and various meats, while walking between the oldest district in Rome. Luckily, you can request special substitutions if you are vegan, vegetarian, gluten or lactose intolerant.
This 4 hour tour will set you back from 127 USD per person.

3 in 1 Cooking Class Piazza Navona: Fettuccine Ravioli and Tiramisu

Enjoy the Italian cuisine and Rome’s traditional dishes? Don’t just watch from the side, be part of it. Get yourself busy and your hands dirty by learning how to make fettuccine, ravioli, and tiramisu, right in the center of Rome. Don’t be afraid to try and certainly don’t worry about doing things perfectly. Oh, and at the end, you’ll taste and sample the fruits of your labor.

The sample menu includes fettuccine with the sauce of your choice, ravioli with butter and sage, hamade tiramisu, glass of wine and limoncello or coffee.

This culinary delight starts around 70 to 80 USD per person.

Rome Street Food Tour with Local Guide

Ever wanted to see Rome and taste the street food while at it? This tour offers all that plus some friendly chats with the locals. Look & walk, sample, taste, and indulge in local staples like suppli, pizza, pastries, and seasonal products.
Tours are available in the morning (11:15 AM – not that bad) as well as in the afternoon at 6:00 PM. Tour is available year and the price starts at around 50 USD.

Small Group Pompeii and Amalfi Coast Guided Tour with Positano from Rome

Another great tour you can take to the Amalfi Coast, this time without Napoli or Vesuvius as options. A historical and cultural expedition, this tour allows you to discover intriguing Pompei and the delight of the Amalfi Coast. Get lunch in Amalfi, Sorrento or Positano, and get your feet wet into the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean.
This tour is available most of the year (check for dates, limited availability in the winter) for a fee between 160 and 199 USD.

Angels and Demons Half-Day Guided Tour with Private Transport

If you are fan of the book or the movie “Angels and Demons”, or you are passionate about history, this tour is for you. Follow the locations in Dan Browns novel and discover Rome in a unique way. See exquisite art, including the statue of Bernini, Church of Santa Marai del Popolo, St Peter’s Square, Pantheon, and the Castle Sant’Angelo.
Make sure to check availability and plan ahead as the tour has little availability during the low season. During the summer season it’s mostly available Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, it starts at 9 am. and costs from 76.33 USD per person.

Pasta Making with Wine Tasting and Dinner in Frascati

Get away from the busy streets of Rome and dive into local life and cuisine in Frascati, the city of wine. Located 12 miles (20km) from Rome, on the Hills of Alban, it’s close to the old ancient city of Tusculum.

With pickup assured from Frascati Station, this 2 to 3-hour adventure will introduce you to the art of pasta making and will delight you with some amazing wines to taste and enjoy. Enjoy your dinner while learning about local customs and people.

Both gluten free pasta and plant-based (vegan and vegetarian) options are available on request. The price of the tour starts at 49 USD. You also need to consider the cost of getting from Rome to Frascati. (40 min train ride)

Graffiti art tour in Rome

Rome has its charm year around and this activity is definitely one to enjoy even in wintertime. Combining art, architecture and history, this tour will guide you to see the best modern street art and full building size murals in Rome. And to make it even more interesting, you’ll pass by the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain.

This private tour will take you around in an air-conditioned vehicle, stopping and letting you visit, admire, and take photos of the amazing street art.

The tour takes about 4 hours and is available Monday – Sunday: 09:00 AM – 03:00 PM for prices starting at 354 USD per group of up to 7 people.

Small-Group Crypts and Catacombs Tour with Bone Chapel

Do you fancy exploring unique landmarks? Aren’t fazed by weird places? Love the dark side of history? This tour is for you. Discover Rome’s history as well as its vast underground world with an expert guide.

The tour starts almost daily (check availability) at 9 AM and 1:45 PM and takes 3 hours. You’ll explore the Museum and Crypt of Capuchins, the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian, Parco degli Acquedotti – Parco Archeologico dell’Appia Antica, and check out the most important sites of Rome by a private bus with AC.

The cost of this adventure may vary from 69.59 to 88 USD per person.

Private Colosseum and Roman Forum Tour with Arena Floor Access

This private tour will take you through the Colosseum, the Ancient Roman Forum, and the Palatine Hill, ending in a virtual reality experience where your guide will explain even more for a complete experience.

The tour takes 3 hours and is available year-round. It costs from around 276 USD per person (and the minimum group size is two, which makes it ideal for couples, families, and group of friends).

Rome Walking Tour Including the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain

An affordable but fun way to explore Rome is to tag along with a local guide and hear stories while you are taking in the history of this ancient city.

This tour covers the most important sights, like Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, Fontana del Tritone, Pantheon, Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola and Tempio di Adriano.

For just 6 USD per person and taking around 2 hours, it’s a good budget option to decide what you want to focus on later.

Pantheon Elite Tour

A one-hour tour, it’s designed to offer in-depth information about one of the most iconic buildings in Rome: the Pantheon. Learn about the Domenican tribunal, Romes founding myths, and more.
Tours are available from March to November and cost from 41.18 USD per person (the minimum group size is two).

Make Your Own Pizza in Rome – Pizza Making with a Local Chef

Available from Monday to Saturday for prices starting at 61 USD per person, this tour will make you the hero of your family and group of friends. Learn how to make authentic pizza in a one-hour course, then enjoy it at dinner.

Rome by Vespa: Classic Rome Tour with Pick up

No trip to Italy’s capital is complete with experiencing the city on a Vespa! Zip through Rome on a Vespa bike and enjoy the city like Romans do. Hop off to walk around monuments such as the Colosseum or Trevi Fountain. And don’t worry, you’ll have a private driver!

Pickup from your hotel and customizable attraction list are available.

Different types of tours are available and the price ranges between 166 to 230 USD per person.

>>Click here to discover other tours, excursions, and experiences in & around Rome
>>Fancy taking a tour in Bari instead? Here’s our pick of top Bari tours, excursions & experiences
>>Want to delve deeper into the Italian cuisine? Check out our pick of food tours and cooking classes in Italy to pamper your taste buds

>>Don’t forget to book your accommodation in Rome and transportation to Rome.

Note: This article includes links that may qualify as affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a commission.
The prices have been updated as of Nov 2023, are correct at the time of publishing and may change without notice.