Rome's 12 Best Highlights Full Day Private Tour
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Rome's 12 Best Highlights Full Day Private Tour

Active
(266 reviews)
7h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Dear guests, my name is Alessandro Vagnoni, a professional driver and official local guide of Rome. I've designed this City Sightseeing tour for those with limited time who want to experience the essence of Rome in just one day. Over 7 hours, we’ll visit 12 key sites in an air-conditioned Mercedes, with stops for photos and informative insights on their exteriors. We are a team of driver-guides with expertise in art history and archaeology, offering recommendations for food, shopping, and more. This tour captures the spirit of the "Eternal City," ensuring you'll cherish your time here, and you will finally understand the meaning of "All roads lead to Rome."

Available options

Private Licensed Tour Guide

Private Licensed Tour Guide : This option includes a driver with a Mercedes vehicle, minivan or sedan, and a licensed tour guide.<br/>Duration: 7 hours<br/>Mercedes : Our vehicles are Mercedes sedan or minivan.<br/>Pickup included

English-Speaking Driver-Guide

English-Speaking Driver-Guide: You will be guided through Rome by an English-speaking local driver, but not necessarily a certified tour guide.<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water
Mercedes minivan or sedan
Air-conditioned vehicle
Parking Fees

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

The second largest of the three ancient Roman theaters, and the only one still standing, features impressive arches that have withstood the test of time. Built by Augustus in the 1st century BC, it was dedicated to his young nephew Marcellus, who died at the age of 20. In the 16th century, the theater was transformed into the foundation of a private residence. The second largest of the three ancient Roman theaters and the only one still standing, this impressive structure features arches that have withstood the test of time. Built by Augustus in the 1st century BC, it was dedicated to his young nephew Marcellus, who tragically died at the age of 20. In the 16th century, the theater was transformed into the foundation of a private residence. We take a few moments to stop our customers for photos and to provide an explanation about this remarkable historical site.We take a few minutes to stop our customers for photos and to provide an explanation about this remarkable historical site.

2
Stop 2

One of the seven hills of Rome, Palatine Hill is where the city was founded in the 8th century B.C. Later, Roman Emperors transformed it into their official and private residence. Visitors will only be able to view the site from the outside, but we will stop on the southern crest of the Circus Maximus. Here, the breathtaking views provide a perfect opportunity for pictures and explanations.

3
Stop 3

The site of the largest stadium ever built for chariot races, famously depicted in the film *Ben-Hur*, is now just a vast, flat, green area. Visitors will only be able to explore the site from the outside, specifically from the southern crest, which offers a fantastic panoramic view perfect for breathtaking photography. An informative explanation will also be provided.

4
Stop 4

The monument is situated in the main square of the city center, Piazza Venezia. It honors Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of unified Italy, as well as the unification of the country. At the top of the central staircase is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, marked by two standing soldiers and eternal flames. This site serves as a venue for many official ceremonies. Visitors can view the monument from outside, specifically from a corner of the main square. We take a moment to capture some pictures and explain its significance to our customers.

5
Stop 5

The Roman Forum was the heart of ancient Rome, initially serving as a marketplace before evolving into a center of civic importance and a venue for public functions and ceremonies. Visitors can view the site of the Roman Forum from Capitol Hill or along the Imperial Forum Street. We stop our customers close to the site, allowing them time to visit and take pictures, while providing a clear explanation of its significance.

6
Stop 6

St. Peter's Square, located in the Vatican City, is a beautifully designed space that serves as a central hub of Christian culture. The square is named after the grand Church of St. Peter, which stands at its heart. This iconic location is where the Pope conducts meetings and audiences with the faithful, and on Sundays, he offers blessings to people around the world.
The square is open to the public, except during special celebrations. Following a brief but informative explanation from the driver-guide, we allow our guests to take pictures and explore the area.

7
Stop 7

The exhibition features a magnificent water display that showcases the water stage of a Roman aqueduct, which is one of Rome's most impressive attractions. Visitors can toss a coin into the fountain, making a wish in the process!

Access to the fountain will be from street level, as entry to the lower level is restricted to ticketed guests. We will guide our customers as close to the fountain as possible. After providing a historical explanation, we allow time for photos and exploration.

8
Stop 8

Charming Spanish plaza, the stunning Spanish Steps, the renowned fashion district, and the local and international elite.

9
Stop 9

One of the most beautiful squares in Rome, this location retains the shape of an arena from a Roman stadium built in 86 AD. Following the wishes of the Popes, it has been transformed into a stunning example of Renaissance and Baroque architecture.
The site is open to the public with no restrictions. We drop our customers off near the square, provide a historical explanation, and then allow some free time for photographs and exploration.

10
Stop 10

The site is a temple dedicated to all the gods, built over two thousand years ago. Its dome, considered a marvel of engineering, continues to impress art historians and architecture enthusiasts today. It’s a beautiful place to enjoy Italian espresso and gelato!
Visitors will only be able to see the temple from the outside. After providing some historical background, we will allow time for photos and leisurely exploration.
At the entrance, you will find ticket offices: cash payments are available on the left side, while credit card payments can be made on the right. If guests wish to enter the temple, we can offer them some extra time for their visit.

11

There is no better place for taking panoramic pictures of Rome than this location. It is a peaceful spot framed by a large fountain and a terrace that offers stunning views of the entire city.

This is also the site where Rome's cannon fires at noon every day, an event that has become a popular tourist attraction. We take the time to stop with our customers for pictures and a stroll around the area.

12
Stop 12

The Flavian Amphitheater, commonly known as the Colosseum of Rome, was built in the 1st century A.D. for gladiatorial contests and hunting games.
During your visit, you will see the site from the outside, where your driver-guide will provide a detailed explanation. You will also have time to take pictures and explore the area.

What's not included

Lunch
Tickets (this tour does not require tickets, all the spots are visited from the outside)
Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9
195 reviews
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Tripadvisor 5.0
71 reviews
5★
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Important information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
We remind our potential customers that the tour is led by a professional English-speaking driver-guide, one person only, and that it is based on driving and viewing all the highlights from outside with stops for pictures and explanations.
Please be aware that if your tour date coincides with events like marathons or strikes that close streets and squares in Rome, some of the 12 highlights may be replaced with other ticket-free attractions at the driver's discretion.
We can customize this tour at the driver's discretion with additional spots that do not require tickets.
We inform our customers that for the "Private Licensed Tour Guide" option, if customers have tickets for the Pantheon and/or Colosseum, our tour guide will guide them inside the monuments.
For pick-up and drop-off service, from the port of Civitavecchia, Fiumicino airport, or any other location outside our pick-up zone, we reserve the right to charge a transfer fee.

Important notes

We kindly remind our travelers that this tour does not require tickets as it is based on viewing all the spots from outside, with time for pictures, explanations, and a brief stroll around.

About Rome

Rome, the capital of Italy, is a city of ancient ruins, artistic masterpieces, and vibrant culture. Known as the Eternal City, it is a living museum where every corner tells a story of its rich history spanning over 2,500 years.

Top Attractions

Colosseum

The Colosseum is an iconic symbol of Rome and one of the most famous ancient amphitheaters in the world. It was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles.

Historical 1-2 hours €16 (combined ticket with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill)

Vatican City

Vatican City is an independent city-state enclaved within Rome. It is the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church.

Religious Half day €17 (Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel), Free (St. Peter's Basilica)

Roman Forum

The Roman Forum was the political, commercial, and legal hub of the Roman Republic and Empire. It is a sprawling ruin of temples, basilicas, and arches.

Historical 1-2 hours €16 (combined ticket with Colosseum and Palatine Hill)

Pantheon

The Pantheon is a former Roman temple, now a church, known for its large dome and oculus. It is one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in Rome.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is a Baroque masterpiece and the largest fountain in Rome. It is a popular spot for visitors to throw coins and make wishes.

Architecture 15-30 minutes Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cacio e Pepe

A simple yet delicious pasta dish made with Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper.

Pasta Vegetarian

Carbonara

A rich pasta dish made with eggs, Pecorino Romano, guanciale (cured pork cheek), and black pepper.

Pasta Contains pork and eggs

Supplì

Fried rice balls filled with mozzarella and tomato sauce.

Snack Vegetarian (some variations may contain meat)

Carciofi alla Romana

Artichokes braised with garlic, mint, and olive oil.

Vegetable Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Appian Way Regional Park Biking along the Tiber River Rock climbing in the nearby mountains Picnicking in Villa Borghese Gardens Boating on Lake Albano Enjoying a spa day at a luxury hotel Visiting the Vatican Museums Attending an opera at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer peak. Ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Italian
  • Widely spoken: English, Spanish, French
  • English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Rome is generally safe for tourists, but pickpocketing and scams can be a problem in crowded areas. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
  • • Use official taxis or ride-sharing services
  • • Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or bracelets

Getting there

By air
  • Leonardo da Vinci International Airport • 35 km from city center
  • Ciampino Airport • 15 km from city center
By train

Roma Termini, Roma Tiburtina

By bus

Tiburtina Bus Station, Roma Termini

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system is efficient and covers major tourist areas. It operates from 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Trastevere Monti Prancipio Testaccio

Day trips

Ostia Antica
30 km from Rome • Half day

An ancient Roman port city with well-preserved ruins, including a theater, baths, and mosaics. It offers a glimpse into daily life in ancient Rome.

Tivoli
30 km from Rome • Full day

A picturesque town known for its stunning villas and gardens, including the famous Villa d'Este with its elaborate fountains and gardens.

Orvieto
120 km from Rome • Full day

A charming hilltop town known for its stunning cathedral, underground caves, and local wine. It offers a mix of history, culture, and scenic views.

Festivals

Natale di Roma • April 21 Festa de' Noantri • July Rome Film Festival • October

Pro tips

  • Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
  • Use public transport or walk instead of taking taxis to save money and experience the city like a local
  • Try local specialties and ask for recommendations from locals and restaurant staff
  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and be respectful of local customs and traditions
  • Be aware of pickpockets and scams, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots
$424 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 1-90
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 8
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Free cancellation available
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