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

Active
(265 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, and I was born and raised in Rome. I'm a professional driver and official "local guide" of Rome, and I planned this City Sightseeing for all those travelers with limited time available but eager to know the best of Rome in one day. My experience and passion led me to identify 12 spots in 7 hours. It is a lovely drive with an A/C Mercedes vehicle around the most significant places of Rome, with stops for pics and explanations about the sites, exclusively from the outside. Your professional English-speaking driver-guide, one person only, has a deep knowledge of Art history and Archaeology, and can explain all the listed sites and monuments and the still surviving ruins. You will be helped with the local language and informed about local food, shopping, and much more. You will capture the real essence of the "Eternal Rome", a town that you will love and never forget, and finally, you will know the meaning of "All the roads lead to Rome".

Available options

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

Private Licensed Tour Guide

Private Licensed Tour Guide: Book this option to have a licensed local guide with you.<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 theatres, the only one surviving, and the still-standing arches make it still impressive! Built by Augustus in the 1 st century b.C. and dedicated to the young nephew Marcellus, who died at 20, in the 16th century, it was transformed into the foundation of a private residence.
We stop our customers for a few minutes for pictures and an explanation!

2
Stop 2

One of the seven hills of Rome, it is the place where the city was founded VIII th. century b.C., and afterwards it was transformed by Roman Emperors into their official and private residence. The site will be visited only from outside, but we stop our customers on the southern crest of the Circus Maximus, where the view of both is breathtaking, for pictures and an explanation.

3
Stop 3

Only a huge, flat, and green area is what remains of the largest stadium ever built in the world for chariot races, immortalized in the film Ben-Hur. The site will be visited just from the outside, on the southern crest of the same site, a fantastic and panoramic spot for breathtaking pictures and an explanation!

4
Stop 4

It is located in the main square of the city center, Piazza Venezia, it commemorates the first king of the united Italy, Victor Emanuel the 2nd, and the unification of our country! It is the place where the tomb of the unknown soldier is located, on top of the central staircase, with the two standing soldiers and flames, and where most of the official ceremonies take place.
The monument will be seen only from the outside, from a corner of the main square.
We stop our customers for pictures and an explanation.

5
Stop 5

The Roman Forum was the heart of ancient Rome, originally a marketplace and afterward transformed into a center of civic importance, and a scene of public functions and ceremonies.
The site of the Roman Forum will be seen only from the outside, from Capitol Hill, or from the Imperial Forum Street.
We stop our customers very close to the site, and give them time to visit and take pictures, with a fair explanation

6
Stop 6

It is a very beautiful square of Rome, or for a better definition, the square of the Vatican State. It takes its name from the Church of St. Peter that stands grandiosely by the same square. More than a square, it can be defined as the center of Christian culture, where the Pope holds meetings and audiences with the faithful, and where on Sundays the blessing is given to everybody around the world!
The site is freely open to anybody, except when it is taken over for celebration, and after a brief but fair explanation from the driver guide, we stop our customers for pictures and a visit.

7
Stop 7

It is a great water exhibition, the water stage of a Roman aqueduct, a brilliant attraction of Rome, where you can toss your coin so that a wish comes true!
The fountain will be visited from the street ground level, because the lower level access is limited to visitors with an admission ticket.
We stop our customers as close as we can, and after a historical explanation, we give time for pictures and visit

8
Stop 8

Delightful Spanish square and the beautiful Spanish Staircase, the famous district of fashion stores, and the local and international aristocrats.

9
Stop 9

One of the most beautiful squares of Rome that retains the shape of the arena of a Roman stadium built in 86 a.D. Due to the wishes of the Popes, it is now a triumph of Renaissance and Baroque artistic architecture.
The site is freely open to anybody, with no restrictions.
We stop our customers close to the site, and after a historical explanation, we give some free time for pictures and a visit.

10
Stop 10

It is a temple dedicated to all the Gods, and it was built more than two thousand years ago. Its dome, considered a wonder of engineering technology, still amazes today art historians and architecture enthusiasts! It's a very nice stop for Italian espresso and gelato!
The site will be seen only from outside, and after a fair historical information, we give time for pictures and a visit.
Through the pillars of the porch, there are the ticket offices, cash payment on the left side, and by credit card on the right. If customers wish to go inside, we give them some extra time.

11

There is no better place than this for taking panoramic pictures of Rome. A very peaceful place framed by a big fountain and a terrace which overlooks the whole of Rome!
It is the spot where the cannon of Rome makes its shout at noon every day, an event that has become a reason for tourist attraction.
We stop our customers for pictures and a walk around.

12
Stop 12

The Flavian Amphitheater, well known as the Colosseum of Rome, was built in the 1st century A.D. for gladiator combats and hunting games!
The site will be seen only from outside, with a fair and in-depth explanation by your driver guide, and time for pictures and a visit.

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
194 reviews
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Tripadvisor 5.0
71 reviews
5★
71
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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 kindly remaind our potential customers that this tour is led by a professional English-speaking driver-guide, one person only, and it does not require tickets for monuments and museums, because it is based on driving and seeing the highlights from outside, with stops for explanation and time for pictures.
We would like to inform our customers that, when in the tour date, the city of Rome is affected by particular events such as marathons and/or strikes, which involve the closure of streets and squares, some of the 12 highlights may be replaced by other attractions that do not require tickets, according to the driver's discretion.
We can customize this tour, according to driver's discretion, with other spots which do not require tickets.
We inform our customers that, for option "Private Licensed Tour Guide" if customers have got tickets for Pantheon and/or Colosseum, our tour guide will guide them inside the monuments.
For pick-up (7.30am) and drop-off (5pm) service, from port of Civitavecchia, we charge one group fee from €300 cash up to 5 people and 400 up to 7 people.

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
From $25 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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