VIP Best of Rome in 1 Day Guided Sightseeing Tour in English

Itinerary

1. This VIP Shared Shore Excursion to Rome features an dockside pick-up and drop-off, a professional English-speaking driver, and a maximum of 8 passengers. After an 80-minute drive from the pier, you'll begin your tour of The Eternal City.
2. Two thousand years of fascinating history come alive at Colosseum, the Ancient Roman arena where the Gladiator fights took place. The Colosseum is an amazing feat of engineering and a testimony to the engineering brilliance of Ancient Rome. (1h 0min)
3. The Arch of Constantine is one of several triumphal arches of Ancient Rome, sitting on the plaza just outside the Colosseum. Its location was significant in ancient times, linking the area of the Roman Forum to the major entertainment and public bathing complexes of central Rome.
4. The Circus Maximus was the largest stadium in ancient Rome, famous for chariot races (remember the movie "Ben Hur"?) An elongated, elliptical track with a central island, Circus Maximus could seat 250,000 people, one-quarter of Rome's population in ancient times. (10 min)
5. Archaeological findings show that the Palatine Hill was inhabited as far back as the tenth century BC, but it's glory days were at the time of the Roman Empire, when this was basically the Beverly Hills of Rome. Roman nobility had their homes here, including the Emperor, who could watch the chariot races from his palace. (10 min)
6. The Capitoline Hill is the smallest and most important of the seven hills of Ancient Rome. As the political and religious heart of Rome, the Capitoline Hill became a symbol of Rome's reign as Caput Mundi, capital of the world. Today, we can appreciate the elegant piazza designed by Michelangelo during the Renaissance. From the back side of the hill, you can enjoy an incredible view of the Roman Forum. (20 min)
7. Officially known as the Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II, the enormous white marble monument that dominates Piazza Venezia was built as a tribute to the first king of a united Italy, Victor Emmanuel II.
8. Built more than 1800 years ago, the magnificent Pantheon still stands as a reminder of the great Roman Empire. The name Pantheon refers to the building's original function as a temple to all the gods. The structure is famous for its handsome coffered dome, an amazing and mystifying work of architecture and engineering, with a gigantic oculus in the center. KINDLY NOTE: Viewing the Pantheon from the exterior is free. As of July 2023, a ticket is required to visit the interior. The ticket costs 10 euros per person. If you'd like to go inside the Pantheon, please request that we make a reservation for you. (30 min)
9. Believe it or not, Trevi Fountain is still fed by an ancient aqueduct -- the Aqua Virgo, constructed in 19 BC. The elaborate Baroque fountain by Bernini, a masterpiece of mythical figures in travertine, is the most recognizable fountain in the world. (20 min)
10. St. Peter's Basilica sits across the Tiber River from the historic centre of Rome. The location is highly symbolic; this was the site where Saint Peter died a martyr and where he was buried in 64 AD. The massive church, with its beautiful dome designed by Michelangelo, houses many works of art, including Michelangelo's most famous Pietà. At this stop, you will have time to view the church and piazza from the exterior; we will not enter the basilica. (1h 0min)
11. The verdant Janiculum Hill is dotted by monuments to Garibaldi and his makeshift army, who fought fierce battles in the struggle for Italian unification on this spot in 1849. The Italian hero is commemorated with a massive monument in Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi, while his Brazilian-born wife, Anita, has her own monument about 200m away in Piazzale Anita Garibaldi. Anita died from malaria, together with their unborn child, shortly after the siege. (15 min)