Top Rome Once in a Lifetime Experiences

Step away from the crowds in Rome's historic center—and explore the lesser-known neighborhood of Prati, known for its excellent dining scene—on this small-group walking and tasting tour. Discover locals-only gourmet shops and eateries with your foodie guide, and sample a wide variety of specialties. Feast on artisan charcuterie and cheeses, Roman pizza by the slice, classic pasta dishes, and Italian wine as you learn about the city's culinary culture.

Vatican Museum crowds peak at midday, making it a chore to visit this vast collection. On this morning tour, beat the crowds with early access to the galleries, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica. Kick off with a buffet breakfast in the Vatican Courtyard, then head into the Vatican Museums before the crowds arrive. Take in renowned sights like the Sistine Chapel in a peaceful environment before ending in St. Peter’s Basilica.

Cooking classes in Rome can vary when it comes to the participation element, but this one is fully hands-on for an immersive experience. Under the guidance of an Italian chef, prepare multiple dishes—fresh fettuccine, ricotta ravioli, and tiramisu—entirely from scratch. Conclude with a sit-down meal of the dishes created during the session, with wine and limoncello to wash it all down.

The Colosseum is one of Rome's top attractions, so make the most of your visit on a guided tour that gives you special access to enter the amphitheater's arena via the same entrance that gladiators once used for their battles. Once inside, explore the ancient landmark with a guide, and then head outside to tour the archaeological area of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

Skip the tourist trap restaurants and taste your way through Rome's street food scene on this small-group gourmet walking tour. Sample a variety of street foods, such as zucchini flowers, "suppli" (fried rice croquettes), pastries, pizza, and enjoy tastings of wine and beer, while taking in the impressive scenery of historic Rome all around you. This tour is ideal for first-time visitors to Rome and for foodies who want to learn more about Roman cuisine.

Discover a different side of the Eternal City with this haunted walking tour through Rome. Follow your guide and a small group as evening falls across shadowy streets, empty squares, and cursed bridges while you listen to tales of executions and murders over the centuries. Use your dowsing rods to pick up ghostly evidence of past emperors, heretics, and witches who are said to still wander the city.

Finding a genuinely local dining experience near major landmarks can be challenging in central Rome. This guided dinner pairs a multi-course meal at a family-run restaurant with insight from a food specialist and sommelier. Enjoy regional dishes, from fresh pasta to traditional desserts, each matched with a complementary wine. After your meal, step outside to see the Pantheon illuminated at night.

Set your own sightseeing schedule with the help of a guide on this Vatican Museums tour, which comes with optional upgrades. With a vast collection on display, knowing where to start when visiting the Vatican for the first time is daunting. Let your guide lead you to the highlights, along with visting the Sistine Chapel. Choose to continue your tour by adding on St. Peter's Basilica or the Colosseum.

Avoid the rush of group tours and explore the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum at your own pace with this self-guided AI video tour. Simply download the app on your phone, plug in your own headphones, and explore. Wander the main floors of the ancient amphitheater before continuing to the nearby ancient sites. Upgrade for access to the restricted arena floor, or to add on a VR experience.

Uncover Rome’s dark past on a nighttime walking tour filled with ghostly legends and unsolved mysteries. Wander through winding alleys and piazzas under the cover of darkness, where illuminated landmarks take on an eerie glow. Enjoy sinister storytelling from your guide and visit sites like Campo de’ Fiori, Castel Sant’Angelo, and the house of Rome’s most notorious murderer.

Escape the crowds in Rome for a day and head to the nearby countryside to experience the authentic side of Roman cuisine. Travel from the city to the ancient village of Mazzano Romano, where your experience starts by shopping for ingredients at the local market. Then help to prepare and cook a traditional meal under the guidance of an instructor before sitting down to enjoy your creations with Italian wine. The class is limited to eight people to provide an intimate, small-group experience.