Top Rome Once in a Lifetime Experiences

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cycling along the ancient Appian Way is a must for fans of history and nature, but reaching this off-the-beaten-track location —and figuring out where to rent a bike—can feel daunting. This half-day e-bike tour supplies all the equipment you need. Plus, a tasty lunch or late-afternoon aperitivo is included, depending on which option you pick. The longer tour also includes a guided visit to the Catacombs of San Callisto.

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 you're unlikely to uncover on your own, 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.

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, and pizza, and enjoy tastings of wine and beer, while taking in the impressive scenery of historic Rome all around you.

Knowing where to start when visiting Rome's archaeological sites can be daunting, especially for first-time visitors. This group tour handles the planning for you, with an itinerary that includes the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Enjoy stepping onto the amphitheater's restricted arena floor, something the majority travelers aren't able to access. Gain deeper insights through your guide's commentary, which goes beyond what you'll find on the information panels.

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.

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.

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.