Rome is endowed with a wealth of cultural attractions – so much so that it would take more than a lifetime to explore every corner. Beyond the magnificence of its monuments, its ancient and Baroque architecture and its cobbled, sampietrini streets, Rome’s history emerges everywhere. But in normal, non-Covid times, the Eternal City can also get oppressively overcrowded. Fortunately, there is much more to discover in the environs that surround the Eternal City, and that’s where our Rome Day Tours come in.
Among lush, landscaped parks, papal villas and ancient settlements, the surroundings of the Eternal City offer something for everyone. Each of Rome’s surrounding attractions deserves a detour from the city. In this article, we will share some of our favourite Rome Day Tours to Italy’s most stunning destinations.
Discover Hadrian’s Villa in the hillside town of Tivoli
The sprawling 300-acre ruins of Villa Adriana are lined with groves of olive trees and sprightly ponds. statue-lined fountains between the ruins. Architecture that has stood the test of time is brought to life with statues of Antonious, Hadrian’s deified lover who died tragically in the Nile, and posed crocodiles lining long pools surrounded by eroded columns. The natural-yet-vivacious quality of these ruins somewhat mirrors the quality of the villa during the 2nd century AD when it was sprawling with people: workers, shops, students, teachers–a small countryside city.
Villa Adriana becomes an interactive historical park with your informative guide leading you through each section of this impressively expansive estate: the foundation of the old hospital, the arches of Hadrian’s baths, the aforementioned ponds, and the overlooks into the valley below. Experience what life was like for emperor Hadrian, his lover Antonious, and the common folk who lived and worked here first-hand.
Enjoy a divine day trip to the Pope’s Summer Residence
Indulge in a day worthy of the Pope as you combine a Vatican tour with a venture into the Roman countryside. Expert guides will be by your side throughout the day as you explore the Pope’s summer residence and its private apartments in the quaint hillside village of Castel Gandolfo.
Here you can soak in the beauty of the apostolic palace, tour the private pontifical apartment and explore the lush landscaped gardens of Villa Cybo, Villa Barberini and the Barberini Gardens. And to ensure you enjoy the perfect blend of culture and cuisine, this unique day trip lets you learn traditional recipes refined over centuries on the papal estate in a hands-on cooking class in the Pope’s personal farmhouse.
Our top-rated Rome Day Tours
Ostia Antica. Everybody has heard of Pompeii, but did you know that Rome has its own perfectly-preserved ancient city virtually on its doorstep? A few kilometers from the capital, Ostia Antica was once the port city of the Imperial capital, home to amphitheatres, temples, luxurious villas and beautifully preserved living quarters. Its paint-stained walls and seemingly contemporary buildings offer a true glimpse of Roman life 2,000 years ago. Visit with a private guide to truly immerse yourself in the history of this fascinating settlement.
- The Necropolis of Cerveteri. Before the rise of Rome, the Etruscans reigned supreme over much of Northern and Central Italy (even regaling the region of Tuscany with their name!) This ancient, mysterious civilization played a fundamental role in the genesis of Rome, contributing its art, architecture and even aristocracy to make the Romans the supreme power in the Mediterranean. Traces of the Etruscans can be found all over Italy, not least in Tuscany – the area from where they originated. However, few places house such a wealth of Etruscan treasures as the necropolis of Cerveteri. Situated just outside Rome, this vast necropolis (which literally means city of the dead) is populated with tombs built to imitate the daily life of their dead, and thus give a very vivid impression of how these people lived millennia ago.
Florence: We offer a wide range of Rome day tours to Florence, immersing you in the immense cultural patrimony of the Cradle of the Renaissance. As well as tours of the Accademia and Uffizi Galleries (two of the world’s most impressive collections of Renaissance art), we will be bringing you tailored experiences giving you a more intimate insight into Florentine life. Food tours, artisan tours, and sensory experiences in a medieval perfumery!
Discover Italy with Walks Inside Rome
Since 1999, Walks Inside Rome has been guiding clients of all ages and interests around Rome and its environs. Based in Rome, our team of guides is endowed with a burning passion for the cultural heritage of our Italian cities. Decades of experience allow them to bring to life the most absorbing sites and recount the fascinating stories that have shaped the western world – from the Age of the Etruscans and the epoch of the Caesars to the Rome of the Popes and the city’s modern art movements.
We strive to provide our clients with the highest quality tour guide services in art, history, food and fun across Italy’s most spectacular destinations. Ready to discover Italy? We are open 7 days a week. Contact us for any questions and for more information about our tours.
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We look forward to welcoming you to Rome!
