Rome Travelers Recommend

Imagine sipping limoncello while enjoying fresh fish that was plucked from the sea just hours before your meal. That’s just one of the memorable moments you’ll find on the Amalfi Coast—here are some of the best ways to visit from Rome.

Day Trips

Whether you book a private guided tour or are part of a small group, you’ll start your journey from Rome to southern Italy by road or high-speed train. Choose a tour that stops at Pompeii to explore the historic ruins, or upon reaching Amalfi, opt for a scenic cruise down the coast after sipping limoncello in the orchards. Wander the alleys of Positano and stroll its pebbly shores, and understand first-hand why celebrities are known to escape to this craggy Italian coast. Maybe you’ll spend time with a local cheese maker or enjoy a lunch of fresh seafood among the oceanfront architecture and coastal cliffs.

Multi-Day Trips

If you want to experience the Amalfi coastline in depth, consider a multi-day trip from Rome so you can tack on additional adventures like cruising to the island of Capri. Much like you would on a day tour from Rome, you can choose to explore the famous Pompeii ruins and poke around Positano, but you may also have time to stroll through Sorrento and see the best sights in Naples. 

Things to Know

• Most Amalfi Coast day trips from Rome begin between 6am and 7am, and return around 9pm.

• Amalfi is located about 175 miles (280 kilometers) southeast of Rome, a journey of about 3.5 hours by road.

• Tours typically include free time to explore and enjoy the coastline at your leisure.

• Many day trips include a stop at Pompeii.

• Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes.

• The winding road along the Amalfi Coast is arguably Italy’s most scenic drive.

• You can either travel entirely by road, or choose from tours that break up the journey between bus, minivan, and train.

Walk the ancient streets in Rome, but don’t miss a visit the excavated city of Pompeii for an even more vivid look at daily life in the ancient Roman Empire. Explore both the ruins and nearby Naples on a tour from Rome—here are your options.

Guided Day Trips

A day trip to Naples and Pompeii from Rome in the company of a knowledgeable guide is great for those short on time. You’ll see the highlights of the ruins as well as the UNESCO-listed historic center of Naples on a well-organized, stress-free excursion.

Private Day Trips

Upgrade to a private day trip to Naples and Pompeii from Rome to tailor your itinerary to better suit your interests. Some private tours include lunch or wine tasting, while having a private guide means you’ll have all the time in the world to ask questions along the way.

Multi-Day Tours

Spending more than one day around Naples and Pompeii gives you the ability to explore at a slower pace—you’ll see and do more, and still have time to relax. Add visits to more sights to your trip, such as the gorgeous towns of the Amalfi Coast, the excavated city of Herculaneum (not far from Pompeii), or the islands of Capri or Ischia.

Things to Know

• Naples is roughly 140 miles (224 km) from Rome, reachable in a little more than one hour by high-speed train.

• Full-day tours from Rome to Naples are typically 10 to 14 hours long, though express options running about 7 hours are available. Prepare for a long day.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes; the terrain at Pompeii is uneven in many places.

• Bring a water bottle and sun protection—much of Pompeii is exposed, offering little shade, and drinking fountains aren’t as readily available as they are in Rome.

Everyone knows that Rome wasn’t built in a day but with some forward planning, it is possible to take in the highlights in one. Maximize time with skip-the-line tickets for top attractions, travel between the sights on a hop-on hop-off bus tour, and choose tours that combine multiple sights. Here’s how to see Rome in one day.

Morning: Visit the Vatican

Kick off your sightseeing in Rome with an early-access tour of the Vatican Museums. Making an early start not only saves time but also means you’ll get to enjoy the UNESCO-listed treasures before the crowds arrive. First, marvel at masterpieces by artists like Raphael, da Vinci, and Botticelli in the enormous museums, then step inside Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Finally, head into the grand St. Peter’s Basilica, where you can climb the dome for a stunning view of the city.

Afternoon: Journey to Ancient Rome

The Colosseum is on top of most must-see lists, so it’s best to prebook skip-the-line tickets to avoid wasting hours waiting outside. Follow in the footsteps of fearless gladiators and Roman emperors as you explore the mighty amphitheater, then continue to the nearby Roman Forum, home to some of the city’s most impressive ancient ruins. Make a pit stop for some Italian gelato as you stroll into downtown Rome, where you won’t want to miss a photo by the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps.

Night: Cruise Around Illuminated Rome

Rome’s scenic riverfront is most magical by night, and an evening cruise along the Tiber river affords stunning views. Opt for a dinner cruise and tuck into traditional Italian dishes such as lasagna or gnocchi as you sail past St. Angelo’s Castle and spot the distant spires of St. Peter’s Basilica. Or, continue sightseeing in the evening hours with a moonlit tour of the Colosseum or a night walking tour of Rome’s most atmospheric neighborhoods.

Given that the Colosseum is Rome’s most recognized monument and one of Italy’s most popular attractions, you certainly won’t be alone in visiting. But skipping the line means avoiding a long wait and gaining priority access. Here are your options.

Guided Skip-the-Line Tours

Visiting the Colosseum with a guide allows you to use the exclusive tour entrance where lines are always shorter. There is a variety of tours to choose from, including private and kid-friendly options.

Skip-the-Line Colosseum and Ancient Rome Tours

Many skip-the-line Colosseum tours also visit other nearby attractions. Most cover the Forum and Palatine Hill, as all three sights share an admission ticket. Some tours stop at less commonly visited points of interest, such as the Casa di Augusto and Casa di Livia.

Skip-the-Line Colosseum Tours with Meals

Add a savory element to your Colosseum tour with a food or wine experience. You can start your day with a buffet breakfast overlooking the Forum, followed by a skip-the-line tour, or choose a dinner experience with a view of the Colosseum, with an exclusive evening tour of the monument afterward. For a full-day of sightseeing, combine a skip-the-line tour of the Colosseum and ancient Rome with a wine-tasting visit in nearby Frascati.

Sightseeing Bus Tours with Skip-the-Line Access

Cover plenty of ground with a sightseeing bus tour of Rome that stops at all the main attractions in the city. Choose a bus tour option that comes with a Roma Pass, which entitles you to fast-track entry to the Colosseum and several other sights.

With three days in Rome, there’s time to check off all the must-see sights and also explore a little farther afield. Look out for sightseeing passes and super saver deals offering discounts on combined tours, and then splash out on one or two unforgettable experiences. Here’s how to spend three days in Rome.

Day 1: Discover Historic Rome

To get the lay of the land, you may want to start things off with a comprehensive full-day Rome tour or opt for a special VIP experience at a top landmark, such as breakfast at the Vatican or a night tour of the Colosseum. For independent travelers, a hop-on hop-off bus tour is a great way to get around, offering the convenience of a tour while leaving you free to decide where to go and how long to stay at each stop. Spend the morning touring the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica, then continue to the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Be sure to book skip-the-line tickets, as wait times can be more than two hours at peak times. Finally, hop off at popular photo stops like the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain.

Day 2: Take a Day Trip

Many of Italy’s top attractions can be visited on a day trip from Rome, so you have options. To maximize your time, opt for a full-day tour that visits multiple destinations. Perhaps head south to discover the remarkably preserved ruins of ancient Pompeii and admire the views along the Amalfi Coast, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Or, head a little farther to Sorrento and catch a ferry out to Capri island. If you don’t mind a long day out, it’s also possible to take day tours to visit Venice, explore the Renaissance city of Florence, or discover the medieval towns and award-winning wineries of Tuscany. If you’re on a budget, look for a tour that includes extras like hotel pickup, entrance fees, and lunch.

Day 3: Eat Your Way Around Rome

Spend your final morning visiting any sights that you’ve missed—the Borghese Gallery is a must for art fans, while history enthusiasts might prefer to explore the Catacombs of Rome or the ruins of Palatine Hill. In the afternoon, set out to sample as much of Rome’s delicious cuisine as you can. A food-tasting tour is a brilliant way to taste pizzas, pasta dishes, and street food favorites like suppli (deep-fried rice and mozzarella balls), gelato, and sweet Maritozzi pastries. Alternatively, sign up for a pizza- or pasta-making class and learn the skills to recreate these classic Italian dishes back home. On your final evening, head to the lively Trastevere district to experience Rome’s nightlife and take a stroll along the illuminated riverfront.

As the largest church in Christendom and home to many papal tombs, St. Peter's Basilica is the grand centerpiece of the Vatican. It’s free to enter, but you’re likely to find long lines to get inside. See below to learn how to bypass the queues.

Guided Skip-the-Line Tours

Booking a special skip-the-line tour of St. Peter's means you get to use a special entrance rather than simply waiting in the usual long line to enter. Choose between tours with a knowledgeable guide leading the way and independent options that include an audio guide.

Skip-the-Line Vatican Museum Tours

Access to St. Peter's Basilica isn't included in Vatican tickets, but most museum tours end in the Sistine Chapel, where you’ll find a side door with a direct path to St. Peter's Basilica. Book a skip-the-line Vatican Museums tour and use this door to skip the extra line for the church.

Combo Tours

Combine a skip-the-line basilica walking tour with a self-guided tour of the church's cupola — head up into the cupola with an audio guide, and be prepared to take in one of the best views in Rome. Alternatively, combine a skip-the-line tour of St. Peter's with an exclusive visit to the Vatican's Mosaic Studio, which dates back to the 16th century and is generally closed to the public. Meet the artists who repair and restore the intricate mosaic artwork inside the church.

As Italy’s capital, Rome has a brisk urban pace that can be overwhelming. Luckily, the city is home to peaceful parks offering respite from the summer heat, quiet paths far from traffic, and some of the best views over the domes and rooftops of the historic center. Here are our top picks of the best parks and gardens in the Eternal City.

Villa Borghese

The center of the city and queen of Rome’s public parks is Villa Borghese, home to the spectacular Villa Borghese museum, with a collection including works by Bernini, Caravaggio, and others. This vast park, dotted with statues, fountains, lakes, and small museums, houses the city zoo and the Pincio terrace, where you can take in the sweeping view over Piazza del Popolo and the city center.

Villa Doria Pamphili

Once the private estate of the aristocratic Pamphili family and another of Rome’s top public parks, Villa Doria Pamphili is the largest landscaped garden in the city. The headliner here is the Casino del Bel Respiro, an elegant, 17th-century villa surrounded by exquisite parterre. Gardening enthusiasts will love the meticulous landscaping, but the winding paths, rich bird life, pretty pedestrian bridge, and towering shade trees make this garden a welcome oasis for everyone.

The Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico)

Tucked in the Trastevere neighborhood overlooking the sumptuous Palazzo Corsini, Rome’s excellent Botanical Garden is often overlooked, despite its lush grounds covering 30 acres (12 hectares) and planted with more than 3,000 species. Meander uphill through the bamboo forest, Japanese garden, rose garden, and greenhouses bursting with orchids, bonsai, cacti, and other flora to the scenic lookout at the top of Janiculum Hill, where you can pause to take in the view over the city.

Orange Garden (Giardini degli Aranci)

Across the Tiber River from the Botanical Garden, the pocket-size Orange Garden sits at the top of Aventine Hill, one of Rome’s seven historic hills and among the most scenic spots in the historic center. Thick with orange trees and umbrella pines, this gated garden near the Circus Maximus and Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verità) is a popular stop for shutterbugs who want to capture the view of Michelangelo’s dome topping St. Peter’s Basilica.

The Vatican Gardens

After the throngs of visitors that crowd the other highlights in Vatican City, these gardens just steps from St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel are surprisingly quiet. Open in June, July, and August, these 13th-century gardens spread across a series of landscaped terraces dotted with flower beds and fountains are the perfect break after visiting the basilica and Vatican Museums. The footsore can even explore the gardens via an open-air bus.

Travel two hours from Rome and 2,000 years back in time to the ancient city of Pompeii, which was tragically buried in ash. Here are some ways to experience the famous UNESCO-listed ruins, either as a half-day or full-day tour from Italy’s capital. 

Half-Day Tours

If you want to see Pompeii and be back in Rome by dinner (and perhaps a wine tasting), half-day tours typically leave in the morning and return by early afternoon. Spend two hours at the excavated ruins and see for yourself why the entire area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A half-day tour still offers enough time to explore the area surrounding Pompeii on your own before returning to Rome for an evening out in the city.

Full-Day Tours

If you’d prefer to see more in the Pompeii region, make a full day of it by checking out the ruins and touring Sorrento to sip limoncello, or hike up the slopes of Mt. Vesuvius for unforgettable views (only accessible in summer). Visit the heart of downtown Naples and see popular sights like Castel dell’Ovo and Piazza del Plebiscito, or stroll the narrow, cobbled streets of Positano on the scenic Amalfi Coast.

Things to Know

• Pompeii is located 150 miles (242 kilometers) southeast of Rome, a 2.5-hour journey by road.

• Most tours travel from Rome to Naples by train, and then transfer to minivan or bus. A few tours drive directly from Rome, so be sure to check the itinerary.

• Virtually all tours include skip-the-line access to the ruins at Pompeii.

• Pack for warm weather—especially in summer—since southern Italy is often a few degrees warmer than central Rome. 

• Full-day Pompeii tours usually meet in Rome around 6am or 7am, and most last between 12 and 14 hours.

Of all the global cultural wonders that have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status, only one represents an entire country: Vatican City. The world’s smallest sovereign state is the spiritual home of the Catholic Church and an incomparable storehouse of artistic treasures. Here are our top picks.

Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums house the largest collection of art in the world, and with so much to see, a guided tour is the best way to ensure you check off all the highlights. Opt for a private tour, an early-access Vatican tour, or skip-the-line entrance to avoid the crowds and marvel at the Raphael Rooms, Gallery of the Maps, and the Gallery of Tapestries. Take a VIP tour to explore the Vatican’s Secret Rooms or Vatican Gardens.

Sistine Chapel

Often included in tours of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel is one of Rome’s most visited sights, famous for its magnificent ceiling frescoes—Michelangelo’s The Last Judgment and The Creation of Adam. For a more personalized experience, take in the Renaissance masterpiece on a private or early-access Sistine Chapel tour.

St. Peter’s Basilica

One of the world’s most important catholic pilgrimage sites, St. Peter's Basilica is home to Renaissance gems like Michelangelo’s La Pieta sculpture and Bernini’s Baldacchino. Choose a tour with skip-the-line entrance, an audio guide or tour guide, or take in the views from the basilica’s cupola.

St. Peter’s Square

The grand centerpiece of Vatican City and the starting point of any walking tour, St. Peter’s Square offers a dramatic view of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel. It’s also the site of the weekly address of the pope—pre-book to secure a papal audience ticket.

Containing some of the world's most famous art and the largest church in Christendom, the UNESCO-listed Vatican ranks among Rome's most popular sites and draws notoriously large crowds. See below to learn how to visit without waiting in any lines.

Guided Skip-the-Line Tours

One of the perks of guided Vatican tours is the ability to bypass the usual crowded entrances. Tour groups get to use separate exclusive areas of entry, where the lines are much shorter. This is particularly helpful at the Vatican Museums, where waiting in the regular line can last hours.

Skip-the-Line Tickets

Even without a guided tour, you can opt for skip-the-line tickets to expedite the entry process. You'll still go through the main entrances, but you'll bypass the long ticket lines and move to the area for those with reserved entry times.

Tours with Early Entry

Some guided tours feature early access to Vatican sights, getting you in before the doors open to the general public. You'll not only avoid the long lines but also miss the biggest crowds. Choose an early-access Vatican Museums tour that starts in the Sistine Chapel, or opt for one that includes breakfast at the Vatican before your tour.

Combo Skip-the-Line Tours

A day in Vatican City typically includes visits to St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums, plus the Sistine Chapel. But for those who want to go beyond the usual stops, book a skip-the-line tour that also includes visits to less-frequented Roman sites that can only be seen with a guide — think the Bramante Staircase, the Cabinet of Masks, or the Vatican's Mosaic Studio.

The Colosseum is Rome's best-known icon, so it's a good idea to plan ahead and avoid getting stuck in long entry lines. For the ultimate experience, choose a VIP tour that offers special access and exclusive activities. See below for your options.

Skip-the-Line Tours

The easiest way to make your Colosseum experience more pleasant is to avoid waiting in what can be extremely long lines at the monument's entrance. Some skip-the-line options still require a wait since so many people now book in advance, but group tours go through a different entrance. This means that booking a spot on a guided tour helps you bypass the longer queues and quickly get inside to start exploring.

Combination Tours

Most people who visit the Colosseum have other Roman attractions on their must-see list, and a number of tour options combine skip-the-line entry to the Colosseum with visits to other nearby sights at a discounted rate. Explore the Palatine Hill and the Forum, or opt to stop at less-visited ruins such as the Casa di Augusto and Casa di Livia.

Dinner and a Show

Make an evening of your Colosseum tour. Start with dinner at a rooftop restaurant that overlooks the amphitheater, followed by a nighttime tour of the Colosseum — including the exclusive underground level. If you're more of a morning person, replace dinner with a buffet breakfast overlooking the Forum and then get a tour of the Colosseum through the gladiator's entrance.

Rome’s narrow roads make driving and parking a challenge, so consider skipping a rental car in favor of alternative transportation options. Take advantage of the excellent public transit system, explore by foot or bike, hop on a tour bus, or travel by scooter as the Romans do. Here are your options. 

Public Transit

Though it can get crowded during rush hour, public transit in Rome is extensive and affordable, encompassing metro, bus, and tram lines. Tickets are typically good on all forms of public transit, with single-use passes as well as one-day and multi-day options available. 

Walking and Biking Tours

The historic heart of Rome is compact, with many popular attractions within walking distance of each other. Join a guided walking tour to visit ancient Roman sites such as the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, Campo de’ Fiori, and Piazza Navona. Book a food-themed tour to indulge in Rome’s many flavors, or a bike tour to cover more ground than you would on foot.

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours

Get your bearings in Rome with a ride on a double-decker bus. Sit on the open-top upper deck and spot famous landmarks including the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Vatican City. Stay onboard for an audio-guided tour, or hop on and off the bus route to discover the city at your own pace. 

Vespa Tours

Do as the Romans do, and explore the city from the back of a scooter. Rent your own, or choose a customized Vespa tour and let your guide do the driving. Zip through the streets quickly, and discover neighborhoods beyond the historic center. Bonus: Scooter parking is typically easy to find. Vespa tours can be customized according to your personal interests.  

The Sistine Chapel is simultaneously a holy space used regularly by the pope and an incredibly popular Roman attraction. Part of the Vatican Museums, the chapel often has long entrance lines — here are some ways to skip to the front of the queue.

Guided Skip-the-Line Tours of the Vatican Museums

Lines to get into the Vatican Museums can be incredibly long, sometimes taking two or more hours to get through. With a guided skip-the-line tour, you’ll walk right past the ticket queue with your guide through a special entrance.

Skip-the-Line Tickets

Those who prefer to go at their own pace can book a skip-the-line ticket to the Vatican Museums in advance and bypass the long entry line. To maximize the chances of seeing the Sistine Chapel with smaller crowds, book a ticket with early-morning access.

Early-Entry Tours

Getting into the Vatican Museums before the doors open to the general public means you’ll get to experience the Sistine Chapel without the usual crowds. While most tours end in the chapel, some early-entry tours start there and others include breakfast inside the Vatican Museums before a tour of the museums and chapel.

VIP Private Viewings of the Sistine Chapel

For the ultimate Vatican experience, book an exclusive after-hours tour. You’ll get to view the Sistine Chapel in peace and see parts of the Vatican Museums usually off-limits to the public.

You can skip the line or tour after hours, but the best way to experience the Vatican is with the pope himself. Papal audience tickets are tricky to organize, but don’t get left in the lurch—read on for options to tour the Roman Catholic church.

What is a Papal Audience?

A papal (or general) audience is a public, Catholic gathering in Vatican City for the weekly address from the pope and his cardinals, who bless the crowd. The 90-minute event is typically held on Wednesday mornings in St. Peter’s Square. While it is not a mass, the pope leads the audience in prayer, blessings, and a homily in multiple languages.

Highlights

• Visit with a guide to ensure a good spot in a crowd of thousands. With reserved seating, you’ll get escorted through the throng of attendees to the best seats in the square. Plus, your guide takes care of your ticket reservations.

• Round out your Vatican experience on a tour that combines papal audience tickets with entry to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, so you can see Michelangelo’s Pieta, the Sistine Chapel, and the pope all in one day.

• Hear live commentary on the pope’s address, Vatican history, and the square’s Renaissance masterpieces on a small-group tour—with personal audio headsets, you won’t miss a word from your guide.

• Take a city walking tour to add famous sights like the Trevi Fountain, Castel Sant'Angelo, Piazza Navona, and Piazza del Popolo to your papal audience itinerary, then relax with included transportation back to your hotel.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The papal audience is free to attend, but tickets must be reserved in advance and picked up in person in Rome. If you’re short on time, book a guided tour for guaranteed tickets without the hassle.

• The weekly Wednesday address typically begins around 10am and draws thousands of visitors. Show up three hours in advance or choose a tour with reserved seating if you want a good view.

• Leave your tank tops and flip-flops at home. Visitors are expected to dress conservatively during the papal address; women should cover their shoulders and men should wear long pants.

• Not here on a Wednesday? Follow a tour guide to the pope's Sunday Angelus in St. Peter’s Square.

While it's impossible to see all that Rome has to offer, there are a few things you simply can’t miss—after all, have you really been if you don’t see the Colosseum or the Vatican? See below for our list of must-do experiences in the Eternal City.

The heart of modern Rome is still dominated by its ancient past, partly because of monuments such as the Colosseum and Pantheon. Visiting these sites is a must on any Roman itinerary, and exploring with a guide increases the learning potential. Here’s how to experience ancient Rome.

Skip-the-Line Colosseum Tours

The Colosseum is not only Rome's main attraction, it's one of the most popular sights in Italy—and that means lines at the entrance. Booking a skip-the-line tour in advance allows you to avoid the often-long waits outside the monument, with some even including access to parts of the Colosseum that are otherwise off-limits to visitors, such as the underground chambers and upper tiers. Many tours also include tours of the adjacent Forum and the Palatine Hill, where emperors and nobility once lived.

Combo Tours

Most visitors come to Rome to see more than the ruins of the ancient Roman Empire, which is why tours that combine ancient sites with other attractions are so popular. Go back in time to bucket-list destinations such as the Pantheon, then head to additional famous monuments like the Trevi Fountain or Piazza Navona. You can even choose a night tour of Rome to see the city’s old and new elements illuminated.

Visit Ancient Roman Homes

Taking a guided tour of the ancient Roman houses on Caelian Hill is a fascinating opportunity to learn about the everyday life of people who lived in this very place 2,000 years ago. You'll be able to walk into some of the frescoed rooms uncovered by archaeologists beneath a fourth-century church.

Before the bustle of summer, spring is a lovely season to explore Rome. Pleasant temperatures, vibrant streetlife, and blooming flowers are all reasons to visit the Eternal City in March, April, and May. Here are a few things to do on a trip to Rome.

• See the major landmarks with a half-day walking tour including highlights of ancient Rome such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Piazza Navona, and Pantheon.

• Book skip-the-line tickets to explore the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica at your leisure.

• Move quickly through Rome on a scenic journey via the hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus tour.

• Discover the countryside beyond Rome with a cooking class outside the city’s borders.

• Learn about history with a daytrip to the ancient ruins of Pompeii and the volcano Mt. Vesuvius.

• Set sail into the Bay of Naples on a day trip from Rome to the island of Capri.

• Venture into Tuscany for a day trip to see historic villages including Montepulciano and Pienza.

• Explore the Unesco World Heritage Site of Hadrian’s Villa on a day trip to Tivoli.

With so much history and culture, Rome's list of must-see sights is as long as the lines that form at their doors. But don’t stress about missing out—to make the most of your trip, here are the top five activities to book before they sell out.

• Save time by jumping ahead of the lines at the ever-popular Colosseum and Roman Forum.

• Get VIP treatment at the Vatican with access to private rooms and an after-hours tour of the Sistine Chapel.

• Beat the crowds with a skip-the-line ticket to the world-famous Vatican Museums.

• Head south for a day to explore historical Pompeii and stunning Sorrento.

• Descend below Rome with skip-the-line access to the city's ancient catacombs and crypts.

The Italian capital isn’t only famous for its history—Rome has long been a major art destination as well, and art tours offer a look at some of the city’s best-known works. See below for the top museums, galleries, and art-filled churches to visit.

Vatican Museums – Art and artifacts of the papal collection

The vast collections of the Vatican Museums can be overwhelming, not least because of the long lines at the entrance every day. Skip-the-line tours offer a way to beat the queue and make sure you don’t miss the most important pieces, such as the Apollo of Belvedere and the Laocoon.

Sistine Chapel – Michelangelo’s fresco masterpieces

The Sistine Chapel is considered to be part of the Vatican Museums, and it’s usually visited on tours of the museums. Choose a tour that starts at the Sistine Chapel to get in before the crowds and view Michelangelo’s work in peace.

Borghese Gallery – Caravaggio and Bernini pieces

Inside this former nobleman’s home is a fabulous collection of Bernini sculptures and Caravaggio paintings. The Borghese Gallery can only be visited on a guided tour, which fill up well in advance—be sure to book ahead.

Barberini Palace – Italian art in a royal setting

This 17th-century palace houses part of the National Gallery of Ancient Art (Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica). The collection features pieces from the 13th to 18th centuries, with particularly notable works by Raphael, Caravaggio, Tintoretto, and Bernini.

Palazzo Corsini – Personal collection of a noble family

The 18th-century Palazzo Corsini contains another part of the National Gallery of Ancient Art, with most works on display having once been a part of the Corsini family’s private collection. The pieces are well preserved, almost entirely in their original locations on the walls from when they were donated by the family.

MAXXI (Museo Nazionale delle Arti del XXI Secolo) – Contemporary art

Rome’s art museum for the 21st century, nicknamed MAXXI, opened in 2010 and is as much an attraction for its architecture as its collection—the building was designed by famed Iraqi-British architect, Zaha Hadid.

Easter in Rome sees springtime weather, festive cuisine, and holiday mass led by the pope in the heart of the Vatican—but also, huge crowds. If you find yourself in the Eternal City during Holy Week, here’s how to make the most of your visit.

How is Easter celebrated in Italy?

Easter, or Pasqua, marks a formal but energetic week of prayer in Italy, known as Holy Week, or Settimana Santa. In Rome, the Vatican takes center stage with extravagant processions and papal mass drawings tens of thousands of visitors and pilgrims to St. Peter’s Square. The main event—the pope–led via Crucis ceremony—is held on Good Friday; Easter Sunday is spent with family; and the national holiday Pasquetta (Easter Monday), is typically spent outdoors.

Know what's closed—and what to do instead.

Most tourist attractions keep normal hours during Holy Week, with the exception of the Colosseum, which closes early on Good Friday. Easter Sunday and Easter Monday are public holidays in Italy, so many shops, restaurants, and landmarks, including the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, are closed. This is a good time to explore neighborhoods such as Quartiere Coppede; attend Easter Vigil at St. Peter’s Basilica (be sure to prebook tickets); or tour the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Borghese Gallery, which remain open throughout the weekend.

Book a Vatican tour to see Pope Francis.

With papal masses, addresses, and processions in full swing, it’s easy to check an Easter with the pope off your bucket list. Scope out the nighttime via Crucis ceremony, when the pope leads a torchlit procession from the Colosseum to Palatine Hill, or ditch the crowds on a Vatican tour with guaranteed papal audience tickets, reserved seats, and a great view of the pope’s address.

Skip the line at the Colosseum.

Easter might be a popular time to visit Rome, but it’s easy to work around the crowds when you book skip-the-line tickets. Enjoy priority access to the ancient Colosseum, and consider tacking on fast-track tickets to Raphael’s Rooms and the Sistine Chapel on a sightseeing combo tour.

Experience Pasquetta as the Italians do—outside.

The Monday after Easter is when the serious religious tone lifts and Italians head outdoors to enjoy the spring weather. Take a leisurely guided bike tour around the city to hit famous sights such as the Appian Way, or head out on a day trip to the island of Capri for swimming, hiking, and exploring by the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Rome is a festive city come winter. Christmas-themed tours and activities, plus seasonal decorations make a trip in December and January especially memorable. Here are a few ways to explore Rome on a winter trip.

• Celebrate Christmas on a t our of the Vatican on Christmas Eve and by attending Christmas mass at St. Peter’s Basilica.

• Explore Rome with a local host leading the way on a private tour that can be tailored to your personal interests.

• Receive a Papal blessing with a special tour on Christmas Day, December 25.

• See the best of Rome’s Christmas decorations with a holiday-themed walking tour.

• Learn about two different aspects of Rome’s history on a tour that includes the underground catacombs and skip-the-line access to the Colosseum.

• Warm up indoors with skip-the-line tickets to the Borghese Gallery or the Vatican Museums.

• Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a nighttime tour of Rome’s illuminated landmarks plus a hearty 4-course meal and fireworks at midnight.

• Discover the festive seasonal lights beyond Rome with a day trip to Ariccia.

From the Sistine Chapel to the Vatican Museums, there’s a ton to see at the Vatican, and it can be hard to know where to start. A private tour allows you to maximize your time and tailor your itinerary to your interests. Read on for your options.

Highlights

• Most tours include the highlights of the Vatican Museums, a tour of the Sistine Chapel, and a visit to St Peter’s Basilica

• Some private tours include hotel pickup

• Skip-the-line access means you’ll avoid the notoriously long line

• Private walking tours of the Vatican typically last around 3 hours

• Private tours are also available for wheelchair users, ensuring a fully accessible route

Private Guided Vatican Tours

Check off the highlights of the Vatican Museums and St Peter’s Basilica on an early-morning tour that’ll allow you to beat the crowds, or opt for a private walking tour that includes stops at Raphael’s Rooms, the Gallery of Tapestries, and the Sistine Chapel. For a more personalized experience, choose a tour that visits hidden gems such as the Cabinet of the Masks and the Bramante Staircase, or a VIP tour that includes a private viewing of the Sistine Chapel. 

Private Combo Tours

Ideal for first-time visitors or those short on time, these tours offer great savings by combining two best-selling activities in one day. Perhaps couple your visit to the Vatican with a tour of archaeological wonders such as the Pantheon, Colosseum, and the Roman Forum, or skip the line at Rome’s two most-visited attractions—the Vatican and the Colosseum.

Tuscany is a mere jaunt from Rome, and many visitors combine a stay in the Italian capital with a day trip into the Tuscan countryside. Here are some of the top ways to experience Tuscany’s history, art, culture, and cuisine on a tour from Rome.

Florence City Tours

It is possible to see Florence—widely considered one of Italy’s most beautiful cities and an important fixture of the Italian Renaissance—on a daylong tour from Rome. Florence highlights include the Uffizi Gallery, the Galleria dell’Accademia and Michelangelo’s David, the beautiful Ponte Vecchio bridge, and the Duomo’s cathedral and Brunelleschi’s dome. Many Florence tours also include a stop in Pisa to see its famous Leaning Tower. Tour options range from small-group to semiprivate and generally last a minimum of eight hours.

Tuscan Countryside Wine Tasting Tours

Nearly as renowned as its history and art are Tuscany’s cuisine and wine, both of which can be experienced on a day trip from Rome. A proper first stop on most wine tasting tours is Montepulciano—both a town and a varietal of red wine—for an introductory taste of the region. Another favorite destination is the famous Chianti wine region. All tours stop at scenic, small villages along the way and include a variety of Italian small bites with the wine tastings.

Things to Know

• Florence is set about 174 miles (280 kilometers) north of Rome. High-speed train rides to Florence can take as little as 1.5 hours.

• The Tuscan countryside is about a two hours from Rome by road.

• Day trips from Rome to Florence or the Tuscan countryside typically run at 10 to 15 hours long, so be prepared for a long day.

Temperatures soar in Rome from June to September, when there is very little respite from the relentless Mediterranean sun. To see the Eternal City’s highlights in comfort, plan carefully, and avoid long lines in unshaded areas. Here are a few ways to savor the best of Rome’s sights—even in the dog days of summer.

• Skip the outdoor line and indoor crowds with a private after-hours tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
• Get out of the sun and join a skip-the-line underground tour of the Colosseum.
• See city highlights from an open-top bus on a hop-on-hop-off tour.
• Head below ground on a crypts and Roman catacombs tour.
• Escape the city heat by taking a day trip to visit the lush gardens of Tivoli.
• Enjoy the shade in Villa Borghese Park, and make a stop in the Borghese Gallery to see some of Rome’s most spectacular art.
• Avoid the hottest hours of the day by t ouring Rome at night.
• Discover Rome’s cuisine with a food tour at sunset, when temperatures drop and appetites awaken.
• Do as the Romans do and head for the hills of the Castelli Romani.
• Cool down with a gelato-making workshop (and tasting).