Rome · HISTORICAL TOURS

Top 15 Historical Tours in Rome

24 tours  ·  from $29

Good historical tours fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

Rome in a Day Tour with Vatican, Colosseum and Historic Center - The Pantheon explains Roman engineering
Historical Tours, Rome City Highlights Tours, Rome Colosseum Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Rome in a Day Tour with Vatican, Colosseum and Historic Center

1.Rome in a Day Tour with Vatican, Colosseum and Historic Center

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,042 reviews · 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $192Our pick

This 7.5-hour English tour links Rome’s historic center, Colosseum, Roman Forum overlook, Vatican Museums, and Sistine Chapel. A guide such as Sev, Claudia, Marco, or Kylie leads a group of up to 18, with timed entry and a quick transfer to the Vatican. Expect a long day and lots of walking.

“A great tour of Rome. The opportunity to go into the Coliseum was amazing. Allow a lot of extra time to be able to get into the Vatican and see the library and the Sistine Chapel as the crowds are huge. We had to cut our time short so missed most of the Vatican.... a great tour but make sure you have the time.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Rome Food Tour in the Historic Centre with 8+ Food Tastings - Starting with fountains and pizza in Piazza Navona
Food, Food & Drink, Historical Tours, Rome Food Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Rome Food Tour in the Historic Centre with 8+ Food Tastings

2.Rome Food Tour in the Historic Centre with 8+ Food Tastings

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,000 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $118Top rated

Meet your English-speaking guide at Piazza Navona for three hours of Roman food and history. Expect pizza, supplì, cold cuts, cheeses, two pastas, cannoli, gelato, and a secret dish, with guides such as Massimiliano, Rocio, Luda, and Federico leading small groups of up to 12.

“Good quantities of food while learning about Italian cuisine. Guide was well educated and had a good sense of humor”

Check availability →Read our full review

Rome: Forbidden History Walking Tour & Pub Crawl with Drinks - The opening stop helps strangers relax
Drinking Tours, Historical Tours, Nightlife, Pub Crawls, Rome Aperitivo and Bar Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

Rome: Forbidden History Walking Tour & Pub Crawl with Drinks

3.Forbidden History Walking Tour & Pub Crawl with Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 688 reviews · 3 hours · from $61

Meet your English-speaking guide in Piazza della Madonna dei Monti for a three-hour walk through Monti’s scandalous past, with stops for wine, spritz, sambuca, Carpano Classico, and limoncello. Guides such as Michelle, Autumn, Ana, and Irene lead the social evening, which ends near Piazza Venezia.

“This ended up being a really fun tour. We were a group of four, but there were couples and solo travellers on the tour too. It was a little awkward at first getting to know people, as we were all put in a room together and our first task was to get to know another group member. But as the night went on (and more alcohol was consumed), everyone relaxed and got along really well. We ended the night at a kareoke bar, which was a blast! One thing I will say is that there wasn't all that much history, but I imagine most people come for the drinks and…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Rome: Colosseum, Vatican Museums & Historic Center in a Day - Piazza Navona and the historic center
Historical Tours, Museums, Rome Colosseum Tours, Tour Reviews, Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Tours

Rome: Colosseum, Vatican Museums & Historic Center in a Day

4.Colosseum, Vatican Museums & Historic Center in a Day

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 228 reviews

Walk through Rome’s historic center, enter the Colosseum with a guide, then ride private air-conditioned transport to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. English-speaking guides such as Marco, Valeria, and Hilaria bring Roman history and art to life. Expect a fast pace and nearly nine miles of walking.

“Valeria was an excellent and knowledgeable guide! This tour was a great way to see the major sites and maximize your trip. A huge plus was the comfortable, air conditioned transportation. Our experience was absolutely enhanced by having Valeria to share the history of the sites we got to experience. Highly recommend!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Rome: Vespa Tour with Historic City Highlights - Circus Maximus and the ancient city
City Tours, Historical Tours, Rome City Highlights Tours, Rome Vespa and Fiat 500 Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Rome: Vespa Tour with Historic City Highlights

5.Vespa Tour with Historic City Highlights

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 113 reviews · from $79

See Rome from the back seat of a chauffeur-driven Vespa on a small-group tour from the Colosseum to Janiculum Hill. Your guide shares local stories, photographs you at major viewpoints, and finishes near Piazza Navona. English, Turkish, and Russian tours are available.

“Our group really enjoyed this activity (between 14 years old and 70!). We enjoyed hearing the history of the places we visited. The Vespas were beautiful, all different colours. Our drivers were very attentive and checked we were safe at all times. Everything went to plan and it was the highlight of our holiday. Looking forward to seeing our photos. Thank you.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Historical Walking Tour in Rome City Center with Hidden Gems - Santi Apostoli reveals Rome behind the public facade
City Tours, Historical Tours, Rome City Highlights Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

Historical Walking Tour in Rome City Center with Hidden Gems

6.Historical Walking Tour in Rome City Center with Hidden Gems

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 88 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $4Best value

Walk from Trajan’s Column to Piazza Navona with an English-speaking guide such as Jacopo, Jacob, or Max. Expect scandalous Roman family stories, church art, optical illusions, secret passages, and dark humor. The tour is tip-based, capped at 25 people, and works well for a first look at central Rome.

“Max is very friendly, knowledgeable and engaging. Knows his history, fun and passionate. A great guide!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Secrets of Rome: Historical True Crime Small Group Tour - Campo de’ Fiori and the story of Giordano Bruno
Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Secrets of Rome: Historical True Crime Small Group Tour

7.Secrets of Rome: Historical True Crime Small Group Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 85 reviews · 2 hours · from $29

Join an English-speaking guide such as Ben, Ivana, Ivanka, or Ariel for a two-hour walk from Campo de’ Fiori to Castel Sant’Angelo. Hear stories of Giordano Bruno, the Borgias, Beatrice Cenci, Giulia Tofana, and other notorious figures in a group capped at 15 people.

“My friend and I were in Rome for four days and we both agree that this tour stands out as one of the best things we did. Our guide was Ben, he was funny and charismatic as well as incredibly familiar with the city’s history and culture. His laid back delivery made us both feel very comfortable throughout the tour and his storytelling was engaging, he even strayed from the topic every now and then to tell us some unrelated facts about the places we were walking by. I almost don’t want to say anything else so as not to spoil this experience for you, but if you’re in Rome…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Rome Night Tipsy Tour & Bar Crawl with Forbidden History - What you actually drink during the night
Drinking Tours, Evening Experiences, Historical Tours, Rome Aperitivo and Bar Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Rome Night Tipsy Tour & Bar Crawl with Forbidden History

8.Rome Night Tipsy Tour & Bar Crawl with Forbidden History

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 80 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $71

Start at 8 p.m. in Piazza della Madonna dei Monti for a three-hour walk through Monti, Rome’s former red-light district. Guides such as Ana, Michal, Michelle, Autumn, and Irene mix local drinks, unusual history, icebreakers, and bar stops before ending near Piazza Venezia.

“So much fun. The Michelles were so great. 😃 Had a great time! Saw so mamy places I wouldn't have known about.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Civitavecchia: Historical and Culinary Walking Tour - Starting at Via Tarquinia and finding the guide
Civitavecchia Shore Excursions, Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

Civitavecchia: Historical and Culinary Walking Tour

9.Historical and Culinary Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 61 reviews · 3 hours · from $80

Spend three hours walking Civitavecchia with an English-speaking local guide such as Roberta, Raf, or Alessia. Visit the old town, squares, market, cafés, and a pastry shop while tasting pizza, bruschetta, cheese, cold cuts, sweets, and wine. It is a history tour with generous food stops.

“It was underfunded . Raf was very friendly & welcoming she made the tour very interesting & it was lovely to see how passionate she was about her city. Food was amazing too we thoroughly enjoyed it”

Check availability →Read our full review

Rome: Food Tour of the Historic Center with Rooftop Spritz - Fried artichokes and a Jewish Quarter pastry
Food, Food & Drink, Historical Tours, Rome Aperitivo and Bar Tours, Rome Food Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Rome: Food Tour of the Historic Center with Rooftop Spritz

10.Food Tour of the Historic Center with Rooftop Spritz

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 43 reviews · from $100

Follow an English-speaking food guide from Rome’s Jewish Quarter to Trastevere, stopping for eight tastings and three drinks. Try fried artichokes, codfish, Roman pizza, craft beer, cheeses, cold cuts, and trapizzino, then mix your own spritz on a private rooftop.

“This was a neat experience and I really enjoyed learning about a part of Rome I probably would have missed without this tour.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Day drinking in Rome - Scandalous Roman History - The Aventine Keyhole and Rome’s best views
Drinking Tours, Historical Tours, Tour Reviews

Day drinking in Rome – Scandalous Roman History

11.Day drinking in Rome – Scandalous Roman History

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 31 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $65

Spend 2.5 hours walking from the Orange Garden to Trastevere, stopping for Italian wine and spirits while your English-speaking guide, including guides such as Ginevra or Nina, shares tales of emperors, intrigue, and Roman oddities. Expect scenic views, lesser-known sights, and a social group of up to 10 adults.

“It was very insightful and our guide Ginevra was pleasant to talk with and she was very knowledgeable about Ancient Rome.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Bologna: Small-Group Tour with the Historic Archiginnasio - Shopping streets of the Quadrilatero Market
Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Bologna: Small-Group Tour with the Historic Archiginnasio

12.Bologna: Small-Group Tour with the Historic Archiginnasio

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 30 reviews · 2 hours · from $45

Walk from Piazza Maggiore through Bologna’s Archiginnasio and its remarkable Teatro Anatomico, then continue to Quadrilatero Market, the Due Torri, Santo Stefano, and elegant shopping arcades. A local English-speaking guide leads this two-hour tour, with admission included.

“Unser Guide Sofia hat uns mit ihrem Wissen und ihrer grossartigen Erzählkunst total überzeugt!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Rome: Rome at Night Evening Historical Walking Tour - Starting at Piazza di Spagna
Evening Experiences, Historical Tours, Rome Night Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

Rome: Rome at Night Evening Historical Walking Tour

13.Rome at Night Evening Historical Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 24 reviews · 2.5 - 3 hours · from $59

Meet an English-speaking guide after aperitivo for a private or small-group walk through Rome at night. Visit the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Piazza Navona, with guides such as Angela and James bringing the monuments and their stories to life.

“Our guide was the most knowledgeable about the history and places.He showed us place we wouldn't be able to spot ourselves.Was very pleasant as well to walk at night out of the heat but as beautiful.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Rome: Kid-Friendly Colosseum Experience and History Tour - Meeting your guide at the Colosseum Metro station
Historical Tours, Rome Colosseum Tours, Rome Kids and Family Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Rome: Kid-Friendly Colosseum Experience and History Tour

14.Kid-Friendly Colosseum Experience and History Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 15 reviews · from $338

Meet your English-speaking guide at the newsagent by the Colosseum Metro exit for a 2.5-hour private tour. Explore the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, ancient arches, and Julius Caesar’s altar through stories aimed at children and families. Marco is especially praised for his energy with kids.

“Yes, I think I thought it was more dynamic than inhabiting a map that they would have to look for more things, I felt it was like a private tour rather than an experience with children.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Rome: 3-Hour Private Historical Highlights Walking Tour - Trevi Fountain and Rome’s coin-toss tradition
3-Hour Experiences, Historical Tours, Private, Rome City Highlights Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

Rome: 3-Hour Private Historical Highlights Walking Tour

15.3-Hour Private Historical Highlights Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews · from $214

Start at Caffè Greco near the Spanish Steps and walk through Rome’s grand squares, fountains, palaces, and ancient sites. Enter the Pantheon, see where Raphael is buried, and finish at Piazza Navona with a private English or Italian-speaking guide such as Matteo.

“Great start of our stay in Rome! The guide was very nice and knowledgeable, it was an amazing tour. Thank you.”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Historical Tours

★ 5.0Ancient Ostia, Archeology and History, Half Day TourFrom $2583 reviews
★ 5.0Eat Like a Roman – Traditional Food, Local Market & HistoryFrom $793 reviews
★ 4.7Delicious Roman dinner & Juicy Roman historyFrom $1004 reviews

Keep browsing

Rome Colosseum ToursVatican Museums and Sistine Chapel ToursRome Catacombs ToursRome Food ToursRome Day TripsRome Golf Cart Tours
Scroll to Top

Explore Rome

Pick a ruin, a ceiling or a table.

Ancient Rome

Colosseum TicketsForum & PalatineArena FloorAppian WayAncient Rome

The Vatican

Museums & SistineSt Peter’sSkip-the-LinePapal AudienceVatican City

Food and wine

Food ToursPasta ClassesGelato & TiramisuWine TastingsAperitivo

Out of town

PompeiiAmalfi CoastTivoliOstia AnticaFlorence