Rome Holidays

Feel as though you’ve taken a step back in time as you explore Rome’s historical attractions with an expert local guide. On this insightful half-day experience, you’ll start with a visit to the Colosseum: the largest amphitheatre built during the Roman Empire. More than 2000 years after it was inaugurated, this iconic structure is still Italy’s most popular attraction. You’ll then head to Palatine Hill – one of the seven hills of Rome towering above the ancient city with panoramic views – before discovering the dramatic ruins of the Roman Forum, once the hub of daily life in Rome.

• Duration: half day
• Times: 9.30am to 12.30pm; 2.30pm to 5.30pm
• Departing daily from Rome
• Operates April – October
• Group experience

Good to know
Includes entrance fees. Transfers not included.

Rome’s religious buildings are incredibly special. During this half-day locally guided experience, you’ll get to understand the depth of religious importance in the city and see some of the most elaborate art and architecture in the world. Visit the Vatican Museums, which display a colossal collection of religious artefacts. The highlight is the Sistine Chapel, where the 16th-century Michelangelo-painted ceiling will take your breath away. The final stop will be the huge St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the most important Catholic churches, said to be built on the burial site of St. Peter the Apostle.

• Duration: half day
• Times: 8.30am to 11.30am; 1.45pm to 4.45pm
• Departing Monday - Saturday from Rome
• Operates April – October
• Group experience

Good to know
Includes entrance fees and ‘skip the line’ entry. Transfers not included. St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel are closed to the public on Wednesdays and during religious holidays and special events.

Explore Rome on foot after the sun has set with a knowledgeable local guide. At night, the city takes on a different guise as iconic buildings are beautifully lit and the skyline is reflected on the surface of the Tiber. Wander through the 16th-Century Roman Ghetto, a Jewish neighbourhood with a rich heritage and beautiful architecture. You’ll pass the Pantheon with its towering pillars and head onwards to the ever-popular Trevi Fountain and the Piazza di Spagna, the setting of the Spanish steps. The night draws to a close in the best possible way: with a traditional and tasty frozen treat from a local gelateria.

• Duration: evening
• Time: 8pm to 9.30pm
• Daily departures
• Operates June to October
• Group experience

Eighteen miles to the east of the capital lies breathtaking Tivoli, a town of palatial villas, rolling hills and thundering waterfalls. You’ll travel out of town and head for the UNESCO-listed Villa d’Este, one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture and inspirational landscape gardening. The second World Heritage villa of the day will take you even further back in time – this time to the 2nd Century AD. Villa Adriana was built for the Roman emperor Hadrian as a retreat from the chaos of Rome.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 7.30am to 12.30pm
• Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday departures
• Operates April to October
• Group experience

Feel the sea breeze and experience the sophisticated vibes of Capri on this day out of the city. Travel south to Naples (approx. 2½ hours by road) and hop on board a ferry which will whisk you over to this pint-sized island in the Gulf of Naples where you’ll be joined by a local guide. The highlight of the trip is the visit to the Blue Grotto, a natural sea cave that you’ll access through a low entrance on a small wooden boat.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 6am to 9pm
• Daily departures
• Operates May to October
• Group experience

Sitting in the shadow of the mighty Mount Vesuvius is the city of Pompeii, a settlement frozen in time following the volcano’s 79AD eruption. You’ll explore the streets, public buildings and homes of the settlement’s doomed inhabitants with a local guide and learn what happened on those two autumn days over a thousand years ago. A traditional lunch of Neapolitan pizza will break up your day of discovery.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 6.30am to 9.30pm
• Daily departures
• Operates April to October
• Group experience