Tour Details
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
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- Pantheon
- Spanish Steps
- Trevi Fountain
- Piazza del Popolo
Photos & Highlights
- Embark on a journey with a renowned local expert specializing in history or archaeology, offering a deep dive into Rome's storied past and magnificent landmarks.
- Opt for a private excursion with your own friends or connect with like-minded explorers in a small group limited to just 8 guests.
Tour Description
Experience Rome's epic history and vibrant culture on a 3-hour tour with a local historian. Perfect for first-time visitors or those returning to the Italian capital, this comprehensive exploration offers insights into the city's diverse neighborhoods and iconic sites, ensuring a deep connection with the heart and history of Rome.
You will start your journey at the elegant and stately Piazza del Popolo—the “People’s Square”—where the three main streets of Rome’s historic center meet. You will explore the neighborhood most commonly known as Tridente, or “Trident,” and what remains of its imperial tombs and obelisks, medieval churches, and Renaissance palaces, including Palazzo Borghese. As you make your way to the Spanish Steps, you will discuss the history of this Roman icon, from its origins—ironically as much French as Spanish—to its present-day popularity.
At the Trevi Fountain, you will admire and discuss its creation and design, as well as what water represents to the city of Rome. You will end your tour with your expert by exploring the Pantheon, one of Italy’s greatest architectural wonders. Throughout your time together, you will learn about Rome’s different neighborhoods, fantastic sites, and general life and culture. Your expert will also be sure to provide you with top-notch recommendations, answer any questions you may have, and ensure you’re oriented before you part ways.
Experts
- You prefer a private, personalized experience that allows for deeper engagement with this iconic city.
- You're eager to traverse the cobblestones of the Eternal City, retracing the paths where emperors and artists alike shaped the rich tapestry of Roman heritage.
For a highly curated, first-hand look at more of Rome’s most famous sites, we recommend our Vatican and St Peter's Tour and Ancient Rome: Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill Tour.
- Piazza del Popolo is an expansive and symmetrical square that acts as a grandiose gateway to the heart of Rome, flanked by churches and an ancient Egyptian obelisk.
- Palazzo Borghese's exterior presents an imposing example of Roman architecture, with its grand facade hinting at the opulent art and history that resides within its walls.
- The Spanish Steps, a monumental stairway of 135 steps, elegantly cascade down to the Piazza di Spagna, offering a favorite meeting place and a picturesque backdrop for countless artists and travelers.
- The Trevi Fountain, an iconic masterpiece of baroque art, springs to life with its dramatic sculptures and the legend that tossing a coin into its waters ensures a return to Rome.
- The Pantheon, with its harmonious interior and striking exterior, boasts the largest unreinforced concrete dome in history, standing as a testament to the architectural genius of ancient Rome.
For more information about Context Tours, please visit our FAQs.
Where does the tour meet? Where does it end?
You will meet in the Piazza del Popolo and end at the Pantheon. Your confirmation email will have the exact meeting point details along with a map. If lines are very long at the Pantheon, your expert will ensure you are briefed and have tickets to explore on your own after the tour.
When should I take the Introduction to Rome tour?
This is the ideal tour to take on your first day in the city. In addition to seeing and learning about some of Rome’s most famous sites, you’ll also become familiar with the city’s different neighborhoods and local life and culture. Don’t hesitate to ask your expert guide for recommendations for the rest of your time in Rome!
What is the dress code inside the Pantheon?
The Pantheon is considered a holy place. Men should wear long shorts or slacks, and women should wear long shorts, slacks or skirts below the knee. Shoulders must also be covered; plan to bring a shawl to wear if your top has them exposed. Shorts above the knee are discouraged for adults and teens.
Is the Introduction to Rome kid-friendly?
It can be, yes! While we do have other tours in Rome that are designed especially with children in mind, if you book a private Introduction to Rome tour, we can assign you a family-friendly expert guide who will make it especially interesting for young minds.
Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
Our guides have experience in giving tours to guests of all abilities, however, navigating the streets of Rome's city center can be quite challenging for wheelchair users because unfortunately the cobblestone streets were not designed to be wheelchair friendly.
Do you reserve headsets for this tour?
Do you reserve headsets for this tour?
Depending on your group size, we may be required by the venue to order headsets in which case you’ll see a “Headset Fee” added to your order.
Where You'll Start
293 Reviews
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Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
This is a really informative tour for a first day introduction to Rome.
Jennifer
Oct. 31, 2023
Liz has an engaging personality, highly knowledgeable in architecture, archeology and the history of Rome.
Kim
Oct. 28, 2023
Awesome tour that’s 3 hours long but packed with a ton of information. Our group wasn’t keen on a ton of history details but this tour is just enough without being way over the top. Dony was a friendly and very knowledgeable guide. He made sure all questions were answered and even allowed us to stop for gelato and cigar shopping. Highly recommend.
Faylene
Oct. 17, 2023
