BEST Private Tours of Rome

Want to explore Rome but don't know where to start? We recommend taking a private tour - a great way to explore top Roman sights such as Colosseum and Vatican Museums as well as hidden gems. 

The tour will be tailored to you and your wishes and you'll have a guide only to yourself. These tours are great for couples or if you are visiting with a family (this way it's not costly).

Private tours are for sure worth the money, because you don't have to worry about planning, buying tickets and waiting in the lines (you'll have priority entrance). Plus, most tours include free pick-up from your hotel/apartment. So convenient!

Rome offers numerous variants of private tours that takes you to the most iconic ancient sites, medieval churches, best museums, food places and markets, around vineyards and through olive groves. There are tours that kids will adore, while others are art related. There is even tour that takes you to Papal Audience in the Vatican.

These tours are ideal for cruise passengers who only have one day for exploring Rome (some tours offer a pick-up from your cruise ship).

These tours usually skip the lines to the Vatican or Colosseum and takes you directly to Colosseum Underground or Arena Floor. The tours are tailored to your interest and your pace of sightseeing. 

We are sure that you'll be happy with tours we hand-picked for you, as they are planned very well and the guides are professional and friendly. They are worth the money!

You'll love these private tours of Rome:

1. Private tour of Colosseum and Roman Forum

This 3-hour tour explores the Colosseum and its highlights (morning and afternoon departures are available with pick-up from centrally located hotel). Next, you'll head to Roman Forum in a company of your guide, where preserved temples, basilicas and public squares offer a glimpse into Roman life. Guides story telling will make this experience super special!

Tour is also great for families with children! For staying only a steps away from the Colosseum book Boutique Hotel Nerva!

2. Private early bird Vatican Museums tour (including St Peter's Basilica)

You couldn't imagine seeing the Vatican any other way than by taking this private tour. You'll skip all the lines and get in early (before the crowds) to see incredible collection of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. Next, continue to St Peter's Basilica directly from the museums. On this superb 3.5h tour, guides will share a wealth of knowledge with you!

You can be picked-up from your hotel or you can meet near the Vatican Museums! For staying just across the entrance to Vatican Museums, book Hearth Hotel Rome!

3. Rome's 12 best highlights full day private tour

Seeing Rome in one day can be challenging and this 7-hour tour makes it possible. The tour does the planning for you, covering the best of the city in full day sightseeing. Some of the highlights include: Colosseum, Circus Maximus, Pantheon, St Peter's Square, Spanish steps...

Guides on this tour are professional, attentive and fun and will even show you where to have a tasty lunch. The tour starts with pick-up from your hotel!

4. Private food tour of Rome

For a truly unique experience, choose this private food tour with your private foodie host, not in a group. This tour combines sightseeing with stops at various places to learn and taste yummy food. The tour starts from Campo de' Fiori square at your preferred times and lasts 2 hours or 3 hours, depending on how many tastings you choose (6 or 10 tastings).

Enjoy a culinary journey through the city with your private guide! Stay at Campo24Roma Guesthouse to easily meet your guide!

5. Best of Rome by golf cart private tour

This is one of the best ways to see the city especially if you are short on time. You'll be picked up in front of your hotel and then get around on a private golf cart with your guide. You'll stop to admire the Colosseum, Spanish Steps, Bocca della Verita and many other great spots. Be prepared to hear lots of great stories and interesting details about Roman history and culture!

6. Colosseum and ancient Rome for kids (private family tour)

On this tour a friendly guide takes you and your kids to explore the ruins with the help of a treasure map. Of course, you'll skip the long lines to the sights. Your kids will be engaged with quizzes and prices. After the Colosseum, you'll head to Roman Forum. This is completely private experience tailored to your children's ages and interest.

Your kids will enjoy this tour! For staying nearby, book Monti Palace Hotel (rich buffet breakfast & great service).

7. Colosseum tour with Arena and Underground

On this 3-hour tour your private guide will take you to explore the Colosseum (with skipping the lines) from inside. You'll see all areas, starting from underground where wild animals and gladiators waited for their performances, arena floor and the spectators area. Next, you'll walk to Roman Forum to see the ruins of ancient Rome.

Choose from two daily departures! Pick-up from Rome's central hotel is available!

8. Private Vatican Museums entry: Hidden gems tour

On this private tour your guide will take you inside (priority entrance) the Vatican Museums to admire the Vatican's architecture and works by masters like Raphael and Caravaggio, as well as Pinacoteca. Of course, you'll visit the famous Michelangelo's frescoes and continue towards St Peter's Basilica for a short exploration.

You can request pick-up or meet in front of the museums. This tour is ideal if you visit Rome for a day, so you book morning tour and have the rest of the day for other sights!

9. Rome highlights by vintage Fiat 500 Cabriolet (private tour)

Discover the beauty and charm of Rome in a whole new way. Vintage cabriolets will take you on a 2.5-hour journey through the city's hidden gems. You'll see St Peter's Square and Basilica, the Colosseum, Circus Maximus, Trastevere and drive along the Tiber River (and much more).

Tour departs from the spot near Vatican Museums and ends near Colosseum. So fun way to explore the wonders of Rome!

10. Charming VIP Rome by night experience

Rome at night is spectacular and you'll love this private tour that takes you to see the Colosseum, the Circus Maximus, the Pantheon and much more. Your driver/guide will take you to places to see the best views to take some amazing photos and share history facts with you. If you are going to do a tour in Rome, this is the one you should!

Your driver will pick you up from your hotel in Rome!

11. Private photography session with local photographer in Rome

Capture your time in Rome with this customized private photo shoot. You'll meet professional local photographer in the city center and pose on the best Rome's sights such as Roman Forum, St Peter's Square or the Colosseum.

This photo session is ideal for solo trip, honeymoon or a family trip. You'll receive your online digital gallery of beautiful professional photos within days of your shoot. Choose from 30-minute to 2-hour photo shoots.

12. Private Borghese Gallery Tour

Take this 2.5 hour tour if you are art lover, as you'll explore art collection housed in the Borghese Gallery. Your guide will show you the works made by Bernini, Caravaggio, Raphael and other artists. Meeting point is the entrance of this museum, which is located in the Villa Borghese Park (choose from many daily departures).

For staying nearby, we recommend Magica Luna Hotel and for dining Al Forno della Soffitta (great pizza and other dishes). Villa Borghese Park is great for walking or biking and enjoying beautiful nature. From there you can easily walk to Spanish Steps!

13. Best of Rome private tour (shore excursion from Civitavecchia)

Make the most of your time in Rome with a full-day private shore excursion. Meet your English-speaking guide at Civitavecchia port (in front of the ship) and set off on a day of sightseeing in Rome. Explore the Colosseum, walk down Piazza Navona, climb the Spanish Steps, enjoy the views from the Janiculum Hill and admire St. Peter's Square. 

Whether you want to see ancient highlights or hidden gems, your guide will help you make the most of your day in Rome. You'll see everything one could possibly see in one day in Rome. In the end, you'll be driven back to the cruise port.

14. Papal Audience in Rome (private tour)

By booking this tour you'll participate in Papal Audience with blessing that takes part every Wednesday. The tour starts with a car pick-up from your hotel/apartment at 6:30am and then continues in the Vatican where you'll see the Pope and experience greetings, blessings and homilies. See the Pope from the front row! This is a once in a lifetime experience!

Afterwards, head to Hedera Gelateria (Borgo Pio 179) for one of the best gelatos in the whole Rome! For staying nearby, we recommend Fragrance Hotel St Peter, modern hotel hidden in the very peaceful location.

More info you may like:

Florence in 3 days

Visiting Rome on a budget

Best ways to visit the Colosseum

Best cooking classes in Rome

Leonardo Express train

Uffizi Gallery tickets

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