What are the Best Half Day Tours from Rome?
I had been to Italy a few times, so on my last trip to Rome, I decided to do something a little different by adding a few half-day tours. It was the best decision I made. There are so many options to choose from, which made the decision on which tours to do in Rome a little hard, but they added more to my experience of this incredible city.
Not only did I get to see and do more, but I also discovered unique aspects of Rome that I missed on other trips. As I only chose to do half-day tours (under 4 hours), they didn’t take up too much time, leaving plenty of room to relax and enjoy the city.
If you’re visiting Rome, I highly recommend adding a few half-day tours to your itinerary. They are a perfect way to see more of the city and its surroundings without sacrificing your leisure time.
⏰ Short on time? Here's our top recommendation for Rome.
🗺️ Top Half Day Trips from Rome
1. Rome Trastevere Tour by Segway
2. Catacombs and Roman Countryside Half Day Walking Tour
3. Vespa Panoramic Tour in Rome
4. Half Day Trip to Tivoli with a Visit to Villa d’Este
5. Half Day Food and Wine Tasting Tour in Rome
6. Half Day Tour of Rome
💸 Save Money: Use the Rome Pass includes attraction and public transport. Check it out here.
🏨 Best area to stay for couples in Rome: Monti. (walking distance to major sights)
👉 Read Next: Best Things to Do in Rome at Night
Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. This means that, at no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click on or make a purchase through these links.
Half Day Tours from Rome we Love!
If you’re looking to maximize your time in Rome while still having plenty of free time to explore the city, these are the half-day tours I would recommend.
Rome Trastevere Tour by Segway
Where does it go: Trastevere, a charming and historic neighbourhood.
Duration: 3 hours
About: Glide through the narrow streets of Trastevere on a Segway, discovering hidden gems and picturesque spots. Trastevere is known for its winding, cobblestone streets, vibrant nightlife, and rich history. This small group tour allows you to effortlessly explore the area, providing a fun and eco-friendly way to see one of Rome’s most characterful neighbourhoods.
What’s included: Segway rental, helmet, guide, and insurance. The tour also includes a brief training session to ensure you’re comfortable operating the Segway before heading out.
Why you will love it: It’s a fun and unique way to explore one of Rome’s most beautiful areas without tiring yourself out. The Segway makes it easy to navigate Trastevere’s narrow streets, and the knowledgeable guide will provide interesting anecdotes and historical insights that you might miss on your own.
Catacombs and Roman Countryside Half Day Walking Tour
Where does it go: Roman Catacombs and the surrounding countryside. (My personal favourite for its uniqueness)
Duration: 3.5 hours
About: This walking tour takes you to the ancient catacombs, offering a glimpse into Rome’s early Christian history. After exploring the underground burial sites, the tour continues with a scenic walk through the Roman countryside.
What’s included: Guided tour, transportation to and from the catacombs, and entrance fees. You’ll also get to hear detailed historical commentary from your guide throughout the tour.
Why you will love it: It’s a fascinating journey into Rome’s underground history combined with the beauty of its countryside. This tour is perfect for history buffs and nature lovers alike, offering a unique perspective on Rome’s past and present.
👉 Looking for something spooky to do in Rome? This was my experience visiting the catacombs and bone chapel.
👉 View tour here
👉 If you are looking for more tips about visiting Rome? Make sure to check out my Travel Guide to Visiting Rome, Italy!
Half Day Trip to Tivoli with a Visit to Villa d'Este
Where does it go: Tivoli and Villa d’Este, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Duration: 4 hours
About: Visit the beautiful town of Tivoli and explore the stunning gardens and fountains of Villa d’Este. This Renaissance villa is renowned for its beautiful terraced hillside garden, with countless fountains, water features, and sculptures. Make sure to have your camera ready! Tivoli itself is a charming town with a rich history and beautiful views over the surrounding countryside.
What’s included: Guided tour, transportation to and from Tivoli, and entrance fees to Villa d’Este. The tour also includes some free time to explore the villa’s gardens at your own pace.
Why you will love it: It’s a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of Rome, with breathtaking scenery and history. The gardens of Villa d’Este are a UNESCO World Heritage site, and their beauty is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Vespa Panoramic Tour in Rome
Where does it go: Various iconic landmarks in Rome, including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Trevi Fountain.
Duration: 4 hours
About: Zip through the streets of Rome on a classic Vespa scooter, taking in panoramic views and famous sites. This tour is a unique way to see the city. You’ll go past the Colosseum and Roman Forum, and lesser-known spots with breathtaking views of Rome! Riding a Vespa through Rome is an experience in itself and adds to the excitement of exploring a bustling city!
What’s included: Vespa rental, helmet, guide, and fuel. The tour also includes stops at several key landmarks, where your guide will share interesting facts and stories about each location.
Why you will love it: It’s a fun and unique way to see Rome, perfect for those who love a bit of adventure. The Vespa allows you to cover more ground quickly and access areas that might be difficult to reach by car or on foot.
Half Day Food and Wine Tasting Tour in Rome
Where does it go: Various food and wine spots in Rome.
Duration: 3.5 hours
About: Savor the flavours of Rome with this guided food and wine tasting tour. You’ll visit local markets, bakeries, and wine bars, sampling a variety of traditional Italian foods and wines along the tour. The tour provides a great experience of Rome’s food scene, with plenty of tastings and insights into Italian food culture. This is a must for any foodie going to Rome.
What’s included: Tastings of food and wine, guide, and all necessary admissions. The tour includes multiple stops, each offering a different taste of Rome’s gastronomic delights.
Why you will love it: It’s a delicious way to experience the culinary delights of Rome. From savoury bites to sweet treats, and of course, exceptional Italian wine, anyone who loves food will love this tour in Rome.
Rome Highlights Half Day Tour
Where does it go: Major highlights of Rome, including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Spanish Steps, and Trevi Fountain.
Duration: 4 hours
About: See the top attractions of Rome in just half a day with this comprehensive tour. You’ll visit iconic sites such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, and more, with a knowledgeable guide providing historical context and fascinating stories about each location. This tour is perfect if you are short on time in Rome.
What’s included: Guided tour, transportation, and entrance fees. The tour is designed to give you a thorough overview of Rome’s most famous landmarks in a short amount of time.
Why you will love it: It’s perfect for first-time visitors who want to hit all the major sites without spending an entire day. The tour covers a lot of ground efficiently, making it ideal for those with limited time in the city.
Where did I stay in Rome?
👉 Watch our hotel review staying at an AirBnb in Monti, Rome. It had a Terrace Spectacular Views including the Colosseum!
👉 View the hotel here
Where to Stay in Rome?
Hotel Eden Rome ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.2 rating
Hotel Artemide ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.4 rating
Hotel Indigo Rome – St. George ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.1 rating
FAQ
Is it worth doing guided tours in Rome?
Absolutely! Guided tours in Rome are definitely worth it. They provide expert insights, skip-the-line access, and a richer experience of the city’s history and culture. Whether it’s a walking tour, a private tour, or a small group tour, having a guide can enhance your visit significantly. You will learn so much it will surprise you!
Can you do a day trip to Naples from Rome?
Yes, but it’s a full-day trip. We recommend this tour for it: From Rome: Vesuvius and Pompeii Guided Day Trip with Lunch.
How many days should you spend in Rome?
Ideally, you should spend at least 3-4 days in Rome to fully explore its major attractions and enjoy its vibrant atmosphere. This allows time for visiting the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and perhaps even a day trip to the beautiful Amalfi Coast.
Is Rome to Florence a day trip?
This can be done, although we recommend staying a few nights. If you’re short on time, this is the best tour to do a day trip from Rome to Florence: Florence and Accademia skip-the-line Ticket Trip from Rome by High-Speed Train.
Can you take a day trip from Rome to Venice?
Yes, you can take a day trip from Rome to Venice, but it will be a full day. There are high-speed trains that make this possible. Venice’s charm and beauty make it a worthwhile excursion, even if just for a day.
Can you visit both Rome and Vatican City in just one day?
Yes, you can visit both Rome and Vatican City in a single day, especially if you focus on the main attractions and use guided tours to maximise your time. A combination of walking tours and small group tours can help you cover a lot of ground efficiently.
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