Rome Private Cabriolet Tour: Iconic Sights & Local Secrets

Summary

Convertible Sightseeing Tour of Rome’s Hidden Corners

If you want to see Rome through local eyes—with history, hidden corners, and real stories—this private cabriolet tour is for you. You’ll ride in comfort with wine and sweets on hand while your guide brings each stop alive with personal touches you won’t find in any guidebook.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the breeze—warm, carrying a hint of roasted coffee from a nearby bar as we pulled away from the hotel in our Mercedes cabriolet. Our guide, Marco, had that easy Roman way of talking—he pointed out tiny details I’d never have noticed on my own. We zipped past the Circus Maximus, where you can almost hear echoes of ancient crowds. The sheer size is wild; I tried to picture 250,000 people squeezed in for chariot races. Marco explained how these races were more than just sport—they were about power and politics too.

Later, we found ourselves at the Orange Garden just as the sun started dipping behind St. Peter’s dome. Locals were scattered on benches, couples sharing gelato, someone strumming a guitar softly nearby. The view over Rome is something else—framed perfectly by those tall umbrella pines you see in old postcards. It’s a spot Romans love for sunsets and photos; honestly, I get why folks keep coming back here.

Janiculum Hill was next—wind picking up slightly as we climbed higher. The Fontana dell’Acqua Paola stands there like it owns the place; turns out it used to be the biggest fountain in town for a century after Pope Paul V had it built. You can hear water splashing even before you see it. From up here, Rome looks endless.

Coppedè was a surprise—a pocket of Art Nouveau tucked away from the usual crowds. Luigi Coppedè designed this area in the early 1900s and every building feels like it belongs in a fairy tale: turrets, mosaics, odd little faces carved into stone. It’s quiet except for the occasional scooter buzzing past or someone chatting on their phone outside Bar Coppedè.

Piazza della Repubblica brought us to the old Baths of Diocletian—massive ruins turned into one of Michelangelo’s churches centuries later. The scale is hard to wrap your head around; apparently 15,000 people could fit inside when it was still a bathhouse.

We crossed Sant’Angelo Bridge with its angel statues watching over us—Castel Sant’Angelo looming at one end. Marco shared stories about emperors and popes who once called this fortress home (and sometimes prison). There’s always street musicians playing here; today it was an older man with an accordion playing “Volare.”

The last stop was Bocca della Verità—the Mouth of Truth. It sits under the portico at Santa Maria in Cosmedin church and yes, I stuck my hand inside (couldn’t resist). There’s always someone daring their friend to try it too.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rome Highlights Tour

• Visit Circus Maximus
• Enjoy Orange Garden panorama
• See Fontana dell'Acqua Paola
• Explore Quartiere Coppedè
• Visit Thermae of Diocletian
• View Castel Sant'Angelo
• See Mouth of Truth at Santa Maria

Top questions

Is this private cabriolet tour suitable for families?

Absolutely! We offer specialized infant seats and the pace is relaxed enough for all ages to enjoy comfortably.

Will we have time to take photos at each stop?

Yes—you’ll have plenty of chances to hop out for photos or just soak up the atmosphere at each location.

What if it rains during our tour?

The Mercedes cabriolet has a retractable roof so we can adapt quickly if weather changes suddenly.

Are drinks or snacks included?

You’ll find wine, water, and some local sweets waiting for you in the car throughout the tour.

What’s included

Your licensed guide will meet you at your hotel and stay with you until the end of your journey. The executive Mercedes E-class cabriolet is yours for the whole experience—plus complimentary wine, water, and sweets are always within reach as you explore Rome’s highlights together.