Rome: Private city tour with catacombs & hotel pickup

Summary

Experience Rome’s layers, from the Colosseum to quiet catacombs

You’ll move through Rome’s history in one day: stand inside the Colosseum at sunrise, toss a coin at Trevi Fountain, walk ancient stones on Via Appia Antica, and descend into eerie catacombs with a local guide. With private transport and hotel pickup included, you’ll see sides of Rome—grand and hidden—that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way the morning light hit the Colosseum — not golden exactly, more like old parchment, soft around the edges. Our guide, Marco, waved us over with a grin that said he’d done this a thousand times but still liked it. He pointed out scars on the stone where ropes once pulled up the arena floor. I tried to imagine the noise back then, but all I could hear was a group of school kids arguing over gelato flavors nearby (pistachio wins, apparently). The private car felt like cheating in a city this ancient, but honestly? My feet thanked me by noon.

Circus Maximus was next — it’s mostly grass now, but Marco painted it alive with stories of chariot races and emperors watching from above. The Pantheon surprised me; I thought it would feel grander, but instead it was just… peaceful inside. Cool air, echoes of footsteps, that perfect circle of sky overhead. At Trevi Fountain we tossed coins (I missed on my first try), and at the Spanish Steps we sat for a minute just to watch people drift by — locals chatting with hands flying everywhere, tourists fumbling with maps or phones.

Piazza Navona had street artists and that faint smell of roasted chestnuts drifting from somewhere (maybe wishful thinking). We passed Piazza Venezia quickly — Marco pointed out Mussolini’s balcony without making a big deal of it. Then came the part I didn’t expect: descending into the Catacombs. The air changed instantly — damp stone, candle wax, something old you can’t quite name. The official catacomb guide led us through narrow tunnels lined with empty tombs and faded frescoes. It was quieter than anywhere else in Rome; even our group whispered without meaning to. Back outside on Via Appia Antica, sunlight felt sharper somehow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Rome's Iconic Landmarks

• Visit Colosseum
• See Circus Maximus and Palatine Hill
• Tour the Pantheon
• Admire Trevi Fountain
• Relax at Spanish Steps
• Walk Piazza Navona
• Explore Piazza Venezia and Roman Forum
• Visit Catacombs of Rome
• Walk Appian Way

Top questions

Does this Rome city tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, private hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your day tour.

Are entry fees for attractions like the Colosseum included?

Colosseum tickets can be booked for an extra cost; other sites are included as per itinerary.

Is lunch provided during this full day Rome tour?

No lunch is specified; you may have free time to purchase food during stops.

How long does the visit to the Catacombs last?

The Catacomb visit is guided by official staff and joined as part of a larger group; duration varies but is typically under an hour.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?

Yes—infant seats are available and strollers/prams can be accommodated.

Will we have an English-speaking guide throughout?

Your driver/guide speaks good English; Catacomb tours use their own guides.

Is there much walking involved in this day trip?

You’ll walk at major sites but have private car transfers between locations—moderate fitness is recommended.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced English-speaking driver-guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, all scheduled site visits including entry to the Catacombs (with their own official guide), plus flexibility for families needing infant seats or stroller access along the way.