The Eternal City is eternally fascinating to its visitors, who have the opportunity to explore its ancient riches during organised bus tours that won’t break your budget.
(Photo: Green Line Tours / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
While much of Rome is walkable, the sheer number of landmarks and attractions means that a more efficient way of navigating the city could be on a guided tour. Having an expert guide with you also ensures a steady supply of information and stories about the unparalleled history of the city. If you like the idea of seeing Rome by bus, then there are several cheap bus tours on offer – and here are five of the best.
Hop-On Hop-Off Panoramic Open Bus Ticket
Allowing you to jump aboard and disembark at designated stops throughout the city, hop-on hop-off tours are a popular way to see Rome at your own pace. Run by Green Line Tours, their hop-on hop-off bus tours are available for 1-3 days. Passengers are treated to an informative on-board commentary that helps you choose where to hop off and explore further. Multiple stops are features along the route, including some of Madrid’s most famous landmarks and places of interest such as the Colosseum, Forum, and Circus Maximus. Buses run approximately every 20 minutes. From €13 per person.
Classical Rome: Full-Day Bus Tour from Civitavecchia
(Photo: Civita Tours / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
Starting in the coastal town Civitavecchia in Rome’s northwest suburbs, this full-day tour invites guests to discover the grandeur of the city in the company of an expert guide. After a morning departure, over the course of the day you and your group will be shown around some of Rome’s most famous spots, including the magnificence of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Coliseum, the Trevi Fountain and Bernini’s 4 Rivers Fountain in Piazza Navona. The tour concludes with a bus transfer back to Civitavecchia. From €52 per person.
Catacombs Guided Tour with Entry Ticket and Transfer
The 3rd-century Catacombs of Saint Sebastian are among Rome’s most unique attractions. Located south of the city centre, the catacombs can be reached via Big Bus, with regular departures from #1 Termini Railway Station. This guided tour package includes your return bus transfer, as well as admission into the venue, which sees you descend into Rome’s mysterious underworld to witness how the early Christians lived, worshipped, and died for their faith. On board the bus, you can also hear the fascinating history of the area through a digital audio guide. The last bus to return is at 4.40pm. From €46 per person.
Rome by Night: Guided tour with minibus
(Photo: Visitando Italia S.R.L. / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
Rome is magical at any time of day, but is perhaps at its most atmospheric at night. This 3-hour night tour by minibus allows guests to discover Rome after dark, making stops at numerous monuments including the Circus Maximus, Marcello Theater and St. Peter’s Square. Along the way, there’ll also be a chance to stretch your legs during a brief walking tour of the Teatro di Marcello, the Roman Forum and other important sites. The tour concludes in the buzzing Trastevere district, with its traditional trattorias and craft beer pubs, where guests can continue on with their evening or request a drop-off back at your starting point. From €55 per person.
Private Guided Tour of Rome
If you like the idea of a more intimate and exclusive experience, there are also private bus tours of Madrid for select parties of family or friends. This half-day private tour is a little more expensive than your average group excursion, but still relatively affordable. Ideal for visitors who don’t have much time to spare, the tour covers the best of Rome in just four hours while travelling in a luxury minivan. During the trip, you’ll visit renowned sights such as the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain, as well as off-the-beaten-path gems, including the Gianicolo Terrace, with its panoramic views, and the Knights of Malta Square, which has a keyhole framing unusual vistas of St. Peter’s Basilica. Hotel or other accommodation drop-off and pick-up are both included. From €56 per person.
By Paul Joseph