ROME
italy
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ROME

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About Rome

Beneath Rome’s grand piazzas and ancient ruins lie stories waiting to be uncovered — from the multi-layered underground world of San Clemente, where pagan temples and early Christian chapels intertwine, to the exquisite art treasures of the Galleria Borghese set in lush villa gardens. Wander the hauntingly preserved streets of Ostia Antica, once the bustling port of the empire, or explore the Capitoline Museums where Renaissance grandeur meets ancient relics. Add to that the city’s hidden courtyards, secret passages, and forgotten crypts, and Rome becomes not just a destination but a living labyrinth of mysteries that invite you to keep discovering more.

Interior of a museum with marble busts of historical figures on shelves and walls, a large statue of a seated man holding a scroll, and a person wearing a hat observing the exhibits, with a chandelier hanging from the ceiling.
A historic brick castle with a tall round tower, surrounded by trees and a stone wall, under a blue sky. 
[ experiences ]
A woman in a gray coat standing in an underground archaeological site or museum with arches and ancient frescoes, woman is smiling and pointing at the mural on the wall. 
GROUP
LANGUAGE

MAX 16

ENGLISH

St. Clement's Underground & Roman Houses

Experience

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DURATION
START TIME

PRIVATE & GROUP EXPERIENCE

Type

Pricing

GROUP

PRIVATE

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2h 30min

9:30 am / 3:00 pm

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€ 64,00

€ 362,00

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Museum hallway with ancient frescoes, informational plaques, display cases, and stone sculptures, in a classical architectural setting with arched ceiling and brick walls.

The sites included in this itinerary are never crowded and will give you the chance to learn so much, and to take home some unforgettable memories.

Tour Overview

We will bring you back in time to the underground of the San Clemente Church where your guide will bring to life the history of this magnificent place of worship and its underground levels.
The three levels are from three different centuries and each of them holds the secrets of those times.

You will be able to visit three churches, two of them underground and all one on top of the other. By descending the levels you will travel through time from the 12th AD to the 1st-century AD. The great discovery of the lower levels of the church were made thanks especially to Fr Joseph Mullooly O.P., member of Irish Dominicans who were wardens of the Basilica since 1645. They still take care of the Basilicas, lead the excavations and conduct their religious life there.

After visiting the underground of St. Clement’s church, within a short walking distance, we will reach the Roman Houses on the Celio Hill. The secrets of this place were hidden until 2002 when the houses opened to the public. Your guide will unveil the history of approximately four centuries of Ancient Rome including some momentus times of the Roman Empire.

This unique itinerary is crucial for understanding the history of the Eternal City

Your Itinerary

Flowchart of historic sites in Rome, including a meeting point at Via San Giovanni in Laterano 126, St. Clement's Church, and Roman Houses on the Celio Hill, with images of buildings and descriptions of their significance.
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Type

PRIVATE & GROUP EXPERIENCE

Pricing

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DURATION
START TIME

History & Mystery Walking Tour of Rome

Experience

GROUP
LANGUAGE

YOUR GROUP ONLY

ENGLISH

2 hrs

5:00 pm

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GROUP

PRIVATE

€ 35,00

€ 325,00

A historic European city square with a decorative fountain featuring statues, surrounded by baroque architecture, with a clear blue sky and a tall obelisk in the background, and people walking with umbrellas.

Join us to explore the rich tapestry of Roman history and culture, and discover the stories that have been passed down through generations, embodying the spirit of Rome today.

Tour Overview

Join us in a walking tour of Rome which will allow you to wander across many small, secret streets and squares of Rome’s city centre, and help you to discover part of its hidden and twisted past. You will learn of many untold stories and curiosities, some of them about a few well-known places and buildings. 

Beside the grandeur of the ancient Roman history and the Renaissance, there is much more to learn about Rome. You will wander across the city centre like a true Roman citizen and will sense something unusual, for noticing (even from the outside) that something is located behind a left ajar door, a badly enlightened window, inside the thick walls of a house, around the corner of a street, or permeating a statue.

Something that is not belonging to our time anymore, but already pertains to the eternity of a city which is totally rife with stories and memories about vengeance, torment and power.

Be ready to discover the ghosts at the Sant’Angelo Bridge (Pons Aelius), the mysteries of Via dei Coronari, the apartions in Piazza Navona, the dark secrets of the Pantheon, and the legends hidden within the walls of buildings that you wouldn’t notice otherwise.

This tour will end at the exact point where Julius Caesar has fallen victim of a secret conspiracy.

Your Itinerary

Diagram showing three notable Roman sites with descriptions: Castel Sant'Angelo, The Pantheon, and Piazza Navona.
Marble sculpture depicting a muscular man lifting a young woman in an ornate museum gallery with decorated walls and other sculptures.

Type

PRIVATE & SEMI-PRIVATE EXPERIENCE

Pricing

Galleria Borghese

Experience

GROUP
LANGUAGE

MAX 20

ENGLISH

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DURATION
START TIME

2 hrs

4:00 pm

Japanese kanji character for 'zao' and a gold letter A.
Stylized gold icon of two children or people, with one larger and one smaller, on a black background.

For any other languages contact us via the form.

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SEMI-PRIVATE

PRIVATE

€ 89,00

€ 450,00

Interior of a lavish museum or palace hall with ornate decorated walls and ceiling, marble bust sculptures on pedestals lining the walls, and a central white marble statue of a mythological figure surrounded by a chain barrier.

Join us for an unforgettable journey through the serene beauty of the Borghese Gallery, where art, history, and nature converge in Rome's verdant Borghese Gardens, offering a unique and exclusive experience that promises to leave you in awe.

Tour Overview

Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Borghese Gallery, a jewel nestled in the heart of Rome's verdant Borghese Gardens. As evening light filters through, it gently illuminates masterpieces by luminaries such as Canova, Titian, Bernini, and Raphael, offering a visual feast that transcends time.

This prestigious museum, renowned for its rich collection of sculptures, paintings, and antiquities, promises a visit that is both memorable and unique, perfectly suited for any group looking to delve into art, history, and elegance. The Borghese Gallery stands as a testament to the grandeur of Rome's artistic heritage, offering a glimpse into the sublime craftsmanship and creative genius of the Renaissance and Baroque periods. For those seeking an even more exclusive experience, we offer the extraordinary opportunity to explore the gallery outside of regular opening hours.

This special arrangement allows you to wander through the gallery's splendid rooms and corridors in complete privacy, away from the hustle and bustle of daytime crowds. Imagine standing before Bernini's Apollo and Daphne or Raphael's Deposition, enveloped in the tranquility of the evening, with each piece telling its story just to you. Experience the Borghese Gallery in a way few ever will, surrounded by the beauty of art and nature, for an encounter that will linger in your memory long after you've returned home.

Your Itinerary

An infographic about classical sculptures and paintings, including descriptions of each art piece and artist.
Interior of a museum with numerous bust sculptures on shelves and walls, and a large seated marble statue of a man in Roman attire in the foreground. A person wearing a white hat and light clothing is observing the sculptures, and a chandelier hangs from the ceiling.

Pricing

Golden clock with three small dots representing time passing to the right
Gold-colored alarm clock with a checkmark on its face.

2 hrs

9:30 am / 2:00 pm

Silhouette of two people, one larger and one smaller, in gold color on a black background.
Golden Chinese character and the letter A on a black background. 
GROUP
LANGUAGE

MAX 15

ENGLISH

Capitoline Museum

Experience

PRIVATE & SEMI-PRIVATE EXPERIENCE

Type

START TIME
DURATION

For any other languages contact us via the form.

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Contact Us

SEMI-PRIVATE

PRIVATE

€ 98,00

€ 375,00

A historic building with stairs and sculptures in a European city square, tourists walking around.

The crown jewel of this museum is a stunning terrace view over the Roman forum from a different perspective than the usual view points on the Palatine hill, a breathtaking experience!

Tour Overview

The Capitoline Museums in Rome not only stand as the world's oldest public museum but also as a testament to the enduring legacy of Roman culture and its influence on the world. Located atop the Capitoline Hill, the museum complex is a treasure trove of ancient Roman statues, Renaissance art, and masterpieces by iconic artists such as Caravaggio

Among its many notable artifacts are the original statue of the Capitoline Wolf, symbolizing Rome's mythic origins, and the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, one of the few fully preserved bronze statues from Roman antiquity. The museums are housed in two main buildings facing each other on the Piazza del Campidoglio, Michelangelo's splendidly designed square that adds to the charm and historical significance of the location.

The interconnected palaces, Palazzo dei Conservatori and Palazzo Nuovo, offer a journey through time, showcasing the evolution of artistic expression and the pivotal moments that shaped Western civilization. This unique blend of art, history, and architecture, coupled with the opportunity to dine with a view of Rome, makes the Capitoline Museums a must-visit destination, offering insights and inspiration to all who walk through its halls. 

We have the possibility of opening the doors of the museum exclusively for your group upon request. Just send us an email before booking and we will provide a quote!

Your Itinerary

An infographic showing different parts of a historical cultural site, including the Appartamento dei Conservatori, Museum of the Palazzo dei Conservatori, Pinacoteca Capitolina, and Tabularium, with descriptions of each area.
Aerial view of the ancient ruins of Pompeii, Italy, showing ruins, green trees, a nearby lake, and surrounding fields.

Ostia Antica

Experience

Type

PRIVATE EXPERIENCE

Pricing

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A large gold Chinese character and a gold letter A against a black background. 
GROUP
LANGUAGE

MAX 10

ENGLISH

A clock with a gold outline showing the time as 5:00 and four gold dots indicating motion or passing seconds.
Golden alarm clock icon with a check mark inside. 
DURATION
START TIME

3.5/4hrs inc. transport

9:30 am / 2:30 pm

For any other languages contact us via the form.

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Contact Us

SEMI-PRIVATE

PRIVATE

€ 98,00

€ 375,00

Ancient Roman amphitheater with stone seating and a central stage, surrounded by tall trees and a bright blue sky.

This tour offers a comprehensive view of Ostia Antica's rich history, from its strategic beginnings to its peak and eventual decline, inviting you to step back in time and experience the life of an ancient Roman port city.

Tour Overview

Discover one of the most well preserved archaeological sites of the Roman times. Join us on an enlightening journey to Ostia Antica, the ancient port city that was once Rome's gateway to the Mediterranean. Founded around 620 BC by King Ancus Marcius, Ostia served as a vital commercial hub, located strategically at the Tiber River's mouth. Its evolution from a military outpost, safeguarding the salt pans and coast, to Rome's primary river port, underscores its significance in ancient commerce and daily life.

Discover the remnants of Ostia's earliest fortifications, dating back to the 4th century BC, and wander through the bustling streets that once thrived as Rome asserted dominance over the Mediterranean. Marvel at the architectural wonders of the Republican era, including the grand city gates and expansive necropolises that outline the ancient city's boundaries.

As we delve into the 2nd century AD, witness the zenith of Ostia's prosperity, housing up to 50,000 inhabitants and showcasing an array of economic activities supported by the Imperial Ports of Claudius and Trajan. Explore the Forum, lavish baths, granaries, and the Capitolium, reflecting the city's architectural and cultural splendor. However, the narrative takes a poignant turn by the mid-3rd century AD, with Ostia's decline mirrored by the

shift of commercial activities to Portus. By the mid-6th century AD, literary sources depict Ostia as abandoned, a stark contrast to its former glory.

In the ancient city of Ostia, visitors have the unique opportunity to explore remarkably preserved buildings that stand 2-3 stories tall, despite being constructed almost 2,000 years ago. Among these enduring structures, the Roman theatre emerges as a highlight, captivating not only for its historical significance but also for its modern-day vibrancy. This stunning edifice continues to serve as a venue for concerts and events, bridging the ancient world with contemporary culture. It stands as a testament to the architectural ingenuity and cultural importance of Ostia, offering a vivid glimpse into the past while remaining a part of the living, breathing present.

Your Itinerary

A historical and archaeological site map with photographs and descriptions of ancient landmarks including Porta Laurentina, Via Laurentina Necropolis, Campo della Magna Mater, Quattro Tempietti, Terme di Nettuno, and a theatre, with explanations of their historical significance. 
[ HIGHLIGHTS ]

What to Expect

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Layers of Time

Step beneath the streets of Rome and descend through centuries in a single breath. At San Clemente, we uncover a hidden world where a 12th-century basilica rests above a 4th-century church, and even deeper, a pagan temple whispers from the shadows. It’s like peeling back the layers of history itself — each floor telling a different chapter of Rome’s eternal story.

A Gallery in a Garden

Nestled in the green embrace of Villa Borghese, this museum feels more like a secret treasure chest than a gallery. Masterpieces by Bernini, Caravaggio, and Raphael glow under gilded ceilings, while marble halls echo with beauty and drama. It’s intimate, dazzling, and every room feels like stepping into a painter’s dream.

Ghosts of a Port

Once the bustling seaport of ancient Rome, Ostia Antica now lies in haunting stillness, its streets, mosaics, and bathhouses remarkably preserved. As you wander, you can almost hear the merchants bargaining, children playing, and ships creaking in the harbor. It’s Pompeii without the crowds — a forgotten city that still feels alive.

Power on Display

Perched high on Rome’s Capitoline Hill, Capitoline Museums are where Renaissance brilliance and ancient grandeur shake hands. Here, marble emperors gaze down from their pedestals, the legendary bronze she-wolf of Rome bares her teeth, and the piazza designed by Michelangelo frames it all. It’s not just a museum visit — it’s a conversation across centuries.

Ancient Roman amphitheater with stone seating, ruins on the left, and green trees in the background under a blue sky.
Interior of a museum hall with classical sculptures on pedestals, ornate gold and marble decor, large windows, and a painted ceiling. 
[ FAQ ]

Common Questions

  • The price covers:

    • Entrance tickets

    • Reservation fees

    • A professional licensed guide

    • Headsets (for groups larger than 5 people)

    • The full itinerary as described in the tour program

  • Customers should be at the meeting point 15 minutes prior to the departure time. If you will be late, please contact our customer care team at City Lights Tours at the telephone number found on your confirmation voucher and we will do our best to accommodate you; however, it may not be possible for you to join the tour. Late arrivals are not eligible for refunds.

    Please note that if you do not arrive on time for your tour, it cannot be rescheduled. This is because the tickets are time-sensitive and valid only for the specific date and hour booked.

  • We suggest booking your Experience at your earliest convenience. Due to popular demand, it is possible that the Experience will be fully booked if left too late. 

  • We accept online payments from most major credit and debit card providers including Visa Credit, Visa Debit, Maestro, MasterCard, and American Express.

  • You should receive your email confirmation, including your tour voucher, after you make your booking online. In most cases this happens almost instantly.

  • If your payment didn’t go through, it may be due to your credit card not passing our payment gateway security check. For a credit card to be accepted, it needs to have 3D security verification enabled.

    If your card has been declined for the reason mentioned above, please contact us directly at info@citylightstours.com or through our online forms and we will assist you in completing the booking process.

  • If you did not receive an email confirmation when making your booking, please check your spam folder first. If it's not there, contact our customer care team at info@citylightstours.com, and we will be happy to investigate and reissue your tour voucher if necessary.

  • Please contact City Lights Tours customer care team at info@citylightstours.com before making your booking, and we will advise you on accessibility, as well as any potential restrictions at the sites you wish to visit. Note that a wheelchair-friendly itinerary is available and must be booked specifically for such needs.

  • If you wish to cancel your booking, please contact our customer care team at info@citylightstours.com. Cancellations will be issued in accordance with our Cancellation Policy, which can be found on our Terms & Conditions page.

  • You can reschedule or change your tour providing that you give us enough notice. Changes to bookings are subject to our Terms & Conditions.

  • We are happy to accommodate additional guests subject to availability. Please contact our customer care team at City Lights Tours with the details.

  • Our staff at the meeting point will be dressed in branded clothing, with CityLights logos on it.

  • The Vatican and Colosseum tours entail extensive walking, including navigating staircases and uneven surfaces.

  • If you join a group experience, the guide will have a microphone connected to the headsets provided to all customers. We always ensure high-quality headsets for our experiences. However, please note that inside the Vatican, the audio equipment is provided by the Vatican (Whisper), and the quality of the headsets may vary. 

[ ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ]

Borgo Vittorio 85a 00193 Roma, Italy
+39 351 737 8623

info@citylightstours.com

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