Best of Greater Rome Tour: Wonders of Lazio

What to expect on this itinerary
When in Rome, the entire world melts away. Enchanting frescoes decorate ancient church walls. Sculptures adorn villa gardens. The scent of espresso lingers in the morning air, and the aroma of freshly made pasta drifts through the streets in the afternoon. Your custom tailored 2020-2021 tour encompasses the brilliance of Rome, from the iconic museums to the secluded hideaways locals prefer. Visit the countryside escape of popes and wander the preserved boulevard of ancient Rome’s once bustling port. From cuisine to history, culture to landscape, Rome will entice you with its opulence, which spans more than two millennia.
Customizable Itinerary
Rome – Entering the Eternal City
Rome is a city of intrigue and enchantment, filled with thousands of years of history and brimming with contemporary luxuries embodied in the flavorful cuisine. Your flight lands at Fiumicino Airport, where your private transfer awaits your arrival. Once in the heart of the city, you have settled into the beauty of the central Rome and the charming tree-lined boulevard outside your hotel. Your room feels like a palatial apartment, embellished with baroque artwork and lavish vases, framing your view of the city’s rooftops.
Your guide meets you in the lobby, eager to escort you on an all-encompassing introductory tour of the city, taking in the fabulous baroque piazzas and the detailed fountains for which the city is known. Your tour ends at the rushing water of the Trevi Fountain. The famous 18th-century fountain was crafted under the patronage of Pope Clement XII and built against the rear wall of a historic palace. The statues depict the sea god Oceanus towering above his horses and shells. The water cascades over the rocks, swirling beneath the gazing figures of the basin. You grab a coin, turn your back to the fountain, and throw the coin over your left shoulder. You hear the splash, which indicates you are destined to return.
What's Included:
Rome – Bringing Ancient Rome to Life
Vatican City – A Church’s Wealth
Ostia Antica – As the Romans Have Done
Tivoli – Once in the Villa
Lago di Albano – In the Crater Lake
Rome – A Guiding Church Light
Rome – A Roman Ending
Trip Highlights
- Embark on a journey into antiquity with a special cooking class dedicated to reproducing traditional dishes of ancient Rome
- Wander the grounds of emperors and Roman nobility at the opulent villas of Antiquity
- Witness the grandeur of Vatican City embodied in the marvelous architecture and artwork on display in the museum's galleries and inside St. Peter’s Basilica
- Witness the layers of Roman history and the wealth of the former empire when touring the cobblestone streets of the port city of Ostia Antica
- Place your hand inside the Mouth of Truth at the famous church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin
- Enjoy the cherished flavors of refreshing gelato on a gelato tour of Rome
- Relax along the charming shores and elegant streets of Lago di Albano, a crater-lake resort town frequented by Popes
Detailed Description
Grand palaces and graceful gardens welcome you to Rome during your 8-day tour of the Eternal City. Museums display artifacts from civilizations once connected by one of the Western World’s greatest empires. From popes to kings, emperors to artists, you will witness the multitudes of Rome embodied in the architecture of the Colosseum and the paintings of the Sistine Chapel. Your discovery of the best of Rome begins when your flight lands at Fiumicino Airport. Once inside the city, your guide leads you on an exceptional introductory tour of the meandering streets.
Witness the lively ambiance of the Spanish Steps and the beauty of Piazza Navona. The next day, your guide meets you in the morning ready to show you the wonder of the ancient city. Visit Palatine Hill and wander through the stadium seating of the Colosseum. In the evening, you partake in a unique cooking class recreating the traditional dishes of ancient Rome. Then, your guide immerses you in the splendor of Vatican City on a tour of St. Peter’s Basilica and the fascinating museums depicting the church’s expansive history.
Outside of Rome, you visit the cobbled streets of the ancient port city of Ostia Antica. The preserved city provides a different perspective on the lifestyle of Roman citizens during the height and decline of the empire. Your private transfer leads you to the stunning town of Tivoli, home to villas built for Roman emperors, which maintain their lavish décor manicured gardens. In the evening, you embark on a cooking class to learn the cultural cuisine of a contemporary Roman household, which produces more familiar dishes.
Then, you travel to the verdant crater of Lago di Albano, home to medieval villages overlooking the azure water. Explore the towns and enjoy the slower pace of life for which the countryside is known. The following day is at your leisure to indulge in the comforts of open Roman piazzas or wander along the streets to discover the overlooked splendor of the Eternal City, from the Borghese Museum to the Greek Orthodox Abbey of Grottaferrata. On your final day, your private transfer meets when you are ready and escorts you to Rome’s international airport for your flight home.
Starting Price
$3,600 per person (excluding international flights)
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Verified Traveler Reviews
Based on 377 reviews
The trip was awesome. The accommodations were very nice. We just did not realize how much walking we would do, but we managed. There were a few hiccups, but nothing major.
Our transport from the airport to the hotel in Venice went smoothly. We definitely appreciated the private transfer after seeing the crowd on the public transportation. My sister was a little disappointed that the gondolier did not sing to us in Italian, but she thought the ride was very relaxing. The tour guide for St. Mark's was very knowledgeable and informative. Venice was a lovely and unique city. We were surprised by the narrow walkways/streets and canals; but came to appreciate them. It gave Venice its charm. The transport from the hotel to the train station was right on time and the guy at the train station was great. He explained exactly what we needed to do to catch the train to our next destinations. We really appreciated his help.
The transport from the train station to the car rental agency was okay. The driver spoke little English and the A/C did not work in the vehicle. The driver did try everything to work the A/C and did apologize that it was not working. The driver dropped us off at the wrong spot at the rental car place. He dropped us off where you turn in the cars. We had to walk to where you rent the cars with our luggage. The car-rental line was extremely long and somewhat confusing. There were no instructions to take a number. We only knew because a nice couple informed us to do so. And there were so many other car-rental places with no lines.
We explored Cinque Terre, Pisa, and Florence during our time in Impruneta. We really enjoyed the cooking class and winery tour you scheduled for us; our guide was a great teacher. Driving in Florence was a little confusing with the ZTLs, but I think we did okay. Little did we know how much we would appreciate the ZTLs while walking around in Florence. We walked and shopped in Florence. We even did a tour at the Accademia Gallery to see the statue of David.
Returning the vehicle was way easier than renting it and our next transport picked us up right where we were dropped off. We felt very comfortable navigating the train station for our train ride to Rome, thanks to the train station lesson we received from the guy in Venice. The train rides went very smoothly. The transport from the station in Rome to our hotel went very well. He literally dropped us off right in front of the hotel.
Rome was different. It had the narrow, quaint streets between buildings which made Rome very walkable. However, we did not expect cars/motorcycles to be driving down these narrow streets as well. It made for interesting walks. We really enjoyed our tours with our guide. She was very knowledgeable and informative. She also allowed us to go at our own pace. Needless to say, our pace became slower than usual from all the walking we already did in Venice and Florence. Our feet were starting to hurt, even though we wore comfortable shoes the whole time. We also enjoyed the Vatican Necropolis. I was extremely humbled that I was able to kneel and pray before the actual remains of St. Peter. I am very grateful we were allowed to get into that tour. Although Rome was different, it was very historical and a lot to take in. There was just so much history everywhere you turned. Rome was really inspiring.
Our transport from the hotel back to the airport was on time and went very well. The driver spoke very good English and gave us some additional interesting facts while on our way to the airport. We were ready to go home, but also sad to be leaving.
Thank you for putting the details of the trip together. The trip would not have been as great as it was without you.
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We had the absolute best vacation and loved working with Zicasso’s travel specialist. The trip exceeded our expectations and everything was so easy on our end. Our drivers were fantastic and always on time.
Our guides for private tours of Pompeii and the Vatican Museums (including the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica) were knowledgeable, friendly, spoke excellent English, and we never had to wait in extended queues.
The hotels selected worked perfectly for our family, with wonderful locations in Sorrento and Rome.
Our travel specialist was always quick to reply to our questions and truly planned a vacation we will never forget. We will use this her again when we return!
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We could not be more pleased with the itinerary Zicasso’s travel specialist organized on our behalf. We were visiting Rome with our daughter, son-in-law, and 11-year-old twin granddaughters. From our pick-up at the airport to our final drop-off heading home, everything ran like clockwork.
The tours of the Colosseum and the Vatican, our cooking class, and fresco art painting experience were all well-suited to every member of the family. The guides and hostesses were all lovely, very knowledgeable, and made every experience memorable, especially for our grandchildren. We would not hesitate to recommend the travel specialist to anyone looking for a truly authentic Roman adventure.
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This was possibly the best trip of my life!
Once I arrived in Venice and put myself in the hands of Zicasso’s tour company, I was supremely well taken care of.
I left my passport on the plane, so I was held up in the airport for probably two hours. This was the first time I used the emergency number (or the chat app). The communication was answered immediately and we were able to let my first guide know I was being held up. I thought the first person who helped me was just someone to get me to the hotel, but she was also a guide in the sense that she described many of the things we saw on the way to the hotel. A very pleasant and gracious guide who made sure also that I was prepared for where to be the next day. It was a very great first experience of the tour company’s service.
Throughout this adventure, the guides were outstanding, the hotels were located practically on top of the interesting sites (especially in Rome) and very pleasant to be in.
Also, I continued to use the emergency number or the chat app multiple times. They were very responsive, very pleasant, and perfectly helpful each time. I don't know if I was high-maintenance compared to other clients the tour company has had, but though I felt like it in my mind, I was treated completely graciously each time.
I loved every destination and I loved having a structured tour, combined with a good portion of free time to explore on my own. Perfect.
I was very well guided on each travel day, being met by drivers to drop me off and to pick me up, and the train travel was very fun.
I think there was only one guide who I thought was just going through the motions, but all the other guides were the height of professionalism. I loved being met by our guides at Doge's Palace, which was absolutely outstanding. Walking around old Florence was great fun! The drive out to San Gimignano and Siena was well-planned and well-guided! In Rome, the guide who took us to the Colosseum and Palatine Hill was outstanding, and it was a great outing. (I had also already pretty much visited all the sights since my hotel was practically in the middle of it all.)
The trip to the Vatican was a whole other story. Unfortunately, I forget that guide's name. This guide was also excellent—entertaining, informative, approachable, and professional. The trip to the Amalfi Coast was a long train ride, followed by a very long car ride, but it was worth it. What a beautiful setting! My trip to Capri was absolutely fulfilling and I was a little sad to say goodbye to the guide—we connected with him so well. The next day was our boat tour from Sorrento to Amalfi and Positano. I absolutely enjoyed being guided by our guides! On the way back after that beautiful excursion, we were just cruising along the water, 1970s music playing, wind rushing by and I had a peak moment of happiness. Truly.
This trip was as if the tour company had read my mind and provided even more than I had imagined. I come away deeply grateful.
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Zicasso’s tour operator planned the most amazing trip to Italy for us! My requirements were culture, romance, and relaxation. She delivered on every aspect. Although we missed our tour of the Vatican due to the Pope's funeral, my husband and I actually attended his funeral!! Our hotel, though planned many months before, was next to the basilica where Pope Francis was laid to rest. Talk about being a part of history!
We stayed in a beautiful converted villa to boutique hotel in Florence; got whisked away through the Tuscan countryside in a vintage Fiat 500; took cooking classes; sipped lovely wine, accompanied by excellent lunches on our winery tours; soaked in Italy's rich culture and museum scene; and even ticked the relaxation box by spending time by the pool, in the spa, and resting on our large deck overlooking the Amalfi coastline.
Every tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and personable, and it was evident they loved their jobs. Between memories of the boat ride along the Amalfi Coast, tips from the cooking classes I have already started using at home, and the cases of wine we are eagerly awaiting delivery of, my husband and I will forever hold Italy in our hearts and la dolce vita it provided us.
Talk with our tour operator; you will be glad you did!
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Zicasso set us up with a wonderful travel agent. The process of choosing and communicating through the Zicasso system was easy and helpful.
The travel specialist and her team planned a wonderful 15-day trip, with nine days in Rome and four days in Florence. She found us great accommodations that included a kitchen, which was a must for us. Other travel agents were not able to provide such accommodations.
The drivers we had were professional and picked us up on time. The guides were experts in their field and generally had taught at universities. The guides were very personable and tailored the tours to our interests.
She arranged all the necessary skip-the-line tours. We went to the Vatican with three different tours: the Sistine Chapel, the Gardens, and the necropolis to see St. Peter's tomb.
There were a couple of hiccups in this perfectly planned itinerary. Each time, the travel specialist and her staff were immediately available and guided us through solutions, such as trying to get to the Colosseum during the Roman Marathon.
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