Hidden Gems & Ancient Wonders: Rome Driving Tour with Aqueducts & Jewish Ghetto
3.5 hours
Max 15 people
Commentary: Guide · en
Rome, Italy
About this activity
Explore incredible sites most visitors to Rome never see, from the historic Jewish Quarter to the Park of the Aqueducts.
Highlights
- Step off the tourist trail in Rome and spend a morning exploring historical and cultural marvels most visitors don’t even know exist.
- Take a guided stroll through the historic Jewish Ghetto and the vibrant Trastevere neighborhood, complete with a tasting of the best cookies in Rome!
- Explore the Park of the Aqueducts and the fascinating Via Latina, home to some of Rome’s most breathtaking ancient wonders.
- Marvel at once-in-a-lifetime panoramic views from a scenic spot atop Aventine Hill.
- Spend more time enjoying your visit and less time worrying about logistics. We’ve handled all the details for a perfect morning exploring Rome, including private transportation between sites.
Full description
Rome is full of iconic bucket-list monuments, but it’s also home to plenty of equally impressive attractions that fly beneath the radar. Some are a little out of the way; some are hiding in plain sight. On this half-day walking and driving tour, we’ll show you a few of our all-time favorites that you won't find in many guidebooks. From ancient roads and aqueducts to the old Jewish quarter and the colorful neighborhood of Trastevere, these wonders will show you the Eternal City in a whole new light.
Take a morning to explore beyond the obvious in Rome.
There’s no shortage of things to see in Rome, but some of the most unforgettable sites lie a little ways off the usual route most visitors to the city follow. On this perfectly planned morning of Rome’s less-visited (yet equally fascinating) neighborhoods and monuments, you’ll see a different side to the Eternal City without the hassle of finding your way around on your own.
There’s no shortage of things to see in Rome, but some of the most unforgettable sites lie a little ways off the usual route most visitors to the city follow. On this perfectly planned morning of Rome’s less-visited (yet equally fascinating) neighborhoods and monuments, you’ll see a different side to the Eternal City without the hassle of finding your way around on your own.
Your day of surprises begins in the old Jewish Ghetto, a historic neighborhood hiding in plain sight between Campo de’ Fiori and the Colosseum. As you stroll through its storied streets, you'll learn the history of Rome's vibrant Jewish community and the oppression they suffered both under papal rule and the Nazis. One of the neighborhood’s highlights is the Teatro di Marcello, an open-air amphitheater whose planning was initiated by Julius Caesar and completed by Augustus.
From there, you’ll head across Tiber Island and over to Trastevere, one of the most bohemian neighborhoods in Rome. You’ll even have a moment to indulge your sweet tooth with a stop at Rome’s most beloved cookie bakery!
After a brief guided stroll through Trastevere, including a peek at an awe-inspiring neighborhood church, you’ll board your comfortable private transport to begin the driving tour. Sit back and relax on a scenic drive through the outskirts of the city.
Your first stop is the Park of the Aqueducts, where some of Rome's most iconic structures are on display. These enormous arched aqueducts once carried 300 million gallons (over a billion liters) of water into Rome each day. They were responsible for powering all of the fountains, baths, and public watering holes that you still see in the city. Although most of the aqueducts are no longer in use, they are some of the greatest engineering feats of the ancient world. You're definitely going to want some photos here!
But our exploration of stunning ancient sites isn’t over just yet. Hop back aboard the minibus and head to Via Latina, an excellent example of a well-preserved Roman road lined with tombs that date from the first and second centuries A.D. Stroll through ancient history at this spectacular site that most other Rome driving tours overlook.
We’ll begin making our way back into Rome proper by way of Circus Maximus, where we’ll pause for a quick photo op. Our final stop is an unforgettable viewpoint on Aventine Hill offering sweeping views across the river to St. Peter’s Basilica. From there, you’ll board the minibus one last time so we can drop you off in the heart of Rome close to where our day began.
A far cry from your average sightseeing outing in Rome, this half-day walking and driving tour offers a laid-back experience of fascinating attractions without the crowds. Leave the planning to us and get ready to enjoy an unforgettable morning exploring a different side of Rome.
Sites Visited:
Teatro di Marcello
Portico di Ottavia
Sites Visited:
Teatro di Marcello
Portico di Ottavia
Jewish Quarter
Great Synagogue
Great Synagogue
Tiber Island
Trastevere
Historic Bakery
Santa Maria in Cappella Church
Circus Maximus
Baths of Caracalla
Archaeological Park of Via Latina
Aqueduct Park
Aventine Hill
Orange Garden panoramic view
Included / Excluded
- Local English-speaking guide
- Expertly guided walking tour
- Air-conditioned transport with driver
- Small group of 18 guests maximum
- Cookie tasting at local bakery
- Gratuities
- Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Meeting point
Start Location
Marcello Theater, Via del Teatro di Marcello, Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome, Italy
Important information
Know before you book
- Our group tour utilizes multiple areas that are not wheelchair/stroller accessible. Those with wheelchairs/strollers should contact us so we can arrange your visit.
- Stollers cannot be accommodated on this tour.
- If you are traveling with a small child, please contact us. We need to confirm space on the vehicle for them.
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
- Walks comply with all local government regulations. You may need to wear a mask or provide proof of vaccination to enter certain venues. Please refer to Italy government guidelines for the most up to date information
Know before you go
- This tour is in English.
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
- This tour meets 15 minutes prior to the start time. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
- If you cannot join your tour (running late, etc.) please contact us. We may be able to reschedule your tour (with an amendment fee) depending on availability.
- Our group tour utilizes multiple areas that are not wheelchair/stroller accessible. Those with wheelchairs/strollers should contact us so we can arrange your visit.
- Stollers cannot be accommodated on this tour.
- If you are traveling with a small child, please contact us. We need to confirm space on the vehicle for them.
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
- Walks comply with all local government regulations. You may need to wear a mask or provide proof of vaccination to enter certain venues. Please refer to Italy government guidelines for the most up to date information
- Our tours run rain or shine so please dress for the elements. We also ask you to please remember hats and sunscreen if you are taking this tour in the summer as it might be very hot.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 72 hours before the activity starts
Cancellations received greater than 72 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 72 hours of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive, or arrives after tour departure.