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Rome Tours & Holidays

The Eternal City, a place that can never be visited too many times. History, style, culture, food – the Italian capital is overflowing with it all. Take a tour to Rome and finish an  Italy  adventure through the likes of Venice, the Cinque Terra and Florence in the home of the Vatican, the Colosseum, and cacio e pepe. Rome is also the perfect place to wrap up a European exploration – zigzag your way through Germany and Central Europe, or kick off in Spain and circle back down to Italy’s heart.

Tours to Rome

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Tours from Rome

Head north to Venice and the Italian Lakes, or dip down to the heel and toe of  Italy’s  boot with our tours from Rome. Explore the city that is home to the Pope, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, endless boutiques and more delicious food than you can shake a fork at. Take the train up to the beautiful Renaissance city of Florence and onto the watery wonderland of Venice, or head the other direction to the glamour of the Amalfi Coast, the beautiful simplicity of Puglia, and the unique history of the volcanic island of Sicily.

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Rome to Amalfi

Articles of Rome

A budget guide to the highlights of Italy

10 scams in Rome and how to avoid them

From Venice to Rome: 21 photos of a trip through Italy’s highlights

I often travel solo; here’s why I chose a group tour in Italy

5 offbeat attractions in Rome

Everything you need to eat in Italy: a city-by-city guide

How to get off the beaten path in Rome

What to do with 8 days in Italy

Get a 10% discount with the code: GLADIATOR10 on all tours!

ROME ADVENTURES

Personal guided tours of italy, create amazing memories.

Below is a selection of our most loved experiences in Rome and across Italy. We can offer special access to the Colosseum, unique Roman food tours and even haunted ghost tours in the streets of Rome and Venice. We look forward to sharing some truly special experiences and memories with you.

• Amazing Value

Wonders Of Rome Walking Tour

Stroll the streets of Rome as the sun goes down and see sights such as the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and Piazza Navona illuminated in all their glory. Visit some amazing hidden gems and stop for a coffee at Rome’s most famous cafè.

• Hour Glass 3 hours
• User All ages
• Hour Glass 2 hours
• User 6+ years

The Colosseum Underground Experience

Follow the footsteps of the Gladiators! The Colosseum & Dungeons tour gives you special access to the Colosseum undergrounds and VIP access to the arena. Reserve today!

• Most popular
• Hour Glass 2.5 hours , 3 hours

The Vatican Tour

One of the world’s greatest art collections, the Vatican Museum contains works of art collected by the popes throughout the centuries. See them on this tour!

• Hour Glass 1 hour

Venice Ghost Walking Tour

The most famous ghost walk in Venice, this walking tour covers stories of mermaids, vampires, devils, ghosts, and secrets of the city. Book if you dare!

• User 12+ years

Haunted Rome

Join the best ghost tour in Rome. In a city as ancient as this one, every stone has a story to tell. Hear about ghosts, gruesome executions & murders.

• Hour Glass 1 hour , 3 hours

Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Save hours in line! Visit the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill with a skip-the-line ticket for access to the most famous Roman sites.

• Eat like a local
• Hour Glass 2.5 hours
• User 16+ years

Taste Rome, Roman Food Experience

Enjoy a culinary adventure in the heart of Rome. Steer clear of the tourist traps and enjoy authentic Roman food with our local experts.

• Hour Glass 1.5 hours
• User 3+ years

Pizza and Tiramisu Making Class

When in Rome, take the time to discover how to make the most delicious pizza in the world and traditional Italian tiramisu during our pizza and tiramisu making class!

Our story began with a passion for Roman History, culture, and cuisine. Originally from the UK and now based in Rome, we have made it our goal to share our passion and knowledge of the Eternal City with as many people as possible.

At Rome Adventures, our carefully crafted experiences offer a unique insight into Rome and beyond, through the eyes of a local. Our hand-chosen, expert guides are guaranteed to give you a truly memorable experience and ensure you leave sharing our love for Italy.

Customer Reviews And Feedback ★★★★★

Great tour with amazing guides. They were very knowledgeable and have lots of detail. Great service from the company. Been on a few tours in Rome after spending a lot of time there and this was by far the best. Would definitely recommend!

What a wonderful tour! My guide was very informative and such a pleasure to spend time with. I highly recommend this tour to anyone wanting to explore the Vatican. We were able to skip the long line as well. Don't miss out on this tour while you're visiting Rome!

I visited the colosseum tour with my girlfriend. We are not native speakers, but It was quite easy to understand guides English! Thanks for that!!! And history is really great! If u ever visit Rome, I recommend you this tour!!!

We enjoyed the colosseum with Mercedes she was excellent and spoke English very clearly. Unfortunately, it was a little rainy on this day but the guide had selected a great route with shelter so we still enjoyed the experience! Thank you.

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Rome Tours & Trips

Find the right tour for you through Rome. We've got 1298 adventures going to Rome, starting from just 2 days in length, and the longest tour is 61 days. The most popular month to go is June, which has the largest number of tour departures.

250+ Rome tour packages with 23,366 reviews

• Christmas & New Year

Classical Italy

My son and I really enjoyed this tour. The activities, hotels and tour guides were great and we saw so much I. Just a few days. It was all very well organised.

• Train & Rail
• Sightseeing

Highlights of Italy

The tour itself was amazing! A lot of value for money. The tour guide did seem to be a bit annoyed at us at the end when we wanted to get transport back to the hotel, after walking over half a marathon. This is notable considering a few members had lower body injuries/ health concerns. Other than that, I really loved my trip. I made friends for life, memories I’ll cherish for years

The Italian Dream

I enjoyed the cities we visited and the information and background history was well presented. The hotel were nice and our transportation to those cities was great. My concern, being a solo traveler, was there were a couple of times I travel alone through cities. One in particular was in Florence. I chose not to go on the excursion to Pisa since I had been to the city before. Our guide gave me a map and instructions on how to return to the hotel from our location. I asked if there were others not going to Pisa and I didn't receive a definitive answer. It was the next day that I found out that four other traveler did not go. I followed the map & instructions given me and I did reached the hotel, but I felt very uncomfortable traveling alone through that city. The second time was the last day in Rome, many of the travelers felt uncomfortable on securing transportation or finding their way from the Vatican to the Coliseum and returning to their hotel. That day I traveled with a group but we still felt uncomfortable getting through the city to our destinations especially at the end of the tour when we would return to our hotel. A couple of us were in different hotels and that had us traveling alone through the city. For the future, please give my concerns some thought especially since you promote safe travel for those traveling solo.

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus

The Best of Rome

i had fun. enjoyed meeting everyone!

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Discover Italy end Milan

I loved every bit of this trip. Although there was a quick pace, the guides and transportation were able to get every beautiful piece in just the right amount time. I am excited to book another trip next year!!

Italian Holiday (7 Days)

The ease of travel, opportunity to see different cities and a mind blowing amount of top tourist sites makes this guided tour a great option. There's one major miss on the trip...food and wine. When you think of Italy, you think of great pasta and wine, but the options included were lack luster. If the travel guide would provide details on the selected options it would have driven us to find alternative eats and drinks.

Italy City Break - 5 Days

Everything was planned out and organized. There was no guesswork, you knew where to be and when. The pacing was good. The buses were comfortable. Our guide, Patricia, was knowledgeable, helpful, and funny. The extra excursions were good.

UNESCO Jewels: Best of Italy - Rome, Florence, Venice in 8 days

It was an amazing experience and we are so glad we went! In the beginning (after booking) communication from the tour operator was a little lacking. I had to keep reaching out to them and didn't get replies right away. After we got to Italy everything went smoothly and we were satisfied with everything. The hotel in Rome was great. The other hotels were not bad but they were not quite as nice or as updated as the hotel in Rome. It was a little confusing at first because we booked with I Love Rome as the tour operator but then on our second day we were with Carrani Tours so I think we got combined with another tour group. The tour was great and the local tour guides were awesome. We learned and saw so much. Wonderful experience!

The Tuscan Dream

UNESCO Jewels: Best of Italy - Rome, Florence, Venice in 5 days

Good overall tour. Thanks.

Italian Discovery

The trip was well organized. Other travelers were very kind and we had a lots of fun together! Our guide Antonio was very patient with all of us. As a solo traveler I nefer felt alone. It is a trip I will remember

• Walking Adventure

Rome, Assisi & Magical Umbria - Premium Adventure

This is a new itinerary and was a fabulous experience. A great way to get to the smaller hill towns in Umbria as well as the well known sites. Food and accommodation were fantastic.

Rome City Break - 3 Days/2 Nights

It was a lot of fun! I definitely would go again.

La Dolce Vita Experience

The tour was fantastic and the hotel Michaelangelo in Sorrento was amazing. The service and meals were perfect. The only part of the tour that was disappointing was the tour in Naples . Also the initial pick up for our tour from Rome to the bigger tour bus was delayed and for over an hour 1/2 wait . We almost gave up and we would have missed a great tour . Our tour guide to Capri and Sorrento was fabulous. Capri was one of our favorite spots on our vacation.

Sorrento, Pompei, Amalfi and Positano: 4 days escape from Rome

Very good trip. Pick ups all on time. Hotel exceptional

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

What people love about Rome Tours

I have a good experience and Gaby our tour guide is awesome. She is accommodating, very helpful of the needs of the travelers.

Tour really amizing, the driver and tour guid, food and location was very good, but a first day and last day hotel accomodation is not good very small shower, the bed is like rocking, the last tour scheduled from vasilica to collesium there no travelling car and is not good for us to take a taxi by our own and some a taxi driver is not honest.

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Italy Travel Experts Tours and Vacations

Best Rome Tours To Take in 2024 and Why + Videos

Sean Finelli Last Updated: January 8, 2024

Whether you’re journeying to the Eternal City to see the sacred Vatican Museums, explore the Colosseum, or try some incredible cuisine, Rome has tons of attractions for all visitors. But with so much to see, what’s the best way to do it all? In this guide, we cover the best Rome tours we offer so you not only see it all but get the most out of your vacation.

Pro Tip:  Planning what to do on your trip to Rome? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you need it. See our comprehensive  guide to Rome  for more planning resources, our  top Rome tours  for a memorable trip, and  how to see Rome in a day .

How Many Tours Should I Take?

Guided tours are one of the best ways to get truly acquainted with the city you’re visiting. We recommend you add at least one guided tour to your schedule per day.

A great tour will run anywhere from 2 to 4 hours and leave you enriched and energized by what you just visited. We hire amazing guides who are passionate about giving you the best possible experience—both educational and fun!

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if Rome tours are worth it .

Our 5 Best Vatican Tours

The Vatican Museums is the biggest museum in Rome and can welcome as many as 19,000 visitors on a typical day. That means crowds, lines, and of course, congestion.

Luckily, all our Vatican tours come with skip-the-line tickets that relieve the burden of waiting in queues and entering at crowded times. We even have a special agreement with the Vatican that enables us to offer you entry during off-peak hours.

Additionally, all of our tours include entry into the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica (some tours offer entrance but not a tour of the basilica — see the tour details). We recommend entering as early as possible, but we offer Vatican tours in the afternoon as well if that’s what suits you best. Check out our full guide to the best Vatican tours for more details and maps. Here are our top recommended Vatican tours:

1. Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel (3 hours)

This tour combines our best-selling classic Vatican experience with the added privilege of early access to the Vatican. Getting in early is an advantage to help beat the crowds and the summer heat. You’ll see all the highlights before touring St. Peter’s Basilica.

See tour itinerary, price, and description

2. Skip-The-Line Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica (3 hours)

This tour has flexible start times throughout the day and is the least expensive. So, you’ll still be able to skip the line, see all the top attractions including the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, and have the flexibility of visiting whenever is best for your schedule.

3. Exclusive After Hours Sistine Chapel Tour with Aperitivo (3.5 hours)

Looking for that truly exclusive opportunity to enjoy the Vatican and Sistine Chapel? This might just be what you need. With a late afternoon entry to the Vatican, you’ll be led with your small group through the highlights. Then you’ll step into the Sistine Chapel along with no more than 100 other people (usually at least 2,000 during the day)!

Your guide’s stories about this magnificent ceiling will come to life as you experience quiet time in the Sistine Chapel that few ever will. Afterwards, enjoy a drink on us during your aperitivo in the Pinecone Courtyard.

4. Vatican Night Tour with Sistine Chapel (2 hours)

What’s more exclusive than visiting Vatican City at night? With a small group and a passionate guide, your tour of the Vatican Museums will be a forever memory as you explore after hours without the crowds. You’ll wander through the main galleries and courtyards without worrying about the heat of the day too.

And of course, a stop in the world-famous Sistine Chapel is a must. Stand beneath the crowning jewel of Michelangelo’s works after hearing your guide explain in detail what’s so magnificent about this creation.

5. St. Peter’s Dome Climb and Sistine Chapel Combo Tour (5.5 hours)

If you want to see and do it all, then don’t skip this tour. You’ll start with an elevator ride to the dome and upper terrace of St. Peter’s, then have a chance to climb the rest of the way to the top of the dome! The views of St. Peter’s Square and Rome are breathtaking!

A guided tour of St. Peter’s and the Papal Crypts will make your time here even more memorable. But you’re not done yet! Follow your guide to the Vatican to explore the main highlights before stepping into the Sistine Chapel. You’ll be well prepared for what you see thanks to your guide’s fascinating stories.

Not ready to book a tour? See if a Vatican tour is worth it .

Our 5 Best Colosseum Tours

Right up there with the Vatican Museums, visiting the Colosseum is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Rome . This grandiose structure stands in the center of Rome, reminding us of the city’s rich history.

The Colosseum is the largest amphitheater in the world and can hold up to 70,000 spectators. When the Colosseum was still used for gladiatorial matches, it was the scene of many fights between gladiators and animals —often to the death .

All of our Colosseum tours enter the monument through a back entrance, making sure you not only skip the lines but also enter through a shorter security line. Check out our full guide to the best Colosseum tours for more details and maps. Here are our top recommended Colosseum tours:

1. Special Access Colosseum Arena Floor Tour Through the Gladiator’s Gate (3 hours)

This tour is f or the budget traveler that wants exclusive access and great value. You get skip-the-line access and three areas of the Colosseum in one tour.

Walk through the gladiator’s gate out onto the Arena Floor where gladiators fought in front of the crowds of Ancient Rome.

2. Privileged Entrance Colosseum Tour with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (3 hours)

For no-frills travelers who want a great guide and great value, this is a great option. This complete Colosseum tour provides a concise and engaging overview of ancient Rome. You’ll explore the Colosseum’s first and second floors and get to know where the elites of Rome lived during the peak of the Roman era.

3. Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Vatican Highlights Combo Tour (8 hours)

Want to see both the Vatican and the Colosseum? This combo tour gets you more bang for your buck by combining them! You’ll enjoy skip-the-line entry at both the Colosseum and the Vatican.

First, dive into ancient Roman history at the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill where you’ll walk in the steps of Gladiators and Emperors. After lunch, rejoin the tour at the Vatican to hear stories of papal intrigue and see some of the world’s most celebrated artworks by masters like Raphael and Michelangelo, and, of course, the Sistine Chapel.

4. VIP Colosseum at Night Tour with Underground and Arena Floor (2.5 hours)

This exclusive experience is o f or the night owls. The tour ends between 10 pm and midnight, depending on the start time. You’ll get the opportunity to experience the Colosseum and Arena Floor at night without the crowds. Tickets are extremely limited and only offered 30 days prior to the tour, so plan ahead!

5. Colosseum Underground Tour with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (3.5 hours) 

This is our most exclusive Colosseum tour and few visitors get the chance to explore the Underground area before heading to the Arena Floor. This is because it’s an active archeological site with extremely limited access. Don’t miss your chance, tickets sell out fast since access is tightly limited here.

Not ready to book a tour? See if a Colosseum tour is worth it .

Our 6 Absolute Best Rome Tours

Part of the reason we love Rome so much is that its robust history is crammed into the center of the city. It’s all relatively close together and walkable (within reason).

Once you’ve visited the Colosseum and Vatican, you’ll still have a lot left to see and taste! Could you really come all the way to Italy and not take a guided tour through some of the most celebrated cuisines in the world?

Our most popular food tour is a walk through Trastevere and other parts of the city center. And for the more hands-on among you, we also offer a pasta-making class that has incredible reviews.

Another great way to experience Rome is on our electric bike tour through the city . See the center in a few hours and learn your way around—you’ll definitely find some local treasures to revisit.

Want to see the best of Rome without too much walking? Definitely check out our private sightseeing tour by golf cart . You’ll zip around Rome, taking in all the sights and history without breaking a sweat or spending the whole day doing it.

Another must-see attraction is the Rome Catacombs . They’re located outside the city near the Appian way, which gives you the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city center.

1. Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum and Vatican Museums

Our  Rome in a Day Tour  is one of our most popular tours to date. You get a comprehensive tour of the Vatican museums by an English-speaking guide. You’ll also get a full Colosseum tour that includes the Roman Forum. The Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps are also on the itinerary.

This is a great way to get the main highlights of Rome before you head out to discover it even better on your own. While we provide transportation at times, this tour makes for a long day with lots of walking. Be ready for a big dinner on your own afterward with plenty of hydration! Vino helps with hydration, right?

2. Rome Sightseeing Tour by Golf Cart (3 hours)

Want to see the best of Rome without walking? This is the tour for you. Our private Rome sightseeing tour by golf cart (also called a tuk tuk) is a fantastic way for up to four people to enjoy the very best of Rome in 3 hours without breaking a sweat.

Sit back and relax as your driver-guide takes you to see the city’s top sites including ancient Roman landmarks like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Circus Maximus, and the Pantheon. Your guide knows all the best viewpoints!

Depending on traffic and your interests, you could even explore Aventine Hill, the Spanish Steps, and more! Doing Rome by golf cart is an incredible way to see what the Eternal City is famous for while taking in the atmosphere of this vibrant city

3. Trastevere Local Food Tour in Rome (3 hours)

This is our classic Rome food tour that we recommend to anyone who wants a true foodie experience in the Italian capital.

Expect to try some mouth-watering Roman pizza, classic street food such as filetto di baccala , and a sit-down Italian pasta dinner with refreshing gelato for dessert.

It’s a great way to learn the local way of doing things and find out why you’ll rarely find salt and pepper on the table will dining in Rome.

4. Half Day Electric Bike Tour of Rome (4 hours)

What better way to cruise around the city? A battery-powered bike to get you over the seven hills of Rome and a pedal bike that allows you to take all the back streets and pedestrian routes.

This is a really cool way to get a ton of great photos and fully immerse yourself in the city. Your English-speaking guide will identify lots of great places to eat and drink along the way.

See tour itinerary, price, and desc r iption

5. Rome Catacombs Tour with Capuchin Crypt (3 hours)

The Roman Catacombs were used for hundreds of years to bury the dead. They were primarily used by Christians and in large numbers—some catacombs are home to half a million tombs and burial plots!  

Your English-speaking guide and small group will explore the Catacomb of Domitilla, which boasts frescoes over 1500 years old and an ancient chapel. You’ll go deep below ground and probably wonder why the graves were so small.

This experience also brings you to the Appian way where you’ll walk upon the very same stones as many Romans like Julius Caesar!

You’ll finish your journey through the dark history of the Roman dead with a visit to the Capuchin Crypts. This is a famous crypt where the Capuchin Monks buried thousands of their dead—although a better word may be arranged .

6. Dough to Dessert: 3-in-1 Cooking Class Near Piazza Navona

For the best value cooking class in Rome , look no further. You’ll learn how to create a tantalizing tiramisu dessert, the n you’ll get your hands dirty in some dough. The secrets of Italian pasta are made clear as you work that pasta into fettucine and ravioli.

After your hard work, sit back and sip some wine as you share some laughs about your pasta escapades with your fellow travelers. Your pasta will taste even better knowing how hard you worked on it!

Not ready to book a tour? See if Rome tours are worth it .

Here’s Where To Stay in Italy’s Most Popular Destinations

Rome , Florence , Venice , Amalfi Coast , and Capri

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VATICAN & SISTINE CHAPEL TOUR

The Church has been in Rome for 2000 years with the body of St Peter lying under St Peter's Basilica and that of St Paul under the Basilica of St Paul. Book on this guided tour for access to the breath taking Vatican Museums, see Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel and be overwhelmed by the beauty of St Peter's Basilica...

CHRISTIAN CATACOMBS TOUR

The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church and nowhere has this seed been more abundantly sewn to bear rich fruit, than in Rome. Under persecution for three centuries, the sites of Early Christianity and their suffering and struggle here is an inspiration to the conviction, courage and supernatural strength of those before us...

COLISEUM & ANCIENT ROME TOUR

Once the centre of the known world, the Roman Empire stretched far and wide and still influences our lives today. Enroll on this guided tour to be taken through the history of gladiators, the Republic, crazy emperors and military prowess. This tour gives you access to the awe inspiring Coliseum, the Imperial Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill...

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For Christians, Easter is the holiest time of year and commemorates the salvific Passion of our Lord and his glorious Resurrection from the dead. This climactic and pivotal event in the history of the universe and mankind in particular is a solemn and yet joyous time when we Christians can delve once more into the waters of our baptism and invigorate our faith. This pilgrimage draws on many of the relics of the Passion brought here to Rome by St Helena, Emperor Constantine's mother...

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The Immaculate Ever-Virgin Mother of God who has gone before us like the Ark of the Covenant into the promised land of heaven is not only the second Eve and Queen of Heaven, but is the Spouse of the Holy Spirit, Perfect Daughter of God the Father and Mother of God the Son. She more personally, is also our mother through whom all graces flow from God for our sanctification and growth as children of God. Book on this pilgrimage to grow in love and devotion for our mother - the model Christian...

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Christmas is a time of great joy and good will to mark the birth of incarnate God into the world - a light shining in the darkness to bring all to the paradox of the baby Christ. What better place to celebrate and reflect on this mystery than at the heart of the Church - Rome - and allow the doors of your heart to be opened to Joseph and Mary looking for a place to bring forth Jesus into your lives. Take a look at what features we can offer for us to deepen our adoration of the Christ child in Rome...

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We've been with Eternal City Tours now on our 3rd tour in 3 years. The tours - specifically with Paul - are the most inspiring we ever had in any part of the world. He brings ancient and medieval papal Rome to life with amazing intensity and color. Thanks once more, Paul! Ling & Georg, Germany (KJV)

Thanks to our tour guide, Paul; my husband and I had a wonderful learning experience touring the Roman Forum and the Vatican City Museums. Paul is extremely knowledgeable on the fascinating history of Ancient Rome and the early Renaissance religion which made the tour that much more interesting and exciting. I highly recommend Paul and Eternal City Tours to those seeking an expert tour guide. He is also very sociable and takes time to answer any questions you have. Rita, New Mexico (NIV)

The tour of the Forum was truly an enriching experience due to the expertise and knowledge of our guide. The guided tour was personalised and inclusive of all. The guide engaged participants encouraging inquiry and acknowledging thoughts and reflections. We walked with the Etruscans and Romans, glimpsed another time and place being transported through history by the considered and thoughtful presentation by Paul. This tour met the needs of lovers of history and academics alike. Leanna, Melbourne Australia

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Mass in English in Rome

updated on 17th April 2018 by Eternal City Tours

Find out when and where you can hear Holy Mass in English whilst you are staying in the Eternal City of Rome. This article includes both weekday and Sunday Masses and was updated in April 2018.

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

The award-winning Portuguese city you’ve (probably) never heard of

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With an average of 7 to 10 million visitors flocking to the ancient city each year, Rome receives its fair share of tourism.

But in the summer months, in particular, it becomes so flooded with people that it can become difficult to enjoy – not to mention the stifling temperatures of up to 31C.

However, there are ways to experience an essence of Rome without subjecting yourself to these conditions – and that’s in Portugal , where the country’s third city has been dubbed the ‘Portuguese Rome.’

Ever heard of Braga? A smaller city in the north of Portugal, northeast of Porto, Braga is the less touristy sister of Lisbon and Porto, which rack up between 6 and 3.7 million tourists each year respectively.

Earlier this year, the prestigious World Travel Awards named Braga in Portugal as Europe’s next emerging destination.

A mainstay of the Roman empire, Braga has had much significance in Portugal’s history. The city is home to beautiful architecture, ancient buildings and ruins, making it a great place to visit if you fancy yourself a bit of a culture vulture.

Things to do in Braga

Famous for its religious heritage, Braga is inundated with beautiful buildings to marvel at.

Portugal’s most photographed church, Bom Jesus do Monte, is located in Tenoes, just outside Braga, but it has an impressive Baroque stairway leading up a hilltop.

The hill is a staggering 116 metres high with around 580 steps, zigzagging to the top for a panoramic view of this 1700s beauty.

Braga Cathedral is even older, built between 1070 and 1093 atop the remains of a Roman temple. Incorporating Gothic, Baroque, Manueline and Renaissance styles, this architectural feat has a museum inside filled with local relics.

Elsewhere, the Chapel of São Frutuoso was constructed in the sixth century AD, making it one of the oldest buildings in the entirety of Portugal.

According to tradition, the chapel was built to replace an ancient Roman temple dedicated to Asclepius, AKA, the god of medicine and good health.

Then there’s the Santa Barbara Garden, which is attached to the 14 th century Archbishop’s Palace, one of the city’s most important historic structures composed of three separate buildings.

The oldest is medieval, built in a Gothic style, while the other two wings date back to the 16 th , 17 th and 18 th centuries.

For those who going on holiday hungry, Braga has an incredible foodie scene too.

There are plenty of regional dishes to try, from bacalhau (salted cod) and caldo verde (soup with potatoes, kale and chorizo) to pastel de nata (the famous custard tarts) and bife à Bragança (a traditional steak dish).

What to do in Braga

• Visit the creative centre of Braga, GNRation, which is located inside an old police headquarters. Here you’ll find galleries, concerts, film screenings, workshops and theatre performances.
• Braga is home to amazing bars and restaurants, with a lively atmosphere. Tripadvisor recommends checking out the Sardinha Biba nightclub if you fancy a dance.
• If you’re less of a dancer and more of a drinker, bars Tosga, 7Haus and Estudio 22 also come highly recommended.
• For food, Braga has an impressive nine Michelin restaurants . Portuguese joint Charme Restaruante comes highly recommended by The Fork .

How to get to Braga

The easiest way to get to Braga is to fly, with return flights starting from around £74.

If you’re travelling from the Big Smoke, there are flights available from London Gatwick to Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport to nearby Porto, but sadly, Braga doesn’t have its own airport.

However, Porto is only 40km away, accessible via bus, which takes around 40 minutes. If you’re looking to drive, it’ll take around 36 minutes.

If you’re coming from up north, there are flights to Porto Airport for around £100 return, but the route is more convoluted. Since there isn’t a direct route between Manchester and Porto, you’ll need to stop off either via Barcelona El Prat or Amsterdam.

When to visit Braga

If you’re in search of heat, the best time to visit Braga is undoubtedly the summer.

In June, temperatures reach balmy highs of 23C, while in July and August the mercury can reach 24C and 25C.

If the sun isn’t your thing (but equally, you don’t want to freeze), then the rest of the year temperatures don’t typically dip much below 10C.

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In January and February, these can reach highs of 14C and 15C, while in November it remains a pleasant 17C.

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