4
Great Guide
What an amazing city and guide was super knowledgeable
Rome travel guide: tickets, best time & real costs
Rome from the Empire to the Pope
+2 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Price from
- $22 / person
- Location
- Rome, Italy
- Rating
- 5.0 / 5 · 13 reviews
- Languages
- DE, EN, FR, ES
- Group
- Small group, up to 20
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- Scandic Tours
- Meeting point
- We’ll meet in between the International Newspaper Stand and the two ancient columns on Via di S. Eustachio.
Description
Uncover the layers of Rome, a city reborn through centuries of ambition and art. Begin at the Pantheon, where imperial dreams met architectural genius, and discover how this ancient temple outlived the empire. Wander through Piazza Navona, where chariot races gave way to Baroque spectacle, and rival artists turned fountains into politics. Explore hidden streets and Palazzo Madama, where powerful families and popes reshaped the medieval city. Follow the popes' escape route to St. Peter's Square, where Baroque grandeur awaits. By the end of your journey, you'll grasp how Rome reinvented itself, transforming from imperial powerhouse to the epicenter of Catholic Europe, its legacy woven from intrigue, art, and resilience.
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Every day
- Start times
- 1:00 PM and 3:30 PM
- Next available
- Thu, Oct 15
- Adult (ages 13+)
- $22
- Child (ages 6–12)
- $14
- Infant (ages 0–5)
- Free
Out at sunset: the 3:30 PM departure is under way when the sun sets, around 5:11 PM in the coming weeks.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 14.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Pantheon
We begin beneath the dome of the Pantheon, where imperial ambition met mathematical genius. Here, you’ll uncover why this former pagan temple survived while so much of ancient Rome fell into ruin.
Piazza Navona
In Piazza Navona, built atop an ancient stadium, discover how entertainment shifted from chariot races to Baroque drama. Learn how rival artists turned fountains into political statements and façades into propaganda.
Castel Sant'Angelo
Crossing the Tiber near Castel Sant’Angelo — once Emperor Hadrian’s tomb and later a papal fortress — we follow the path popes once used to flee invading armies.
St. Peter's Square
Finally, the city opens dramatically into St. Peter’s Square, where Baroque architecture was designed not just to impress, but to embrace the world.
What's included
Included
• Architectural decoding of Rome’s most iconic monuments
• Visual interpretation of Baroque symbolism and Renaissance power
• Expert storytelling-led walking tour
• Contextual understanding of Rome’s shift from empire to papal capital
Not included
no food
no drinks
no transportation to or from the meeting point
visits are outside visits
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
13 reviews
How it compares in Rome
- Rated higher than 79% of 2,303 reviewed tours in Rome
- Starting price $22 is 81% below the typical $113 for tours of similar length in Rome
Excurgo comparison of 8,083 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Rome from the Empire to the Pope take?
Rome from the Empire to the Pope lasts about 2 hours. The itinerary has 4 stops.
How much does Rome from the Empire to the Pope cost?
Prices start at $22 per person for this Rome experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 2 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Rome from the Empire to the Pope run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 1:00 PM and 3:30 PM.
How much does Rome from the Empire to the Pope cost for children?
Children aged 6–12 pay from $14, adults from $22. Infants go free.
Can I cancel Rome from the Empire to the Pope for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is We’ll meet in between the International Newspaper Stand and the two ancient columns on Via di S. Eustachio. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Rome from the Empire to the Pope offered in?
The experience is available in DE, EN, FR, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 20 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Rome from the Empire to the Pope worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 13 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Scandic Tours.
Reviews(13)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
M
Very interesting
Very interesting, exciting details, well organized, straightforward
V
Great
Justin was amazing. He explained lots of details about Roman times. Thank you!
C
I definitely recommend it!
Very nice your with Justin, informative and cultural. He knows a lot about the history of the place.
U
Get to know Rome
Great experience, a lot of historic stories, Justin was fantastic!
W
Very pleasant tour
Justin was fantastic ! Super knowledgeable and pleasant :)
Z
Completely successful tour with a personal touch
The tour really excited me and clearly exceeded my expectations. The small group created a very pleasant, almost family atmosphere in which you could experience everything much more intensely. Questions could be asked at any time, and it was always addressed patiently and extensively. Of particular note is the guide Noah, who led the tour with a lot of knowledge and noticeable enthusiasm. His manner was open and friendly, and he managed to convey the content in an understandable and varied manner.
N
Perfectly organized tour with personal atmosphere and outstanding guide
The tour was really outstanding and exceeded my expectations. The small group size in particular created a pleasant, personal atmosphere and made the experience much more intense. During the walk through the city, we were able to ask questions at any time, which were answered competently and in detail. Big praise to our guide Noah: competent, dedicated, flexible and very personable. The explanations were exciting and informative, so the content became really tangible. Overall absolutely recommended!
P
Great relaxed tour
Noah is a very competent tour guide. He did a great relaxing tour. Thank you so much!
F
FANTASTIC!
Super sweet man, talk with a lot of passion for his tour! He is very nice, highly recommended!
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from$22
5.0(13) Free cancellation