Alexander Meddings
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Verified Writer
5(2322)
10 Guests Max
2 hrs
Flexible TravelFew European cities exude romance like Rome. Italy's capital is home to the Trevi Fountain, into whose waters Anita Ekberg waded to become immortalized in film history. It has the Spanish Steps, whose tumbling balustrades have formed the backdrop of millions of romantic photographs over the years.
Then there are the architectural masterpieces which form the world’s most romantic skyline: St. Peter’s Dome, masterfully envisaged by Michelangelo, the towering façade of the Colosseum, and the freestanding dome of the Pantheon, the architectural pet project of the emperor Hadrian.
Now, we would strongly advise against jumping into the Trevi Fountain (nothing kills the mood like a huge fine and a criminal record), and we would advise against channelling the energy of Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck by driving around on a Vespa without a helmet. But there are still plenty of iconic things to do in Rome for couples that don’t involve breaking the law or putting your lives in danger!
Here is our tried and tested local-made list for your next romantic trip to Rome.
Strolling through the heart-shaped gardens of Villa Borghese to the north of the city centre is a must when visiting Rome, especially if you’re travelling as a couple.
Once an intensively cultivated area of vineyards, this 148 acres of lush grounds was converted into a picturesque park in the 17th century under Cardinal Scipione Borghese. It is after him that this park is named, along with its breathtaking museum, Galleria Borghese; and if you hold even the faintest of interest in baroque art and sculpture you must book tickets to see Galleria Borghese.
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Villa Borghese stretches from the Pincian Terrace above Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps to one of the city’s most luxurious districts surrounding Via Vittorio Veneto. You can explore on foot or by hiring a bike or tuk-tuk, and if the weather is good (which it normally is in Rome), you can take a rowing boat out onto its small but charming lake.
From central Rome, take the metro line A and alight at the Flaminio station. From there, it's a pleasant 10-minute walk to the garden's entrance.
There are plenty of great restaurants on every side of Villa Borghese. Especially worth checking out are Sapori d'Ischia, which specialises in southern Italian fare, and Bla Kongo, which does stunning Swedish-Italian fusion in a warm romantic setting.
Hotel de Russie and River Palace Hotel are excellent accommodation options for couples looking to splash out. Airbnb and Booking.com offer plenty of more affordable options.
Perched on the Aventine Hill, the Orange Garden of Rome is one of the city’s most beloved natural areas and offers stunning sweeping views over the flowing River Tiber.
This beautiful park covers almost 8,000 square meters and offers a panorama over Rome matched only by the Gianicolo Hill above Trastevere. Come here for the sunset, bring a bottle of prosecco and some snacks to share, and treat yourself to a stunning romantic sunset.
If the weather is right, the best way to get to the Orange Garden from the city centre is to walk.
From the Vatican it’s a beautiful walk along and across the river; from Termini or Monti the route takes you past the Colosseum and Circus Maximus, which at sunset is the best walk in Rome for couples.
If you want to take public or private transport, first read this guide 👇
The Orange Garden is perfectly positioned between the neighbourhoods of Testaccio and Trastevere, both of which are great dining spots.
Cross over the river to Trastevere for a more buzzing nightlife, with plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from. Here are our recommendations for where to eat in Trastevere.
Stay on this side of the river for the district of Testaccio, which is widely regarded as Rome’s best foodie district. Testaccio has fewer bars than in Trastevere, but its restaurants edge it.
Check out Flavio al Velavevodetto in particular for delicious affordable Roman dining.
Italian cuisine is so rightfully revered that it hardly needs an introduction.
But while one of the most rewarding things to do in Rome for couples is to eat out in its restaurants, there’s nothing quite like learning to make it properly yourself.
There are plenty of cooking classes in Rome offering just this: fun, small-group or private cooking classes led by local chefs. Here are the best for couples.
The best cooking classes in Rome are the Spritz & Spaghetti Cooking Class, which combines an Italian mixology class with a hands-on pasta-making class, and the more traditional, but no-less tasty Pasta & Tiramisù Cooking Class.
If you want an extra intimate atmosphere, check out our Private Pasta & Tiramisù Class.
Or if cocktails are your thing, book your Private Spritz & Spaghetti Class here!
💌 Visiting Rome for Valentine's Day? Use code LOVE25 at checkout for 25% off everything. Offer valid from February 11-15.
Going on holiday is about relaxing and recharging.
Ridding ourselves of our daily routines and living for the moment.
Not many guides will recommend visiting a spa in Rome. But after a few days of charging around the city trying to cram in as many sites as possible, there’s nothing better than putting yourself in someone else’s hands and taking some time to relax.
Or, as the Italians would say, to enjoy the dolce far niente — the sweetness of doing nothing.
Our favourite spa in Rome for couples is Doma Spa near Piazza Navona, a stunning ancient Roman-style spa with a Turkish bath, steam room, full spa and more. Experiences start from €200 per couple.
If you’d prefer something more traditional, check out this guide to spas in Rome.
You can’t get much classier than an evening at the opera, and for lovers of the genre, Rome’s Opera House is the place to visit.
Its stunning 19th-century architecture accommodates magnificent performances that match its acoustics and plays host to a repertoire of performances throughout the season.
Check out its website for the current catalogue.
The opera is easily accessible by public transport. Just take metro line B and to Repubblica; from here, it's a brisk 10-minute walk to the opera house.
But if you’re dressed in your finest, you might want to bite the bullet and treat yourself to an uber 😉
While the area around Termini isn’t the best for romantic dinners for two, the neighbourhood of Monti is. Monti is situated just one stop away on the metro (Cavour) and is packed full of authentic bars, charming squares, and restaurants offering delicious al fresco dining.
La Taverna dei Monti is particularly popular among both locals and travellers. For further inspiration, check out our guide to where to eat in Rome.
Sometimes it’s good to take a break from Rome’s freneticism, and to explore some of the paths less-trodden that lie in its vicinity.
The best (and most overlooked) of these is the Via Appia Antica (Old Appian Way). And while walking down an ancient road might not sound like the most romantic of itineraries, the Via Appia is simply a must for history buffs, intrepid explorers, and nature lovers.
The Via Appia is an ancient road, perfectly preserved—at least in parts—despite more than 2,000 years of continuous use.
Its ancient cobbles are lined with umbrella pines, the remains of ancient villas, the remnants of tombs and an extensive network of underground catacombs. Perfect for a romantic day away from the crowds.
Book your private tour along the Appian Way
By far the best way to get here is by taxi.
Otherwise, take the 118 bus which leaves you outside the Catacombs of San Sebastiano.
Click here for a more in-depth guide on how to get there.
The Italian capital outdoes all other cities for romantic experiences for couples. After all, you can’t spell romance without Roma. And Roma written backwards is Amor.
If you want to get the most out of your romantic trip to Rome for couples, be sure to trust the locals at Carpe Diem Tours. We’ve helped thousands of travellers like you explore the Eternal City and gain that all-elusive authentic experience.
Looking for inspiration? Check out our range of exclusive experiences and stress-free private tours.
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Explore the wonders of the Eternal City on our best of Rome walking tour. As you get your bearings around Rome’s cobbled historic centre, your expert storyteller will bring Rome’s most must-see sites to life, including the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Navona. Take photos, make memories, and most importantly, get the most out of your time in the Italian capital!
Your private guide will share the city’s secrets and narrate its story in a way that will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time – from explaining how the stunningly intricate churches and palaces were erected, to how the grand fountains were used to channel water throughout the city.
We will start at Trajan’s Column, which portrays the bloody victory of the emperor during the Dacian wars in Eastern Europe. We’ll then head to the Piazza Venezia, the crossroads between the ancient city and the modern capital and one of the most scenic squares in Italy!
After taking a moment to marvel at the imposing Altar of the Fatherland, we’ll make our way to the iconic Trevi Fountain. Toss a coin into the fountain, spend a moment soaking in its sounds and scenery (metaphorically, not literally!), and uncover the fascinating stories behind the fountain’s statues and symbols.
After discovering the incredible frescoes within the church of Sant Ignazio, we’ll make our way to the Pantheon where the spectacle of the 2000-year-old dome will blow you away. Marvel at one of the best-preserved buildings of the ancient world, hear the story behind the man who built it, and discover the shocking architectural secret behind how the dome is (or isn’t) supported!
Your private walking tour of Rome finishes at Piazza Navona. The square is situated near some of Rome’s best and most vibrant bars and restaurants and your guide will be happy to recommend where to go.
This tour is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. You can expect this memorable experience to last about two hours, which leaves you with more than enough time to explore the city beyond.
5(2322)
Channel your inner-Maximus as you step out onto the Colosseum Arena floor and access this recently reopened area of the world famous amphitheatre. Then, explore the rest of the heart of ancient Rome, with a friendly, expert guide and a small group of like-minded travellers!
Unlike regular tours of the Colosseum, our Colosseum Arena Tour gets you straight inside the ancient amphitheatre and out onto the arena floor through the Gladiator’s Gate. This is the route the gladiators themselves took almost 2,000 years ago. Imagine the moment they left the gates, and were greeted by the cheers and jeers of 50,000 bloodthirsty spectators.
Your expert guide will transport you back in time to the height of the Roman Empire when the Colosseum was constructed. These were times when Rome was ruled by all-powerful emperors (sometimes wise, sometimes wacky), the city was flooded with exotic riches from around the world, and the Colosseum acted as the city’s main stage for showing off the animals and people that Rome had conquered and captured.
After a short 30-minute break, we’ll head off on the next part of the tour…
Next, we’ll climb the Palatine Hill, where the ancient city was founded. The Palatine Hill is a real archaeological wonder, home to settlements from the Iron Age to the 16th century. Gaze upon such sites as the Hut of Romulus, Rome’s legendary founder, and the Imperial Palace, where the emperors in their family engaged in ruling, politicking, and scheming. Get your camera at the ready – you really can’t beat these views!
The final destination on our Colosseum Arena Tour is the Roman Forum. As the beating heart of ancient Rome, the Roman Forum was once a bustling hub of markets, law courts, temples, and more. It was here that Julius Caesar was cremated, where victorious triumphs paraded with the spoils of Roman conquests, here where two disgraced emperors were murdered in 69 AD, and here where Cicero delivered the speeches that shaped western culture for centuries.
When our tour is over, feel free to stay and explore the Roman Forum at your own pace.
Book the complete ancient Roman experience today with our Colosseum Arena Tour!
5(1839)
Rome may well be the world’s most beautiful city, but after dark a more sinister side emerges. The ghosts of popes, emperors, and artists lurk on every corner, their lives claimed by tragedy and conspiracy across more than 2,000 years of history. Our Rome Ghost Tour is not for the faint hearted — you’ll hear the ghastly tales of beheadings and murder that are sure to keep you up late at night.
Your Rome Ghost Tour starts at Campo de’ Fiori, a central square, where you’ll be treated to the tale of Giordano Bruno, one of Rome’s greatest minds who got on the wrong side of the church. After learning about his grisly end, you’ll begin to explore the city. Venture through medieval backstreets; visit an ancient church adorned with skulls; and step inside the home to a mysterious order of monks. Discover the childhood home of one of Rome’s most infamous executioners; see the site of one of Rome’s most infamous prisons; and pass by a poisonous perfumery where cosmetics killed.
Your tour ends at the imposing Castel Sant’Angelo, where your guide will reveal the horror of Rome’s most disturbing executions. If you’re (un)lucky, you might even encounter a ghost or two.
No matter what, you’ll never see Rome the same way again.
5(910)
Most of history’s great artists enjoyed a drink or two; just look at Van Gogh’s Starry Night and tell us that’s how the sky looks. Now you can unleash your inner Leonardo with unlimited wine in our Tipsy Art Class. Join a small group of fellow budding artists to recreate iconic Roman monuments and landscapes that will rival the works of Michelangelo. If he was blind drunk, and not even trying.
Our local arts instructor will guide you through the techniques that made the Great Masters great while you fill yourself with the spirit that inspired them. During the course of 3 fun-filled hours, you and your fellow artists will indulge in unlimited wine and savour platters of snacks while making your masterpiece. The best part? You get to take your canvas home with you–unless you overdo it on the vino, in which case we have plenty of space in the bins)!
Ready to get merry with Michelangelo? Create a one-of-a-kind souvenir and bring a piece of Rome back home.
4.94(1345)
Learn to cook like an Italian in this small group pasta & tiramisù cooking class that gives you mastery over the country’s best-loved classics. Over the course of three-and-a-half-hour fun-filled hours, you’ll enjoy the expert guidance of our fluent professional chef and get hands on recreating real Roman recipes, culminating in a well-deserved dinner in which you feast on what you’ve made.
Situated in our centrally situated air-conditioned cooking school, your interactive class will give you the true sense of an Italian nonna’s loving kitchen. Led by an enthusiastic and knowledgeable English-speaking chef, our cooking masterclass is perfect for kids and adults, beginners and experts.
Savoiardi (ladyfingers) are gently dipped in rich coffee before being layered with dollops of delicately mixed eggs and panna (cream). Finished off with a sprinkle of cocoa, these delicious desserts are set aside to rest in time for an after-dinner energy boost. In fact, the espresso within a tiramisù is what gives it a name that translates literally as “pick me up”!
Rolling up our sleeves, here is where we channel our inner nonna. Mixing, kneading, rolling, and shaping our fresh pasta from scratch will work up a sweat but result in elegant end products. We will then combine these carefully crafted creations with the flavors of the season and locality; be it twangy cacio e pepe or creamy carbonara.
How else to conclude your cooking class than by fully indulging in your culinary creations! Celebrate your accomplishment with family-friendly company, a gorgeous setting, and a selection of red or white wines and soft drinks.
Whether returning a culinary maestro or a self-proclaimed novice, you’ll be sure to take the memories home with you and ruling your dinner parties back home!
5(1852)
Join us on a journey through Roman history on our immersive Rome by Night Walking Tour. Your expert guide will share the city’s secrets, history, and fascinating tales—from antiquity through to the modern day, and at a pace to suit you.
Our tour starts in Rome’s most picturesque square, Piazza Navona, where the ancient Romans used to watch athletic contests (agones). Today’s piazza sits above the ancient stadium and boasts Gian Lorenzo Bernini‘s stunning Fountain of the Four Rivers as its centrepiece.
A five-minute walk from Piazza Navona takes us to the world-famous Pantheon. Constructed more than two-thousand years ago by the eccentric emperor Hadrian, the Pantheon was consecrated as a monument to all the pagan gods (pan theos, in Greek meaning all the gods). This second-century temple is one of the best-preserved monuments in the Roman Empire and its unreinforced concrete dome still perplexes architects.
Our next stop is the iconic Trevi Fountain. Immortalised by Anita Ekberg wading through its water in Federico Fellini’s iconic film La Dolce Vita, the Trevi Fountain one of the most romantic spots in the Eternal City. Snap your photos of the monument in the moonlight, listen to your guide decipher its symbols, and toss a coin over your shoulder to guarantee your return to Rome.
We emerge from Rome’s winding backstreets onto Piazza Venezia. Stretching from the foot of the Capitoline Hill, against the backdrop of the Altar of the Fatherland, Piazza Venezia is Rome’s most recognisable square, and a repository of history involving figures from Napoleon to Mussolini.
Your guide will lead you down the Via dei Fori Imperiali, the boulevard that cuts through ancient Rome, past Trajan’s Column and alongside the forums of Trajan, Augustus and Nerva. Your guide will feed your curiosity and nourish you with knowledge about ancient Rome and its empire as you make your way towards the most famous monument of all: the Colosseum.
The Colosseum is one of the most awe-inspiring attractions that has survived from antiquity. As a colossal feat of architecture and engineering, its form has been replicated throughout the ages, manifested in stadiums and sports venues around the world. But while its form is familiar to us, the spectacles it accommodated are entirely alien, and remind us of the violent nature of Roman culture.
Group sizes are 15 people maximum.
Book your spot now to avoid missing out!
5(567)
Relax the right way after a long day of sightseeing with our Spritz and Spaghetti Class. This fun-filled class teaches you all the know-how you need to mix traditional Italian cocktails and perfect the art of making fresh pasta. It’s the only experience of its kind in Rome – a perfect blend of food, friends, and tipsy fun.
So come join us and see what all the fuss is about!
We’ll welcome your private party with a mixology demo of how to make Italy’s best-loved drink: Aperol Spritz. You’ll then get started on your hands-on pasta-making lesson led by a fun-loving, fluent professional chef. But that’s not all! We’ll also be making Hugo Spritz and satisfying your sweet tooth with a glass of Limoncello.
Your professional chef will guide you every step of the way – from kneading the dough to running it through a traditional pasta machine. You’ll also be making a creamy carbonara sauce to coat your fresh pasta (vegetarians can try out another Roman classic of cacio e pepe). At the end of the class, you’ll dine on what you’ve made with a selection of wine or soft drinks!
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One of the best ways to meet people in a new city is to grab a drink together, and few city serve up more iconic drinks than Rome. Whether you’re travelling solo or with a group, for a long vacation or a short city break – our Rome Tipsy Tour is for you!
This unique nightlife experience combines all our favourite elements of travel: discovering new places, being immersed in different cultures, meeting fun people, and trying out a range of delicious drinks! It’s not a run-of-the-mill bar crawl. It’s a sociable tour that gives you a real taste of with Rome’s sights, stories, and signature drinks in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere with fun, local hosts. We also welcome sober travellers who want to join for a social experience but who want to forgo a hangover, so we’ll have non-alcoholic options available as well!
You’ll meet your guide and group at Piazza Madonna dei Monti, where we’ll break the ice with a warm Italian welcome – aka, a refreshing glass of local wine. After saying cheers—salute—we’ll head into Monti, an uber-trendy district filled with quirky bars and cobblestoned streets, and plenty to unpack. In ancient Rome, Monti was known as a suburra – the red-light district of Rome where prostitutes plied their trade and gangsters once roamed. As we wander through the cobblestone streets your guide will tell you scandalous stories of sex and bloodshed that you won’t hear on your typical walking tour.
After so much scandal, you’ll surely need a drink. So at our first stop on the Rome Tipsy Tour you’ll get an extra stiff one. The spotlight will be on Carpano Classico a venerable vermouth with a curious story! Unravel the history of the man who made it – Antonio Benedetto Carpano – back in 1786 whilst sharing some sips with your newfound friends.
We’ll keep the night going with some more saucy stories before trying a classic Italian Spritz. Indulge in the bitter flavours of Aperol or Campari Spritz while enjoying dolce far niente, the sweetness of doing nothing—apart from getting tipsy of course!
Our final stop is Rome’s most iconic road, the Via dei Fori Imperiali, leading down to the Colosseum. The views of the ancient city are best enjoyed after dark with an ice-cold Limoncello – trust us. Sip away as your guide tells shocking stories of the power-hungry Roman emperors who once ruled the known world.
At 11 p.m., the Tipsy Tour officially ends, but the night out begins! We will continue drinking with our new friends at some of Rome’s most popular bars!
Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience. We promise to make your night in Rome one you’ll never forget! Skip a boring walking tour, and come get tipsy with us.
Book your spot now!
4.94(2344)
Feed your curiosity while pleasing your palate on this indulgent Rome Food Tour! This fun (and filling) food tour gives you and a small group of others insider access to Rome’s best delicatessens, pizzerias and restaurants as well as Rome’s tastiest traditional food the locals keep to themselves.
Our Rome food tour takes place in Trastevere, Rome’s most traditional medieval neighbourhood. The area is renowned for its buzzing nightlife and fantastic eateries with delightful aromas spilling out of them. However, it’s also known to have its fair share of tourists traps! Our team of expert foodies invite you, and your tastebuds, to try some of the finest flavours in the city! Vacations are too short to eat bad food, right?
During the experience, we will try at least 10 different tastings together with a selection of local wines. However, this experience is more than just simply trying different local foods while sipping on red wine. This is a journey inside the Roman kitchen—discovering the delicacies, the diet and the cultural dos and don’ts.
Not only will you experience the mouthwatering flavours of Rome, but you’ll also discover the process, meet the makers, and truly understand why Italian cuisine is considered the best in the world. So book your spot on our Rome Food Tour today and get ready for a true taste of the capital!
Please note: the places that we visit and the food that we try depends on the season.
This is a sustainable tour, meaning part of its profits goes towards reforestation and other sustainable projects. We also ask all of our guests to bring a reusable water bottle to refill at one of the water fountains along our route to stay hydrated and help us reduce waste.
**Unfortunately, we can’t accommodate a gluten-free or vegan diet but we hope to be able to in the future. While we can cater to vegetarians, we ask that you let us know about dietary requirements in advance so we can best suit your needs.**
4.96(3203)
Tired of big-group tours that move from one attraction to the other before you’ve even had the chance to understand what your seeing?
This is the Vatican Tour for you.
Our VIP Vatican tour offers a more personal, intimate experience that doesn’t compromise on anything. See it all, learn it all, and feel it all.
With a maximum group size of 12, you can guarantee you’ll have more than enough time and privacy to soak up the stunning artworks and fascinating history of the Vatican City.
Our tour starts at the Vatican Museums, where more than four millennia’s rich history resides. Worried about getting lost in the labyrinth of corridors and galleries? Don’t be. Gain real-world insight into the stunning wonders of the museum’s 1000+ rooms thanks to the help of your friendly, expert guide. They’ll be excited to answer as many questions that you could possibly come up with, so feel free to ask away.
Afterwards, we’ll head over to the Pope’s private place of prayer, the Sistine Chapel. Home to two of Michelangelo’s masterpieces, The Last Judgement and its famous ceiling, the Sistine Chapel is just as awe-inspiring today as when it was unveiled in the 1500s. Marvel at world famous frescoes and discover how Popes are elected, here in this very room.
Our VIP Vatican tour runs at a comfortable, leisurely pace and includes all ticket prices for the different sites and areas we’ll be visiting. Remember, our VIP tours only accommodate a maximum of 12 people at a time, which means that spots fill up fast.
Book your VIP Vatican Tour now to avoid disappointment!
5(245)
Take your Roman adventure to the next level with our semi-private tour of the Ancient City! With a small group of just 6 people, you’ll enjoy more personal attention from your guide as you explore the legendary Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum. This means more chances to ask questions, deeper dives into history, and the opportunity to truly engage with both your guide and your fellow explorers.
What are the holes that pockmark the ancient amphitheatre? Why is one side shorter than the other? And how much do we really know about the gladiators—and even emperors—who battled on the arena sands? (We promise the answers will surprise you!)
After exploring the Colosseum, we’ll climb the Palatine Hill to discover the birthplace of the ancient city. Here, your storyteller guide will recount the mythical foundation of Rome, the legend of Romulus and Remus, and the stories of the emperors who resided on the Palatine, like Augustus, Tiberius, and Caligula. Next, we’ll explore the ruins of some of the most luxurious palaces in Roman history, the emperor’s residences on the Palatine Hill, from which we get our word ‘palace.’
Last but not least, we’ll head into the Roman Forum, the heart of the ancient city. Discover what life was really like for everyday Romans as we explore the social, religious, and political hub of the Roman Empire. Marvel at the remains of towering temples, triumphal arches, sprawling basilicas, and the ancient senate house as you walk on the very same stones that the likes of Caesar and Cicero once did.
Prepare for a unique, unforgettable journey through Rome’s most famous landmarks with a small, friendly group that lets you explore at your own pace.
5(452)
