• Private Tour
• Instantly Confirmed
• Carbon Neutral

Do you want to know what life was like in a city with more than a million people two thousand years ago? There is a place in Rome where you can live this experience: Trajan's Markets, no crowds, no queues, just you, the city of the Caesars and a specialized archaelogist or official licensed guide as your host!

Destination

Rome, Italy

Category

Off The Beaten Track

Duration

2.5 hours

Transport mode

Walking tour

Available languages

English, Español, Italiano, Deutsch

Included

• Private Licensed Guide
• All Withlocals Tours are Carbon Neutral

Excluded

• Entrance Tickets

What you can expect

Choose your local

Get to know these 10 passionate locals, each bringing unique perspectives and talents. Choose your favorite, check their availability, and book to create an unforgettable adventure tailored to you.

This is the plan

Check out the plan below to see what you'll get up to with your local host. Feel free to personalize this offer with the host of your choice.

1. Meeting point

   Meet at In front of the entrance of the Trajan's Markets - Rome to start your journey

   View on Maps

2. Itinerary

   This is what our experience could look like, but it’s not set in stone! Once you book, you can chat directly with your host to make small tweaks to suit your preferences.

3. Meeting point

   Via IV Novembre - Rome

4. Enter the main hall

   This is one of the most striking examples of Roman architecture preserved. Here you will listen the story of the different layers of the building;

5. Explore the upper gallery and the collections of marbles

   Explore the upper gallery and the shops where a collection of incredible marbles from archaeological excavations are exhibited;

6. Have a breaht taking view over the archaeological area

   Enjoy the unique view you can have from the upper level of the Markets to the Altar of Victor Emanuel II and the imperial forums;

7. Act as a treasure hunter

   Go down the steps to the lower level of the Trajan Forum, you have to go through many rooms (once were more than150!). It's like being in a labyrinth built on three levels! Don't worry if you are tired, there is an elevator ... it is modern !!

8. End of the tour

   I will lead you out of the building, leaving you with recomandations of more things to do in the area.

9. Make it yours

   Want to tweak the itinerary? Book directly & chat afterwards with your host to adjust highlights, skip stops, or make small changes to fit your preferences.

   Book risk-free: Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund.

   Need something special? Personalize your experience for more time, alternative locations or a completely tailored plan.

Flexible cancellation policy

• Feel confident booking

  Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund. Even up to 7 days before your experience, you’ll receive a refund, minus the service fee.

• Change of plans?

  Reschedule your experience to a date and time that works best for you.

• Loved by travelers worldwide

  Simple and flexible – your plans, your way.

Reviews from guests

Peter🇷🇸 Serbia

(About local Lia Beatrice)

1 January 2025

We had an interesting day. We initially planned the Trajan markets but they were closed without notice. Irrespective, Lia Beatrice came up with a new and innovative program where she took me to other historical sites of interest and during the entire time she transferred valuable knowledge about the Roman history. I really enjoyed my tour and access to such a wealth of knowledge Highly knowledgeable

Jacqueline

(About local Carlo)

2 June 2025

WOW we absolutely loved Carlo. So engaging and knowledgeable. He was very patient with our group as we had a member with difficulty walking and even spent extra time with us to make up for the slow pace. He was the best tour we did in Italy of the Vatican and we would absolutely book him again when we go back. Carlo is the best!!

Gordon

(About local Federico)

28 May 2025

Federico was an amazing tour guide. He has great knowledge of Roman history and shared it with passion. We learned lots on our tour and Federico made it a really interesting and enjoyable time. He also gave us lots of great tips for the rest of our time in Rome. We would thoroughly recommend Federico to anyone looking for a tour guide in RomeRoman Forum and Colloseum tour

Jane🇺🇸 United States

(About local Daniele)

27 May 2025

Daniele was so pleasant, knowledgeable and informative. We really enjoyed our time with him.Couldn't have been better

Amanda

(About local Carlo)

27 May 2025

We had a fabulous tour with Carlo at the Colosseum recently. He was incredibly knowledgeable, engaging and very attentive. Thank you Carlo so much. Carlo tour at the Colossuem

Debra🇺🇸 United States

(About local Eleonora)

26 May 2025

Eleonora is hands down the best tour guide you will ever have! She is a local that is knowledgeable, enthusiastic and has such a wonderful pleasant manner. I wish all my tours were booked with her! You won’t be disappointed she is the absolute best and worth every penny! Thank you Eleonora for a wonderful tour to the Vatican museum, Debra & family ❤️Excellent tour with a local expert!

Mike🇺🇸 United States

(About local Sara)

23 May 2025

If you are considering booking Sara for a tour in Rome, stop and book immediately. Sara is unbelievably knowledgeable. She knows everything about the Vatican museums and the history behind the Vatican state. We had two young kids and a stroller in our group, and Sara helped us find ways to navigate the many steps in the buildings. We had an incredible tour of an incredible place with Sara.Sara is the best!

Unknown

(About local Federico)

22 May 2025

Federico is an awesome guide. Despite the very heavy rainfall (the heavens opened up during the tour, delivering ‘buckets’ full of water) Federico kept us all engaged with his knowledge of Roman history, by relating it to our contemporary understanding of things like politics, sports and society in general. Each member of our group (from Australia) would happily recommend Federico as a guide. Thank you!Informative and Engaging

Patti🇺🇸 United States

(About local Carlo)

20 May 2025

When my husband and I decided to come to Italy, we did our own thing due to my physical limitations. We decided to see both the Vatican and Colosseum. We liked the looks of Carlo; he smiled with his eyes as well as his whole face. We booked him for both experiences. He allowed this religion teacher to go down rabbit holes in the Vatican. Walked at our pace in both places. He was very knowledgeable about both places and very passionate about history. If we ever come back to Rome and want to take a tour, Carlo is our go to guy!!BEST GUIDE EVER!!!

Jerry🇺🇸 United States

(About local Eleonora)

19 May 2025

It was a delight for us to spend time with Eleonora on our food tour. We had some amazing food and tasted some items never experienced that were delicious And of course to top off the night some amazing gelato😊 Eleonora is fun, informative annd a pleasure to be with. We had a terrific time walking around and taking in the sights and tastings of Rome!! Delicious

Uwe

(About local Eleonora)

17 May 2025

Eleonora ist eine positive, sehr empathische junge Frau mit exzellentem Wissen und besten Deutschkenntnissen. Sie hat uns eine sehr lebendige, anschauliche private Tour für 2 Personen gegeben. Sie ist exakt auf unsere Wünsche eingegangen und wir konnten uns aufgrund ihrer Erklärungen und Hintergrundinformationen ein tolles Bild von allem Gesehenen machen. Wirklich sehr empfehlenswert! a very polite and empathetic young lady with excellant know how who has given us a very vivid and well personalised private tourgreat!!! einfach toll

Tony🇺🇸 United States

(About local Sara)

16 May 2025

We could not have been happier with our guide Sara. Clearly Sara is passionate about sharing her knowledge with guests to Rome. This was our third tour of the Vatican and even thought there were disruptions due to Jubilee and of coarse the passing if Pope Francis just days before our visit Sara created an amazing experience for us. I highly recommend Sara and certainly hope to tour with her again in the future.Simply Fabulous

Christian🇨🇭 Switzerland

(About local Federico)

15 May 2025

If you’re seeking to experience Rome not just as a tourist, but as a time traveler through the marble veins of the ancient empire, Federico the patrician guide of Rome is an absolute gem. He brings a rare blend of erudition, elegance, and storytelling that elevates the city’s classical splendor into vivid life. Led by a true patrician in both knowledge and demeanor, he doesn’t simply point out ruins or recount textbook facts. Instead, you’re invited to inhabit the world of Cicero, Augustus, and Livia. The Forum is no longer a pile of stones, but a beating civic heart. The baths of Caracalla aren’t just remnants, but stages for political intrigue and lavish spectacle.The patrician guide you are looking for!

Joan and Kent🇺🇸 United States

(About local Sara)

12 May 2025

We had the absolute pleasure of touring the Colosseum with Sara, and it truly was the highlight of our visit to Rome. In just an hour and a half she made the ancient world of Rome come alive in a way we will never forget. My husband, a lifelong lover of history, was captivated, and as someone who always loved learning, but never found history classes engaging, I was completely drawn by the way Sara told the story of the Colosseum and Ancient Rome. Her ability to weave together the grand history with vivid, personal details made every stone and corridor feel alive. We feel so fortunate to have had Sara as our guide. Her passion, knowledge, and storytelling made this tour not just informative but truly magical. Thank you, Sara, for an unforgettable journey through history!Sara, Our Unforgettable Roman Storyteller

Kathryn🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Daniele)

12 May 2025

We had a wonderful tour with Daniele - seeing fabulous art, ancient structures and hidden gems, combined with great storytelling and some excellent restaurant, coffee and gelato recommendations. Such a fabulous introduction to Rome - definitely want to return to Rome to see what you’d introduce us to on a second visit! Wonderful tour with Daniele

D&K

(About local chiara)

10 May 2025

Our guide, Chiara, was very friendly and had the right pace for the day. She answered our questions and kept us moving, but did not feel rushed. We liked that she focuses on local establishments (not chains) and has relationships with local vendors. The market was great to explore (Clare gave us time to shop, too!) and we loved seeing the restaurant's wine cellar. I liked that this tour spent more quality time in a particular area, rather than running around trying to see all the attractions. I would recommend this tour to others as a great way to get to know a neighborhood that is a bit off the beaten tourist track in Romegood way to explore the Testaccio area

Alessandra

(About local chiara)

10 May 2025

Chiara was a wonderful guide - personable, knowledgable, and allowed us to experience the food authentically and completely without judgement. She is clearly very passionate about the food, but at the same time had a very unbiased and objective perspective about italian culture and history, which I appreciated. This isn't my first trip to Italy, so I wasn't sure how much new information I would learn, but I actually learned a lot of new and interesting tidbits as part of the tour, while also trying some of the highest quality, carefully curated foods around Rome. I'm so glad to have kicked off my trip with this tour, because now I can continue the rest of my trip with valuable recommendations and learningsChiara was a wonderful guide

Jennifer

(About local Daniele)

9 May 2025

A casual stroll about the city, but worth every turn and dodged Vespa! We were shown epic churches, wine shops, lunch places and local spots! We ended up going back for lunch / espresso at recommended spots! Epic! We were shown “off the tourist” path things- details you can research unless a local shares the details! Highly recommend and will book next time here for further info to Rome! Worth it in so many ways!

Beth

(About local chiara)

9 May 2025

I took a tour with Chiara, and what can I say: five stars and above! Not only did she create a custom tour for me, but she really went out of her way to make sure I had not just an experience but a quality time with a friend. Her knowledge of history and food (she is a food archaeologist!) is outstanding! She made me see Rome with new eyes, and made me live like a true Roman. I've fallen so in love with the culture, I'm going to take Italian and Italian culture classes with her! I cannot recommend Chiara enough. I look forward to more adventures with her. Definitely now I have a new friend in town :) thank you Chiara! The food archaeologist to have as a friend

charley🇺🇸 United States

(About local Federico)

7 May 2025

A talented and knowledgeable guide that enjoys what he does and it really shows Federico is excellent!

Amanda🇺🇸 United States

(About local Eleonora)

7 May 2025

I got a guide to the Vatican for my dad, brother & sister in law and Elenora was fantastic from the start. She reached out to me immediately so I could give her the details of the booking and most importantly, that I would not be apart of it. This tour was originally booked for a week after the pope passed away, and as soon as the news released that the pope had passed, she reached out to me to start figuring out a solve & seeing if the tour was still a possibility. Elenora was focused on still making this experience all it could be and we ultimately were able to change the day of the tour so they would have full access to the Vatican. They had an excellent time and I couldn’t be more grateful to Elenora for being proactive and committed to making this tour happen. The tour was ultimately a highlight of their trip! Excellent communicator & guide!

Christine

(About local chiara)

7 May 2025

This is an excellent experience forn any foodie out there. Incredibly tasting meeting local italian businesses, we went back to taste a few again the next day! Thanks Chiara for your enthusiasm and excellent knowledge in both the food and history of italy!Excellent experience

Mathew🇺🇸 United States

(About local Lia Beatrice)

5 May 2025

I originally engaged Lia for a tour of the Vatican. With the death of the Pope, the Vatican was closed for the date we were supposed to visit. With ease, Lia was able to create a new itinerary which ended up being an amazing tour of many of Rome's best sites, while working around a funeral procession going on around us. Possibly my favorite was stopping at a cafe where she taught me about the Italian way to enjoy an espresso! Thank you for an amazing experience! Highly recommended guide.Amazing guide!

Christian🇨🇭 Switzerland

(About local Daniele)

4 May 2025

Daniele was a very friendly guide who did a wonderful tour through Villa Borghese with us as we asked for a personalized tour through the gardens within the city with him. We knows his city very well and could answer all of our questions holding a diploma in architectur. He adapted the tour spontaneously to things we were interested in. He speaks perfect English, we had a wonderful conversation and we learned a lot during the tour! He gave us some recommendations for the next day and we weren’t disappointed at all. We can warmly recommend him for a tour through Rome! Thank you very much for the afternoon we spent together, Daniele!Wonderful walk through Villa Borghese

Karl🇺🇸 United States

(About local Carlo)

2 May 2025

We spent 3 hours with Carlo touring the colosseum and forum today and I'm sure we'll look back on this as one of the highlights of our trip. We learned so much history and we're shown details we'd never have noticed on our own. Carlo is super knowledgeable and a really nice guy. Thanks Carlo!Book a tour with Carlo!

cindy🇺🇸 United States

(About local Carlo)

30 April 2025

Carlo’s passion for history is evident from the start and infectious. He is knowledgeable and engaging even for our 11 year old traveler. Super nice too. Wish he could have been our guide through our entire trip! Carlo was THE BEST!!! Don’t hesitate and book him NOW!THE BEST guide of entire trip in Italy!!

Beeraucrat

(About local chiara)

29 April 2025

exceptional experience! It's food, culture and physical activity all in one-the perfect mix on vacation. Our guide, Chiara, was very well informed and very passionate about sharing the foods and traditions of Rome, and Testaccio in particular. We actually did another really memorable tour with her five years ago in Prati and it was a real pleasure to reconnect on this trip!the best way to explore the neighborhood

Gayla

(About local Lia Beatrice)

26 April 2025

Lia Beatrice was such a great guide. She was able to accommodate a schedule change due to a missed flight. Her knowledge and enthusiasm was amazing! I am so glad to have met her.Fabulous tour

Sascha🇳🇱 Netherlands

(About local Lia Beatrice)

25 April 2025

Lia is a wonderful guide, very kind and flexible - combining my needs and those of my 11 y.o. son in her stories and explanations.The best way to explore the Musei Vaticani

Emma🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Daniele)

23 April 2025

We enjoyed our tour we were 2 adults and a 10 year old child. All were engaged by sights and story telling and returned later to the places Danielle showed us. Thanks Daniele

Alexander

(About local Carlo)

23 April 2025

Carlos was amazing, a lot of extra information and anecdotes about what we saw inside the Vatican. He greeted us on time at the gate of the museum and while we waited in the long line, he started to inform us what we saw around us and what we needed to do to enter the Vatican City. We had “skip the line” tickets. The lines were long, but we cut through them quickly with Carlo who knew exactly what to do. In 3-5 minutes, we had past all the security and ticket controls. We learned a lot from a very informative tour. It was very crowded when we started at 10:00 on a Tuesday, but he handled it nicely with some extra information while we waited on some bigger groups to move. Carlo was interested in what our next destination in Italy was and we got some good recommendations from him for Florence and Bologna. Several days later we contacted him regarding tips for restaurants and they gave us excellent recommendations for local spots with little to no tourists and good-priced food and drinks. We would absolutely recommend Carlo and if we are ever back in Rome we are booking him again for other tours.A good experience

Helen🇮🇪 Ireland

(About local Daniele)

22 April 2025

We were delighted to spend time walking around with Daniele. He was kind enough to meet us in our hotel which was a bit away from the usual areas. We went into churches that we would definitely have missed without him. We also caught the changing of the guard at the presidential palace and had a nice beer and a chat in a rooftop bar. Daniele gave us some tips on some other things to see while we were in Rome which were really useful. We highly recommend Daniele as a guide.Daniele is a pleasure to spend time with

7zyxw4djvq

(About local Lia Beatrice)

20 April 2025

Lia was a great guide who brought the history of Rome to life and made the amazing Roman ruins understandable and interesting with her architectural explanations and historical background. Highly recommended!

Lonneke

(About local Daniele)

18 April 2025

Daniele showed us the hidden gems of Rome. He led us with a mix charm, catching anecdotes and interesting fact. He was flexible, kind and I would recommend him for sure! Great guide!

Clayton

(About local Eleonora)

16 April 2025

Our driver Stefano Piersigilli was absolutely fabulous, and because of his expertise, great personality and fluency in English we would use this service again, and always recommend it.A Great Experience

John and Jess🇺🇸 United States

(About local Federico)

15 April 2025

Federico stepped in at the last minute after our booked guide fell sick. We spent 3 fantastic hours with him learning all about the Colosseum and the Forum. He was super well prepared, and tailored some aspects of the information to our cultural background and current residence. At the end of the tour, he gave us many tips for the remainder of our trip, and was even on hand to answer a couple of questions we had after the tour had finished. Would highly recommend him for future tours.Wonderful tour of the Colosseum and Forum

Michelle🇨🇭 Switzerland

(About local Ledio)

15 April 2025

r9z9rrygfn

(About local Eleonora)

15 April 2025

Super nette , kompetente und sympathische Führung. Wir haben die Zeit sehr genossen und konnten viele interessante neue Eindrücke gewinnen. Die Informationen waren nie trocken und wir haben uns stets gut unterhalten gefühlt. Wir können Eleonora zu 100% weiterempfehlen.Top Ereignis

Susan🇺🇸 United States

(About local Daniele)

14 April 2025

This was more than just a food tour! Daniele provided great insight and background to off the beaten track areas which we would have missed otherwise. Fantastic Evening!

Barbara

(About local Sara)

12 April 2025

Sara is an amazing guide because she is not just well informed but intellectually honest with that information! She is super knowledgeable about art, Roman and church history and is happy to tailor the tour to what most interests you. We had other guides, but they often presented the material as a laundry list of facts and dates whereas, Sara is conversational, relaxed and responsive to your perspective (and not without a clever sense of humor.) She knows the Vatican like the back of her hand, which is very helpful when you need to navigate around all the crowds and lines. On the practical side: she was very easy to reach and was able to offer suggestions about other places to visit and good neighborhood restaurants. We highly recommend Sara!!!Fantastic Vatican Tour!

Bryan🇺🇸 United States

(About local Sara)

12 April 2025

We spent a long time with Sara, where she showed us all of the secret, non-tourist spots during our tasting tour. The best pizza, the best gelato, different styles of Italian cuisine... she not only knew where to go, but was quite often recognized by the owner of the establishment who was more than happy to give us special tastings of their dishes. The day we spent with her was unforgettable. We would recommend this experience, and ESPECIALLY Sara as your tour guide for anything in Rome. Thank you, Sara!!Sara knows all the best spots!

Bryan🇺🇸 United States

(About local Sara)

12 April 2025

Sara was overly flowing with kindness and knowledge of Rome. Our first tour with Sara was at the Colosseum and surrounding areas. She was very accommodating of our questions, and had visuals to share with us at all of the ancient sites. We met someone who loves her city and went above and beyond to share it with us. Highly recommend Sara!!Sara is the best!

Kimberly🇺🇸 United States

(About local Sara)

11 April 2025

We had the best time with Sara and ate so much delicious food! We tried things we never would have and went to places we never would have found on our own. She was so accommodating of my 7 year old. Definitely don’t pass up on this tour with Sara!! So much fun!

Kimberly🇺🇸 United States

(About local Eleonora)

11 April 2025

Eleonora was fantastic! She was so knowledgable and very accommodating to my 7 year old answering all his questions and making it fun for him. We never could have made it through everything with her. Highly recommend! Couldnt have made it through without her!

David and Loren

(About local Carlo)

11 April 2025

Carlo went beyond our expectations, and we learnt so much. Carlo is warm and friendly, highly skilled and we thoroughly enjoyed our time together. We would only choose or recommend Carlo to friends and family. Loren and David, Queensland, Australia Amazing Experience

Horloo🇳🇱 Netherlands

(About local Daniele)

10 April 2025

I’m a bit late writing this review, but I still often think about the mini tour my partner and I did with Daniele in late February. The slower pace was exactly what we needed, it gave us space to take in the beauty of Rome without rushing, and to really appreciate the city from a local’s perspective. Daniele’s thoughtful, relaxed style made the experience feel authentic and personal. He introduced us to several local spots for snacks, all of which we loved—especially the Trapizzino! Highly recommend if you’re looking for something genuine and unrushed.Walk with Daniele was just what we needed

Angelina

(About local Federico)

9 April 2025

Best guide who looks like Roman:) ! We had great experience at Coliseum and Roman Forum thanks to Federico. He show us main locations and bring us back to history of Rome. As well he was very helpful with other suggestion where to go and what to visit in Rome. Thank you!

Kevin🇺🇸 United States

(About local Carlo)

7 April 2025

This is the second time I have used Withlocals on a tour in Rome. Carlo was so knowledgeable about the tour it made it very easy to get involved and thoroughly engrossed in what we were viewing. His attention to detail brought the area to life and made our time with him very enjoyable. Thank you Carlo for a wonderful tour.Colesseum and surrounding area tour

Rebecca

(About local Daniele)

7 April 2025

Daniele personalized the tour to our specific interests. We visited places we would not have found on our own. We stopped in a local wine shop for a glass of wine and a cafe for espresso. he spoke about the frescos and gave us a history on Rome. We explored alleys and stopped in a garden in a library. We appreciated Daniele asking what we wanted in the tour.Fantastico walking tour with Daniele

Hayden

(About local chiara)

4 April 2025

Absolutely amazing! Chiara - our wonderful host and guide - aswered all of our questions, no matter if it was about hidden historical landmarks she showed us along the tour, about the DELICIOUS food we tried all night, or even personal questions about Chiara, herself. This tour is an absolute necessity to find local, true Roman cuisine and wil be a highlight of your trip. basically, the tour is just as full as your stomachs will be by then end of it allAbsolutely amazing!