15 must-have local experiences in Rome

Unique travel experiences: things to do in Rome

Lots of people visit Rome, but most don’t get a unique and local experience that helps them see the Italian Roman culture to its fullest. If you are looking to have a genuinely extraordinary time while in Rome, you have to take advantage of some local only-in-Rome experiences. Below, you’ll find some one-of-a-kind local experiences in the Eternal City.

Bike Tour of Ancient Appian Way, Catacombs & Aqueducts Park

Exploring the center is essential when in Rome, but if you want a really unique experience you have to get off the beaten path. Get a view of Italy in a new light with the bike tour of Ancient Appian Way, Catacombs, and Aqueducts park. Most that come to Rome only get to see the sights that they’ve seen online, why not explore into the unknown a little bit? In this tour you can get to see the Baths of Caracalla, Circus of Maxentius, the Aurelian Walls, and much more. And no worries if you are not an active cyclist because these bikes include a quality electric-assist!

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Learn to Make Gelato in an Authentic Roman Gelateria

Gelato in Rome is on every street corner and alley imaginable, so it is pretty hard to distinguish which places are authentic and which are tourist traps. We recommend that you learn how to make your own at an authentic Rome Gelateria that reminds you why gelato is such a classic Italian dessert. This class is perfect for families as the teacher will guide you through all the steps necessary to make this delicious treat. Then, try some of the best gelato for yourself!

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Street Art Vespa Tour of Rome: The Best Street Art of the Eternal City

Although Rome is primarily known for its ancient frescos and statues, modern Italy is booming with edgy street art, but you have to know where to find it. If art is your thing, we recommend that you take this exclusive vespa street art tour. In this experience, you will get to see how Rome is able to seamlessly blend ancient beauty with the best of modern art. This tour is about as unconventional as it gets so be ready for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

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Vespa Sidecar Tour of Rome

Hop on and turn the key on this authentic experience to discover the eternal beauty and secrets found in the streets of Rome. You will be transported in iconic style on a unique two-wheeled Vespa Sidecar, accompanied by an official guide for an up close and personal view of all that Rome has to offer.

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Keep Calm & Cook Pasta: Pasta-Making Class footsteps from Trevi Fountain

If you’ve never been to Rome, then you won’t know how true the rumors are, Italians actually eat pasta EVERY DAY! The trick? A different kind of pasta for every day of the week, and then some. To take some of these habits home with you, you must learn how to make your own pasta. In this class, the Chef will teach you everything you need to know about ribbon pasta (tagliatelle, linguine, pappardelle, and spaghetti) including the sauces to match. Then, get the best ending of all, learn how to make your own tiramisu.

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Wine Tasting in an Enoteca

Indulge in an authentic wine tasting in a charming wine bar in the historic center, footsteps from Campo de’ Fiori. Step inside the boutique enoteca with wines stacked on every shelf where you will be greeted by your host Patrizia and her sommelier son, Giampaolo. Once you’re seated, let the games begin. Listen as the sommelier takes you on a journey around Italy and its wine production through the tastings of 6 different wines paired with cured meats, cheeses, bread and olives.

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Soft Rafting on Rome’s Tiber River

Experience Rome like never before by rafting along the Tiber River! Get away from the hustle and bustle and see the Eternal City from the river. The route starts near Piazza del Popolo, then goes down the river, playing on some white water rapids. From Castel Sant’Angelo to the Tiberina Island, get ready to see Rome from a different perspective, away from the noise and traffic.

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Kayak Tour at Castelli Romani

Lake Albano is one of the hidden gems of the Parco dei Castelli Romani. Travel back in time, kayaking from the “Villaggio delle Macine,” the oldest village dating back to the XX-XIX centuries BC, past the villa of the Emperor Domitian and the submerged stilt houses of the Village of the Mills. Relaxing kayaking experience paired with one of a kind informative tour around the ancient historical sites not so far away from the tourist crowds of the Eternal City. The tour is beginner friendly, experienced guides will give you all the necessary paddling instructions and as a bonus will take you to the beach that can only be reached by kayak for a refreshing swim.

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Ponza Island Day Trip from Rome

Glistening sun, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a peaceful island, now that’s an ideal vacation! Take a break from the animated streets of the city and escape to beautiful Ponza Island on this day trip. Ponza Island is Rome’s secret Capri, where the tourists never go, and the beauty is kept intact. On this tour, you will get to explore the island, enjoy lunch on a boat, and indulge in the stunning seas of the Mediterranean.

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Learn to make the perfect pizza near Piazza Navona

Learn the secrets behind the perfect pizza!  You will learn how to recognise the types of doughs and how to make the perfect pizza with a professional pizza maker in a pizzeria near Piazza Navona. Choose to make your own pizza from different toppings (margherita, marinara, funghi e salsicce, patate e mozzarella etc). After you’ve made your pizza, we’ll have lunch/dinner together with a glass of wine included.

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Golf Cart Tour of Rome

Turn a long walking tour into an adventure with one of our private tours by golf cart! Your own guide will meet you at your hotel (city center) so you can explore Rome at ease and comfort and class. Discover the legendary heroes and architectural innovations that made Rome the capital of the greatest empire the world had ever seen. The past will come to life as you retrace history from ruins and palaces, to temples and the Colosseum.

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Drink Like Italians: Cocktail-Making Class in the heart of Rome

Enjoy your mixology experience in Rome’s historic centre and learn how to prepare the most famous Italian cocktails: Spritz and Negroni. Next to that, our bartender will explain how to pair these drinks with food. Want to learn more? Get your answers in a cool atmosphere at Il Marchese while sipping on your own handmade Negroni and enjoy an italian aperitivo.

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Learn the art of mosaic-making in a studio in Trastevere

Get hands-on and spend two to three hours in this mosaic-making workshop in a beautiful studio in Trastevere. Learn the techniques behind mosaic-making and create your own mosaic to take home with you. A professional artist will be with you every step of the way. If you’re travelling, not to worry–your mosaic will be placed in a box that you can carry anywhere!

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Pottery Workshop in Monteverde

One of the many Italian excellences is the art of ceramics, known and exported all over the world. Although this art is not central to Rome, as it is to other cities in Tuscany or Emilia Romagna for example, the Italian capital is certainly not lacking in artists, craftsmen, handmade products, attention to detail and creativity. This workshop offers the opportunity to learn the fine art of pottery directly from local master potters in the beautiful Monteverde area. Get your hands dirty with clay, learn how to use the wheel and make whatever you like to take home your own ‘made in Italy’ pieces with you.

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Explore the Ostia Antica Archeological Park & Borghetto

Enjoy this 4-hour nice and chatty walking tour through the Ostia Antica archeological site and the Borghetto that ends with a typical Roman foodie experience in the Castle courtyard inside the medieval citadel for a real Roman experience with locals!

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CUSTOM TRAVEL PLANNING

Are you travelling to Rome or Italy anytime soon? Better yet, is this your first time? Don’t worry about a thing, sit back relax and let us organize your dream trip to Italy. With years of experience, we can tailor to your ever need, preference and budget! Head on to our Custom Travel Planning page to send us your requests.