The Colosseum, the Vatican, the Trevi Fountain, these popular sites in Rome do not disappoint, but honestly, some of Rome's best moments happen when you just wander the ancient streets. Before you know it, you're on your third espresso, completely lost in some neighbourhood you weren't planning to visit, and you couldn't be happier about it. Whether it's your first time and you're dreaming of standing inside the Pantheon, or you've seen the major sites, and you want to skip the crowds in favour of long lunches in Trastevere, we've got a Rome package that works for you.
Our Rome packages are built for people who want the convenience and value of a packaged trip but don't want someone else to dictate their schedule. And if you're thinking about combining Rome with Florence, the Amalfi Coast, or Venice, absolutely reach out to our agents, multi-city trips are some of our most popular Italy bookings, and Rome is a natural starting point.
Departure airports
Toronto and Montreal are your best options for getting to Rome, with nonstop or near-nonstop service available regularly. That said, we have departures from Calgary, Vancouver, Ottawa, Halifax, and other Canadian cities available. If your city isn't showing results on the site, just call us. We can price it out even if it's not appearing online.
Where to stay
This matters more than people sometimes realize, so let's talk it through.
The Historic Centre: For first-time visitors, there is no better base than the heart of the city. Staying here puts you within walking distance of virtually every major sight — the Duomo, the Uffizi, the Ponte Vecchio, and the Piazza della Signoria are all minutes from your door. The neighbourhood is lively, well-served by restaurants and cafés, and gives you the full Florence experience from the moment you step outside. It is also the most in-demand area, so book well ahead, particularly in summer.
Trastevere has a slightly more neighbourhood vibe — cobblestone streets, local restaurants, less of the tourist-at-every-table energy. It's a lovely place to base yourself if you want Rome to feel a little more lived-in.
The Vatican/Prati area is worth considering if St. Peter's and the Vatican Museums are high on your list. Prati itself is a pleasant, walkable neighbourhood, with good restaurants, a calmer pace, and you're right there when you want to beat the morning crowds to the museums.
The Termini area offers the best value and the most transport connections. It's not the most atmospheric part of Rome, but it's very practical, especially if you're doing a multi-city trip and arriving and departing by train.
Attractions
- The Colosseum stops everyone in their tracks. Built around 70–80 AD, it could hold up to 80,000 spectators who came to watch gladiatorial combat, wild animal hunts, and public spectacles. Even partially ruined, the sheer scale of it is breathtaking. Book tickets well in advance; the lines without them are brutal.
- The Roman Forum & Palatine Hill sit right next to the Colosseum and are included on the same ticket. The Forum was the beating heart of ancient Roman public life but it’s a beautiful ruin now, so I'd recommend grabbing an audio guide. Palatine Hill sits just above the Forum and is where the emperors built their palaces. The views over the Forum are some of the best you'll find in Rome.
- Trevi Fountain, Rome's most famous fountain, is spectacular, especially at night when it's lit up and the crowds thin out a little. Nicola Salvi's 18th-century masterpiece depicts Neptune commanding the seas. Throw a coin in; legend has it that one coin means you'll return to Rome, while two means you'll fall in love.
- St. Peter's Basilica & the Vatican while technically its own country, is walkable from central Rome. The basilica itself is the largest church in the world, packed with works by Michelangelo, Bernini, and Raphael. Climb the dome for one of the best views in Rome. The Vatican Museums next door house the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo's ceiling never gets old, even with 20,000 tourists craning their necks alongside you. Book Vatican entry early; it's one of the most visited sites on Earth.
- The Pantheon: Of all Rome's ancient buildings, this one might be the most jaw-dropping simply because it's so intact. Built in 125 AD by Emperor Hadrian, it's been in continuous use for nearly 2,000 years, first as a pagan temple, then as a Christian church. The domed ceiling with its open oculus is a feat of ancient engineering that still can't be fully replicated today. When it rains, the water falls right through onto the floor and drains away. Raphael is buried here, if you're looking for him.
When to go
Spring is hard to beat, April through early June means comfortable temperatures and manageable queues. September and October are nearly as good, and hotel prices often soften a bit from the summer peak.
July and August are hot, regularly over 30°C, and crowded. The major sites get very busy. That said, it's school holiday season for Canadians, so if that's when you need to travel, just plan around it: book timed entry to the Colosseum and Vatican in advance, start your days early, and plan to slow down in the afternoon heat.
Winter is quieter and cheaper, and the weather is milder than you might expect. You'll have the Pantheon almost to yourself in January, which is a pretty remarkable thing. Christmas in Rome is genuinely special if you're up for it.
Ready to start planning?
Many of our agents have been to Rome and they know the difference between a hotel that sounds good on paper and one that's actually great for the way you like to travel. Whether you're after a romantic getaway, a family trip, or a deep dive into ancient history, give us a call at 1-800-665-4981. We'll help you figure out the right trip.
