The Experts Guide to Rome, for All Ages
The capital of Italy, also known as the ‘eternal city’, is bursting with history. With so much to see and do, we have put together this expert guide to Rome, for the whole family. Travelling with small kids, teens or grandparents, this guide has got you covered.
KIDS
GLADIATOR SCHOOL AND COLOSSEUM
Immerse yourself in the life of a gladiator. Before heading to the Colosseum, the kids will enjoy Gladiator School. Visit the Museum for a history lesson including the opportunity to see and feel the helmets and armour. After, join in the interactive role playing. Experiential learning at its best. Hear the strategies employed during battles. Run through a fitness regime to prepare for the sparring session to come. Family member against family member, a battle to inspire learning, laughter and a lifetime of memories. Time for a well-earned break before your moving on to the Colosseum. Before your Colosseum visit, we recommend that you secure the family special access to the Gladiators Gate, once an exclusive entrance for the Gladiators. Enter the Arena Floor, with 360-degree views, as you soak up the imagined atmosphere and hear more stories from your guide.
Kids love learning about Gladiators in Rome
DRIVING PANORAMIC TOUR OF ROME
Enjoy Rome by car in a Fiat 500 or similar vintage car. The kids will love the candy colours of the Fiat 500. This is a great way to see many of the iconic sights without the hassle of long walks. There are different options of following a tour leaders’ car or having your own private driver. Join in a group convoy, or for larger families, make your own convoy. Many tour routes have stops for an aperitif or gelato to keep everyone happy.
PIZZA AND GELATO MAKING
Children love pizza and gelato (as do adults!), and Rome is the home of great cooking classes for all ages. Whether in a group class or with a private chef, this is sure to be fun for everyone. We recommend heading to a local home for a full Italian family immersion. Learn to roll out the pizza dough. Choose your own toppings – perfect for any fussy children. Discover the secrets of home-made gelato, and maybe a new favourite flavour. The class will end around the table, enjoying your cuisine delights together.
Kids love to get their hands messy rolling out the dough
TEENS
BICYCLE TOUR OF APPIAN WAY
If your children are a little older, they may enjoy being more active with a bike tour. Leave the hustle and bustle of the city and explore monuments along the ancient Appian Way. Do this with a guide as you hear about the history of the Eternal City while experiencing the fresh air and green spaces of romantic Rome. And if you are not feeling so energetic, ask about the electric bike option.
UNDERGROUND CATACOMBS OF ROME
For the more adventurous child or your teenagers, a visit to the underground Christian Catacombs in Rome can be fun (and spooky!) for all ages. Explore the ancient burial grounds of the Jewish, Pagan and early Christian Romans. Participate in a small group tour or make the experience more personal with a private guide. Visit the Capuchin Bone Crypt, a cemetery built from bones and housing the remains of more than 4000 friars. Unique, intriguing and a great anatomy lesson. Read more here.
Rome’s Capuchin Crypt decorated with bones
GRANDPARENTS
HERCULANEUM WITH A PRIVATE DRIVER
Getting out of Rome with a visit to Pompeii is popular with many. If you are travelling with kids and grandparents, a visit to the smaller Herculaneum is a great alternative. This too is an ancient site buried after the eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79 AD. The whole family will be captured by the ruins including the preserved food and wine that can still be viewed in the shop. Our experts highly recommend a private driver when visiting from Rome. Travelling in an air-conditioned deluxe car is more comfortable than the public transport option which involves a change of trains.
Herculaneum is thought to be just as good (if not better) than Pompeii
MOSAIC WORKSHOP
Our experts recommend mosaic workshops, a creative and fun activity for all ages. With no walking involved this could be the perfect option for tired families. Immerse yourself in the relaxing world of art. Create a unique piece using the popular art technique of the Romans. Learn how mosaics were used for many of items such as mirrors, benchtops and floors. Best of all, you get to take home a beautiful memento of a wonderful trip.
Make your own mosaic for a unique Roman memorabilia
Finally, some tips on making your visit to Rome easy, comfortable and most of all fun, for all ages:
- Private guides allow for more flexibility of the pace of your tour.
- Skip-the-line tickets means no unnecessary lining up for sights. Know your entry time and, where possible, choose early or late sessions to maximise the chances of smaller crowds.
- Scheduling a big break in the middle of the day for a long, relaxing lunch or even a nap.
- Schedule in more food and water stops to re-energise.
