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Trastevere & Gianicolo Hill

Places visited (entrance tickets to the underground excavations in Santa Cecilia to be bought on site): 

  • Gianicolo Hill
  • Trastevere neighborhood
  • Mosaics in Santa Maria in Trastevere
  • Santa Cecilia with underground excavations
  • Tiberina Island

Add-ons: Villa Farnesina – frescoes by Raphael

Combo ToursJewish Rome tour or Rome with a view

Duration: 2 ½ – 3 hours; 4 hours with add-ons

Difficulty: 1/3

Accessibility: wheelchair users may find it challenging to navigate the cobblestones in Trastevere. I would rather advise to use a van to move from one site to the next.

Focus: History, Medieval Art, Renaissance Art, Lifestyle

Price: starting at € 270,00

Trastevere is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Rome, and thanks to its bohemien, easy-going atmosphere and the many lively bars and restaurants it is a long-time favourite among locals and tourists alike. Home to a large community of American students (it’s where 2 American Universities are located), it has become quite a party district at night time, while during the day it offers unspoiled corners with the occasional clothesline across the street, wonderful art works, nice little shops and a seemingly unending choice of bars and eateries (we also do Food Tours in Trastevere!).

We’ll start our walk on the Gianicolo Hill, located on the right bank of the Tiber River, covered in trees and offering stunning views of the city. It’s also the site of the Fontanone (literally, the big fountain), the prototype of the Trevi Fountain, built in the early 1600s on the spot where one of the ancient Roman aequeducts entered the city.

Then, we’ll stroll down to Trastevere, and follow its narrow, winding cobblestoned alleys to the oldest church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in Rome: Santa Maria in Trastevere, going back to the 4th century, and decorated with some dazzling medieval mosaics

After a coffee at a typical, no-frills local cafè, or a gelato at one of the best gelaterie in town (or both!), we’ll walk to the other gem of this district, the church of Santa Cecilia. Crossing the iron-wrought gate into the courtyard is like stepping back in time to centuries past, when cloistered nuns would live in the convent attached to the church (actually, they still do!). Here, you’ll learn about the dramatic life of the young Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians and singers, and we’ll also explore the underground excavations that brought to light the supposed remains of the house where the saint lived in the 3rd century.

A few more steps, and we’ll reach the Tiber River, and cross the bridge to the tiny Tiberina Island. The bridges connecting the island to the mainland on both sides offer some really nice views, besides offering the thrill of walking on some original Roman bridges which are among the oldest in town.

A great add-on to this tour is a visit to the Villa Farnesina, to admire the brilliant frescoes by Raphael and his pupils. Once home to Agostino Chigi, the richest banker of the Italian Renaissance, the villa was the setting for his extravagant parties and the love nest he offered to the great love of his life, the Venetian courtisan Francesca. Here, it is truly possible to experience how the wealthiest man in town lived in the early 1500’s!

If you are looking for a combo tour,  let’s cross the river and explore the Jewish Ghetto on our Jewish Rome Tour!

Rome is home to the oldest Jewish community in the world outside of Israel, and the Roman Jews are very proud of their heritage. The pictoresque Jewish Ghetto, the impressive Synagogue and the Jewish delicacies at the many cafès and restaurants are an experience not to be missed! 

Another great option is to add our Rome with a View tour. Experience Rome from an unexpected point of view: from the top! We’ll conquer 2 of the 7 Roman Hills, the Aventine and the Capitoline Hill, and we’ll also ride the elevator to the top of the Viktor-Emanuel Monument, to enjoy the breathtaking view.

Combo tours add a lot of fun to the experience, and they are also a great way to save money, since they are always cheaper then 2 separate tours on different days.

Duration of tour

Up to 4 people

Up to 3 hours

270,00 EUR

+ each additional person over 18 years        

40,00 EUR

 

  • For larger groups and families, I’ll be happy to send you a quote. 
  • The tour rate includes your private guided tour – price is total, not per person. 
  • Entrance tickets to the underground excavations in Santa Cecilia are separate and have to be bought on site (about 5,00 EUR per person; updated entry fees will be listed in the detailed trip summary you’ll get upon sending a request/booking). 
  • Transportation to the start point, meals, snacks and gratuities not included in above rates. Headsets are not included (only needed with 6+ people).
  • Please note that we reserve the right to vary the prices shown on this website at any time before you book (during Bank Holidays, National Holidays, Christmas Holidays, Easter Holidays, or last minute bookings). 

You will be advised of the current price at the time of booking. Once you have booked we will not increase your tour price other than for changes in VAT or any other Venues or Government imposed levy. 

Cancellation Policy & Refunds