Pompeii, Paestum & Herculaneum in the Winter
Mount Vesuvius offers stunning backdrops as you explore a trio of exceptional archaeological sites.
- Return flights
- 7 nights half-board in a 4-star hotel
- 14 meals: 7 breakfasts, 7 dinners and welcome drink
Mount Vesuvius offers stunning backdrops as you explore a trio of exceptional archaeological sites.
The vibrant town of Sorrento, Salerno's wonderful Luci D'Artista lights display and the Royal Palace of Caserta are just three of the highlights on this festive tour of the Sorrento Coast.
Rome is a city of layers. Ancient ruins sit alongside Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches, all woven into everyday neighbourhood life. Spend the morning at the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, pause at the Trevi Fountain, or step inside St Peter’s Basilica; then slow down in between, browsing a local market or finding a small café tucked behind a lively piazza.
With Travelsphere, our Rome holidays balance guided sightseeing with time to relax and explore at your own pace. On our escorted tours, we take care of the details, while your Holiday Director and Local Guides bring the city’s stories to life. In your free time, you might return to a favourite square, wander into a church you spot along the way, or sit with a coffee and watch the world go by, all possible on our Rome holidays.
Experience Rome as part of our Grand Tour of Italy and explore our Italy tours to discover more exciting destinations.
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Part of the Royal Geographical Society collection, travel from top to toe and explore Italy’s famous landmarks. Visit iconic cities Venice, Florence and Rome and discover the hidden gems of Pompeii, Sicily and more.
Located in the central Lazio region, Italy’s capital city, Rome, sits on the banks of the River Tiber. As it’s within easy reach of both the coast and countryside around the city, it’s a popular launchpad for many adventures and guided Italian tours.
Rome draws visitors for its collection of ancient landmarks (including the Colosseum and Roman Forum), the nearby Vatican City and its art, the many detailed marble piazzas and fountains around the city, as well as its café culture and classic Roman dishes.
You can enjoy Rome in just a day or two. With one or two days to explore, many visitors focus on the headline sights and choose one museum or neighbourhood to discover at a slower pace.
Central Rome is very walkable, with many iconic sights within easy reach on foot. In your free time, you could make use of the city’s public transport or taxis.
Comfortable and secure footwear is essential, especially on cobblestones and around historic sites.
The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are among Rome’s major highlights, though they’re technically located in Vatican City, an independent city-state. However, the visits are timed, and booking is typically required, especially during busier seasons.
On Travelsphere's Grand Tour of Italy you can skip the line with our optional excursion to the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel.
Many visitors enjoy Rome in spring and autumn, when temperatures are milder and walking is often more comfortable.
Summer usually brings hot weather and a livelier atmosphere, while winter tends to mean cooler days and a greater chance of rain, which some people welcome for quieter streets and extra time in museums and galleries.
If you are travelling on a Travelsphere holiday, you will typically visit between spring and autumn, when Rome offers a good balance of daylight, warmth, and sightseeing opportunities.
Compared to the UK, Rome enjoys warmer summers and milder winters, hallmarks of the Mediterranean climate. Conditions can vary from week to week, so it’s always sensible to check the forecast closer to departure, especially if you’re planning long days of walking and outdoor sightseeing.
Like the rest of Italy, Rome uses the euro. Cards are widely accepted throughout the city, but it’s handy to carry a little cash for smaller purchases, at cafés, or when card payments aren’t practical.
Rome uses Central European Time (CET), which is one hour ahead of the UK, and it observes daylight saving time in summer (Central European Summer Time, CEST).
UK visitors with British passports don’t need a visa to visit Rome as long as they stay for less than 90 days. However, you must ensure that your passport is valid for the entire duration of your Travelsphere tour.
For the most reliable guidance, check the latest official FCDO guidance before you go.
Rome has a modest tipping culture, with small service charges and additional cover charges (coperto) added to restaurant bills.
For good service or help with luggage, small tips are appreciated but not expected. You could simply round up your bill, or tip a euro or two as a gesture of thanks.
When packing for Rome, consider the season you’re travelling in to stay comfortable. Light layers and sun protection are essential during sunnier months, and a light jacket or jumper can be a sensible addition for cooler evenings. If you plan to visit churches or religious sites, modest clothing that covers bare knees and shoulders is a good idea.
Comfortable footwear is a must-pack all year round.
Rome is a city of slow evenings. You might settle in for a relaxing dinner at a local trattoria, followed by a scoop of gelato and a passeggiata (gentle stroll) through a piazza.
The River Tiber is a popular spot for leisurely walks, as is the Trastevere neighbourhood, which is known for its welcoming atmosphere.
Sardinia is located in the western Mediterranean, where crystal-clear waters meet secluded coves and rugged coastlines, all set against a backdrop of gentle mountains and traditional villages.
Don't miss: The stylish harbour towns, coastlines and villages, and the delicious local food and wine.
The largest island in the Mediterranean, is an irresistible blend of ancient history, dramatic landscapes, and vibrant Italian culture.
Don't miss: Mount Etna, Valley of the Temples and Taormina's Greek Theatre
Tuscany holidays offer a chance to discover the golden fields and vine-covered slopes, medieval hill towns and Renaissance masterpieces.
Don't miss: Pisa, home of the leaning tower or Florence
Puglia – in the sunny heel of Italy – is a place of whitewashed towns, ancient olive groves and long coastlines on the Adriatic and Ionian seas.
Don't miss: Ostuni, Locorotondo and UNESCO-listed Alberobello
Discover Travelsphere's Italian Lakes tours – explore Lake Como, Lake Maggiore and hidden gems such as Lake Iseo, Lake Idro and Lake Ledro
Don't miss: The fame and fortune of Bellagio
Beautifully glistening lakes, dramatic snow-capped peaks and classic cities make the journey to northern Italy well worth your while.
Don’t miss: Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, Portofino, Cinque Terre
On a visit to central Italy, you’ll discover the charms of Tuscany, famed for its picture-perfect landscapes, its incomparable artistic legacy and stand-out cities, from Florence to Pisa.
Don’t miss: Tuscany, Ravenna, Umbria
Visit southern Italy on an escorted tour and you’ll marvel at the beauty of the Amalfi Coast and step back in time amongst Pompeii’s remarkable ruins.
Don’t miss: The Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, Puglia, Calabria, the Island of Ischia, Basilicata