What’s included
- Professional guide/driver
- Use of vespa & helmet
- local taxes
- Coffee and/or Tea
VERY IMPORTANT – Driving license and a really good scooter driving experience is required
The Colosseum has been a symbol of Rome since 80 AD. The Colosseum is an oval amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy, just east of the Roman Forum and is the largest ancient amphitheatre ever built, and is still the largest standing amphitheatre in the world today, despite its age.The Colosseum was built as part of an imperial effort to revitalize Rome after the tumultuous year of the four emperors, 69 CE. As with other amphitheatres, the emperor Vespasian intended the Colosseum to be an entertainment venue, hosting gladiator fights, animal hunts, and even mock naval battles. The Colosseum today is now a major tourist attraction in Rome with thousands of tourists each year entering to view the interior arena. There is now a museum dedicated to Eros in the upper floor of the outer wall of the building. Part of the arena floor has been re-floored.
Bocca della Verita Experience Mouth of the Truth. According to the legend, the Bocca della Verità used to eat the arm of those who used to tell lies cutting the hand in its mouth. However, if the indicted tested was telling the truth, nothing happened, so that the person accused to be guilty could demonstrate to be innocent.
Janiculum Hill
Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant’Angelo (Pass By)Pass by this amazing fortress situated right by the Tiber river
Giardino degli Aranci
Piazza Venezia (Pass By)
Piramide Cestia (Pass By)
Fiume Tevere (Pass By)
BY NIGHT session
Baths of Caracalla
After soaking up the grandeur of the Colosseum, we’ll hop back on our Vespas and zip off to our next stop – the astonishing Baths of Caracalla. Explore the remnants of what was once one of the greatest leisure centers of ancient Rome, all from the comfort of your trusty Vespa. Picture the bustling life of the past as our guide takes you through the captivating history of this massive public bath. From hot baths to libraries, these ruins tell a fascinating story. So, strap on your helmets, rev up those engines, and get ready for the next exciting chapter of your Vespa tour!
Piramide Cestia (Pass By)
As we continue our Vespa ride, you’ll catch a glimpse of the fascinating Pyramid of Cestius. It’s an ancient pyramid right in the heart of Rome! It’s a cool and unexpected sight to see as we cruise by. So keep your eyes open and enjoy the unique landmarks that make Rome so special on our exciting Vespa tour! Aventino (Pass By) Next up on our Vespa tour, we’ll rev our engines and make our way up the stunning Aventine Hill. This is one of Rome’s richest areas, filled with beautiful and authentic Italian villas. As we glide up the hill, take a look around and enjoy the view of these elegant homes. It’s a sneak peek into the luxurious side of Rome, all from the seat of your Vespa. Hold tight, breathe in the Italian air, and take in the splendid sights as we continue our exciting ride through the city!
Circus Maximus (Pass By) Our Vespa adventure is about to get more exciting! As we ride, we’ll pass by the Circus Maximus, once the grand stadium for thrilling chariot races. Just imagine the cheers of the ancient crowd! Next, gaze at the awe-inspiring ruins of Palatine Hill. This is where emperors lived in grand style in the old days. So, buckle up and get ready to zoom past these amazing historical landmarks on our Vespa tour! 5 Trastevere Hold on, because our Vespa tour is taking a delicious turn! Next, we’re heading to Trastevere, a lively neighborhood filled with some of the best eateries in Rome. Here, we’ll soak up its bohemian vibe as we cruise through its charming streets. But the highlight? We’ll stop for a well-deserved treat. Whether it’s a creamy gelato or a steaming cup of Italian coffee, we’ll take a moment to sit back, relax, and enjoy the flavors of Rome together. So, come along for a sweet pit stop on our fantastic Vespa journey!
Colle del Gianicolo Here you find the amazing fountain FontanoneAs we near the end of our Vespa tour, we have a grand finale in store. We’re heading up Janiculum Hill, one of Rome’s best-kept secrets. Our final stop is the famous Fontanone, a monumental fountain with a stunning backdrop. Here, we’ll dismount and take some fantastic pictures, admiring the fountain’s beauty and the panoramic views over Rome. It’s the perfect spot to reflect on our Vespa adventure and take in one last breathtaking view of the city. So, get ready for a spectacular end to an unforgettable tour!
The history of the Roman Empire can be divided into three distinct periods: The Period of Kings (625-510 BC), Republican Rome (510-31 BC), and Imperial Rome (31 BC – AD 476).
Founding (c. 625 BC)
Rome was founded around 625 BC in the areas of ancient Italy known as Etruria and Latium. It is thought that the city-state of Rome was initially formed by Latium villagers joining together with settlers from the surrounding hills in response to an Etruscan invasion. It is unclear whether they came together in defense or as a result of being brought under Etruscan rule. Archaeological evidence indicates that a great deal of change and unification took place around 600 BC which likely led to the establishment of Rome as a true city.
Period of Kings (625-510 BC)
The first period in Roman history is known as the Period of Kings, and it lasted from Rome’s founding until 510 BC. During this brief time Rome, led by no fewer than six kings, advanced both militaristically and economically with increases in physical boundaries, military might, and production and trade of goods including oil lamps. Politically, this period saw the early formation of the Roman constitution. The end of the Period of Kings came with the decline of Etruscan power, thus ushering in Rome’s Republican Period.
Republican Rome (510-31 BC)
Rome entered its Republican Period in 510 BC. No longer ruled by kings, the Romans established a new form of government whereby the upper classes ruled, namely the senators and the equestrians, or knights. However, a dictator could be nominated in times of crisis. In 451 BC, the Romans established the “Twelve Tables,” a standardized code of laws meant for public, private, and political matters.
Rome continued to expand through the Republican Period and gained control over the entire Italian peninsula by 338 BC. It was the Punic Wars from 264-146 BC, along with some conflicts with Greece, that allowed Rome to take control of Carthage and Corinth and thus become the dominant maritime power in the Mediterranean.
Soon after, Rome’s political atmosphere pushed the Republic into a period of chaos and civil war. This led to the election of a dictator, L. Cornelius Sulla, who served from 82-80 BC. Following Sulla’s resignation in 79 BC, the Republic returned to a state of unrest. While Rome continued to be governed as a Republic for another 50 years, the shift to Imperialism began to materialize in 60 BC when Julius Caesar rose to power.
By 51 BC, Julius Caesar had conquered Celtic Gaul and, for the first time, Rome’s borders had spread beyond the Mediterranean region. Although the Senate was still Rome’s governing body, its power was weakening. Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 BC and replaced by his heir, Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus (Octavian) who ruled alongside Mark Antony. In 31 BC Rome overtook Egypt which resulted in the death of Mark Antony and left Octavian as the unchallenged ruler of Rome. Octavian assumed the title of Augustus and thus became the first emperor of Rome.
Imperial Rome (31 BC – AD 476)
Rome’s Imperial Period was its last, beginning with the rise of Rome’s first emperor in 31 BC and lasting until the fall of Rome in AD 476. During this period, Rome saw several decades of peace, prosperity, and expansion. By AD 117, the Roman Empire had reached its maximum extant, spanning three continents including Asia Minor, northern Africa, and most of Europe.
In AD 286 the Roman Empire was split into eastern and western empires, each ruled by its own emperor. The western empire suffered several Gothic invasions and, in AD 455, was sacked by Vandals. Rome continued to decline after that until AD 476 when the western Roman Empire came to an end. The eastern Roman Empire, more commonly known as the Byzantine Empire, survived until the 15th century AD. It fell when Turks took control of its capital city, Constantinople (modern day Istanbul in Turkey) in AD 1453. cc