Hills of Ancient Rome Segway Tour

If you’re looking to experience Rome in a way that’s both exciting and practical, the Hills of Ancient Rome Segway Tour might just be your best bet. We haven’t done it ourselves, but based on numerous glowing reviews, it’s clear this tour offers a lively, engaging way to cover a lot of ground without wearing out your feet. Plus, the inclusion of a friendly guide makes it feel like exploring with a knowledgeable friend rather than a formal sightseeing group.

What we really love about this experience? First, the ease of riding a Segway, which makes navigating Rome’s hilly terrain surprisingly smooth—no steep climbs or sore legs here. Second, the rich variety of sights packed into just 3.5 hours, from ancient ruins to secret viewpoints. The potential downside? It’s not ideal if you’re not comfortable on a Segway or if you prefer to explore on foot at a slower pace. Still, for those seeking a balance of fun and efficiency, this tour is a solid choice. It’s especially suitable for travelers who want a lively, guided overview of Rome’s highlights without too much walking.

Key Points

• Ideal for those who want to see many sights quickly thanks to the Segway’s speed and maneuverability
• Great value for the price, considering the number of landmarks covered and the guide’s insights
• Small group size ensures a more personalized experience
• Suitable for beginners, with a helpful safety briefing and lessons beforehand
• Not inclusive of hotel pickup or drop-off, so plan accordingly
• Most travelers find the tour fun and informative, with many praising the guides’ knowledge and friendliness

An Overview of the Hills of Ancient Rome Segway Tour

This 3.5-hour tour offers a lively way to traverse Rome’s famous Seven Hills and other iconic sights. You start at the Rolling Rome shop, where your guide will give you a quick lesson on riding the Segway and share safety tips—don’t worry, it’s straightforward, and most people pick it up quickly. The tour then snakes through the city, stopping often at points of interest for photos, stories, and some well-earned breaks.

The cost is about $101 per person, which for what you get (including guiding, Segway rental, and a semi-private experience with up to 8 participants) offers pretty good value. Plus, with most bookings coming about 42 days in advance, it seems to be a popular choice for travelers who want a well-organized, enjoyable adventure.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: Rolling Rome Shop

Your adventure kicks off here, where you’ll be introduced to your Segway and get comfortable before rolling out. The shop offers wifi, restrooms, and storage—handy perks for a smooth experience. Expect about 30 minutes for this initial session, where the focus is on making sure everyone feels confident on the Segway.

Piazza Venezia and the Ancient City

Your journey begins with a visit to this bustling hub packed with Roman stories. It’s a lively intro to the city’s grandeur, and your guide will fill you in on its historical significance. Stopping here for about 10 minutes, you’ll take in the sights and prepare for more.

Trajan’s Column

Next, you’ll stop at this incredible marble monument that’s been standing for around 2000 years. It vividly tells the story of Trajan’s Dacian wars through detailed reliefs. Expect about 10 minutes here to appreciate the artistry and learn about Roman imperial propaganda.

Roman Forum

Imagine walking through the heart of ancient Rome’s political and commercial life. While you’re on a Segway, your guide will help you picture how Romans shopped, debated, and legislated in this space. A 15-minute stop allows for plenty of storytelling and photo opportunities.

Circo Massimo

Once the site of grand chariot races, this vast stadium once hosted thousands of spectators. Standing here, you’ll get a sense of Roman spectacle and engineering. It’s a highlight for many, with about 10 minutes to soak in the scale.

Colle Aventino

Offering panoramic views over the rooftops of Rome, Aventino hill is a peaceful spot to take a breather and admire the cityscape. The 10-minute stop here lets you appreciate Rome’s sprawling beauty from above.

Knights of Malta Keyhole

Peering through this famous keyhole offers a surprisingly beautiful view of St. Peter’s Basilica framed by the garden. Your guide explains its significance as a tiny country inside Rome. Expect about 10 minutes at this quirky stop.

Bocca della Verità

This ancient marble mouth is famous for its legend as a lie detector. Visitors love to put their hands inside and test their honesty, making it a fun and slightly humorous stop. It’s a quick 10-minute visit, but memorable.

Colle Capitolino

The most important of Rome’s seven hills, this spot overlooks the Roman Forum. It’s a perfect place to reflect on the city’s ancient roots. About 10 minutes here, with great photo ops and stories.

Palatine Hill

This is where Rome’s founding myths come to life, with ruins and views that hint at imperial grandeur. It’s a short stop but packed with history, leaving you with a sense of Rome’s foundations.

Teatro di Marcello

This ancient theater predates the Colosseum and features beautiful architecture and stories of ancient entertainment. About 10 minutes here, perfect for imagining Roman audiences enjoying shows.

What’s Included and What’s Not

You’ll get a local guide, helmets, ponchos in case of rain, and the Segway itself. The tour is semi-private, capped at 8 participants, which means you get more personalized attention. The safety lesson before starting ensures that even beginners can enjoy the ride comfortably.

However, hotel pickup or drop-off isn’t included, so you’ll need to make your way to the starting point at Piazza del Gesù. The tour ends back at the same spot you start, making it easy to plan the rest of your day.

The Experience on the Ground

From the reviews, we see that guides like Nikko and Nico are praised for their friendliness and knowledge. Many mention how smoothly the Segway rides, with some noting it’s a safe and efficient way to see Rome’s highlights. One reviewer says, “The conveyance was fun and safe, the speed of the Segway made for an efficient tour which allowed us to see a remarkable number of sites.” That’s a good way to sum it up.

The small group size, usually up to 8 people, keeps things intimate and allows guides to tailor their commentary. Travelers have appreciated the personal touches, like helpful instructions and patience, especially for first-time Segway riders.

The Views and Photo Opportunities

Many stops are visually stunning—Trajan’s Column, the panoramic views from Colle Aventino, and the ancient ruins at Palatine Hill. The tour’s pacing allows enough time at each spot to snap photos and listen to the stories, making it a rich experience without feeling rushed.

The Pace and Duration

Three and a half hours is just enough for a lively tour without fatigue. The Segway’s speed means you cover more ground than walking, but it’s still manageable and fun. The overall experience feels well-balanced, offering enough time to enjoy the sights and chat with your guide.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a fun, active way to see Rome’s highlights without spending hours on their feet. It suits those with a moderate level of agility—beginners are welcomed with a quick safety lesson. If you love stories and scenic views, you’ll really enjoy how the guide brings each site to life.

Because it’s a small group, it’s also a good option if you prefer a more personalized experience. Families with older children (15+) often find it enjoyable, especially if they’re comfortable on a Segway. It’s not the best choice if you’re uncomfortable on a scooter or want a slow, contemplative walk.

Final Thoughts

The Hills of Ancient Rome Segway Tour offers a lively, efficient way to soak up Rome’s essence. With friendly guides, stunning vistas, and a fun ride, it’s a memorable way to see the city’s most iconic sites without the exhaustion of walking.

If you love the idea of gliding through history, enjoying panoramic views, and learning stories from passionate guides, this tour should definitely be on your list. The small group size and included safety instruction make it accessible even for beginners, and the overall value for the cost compares favorably to many other guided tours.

All in all, it’s a solid choice for travelers wanting to combine adventure and sightseeing in one of Europe’s most breathtaking cities.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners? Yes, the guide provides a Segway lesson and safety instructions before starting, making it accessible for first-timers.

What is the tour’s duration? The tour lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, including training and stops.

Are hotel pickups included? No, the tour begins and ends at the designated meeting point at Piazza del Gesù.

What sights will I see? You’ll visit Piazza Venezia, Trajan’s Column, Roman Forum, Circo Massimo, Aventino hill, Knights of Malta Keyhole, Bocca della Verità, Capitoline Hill, Palatine Hill, and Teatro di Marcello.

How many people are in each group? The tour is semi-private with up to 8 participants, ensuring a more personal experience.

Is it family-friendly? Children aged 15+ can participate, typically with an adult present. It’s best suited for those comfortable on a Segway.

What should I wear? Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes are advised. Ponchos are provided in case of rain.

Are there any age restrictions? Yes, the minimum age for participants is 15 years.

Is there a refund policy? Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What’s the price? It costs around $101 per person, which provides a comprehensive, fun-filled overview of Rome’s highlights.

If you’re after a lively, engaging, and efficient way to see Rome’s highlights, this Segway tour offers just that—combining fun, history, and fantastic views in a compact package.