Private Full-Day The Best of Rome and the Mormon Temple LDS

A Down-to-Earth Look at the Private Full-Day Tour of Rome & the Mormon Temple LDS

If you’re planning a trip to Rome and want to see the usual sights plus something a little different, this private full-day tour might just fit the bill. It’s designed for those who prefer a more personalized experience and want to include a visit to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—something a bit off the beaten path for most standard tours.

We’re especially fans of how this tour combines major Roman landmarks with a visit to the new LDS Temple, inaugurated just in 2019. The fact that it’s private means you’re not stuck in a crowd, and you can tailor your experience to your interests. On the flip side, the price point might seem high for some, especially since it doesn’t include lunch, but you’re paying for a focused, streamlined day with a knowledgeable guide.

This tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate historical sites, want a flexible and intimate way to explore Rome, and are intrigued by the idea of seeing the LDS Church’s new temple. If you’re traveling with family or a small group who enjoy detailed storytelling and personalized attention, this could be a good fit.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Being private, your group gets more attention and flexibility from the guide.
• Unique Visit: Stops include the LDS Church, a newer religious site in Rome, alongside classic sights.
• Comprehensive Sightseeing: Covering St. Peter’s Basilica, the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and Pantheon, you’ll see many of Rome’s essentials.
• Cost & Duration: Around $983 for up to 7 people, lasting about 6 hours—good for a full day but with no lunch included.
• Guided Insight: The reviews highlight how knowledgeable guides make the experience more meaningful.
• Convenience: Pickup is offered, and tickets are mobile, making the logistics smoother.

Exploring the Itinerary: What’s Included and What to Expect

The Mormon Temple and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The day kicks off with a visit to the Chiesa di Gesu Cristo dei Santi degli Ultimi Giorni, the LDS Temple in Rome, which was inaugurated in 2019. This site offers more than just architecture; it’s a chance to see a religious community that’s more prominent in recent years. The visit lasts around 2 hours, and admission is included, so you can explore without worrying about tickets. Travelers have noted that guides are quite helpful in explaining the significance of the temple, which can be a unique experience for those curious about different faiths.

St. Peter’s Square & Basilica

Next, you’ll head to St. Peter’s Square—a must-see in Rome. The guide will take you around the piazza, which is surrounded by towering colonnades, and offer views of St. Peter’s Basilica. While inside the basilica isn’t included in this tour, the square itself is impressive, and you’ll gain some understanding of its importance as part of Vatican City. Expect about an hour here, with a chance to take photos and listen to some interesting facts about the site.

The Spanish Steps & Fountain of Bernini’s Barcaccia

From Vatican City, you’ll make your way to the Piazza di Spagna to see the famous Spanish Steps. The stop is brief—around 30 minutes—and is mostly about soaking in the atmosphere. It’s a lively spot, often crowded, but it’s worth seeing the staircase and the nearby Barcaccia Fountain, both classic Roman sights.

Trevi Fountain

A short walk takes you to the Trevi Fountain, arguably the most iconic fountain in Rome. Built on the facade of Palazzo Poli and designed by Nicola Salvi, this fountain is a spectacular sight, especially when lit up at night. You’ll have about 30 minutes here, and while it’s free to admire, don’t forget the tradition of tossing a coin over your shoulder—some say it guarantees your return to Rome. The guide can help you follow the tradition and share stories behind the legend.

The Pantheon

Finally, the Pantheon rounds out your sightseeing. This ancient Roman temple, rebuilt in the early 2nd century AD under Emperor Hadrian, is a marvel of engineering. You’ll spend around 40 minutes here, exploring its massive dome and historic interiors. Since tickets aren’t included, you may want to plan for an entrance fee if you wish to go inside, but even viewing it from outside is worth the time.

The Practical Details: What’s Included, What’s Not

This tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, which makes moving between sites comfortable—especially during warmer months. The private setup ensures your group isn’t mixed with strangers, which some travelers really appreciate, and the mobile tickets make check-in a breeze.

Notably, lunch isn’t included, so plan accordingly. You’ll want to bring some snacks or plan to stop at a cafe during the day. The tour operates daily from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, giving plenty of flexibility for your plans.

The Experience & Value

At $983.29 for up to 7 people, you’re paying a bit more than some group tours, but you’re getting a lot in return: personalized attention, the flexibility to ask questions, and a curated route that hits many highlights. If you love stories and detailed explanations, the reviews suggest guides are quite knowledgeable, which makes the experience richer.

One review mentions how their family “enjoyed the day” and called it a “great private tour,” emphasizing that having a dedicated guide really elevates the visit. The flexibility and customized pacing seem to be significant advantages for many travelers.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal if you want to combine the major sights with something a little different—like visiting the LDS Church. It’s suited for those who value expert guides, personalized service, and a streamlined schedule. It’s also a good pick if you’re traveling with a small group or family, as the private nature means a more relaxed, tailored day.

If you’re on a tight schedule or prefer to explore independently, this might feel a bit structured, but for most, the guided approach adds value and ease.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re looking for a well-rounded, intimate way to see Rome’s top spots—and are interested in adding a visit to a newer religious site—you’ll likely find this tour saves you both time and hassle. The knowledgeable guides seem to bring the landmarks to life, and the private setup means no rushing or jostling with crowds.

However, keep in mind that the cost is higher than standard group tours, and lunch isn’t included, so budget for that separately. The focus on key landmarks combined with a visit to the LDS temple offers a fresh perspective on Rome, especially if you enjoy learning stories behind the sites.

All in all, this tour offers a nice balance of classic Rome with a personal touch—perfect for travelers who appreciate detailed insights and a flexible schedule.

FAQ: Your Practical Questions Answered

Is this tour suitable for families?
While the tour isn’t specifically marketed as family-friendly, the private nature and shorter stops can work well for families traveling with children who enjoy sightseeing and storytelling. Just consider the timing and walking involved.

Does the tour include inside visits to the landmarks?
Inside the Pantheon is not included in the ticket, but visits to the LDS Temple and St. Peter’s Square are outside. If you want inside the Pantheon, you’ll need to purchase an entrance ticket separately.

How long is each stop?
Stops vary from about 30 minutes at the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain to roughly 2 hours at the LDS Church. The total duration is about 6 hours, making it a full but manageable day.

Is transportation included?
Yes, an air-conditioned vehicle is part of the package, easing the move between sites, especially in summer.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which offers some peace of mind.

Are the tickets for the LDS Church and St. Peter’s Basilica included?
Yes, admission tickets for those sites are included in the tour.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it’s a private tour, there’s some flexibility, but the itinerary is designed to maximize efficiency. Communicate your interests with the guide.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, some snacks, water, and maybe a hat or umbrella depending on the weather.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
While the tour provides transportation, some sites involve walking or steps. Check with the provider if you have specific needs.

Is the tour available every day?
Yes, it operates daily from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, giving you plenty of options.

If you’re after a personalized, insightful way to see Rome’s highlights while discovering the newer LDS Church, this private tour offers a compelling option. It combines the familiar with the distinctive, all delivered with the comfort of a dedicated guide.