The Rome Hop-On Hop-Off tour has 11 stops which cover all the highlights of Rome. You can board the bus from any of the stops.
The 11 stops are as follows:
1. Roma Termini: Rome’s main railway station. It gets its name from the ‘thermae’ or ancient baths of Diocletian, which were close by.
2. Santa Maria Maggiore: Dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary this patriarchal basilica is often used personally by the Pope. The present building of the basilica dates from the time of Pope Sixtus III (432 - 440) and contains many ancient mosaics from this period. The medieval bell tower is the highest in Rome, at 75 meters. You will also see some beautiful frescoes in the church.
3. Piazza Venezia: Situated in the heart of Rome, this square is walking distance from some of the most famous sights such as the Forum Romanum, the Pantheon and Campidoglio.
4. Colosseo: The largest building of the Roman Empire, originally known as Flavian amphitheater was built on an artificial lake. View it from the inside and hear stories about its bloodthirsty past. This stop is closed on Sundays and public holidays.
5. Circo Massimo: The largest stadium of ancient Rome and once had a seating capacity of 250,000 people. The original structure was destructed by fire and gave way to a new three storied stone building. The stadium was used for gladiator fights, processions or chariot races. This stop is closed on Sundays and public holidays.
6. Isola Tiberina: Isola Tiberina or the Tiber Island rises in the middle of the River Tiber and contains a sanctuary to Asclepius. It is connected to the mainland by two bridges, Cestio and Fabricio. It has been associated with healing powers since ancient times.
7. San Pietro (Saint Peter’s Basilica): Said to be the burial place of St Peter, this is a place of pilgrimage and one of the world’s holiest Christian sites. Its dome dominates Rome’s skyline and it is probably the largest church in Christendom. The original church on the site was built in the 4th century. The present structure dates from the 16th century. The Basilica is also the home to Michelangelo’s masterpiece La Pieta.
8. Castel S. Angelo: A towering cylindrical building initially commissioned by the Roman Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum for himself and his family. The popes converted the structure into a castle in the 14th century. In Dan Brown’s novel ‘Angels and Demons’, the location was the secret lair for the Hassassin (the killer) and the last existing church of the Illuminati. It is a national museum.
9. Augusto Imperatore: View Piazza Augusto Imperator, home to the Mausoleum of Augustus, now in ruins and not accessible to visitors. Built by Roman Emperor Augustus in 28 BC, the mausoleum even today remains an impressive and dominating landmark.
10. Trevi: Stop placed 150 m ahead from the famous fountain in Rome. It has a central figure of the sea god, Neptune, riding a shell-shaped chariot with two sea horses guided by a Triton. One horse is restive while the other is obedient and calm. They represent the changing moods of the sea. Statues on either side of Neptune represent Abundance and Salubrity.
11. Piazza Barberini: A large piazza in the city center, named after the nearby Palazzo Barberini. Built in the 16th century as a papal summer residence, the Palazzo has many important features such as: the famous helicoidal staircase by Borromini, magnificent frescoes (including Pietro da Cortona's Baroque masterpiece, the ‘Allegory of Divine Providence and Barberini Power’), and one of the most important art collections in Italy.
The itinerary for the Rome Hop On Hop Off Tour may change on Sundays and Public Holidays (Easter).
Stops affected frequently include Colosseo, Circo Massimo and Trevi. All attractions continue to open, however traffic will be restricted. It is very easy to walk to any attractions from alternative Rome Open Top routes. All changes will be identified on the day of travel. Please check with the hostess onboard for more details.
You may choose to conclude this tour at any of the stops mentioned above as per your convenience.
2011 Alert:
Rome Municipality Authority will impose new regulations and restricted access for all hop-on hop-off tours in the city of Rome. It will impact the number of stops available. These changes are beyond our control and imposed without notice by the local Rome Municipality Authority. The exact itinerary will be advised on the day of travel by the staff on board.