Our guide made the history super accessible, not boring or overly academic. We learned a ton but had fun too
National Roman Museum and Diocletian Thermal Baths Private Tour
Group photos taken during our tours are property of Raphael Tours and Events. Unauthorized usage outside of this website is strictly prohibited.
Tour Description
Enjoy a private tour of Palazzo Massimo’s National Roman Museum and the Baths of Diocletian, discovering ancient Roman mosaics, sculptures, and imperial architecture in one of Rome’s most fascinating sites.
Key Information
- Experience Private, Walking
- Guided by Licensed national tour guide
- Duration 2.5 hours
- Starting times (Customizable) Morning, Afternoon
- Languages English, Italian, Spanish, French, German
- Pickup available Upon request
Highlights
- Explore Palazzo Massimo’s World-Class Collection View one of the richest collections of Roman art, including sculptures, coins, mosaics, and rare frescoes from the Villa of Livia.
- Admire Roman Frescoes and Mosaics Discover beautifully preserved wall paintings and intricate floor mosaics that reveal the elegance and sophistication of ancient Roman interiors.
- Visit the Baths of Diocletian Walk through the largest bath complex ever built in ancient Rome—once a hub of social, athletic, and intellectual life.
- See Michelangelo’s Architectural Legacy Explore the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, ingeniously designed by Michelangelo within the ancient ruins of the baths.
Itinerary
- 1 1
Palazzo Massimo - National Roman Museum
Explore Palazzo Massimo, which houses one of the world’s most important collections of classical art. Across four floors, you’ll find a stunning array of sculptures, frescos, mosaics, coins, and goldsmith works that showcase the evolution of Roman artistic culture from the 2nd century BC to the 5th century AD. These masterpieces offer a fascinating glimpse into the craftsmanship and creativity of ancient Rome, illustrating its rich history and cultural achievements.
- 2 2
The Baths of Diocletian
Discover the Baths of Diocletian, the grandest thermal complex ever built in ancient Rome. Once a sprawling center for relaxation and socializing, it included gyms, libraries, and a massive swimming pool, with the capacity to accommodate up to 3,000 people. Part of the vast space was later transformed by Michelangelo for the creation of the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli. Walk through this monumental site and marvel at the scale and ingenuity of Roman engineering and architecture.
- 3 3
Piazza della Repubblica
A grand circular square in Rome, featuring the impressive Fountain of the Naiads, elegant arcades, and the historic Baths of Diocletian alongside the church by Michelangelo.
Full Description
Enjoy a private guided tour of two of Rome’s most fascinating ancient sites: the National Roman Museum at Palazzo Massimo and the Diocletian Baths. This immersive experience offers a deep dive into the world of Roman art, architecture, and culture.
First, explore the Palazzo Massimo, one of the most significant collections of classical art in the world. The museum spans four floors, each offering a glimpse into different periods of Roman history. Admire sculptures, frescos, mosaics, and coins, each piece telling a story of Roman life from the 2nd century BC to the 5th century AD. Highlights include the famous Roman frescoes from the Villa of Livia, the Discobolus (the Discus Thrower), and the intricate mosaics from the Roman baths. Your guide will help you understand the historical context of these pieces, painting a vivid picture of how the Romans lived, loved, and worshipped.
Next, your tour continues with a visit to the Baths of Diocletian, the largest thermal complex ever constructed in ancient Rome. Once a center of Roman social life, the baths included gyms, libraries, and a massive swimming pool capable of accommodating up to 3,000 people. As you explore, you’ll learn about the remarkable Roman engineering that made such a vast complex possible. Your guide will explain how these baths weren’t just places for bathing but for socializing, relaxation, and intellectual exchange. The site also holds significance in art history, as Michelangelo repurposed some of its rooms to design the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli.
Throughout the tour, your expert guide will share engaging stories and insights about these two remarkable locations, bringing to life the culture and daily life of ancient Rome. Whether you're an art lover, history enthusiast, or simply curious about Rome's rich past, this tour offers an enriching experience of two of the city's most extraordinary historical sites.
Tour Gallery
A collection of photos showcasing the tour experience and destinations
Group photos taken during our tours are property of Raphael Tours and Events. Unauthorized usage outside of this website is strictly prohibited.
What is included
Included
- Expert Local Guide
- Admission Ticket
Not included
- Gratuities
Recommendations
Tips and Tricks
- Wear comfortable shoes – The tour includes walking through large museum halls and ancient ruins with uneven surfaces.
- No formal dress code is required, but respectful attire is appreciated, especially when entering religious or historic buildings.
Not suitable for
- Visitors with limited mobility or requiring wheelchair access (some areas have steps and uneven surfaces)
Reviews
Rating: 5 / 5
Based on 5 reviews
- Karen M. —Canada
- Seth C. —Australia
Beautiful sculptures! Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable about roman history it was a pleasure to listen to them
Book National Roman Museum and Diocletian Thermal Baths Private Tour
National Roman Museum and Diocletian Thermal Baths Private Tour
Your tour guides in Rome
Attractions visited in this tour
Experience Rome, Italy & Europe with our private, custom tours. Enjoy exclusive, tailor-made itineraries for unforgettable adventures.
See also in Rome, Italy
(24)
from 89 € per person
from 105 $ per person
from 78 £ per person
from 145 CA$ per person
from 158 A$ per person
(8)
from 59 € per person
from 69 $ per person
from 52 £ per person
from 96 CA$ per person
from 105 A$ per person
(9)
from 79 € per person
from 93 $ per person
from 69 £ per person
from 129 CA$ per person
from 140 A$ per person
See also in Latium region, Italy
(24)
from 89 € per person
from 105 $ per person
from 78 £ per person
from 145 CA$ per person
from 158 A$ per person
Vatican and Sistine Chapel Skip the Line Tour for Kids and Family
3.5 hoursFamily and Kids
(19)
from 99 € per person
from 116 $ per person
from 87 £ per person
from 162 CA$ per person
from 176 A$ per person
(18)
from 269 € per person
from 316 $ per person
from 235 £ per person
from 440 CA$ per person
from 478 A$ per person