Four more alternative tours

UNCOVER THE CITY’S ART SECRETS WITH A SCHOLAR

For an in-depth look at the city’s frescoes and mosaics, pair up with an art historian on a personalised tour organised by Context. Itineraries can include admiring the cult of Mithras in the Basilica of San Clemente’s subterranean temple or gaining special access to Palazzo Colonna, a Roman mansion that’s been owned by the same family for over 20 generations.

contexttravel.com

GO BEHIND THE SCENES OF CLASSIC FILMS

For an intimate look at the silver screen’s love affair with Rome, choose Casa Mia Tours’ Rome Cinema & Food walk. On this private excursion, led by the granddaughter of renowned filmmaker Vittorio De Sica, travellers explore the locations of films including Bicycle Thieves

(1948), Roman Holiday (1953) and La Dolce Vita (1960) and hear behindthe-scenes accounts from locals and extras. casamiatours.com

EXPLORE THE COUNTRYSIDE ON A SCOOTER

The beautiful Alban Hills, southeast of the capital, have long served as a rural oasis for Romans. Discover this volcanic landscape on two wheels with Scooteroma’s four-and-a-half-hour Countryside Vespa Tour. Stops include Castel Gandolfo, home to the papal summer residence, and the wineproducing town of Frascati — plus pit stops for snacks along the way.

scooteroma.com

SHOP AND COOK LIKE A ROMAN

Walks Inside Rome will whet your appetite with its chef-led tours around the stalls of Campo de’ Fiori, the capital’s oldest market. Come lunchtime, take the fresh ingredients to one of two cooking schools in the historic centre and learn how to prepare a traditional Italian meal, including a pasta dish, a main course and a dessert.

walksinsiderome.com