Roman Icons: Castel Sant'Angelo to Pantheon Tour with Panoramic View

Journey through time on this in-depth tour of Castel Sant’Angelo and the Pantheon.

Of all the unmissable sights in Rome, Castel Sant’Angelo and the Pantheon are perhaps the two that encompass the city’s history more fully than any other. This comprehensive tour takes you straight to the heart of the action as you make your way from one spectacular monument to the next. You’ll walk in the footsteps of emperors, popes, and everyday Roman citizens from ancient times to the Renaissance while getting to know both of these eye-opening attractions with an expert storyteller to lead the way.

Enjoy views of Rome fit for an emperor atop Castel Sant’Angelo.

Begin your adventure at Castel Sant’Angelo, the imposing fortress standing guard on the banks of the Tiber. Your guide will lead your small group straight inside with reserved access for a complete Castel Sant’Angelo tour. Explore the ancient structure from bottom to top, learning how it evolved from a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian to a papal fortress and even a prison.

The highlight of your time at Castel Sant’Angelo comes when you arrive at the very top of the monument. Step out onto a panoramic terrace offering sweeping views over central Rome and the Vatican (this is one of the best places to get a picture of St. Peter’s Dome). Your guide will point out monuments and hidden gems alike from this special vantage point to set the scene for the rest of your exploration.

See a different side of Rome’s Centro Storico.

Once back on ground level, you’ll stroll across the Sant’Angelo Bridge—itself a wonderful spot for photos—and into the heart of Rome. Make your way down one of the most atmospheric streets in the historic center as your guide shares stories of the colorful characters who once lived and worked here: rosary bead makers, courtesans, executioners and more. You’ll also make a brief stop at the magnificent Piazza Navona and discover a lesser-known side to Rome’s most popular square.

Marvel at the ancient world’s most spectacular feat of engineering: the Pantheon.

We’ll wrap up at the Pantheon, one of the most jaw-dropping structures in all of Rome. Your guide will re-introduce you to our old friend Hadrian and share his connection to the Pantheon as you make your way inside the stunning monument. The incredible dome overhead is a testament to the skill of the ancient Romans, who were able to bring it to life without any of the modern construction technology we have today. You’ll hear exactly how they did it—and learn how long it took for another Italian marvel to beat it out as the largest dome in the world.

In just one morning, you’ll have done so much more than simply checked two famous Roman monuments off your list. You’ll travel back in time, from the glory days of ancient Rome to the heart of the Italian Renaissance, and experience the story of the Eternal City firsthand.

Please note that this description is an example and your experience may vary depending on the season, day of the week, and group size. Regardless of where your tour goes, you always have an excellent experience.