Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum and Vatican Museums

Get to know the city of Rome and its history as your guide shares stories about the ancient buildings, squares, and monuments you'll pass. You'll go inside the Pantheon for an unforgettable view of this magnificent dome and oculus, wander through vibrant Piazza Navona, and stop at Trevi Fountain for pictures and free time for lunch (not included). After your break, you'll head to the crown jewels of Rome: the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Your tour will end either in the Colosseum or the Roman Forum, depending on your ticket time.

Rome in a Day Tour Description

Your 8-hour Rome in a day tour includes:

• Skip-the-line tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

• Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica

• Comfortable, climate-controlled transportation between the Vatican and city center

• Guided walking tour to Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and more

• Lunch break near Trevi Fountain (lunch not included)

• Skip-the-line entry and guided tour of the Colosseum

• Guided tour of the Roman Forum

• Professional English-speaking guide for the entire tour

• Maximum group size of 15

Please note that depending on the assigned entry time for the Colosseum, your tour might enter the Roman Forum first and end in the Colosseum.

Guided Vatican Museums Tour

After meeting your group nearby, you'll be able to skip the long general admission line and start exploring the impressive art collection at the Vatican Museums. Your guide will lead you on through the Vatican Museums, visiting the Candelabra Gallery, Gallery of the Tapestries, and Gallery of Maps. Admire the ancient Roman and Greek statues, the Flemish tapestries created by Raphael's students, and the gorgeous topographical depictions of Italy.

At the height of the Roman Empire, pontiffs rarely left Rome. In order to understand the Italian peninsula without endangering his life, Pope Gregory XIII commissioned 40 giant meticulous maps to be created for his use. Most of these maps measure more than 15 by 16 feet, and the end result is nothing short of spectacular.

You'll hear the stories behind these treasures from your expert guide as the Vatican secrets are slowly unveiled to you.

While you do not need to wait in the normal line, a shorter security line is still required for entrance. Short delays at the security check may occur during the busiest months of June and July. 

Sistine Chapel

Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel likely rivals the Colosseum as the focal point of this Rome day tour. Until you stand beneath the chapel's frescoes, there’s no way to fully appreciate Michelangelo’s world-famous accomplishment. But you'll be wowed by the vision before you after your guide has helped you understand the details of its creation.

The Sistine Chapel is a place of worship, so speaking inside is prohibited. Your guide will explain the significance of Michelangelo’s artwork before entering.

Please note that to enter the Vatican's Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica, both men and women must cover their knees and shoulders. Otherwise, you may be refused entry to this portion of your Vatican tour. We understand the summers in Rome are hot, so a great idea is to bring a shawl/scarf/sweater with you. That way, you can cover your knees and shoulders when necessary.

St. Peter's Basilica

After you exit the Sistine Chapel, follow your guide directly to St. Peter's Basilica. They'll guide you past the re-entry lines so you can quickly enter this monumental church that attracts millions of visitors each year. Listen to your guide share the history of the construction of this basilica as you walk inside and see the grandeur, and look for Michelangelo's La Pietà, Bernini's Baldacchino, and much more inside this ornate church.

Please note that St. Peter's Basilica is closed on Wednesdays for the Papal Audience and can occasionally experience other unexpected closures. If this happens, your guide will make up the time at other areas within the Vatican.

Rome Walking Tour on Foot

A trip through Rome wouldn't be complete without seeing some of the most famous fountains and piazzas. After being driven into Rome's historic center, it's time to set off on a walking tour of the city's historic sites. You'll follow your guide to the beautiful Piazza Navona to see the Fountain of Four Rivers, before stepping inside the Pantheon, Rome's iconic dome with an open oculus.

Finally, head to the famous Trevi Fountain to see what is likely the world's most famous fountain. Remember to bring some coins to make a wish here! Your guide will make sure you know how to do it just right. Along the way, your super-knowledgeable local guide will show you some of Rome's hidden gems to help you get to know the city better. This is also a great chance to ask for restaurant recommendations and things to do with your evenings in Rome!

Skip-the-line Colosseum Tour

There are few more awe-inspiring places than the mighty Roman Colosseum. Originally known as the Flavian Amphitheater, you'll have skip-the-line access to avoid the crowds of tourists waiting to enter. Your expert guide will set the scene for what it felt like to attend the thrilling events that took place inside the arena from epic gladiator fights to public executions held in front of eager crowds of more than 60,000 Romans.

This tour takes you to the first and second tiers of the Colosseum—areas reserved for seating Rome’s most elite classes during the Colosseum’s gladiator games. As you look around and picture what life must have been like here, your guide will enlighten you with intriguing stories of some of the Colosseum’s most gruesome events.

The Roman Forum, Downtown Ancient Rome

The ancient Roman Forum is full of sprawling ruins that once served as the political and commercial hub of the powerful Roman Empire. This is where Rome’s most important decisions were made. Trace the footsteps of Julius Caesar and visit popular sites such as the Arch of Titus and Senate House, as your guide tells you about the daily life and seismic events that one happened here.

On this jam-packed tour, you won't do a deep exploration of these ruins, but your guide will make sure you see the highlights as they explain the most interesting details about life in the Forum. It's the best way to get to know what Roman life really was like for the rich and famous of Rome.