Private Vatican & Colosseum Tour

Highlights

So many takeaways! What’s all the fuss about a she-wolf? Did all roads really lead to Rome?
Skip-the-line access to FOUR venues along this tour
A morning and an afternoon tour, with plenty of time in between for a leisurely Roman lunch

Summary

In one action-packed day, with your private guide, you’ll tour the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel, followed by the Colosseum and Ancient Rome on a journey in the footsteps of Gladiators and Caesars who inhabited Roma Caput Mundi.

Tour info

Duration

8 hours

Why take this tour?

Meet your guide just steps from the Vatican and enjoy priority entrance as we head past the queues and straight inside the Vatican Museums. See the major works of art ranging from ancient Greek and Roman sculptures to Renaissance masterpieces, and learn how the two are closely intertwined. Much of this tour will be dedicated to the Raphael Rooms and the extraordinary frescoed ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. From the commissioning of this colossal masterpiece to the finishing touches applied by Michelangelo Buonarroti, your guide will help you to discern between myth, fact, and popular Hollywood fiction regarding this majestic work of art.

After spending ample time inside the Sistine Chapel you may remain inside the Vatican Museums as long as you like, or enjoy fast track entry to explore St. Peter’s Basilica on your own.

After a break for lunch, regroup at the Colosseum with your private guide and enjoy fast track entry to the vast arena, the Icon of Rome built in 72AD to seat up to 50,000 spectators. Upon entering the Colosseum, your guide will provide you with an authentic portrayal of the Gladiator games held in the grandest amphitheater of the Roman Empire. Their expert insights will assist you in distinguishing between historical fact, imaginative fiction, and the cinematic representations depicted in blockbuster movies.

After walking around the perimeter of the Colosseum, gaze down onto the arena floor and beneath to the maze-like underground level where man and beast awaited their moment of glory or met their fateful death.

With the Colosseum behind you, travel even further back in time as you enter the Roman Forum: the true heart of Ancient Rome with monuments dating as far back as the 7th century BC. On Palatine Hill, you'll learn of the legendary founding of Rome and how a she-wolf rescued and nursed the young twins Romulus (the first King of Rome) and Remus after they washed up on the banks of the Tiber River. Your guide will share the fascinating story of how these famous twins would pave the way for future tyrants, Emperors, and even Caesars who declared themselves Gods throughout the rise and fall of the Roman Empire.

What’s included?

Fully guided private tour, broken into two segments
Skip-the-line tickets to the Colosseum & Roman Forum
Skip-the-line tickets to the Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel
Fast track entry to St. Peter's Basilica (except Wednesdays)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities
Personal extras

Things to know

Before you book

Due to the route covered and/or the means of transportation used, it is not possible to participate in this tour using a wheelchair, scooter, or other aid. Please contact us to inquire about customized tour options for guests with mobility challenges
Bring water and a hat during hot summer months
Strollers may be checked at the Vatican Cloakroom before tour
Tours taking place on Wednesdays will not include access to St. Peter's, as the Basilica is closed during Papal Audience

Before you go

Vatican Dress Code: shoulders and knees must be covered
No knives or large bags will be allowed into the Vatican or Colosseum
Comfortable clothes and shoes are recommended

Cancellation Policy

Tours depart rain or shine unless otherwise specified. All cancellations must be received in writing. Tours and passes will be refunded if cancelled more than 24 hours before the tour start time, however the following penalties apply: For tours entering the Vatican Museums and/or the Colosseum (venues where tickets are non-refundable) a penalty of $30 per person will be retained for each venue. No refunds will be made for cancellations with less than 24 hours notice or failure to arrive at the meeting point on time (no-show).

Redemption information

Ciao, thank you for booking with ItaliaTours!
Your PRIVATE VATICAN & COLOSSEUM TOUR is booked. Excited? You’re about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime.

**2-PART TOUR**
MORNING MEETING POINT:
Via Sebastiano Veniero, 19, 00192 Roma RM, Italy
Please arrive at 8:45 AM as the tour departs promptly at 9:00 AM.
Across the street from the Vatican Museum entrance, you will see a broad staircase leading down. At the bottom of the stairs, turn right. Number 19 is a few steps ahead - an ItaliaTours representative will be waiting for you.

Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/ZtNY3GCYFy8zbCN29

AFTERNOON MEETING POINT:
Meet 15 minutes before the start of the tour at the arch of Constantine, which is situated next to the Colosseum in Piazza del Colosseo.

Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/ubcMRLUFYzz8Piyy5 (as pictured below). There will be a representative holding an ItaliaTours sign to greet you.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Tours taking place on Wednesdays while the Pope is in Rome will not include fast track entry to St. Peter's Basilica, as the Basilica is closed during weekly Papal Audiences.

Please remember, tours depart promptly at the scheduled time, while public transport throughout Italy can be unreliable. No refunds may be given for failure to arrive at the meeting point on time.

CROWDING/PARTIAL CLOSINGS:
Excessive crowding is to be expected at the Colosseum and Roman Forum during peak season, especially on days surrounding national and/or religious holidays, often leading to increased wait times to pass through security checks despite our Tour Operator priority access reservations.

LARGE BAGS / WEAPONS/ LUGGAGE will not be allowed inside the monuments.

VATICAN DRESS CODE:
Shoulders and knees must be covered for both men, women, and children. Short pants are permitted as long as the above requirements are met. No refunds will be given if entry is refused due to lack of appropriate dress. No knives, weapons, or sharp objects will be permitted inside.

ITALIA TOURS CUSTOMER SERVICE:
Call/Text/WhatsApp: +1 617-207-6611
Call from Italy: +39 069-674-1298
Email: [email protected]