Rome in a Day Tour with Vatican, Colosseum & Historic Center

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Highlights

Visit the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and much more in a single day
Enjoy transfers between the historic center of Rome and Vatican City in a private, air-conditioned bus with your guide and small group
Save hours waiting in line with skip-the-line tickets to the Colosseum and Vatican Museums
Learn about the history of the city from an expert guide who'll be with your small group for the full day
Take the only group tour that combines tickets for the Colosseum and the Vatican with private group transfers between sites

Summary

Want to see the most popular sights in Rome but don't have much time to do it? This expertly guided tour takes you on an epic journey combining the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums, and the 'historic center' of the city in just over seven hours - with private group transport between major sites. There is really no more complete way to see Rome in a single day.

Tour info

Duration

7 hours 30 minutes

Group Size

Pricing (From)

Adult: (15-99 years)

€139.00

Child: (2-14 years)

€129.00

Infant: (0-1 years)

€0.00

Commentary

English

Meeting Point

Via delle Terme di Tito, 72, (Oppio Caffè), Rome, Lazio, 00184, IT

Dropoff location

Vatican Museums, Rome

Why take this tour?

It would take multiple lifetimes to see all that Rome has to offer, so we've distilled our most-requested sights into a single day of sightseeing - plus, added private, air-conditioned transport between major sites to make things even more comfortable and efficient. It may not cover everything - but it's a very good start.

You'll begin the day overlooking the Roman Forum, learning the history of this once-bustling commercial center and the Empire that it controlled. Then you'll head over to Rome's most iconic symbol; the Colosseum. Skipping the long entrance lines, you'll spend a full hour inside, hearing the story of this immense arena and the gladiators that once fought here. Of course there was a lot more happening here than movies would suggest. Your guide has the full story on the many uses of the Colosseum; from execution ground to dramatic stage.

From there you'll stroll into the historic city center to see some of Rome's most impressive public sights. Mingle with the street artists in the shadow of Bernini's fountain in Piazza Navona; admire the giant oculus in the dome of the Pantheon; and, of course, throw a coin (or two) over your shoulder at the Trevi Fountain to ensure you'll make it back to Rome.

After that, your guide will give you recommendations for lunch spots before reconvening at the Vatican. Here you'll save hours with skip-the-line tickets, diving directly into the Vatican Museums to discover some of the world's most important art. From treasured ancient artifacts like the Apollo Belvedere to immense Renaissance frescoes, you'll soak up thousands of years of art and history. With your expert guide on hand you'll also hear the stories that bring these masterpieces, and the men who created them, to life.

The highlight of the Museums is, of course, the Sistine Chapel with its incredible frescoes painted by Michelangelo. Before you visit this room your guide will teach you all about Michelangelo and give you a handout with details of the frescoes and what to look for. This way you'll have 15 - 20 minutes of peace to soak up what is possibly the world's greatest work of art.

Encompassing all of the most popular sights in Rome and covering thousands of years of history - with private, air conditioned transport between sites - this tour will give you an unprecedented scope and understanding of the Eternal City while showing you some of her most impressive attractions. You'll also save hours of time otherwise spent waiting in line or navigating a foreign city: so you're guaranteed to make the best of every moment you have in Rome.

Sites Visited:

Colosseum
Vatican Museums
Historic Center
Pantheon
Trevi Fountain
Piazza Navona
Campidoglio (view of the Roman Forum)

What’s included?

Local English-speaking guide
Expertly guided walking tour
Express ticket access for Colosseum
Skip the line ticket for Vatican Museums
Transportation to Vatican Museums
Headset (when needed)
Lunch
Gratuities
Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off

Frequently asked questions

I would like to take the tour but I’m concerned it might be too difficult for members of my group.

Seeing all of Rome in a single day is pretty tiring. We do leave time for a lunch break during which you can rest and our guides are always very conscious to pace our tours to suit your group. For guests with a normal fitness level and good health, it won’t be too much but if someone in your party has issues with mobility or fitness, we would recommend that you take the Best of Rome and Vatican Highlights on separate days, to give you time to rest in between. If you really only have one day in Rome, consider a private tour where we can add in more breaks and cut a few sites to suit you.

Can I bring my bag inside the Colosseum?

Due to a new set of rules, you may only carry a small backpack or handbag inside the Colosseum. As there is no bag storage at the Colosseum, guests who bring large bags on their tour may be unable to join their group. It is left to the discretion of the individual guard we encounter as to what is considered to be ‘small’ and ‘large’ All visitors also undertake a more thorough security check at the Colosseum, which can cause delays.

Can I bring a stroller inside the Colosseum?

Strollers are allowed inside the Colosseum, as long as they are light and foldable. However, we always recommend clients to use baby carriers, instead of strollers, because there are many stairs in the site and the ground is very uneven. Particularly, the Forum & Palatine Hill areas can be especially challenging.

Can I take photos inside the Sistine Chapel?

No, non, ne, nee, absolutely not. And the Sistine Chapel guards are scary, so we don’t recommend trying it.

Dress code in the Vatican: what should I wear?

The Vatican Museums has a very strict dress code, requiring that all visitors cover their shoulders and knees. Men should be careful to wear long shorts, while women should wear skirts beneath the knee or trousers. If you are wearing a sleeveless top, please bring a cardigan with you. Guests who arrive at the Museums without the appropriate dress may be refused entry.

Things to know

Before you book

The sites on this tour are not wheelchair or stroller-friendly. Please contact us for alternative options.
The Colosseum is subject to occasional closures. If modifications are needed and time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
Walks comply with all local government regulations. You may need to wear a mask or provide proof of vaccination to enter certain venues. Please refer to Italy government guidelines for the most up to date information

Before you go

This tour is in English.
This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
The tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the start time. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
If you cannot join your tour at the last minute (running late, etc), please contact us. We may be able to reschedule your tour with a small amendment fee depending on availability.
We ask all guests (including children) bring ID on the day of their tour.
The sites on this tour are not wheelchair or stroller-friendly. Please contact us for alternative options.
All guests must pass through security at the Colosseum and Vatican Museums. No weapons or large items will be permitted.
Only small backpacks and handbags are allowed inside the Colosseum (no bag check) and Vatican Museums (bag check available). Please note if you check something at the Vatican Museums you must return (about a 20-minute walk) to the entrance to pick up your items at the end of the tour.
Due to the religious nature of the Vatican Museums, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. You can bring extra covering (scarves, etc) to put on just before entering the Vatican.
The Colosseum is subject to occasional closures. If modifications are needed and time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
Walks comply with all local government regulations. You may need to wear a mask or provide proof of vaccination to enter certain venues. Please refer to Italy government guidelines for the most up to date information

Covid Policy

Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations received greater than 72 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 72 hours of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive, or arrives after tour departure.

Redemption information

Mobile tickets will be accepted

Your voucher will be collected or scanned on redemption

Operated by:

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About operator:

Walks (takewalks.com, walksofitaly.com) began over a decade ago (2008, to be exact) in Rome, Italy. We quickly became the premier walking tour company in 7 countries - Italy, Spain, France, the UK, Greece, and Portugal. Our US cities include San Francisco, NYC, Boston, Chicago, and New Orleans.

In 2021, we joined The Hornblower Group (cityexperiences.com) expanding our reach and working alongside this powerhouse travel brand.

Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...

Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.