H
Great experience without overcrowding on buses
Excellent tour bus that covered major sites . The service was regular and reliable and there weren’t massive queues or overcrowding on the buses unlike some of the other operators
Rome travel guide: tickets, best time & real costs
1-Day Rome: Vatican & Colosseum Tour
+11 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 7–9 hours
- Price from
- $410 / person
- Location
- Rome, Italy
- Rating
- 4.5 / 5 · 116 reviews
- Languages
- EN
- Group
- Small group, up to 10
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- Gray Line I Love Rome by Carrani Tours
- Meeting point
- Vatican Afternoon tour - Meeting Point: Piazza Risorgimento (Bar - Caffetteria L’Ottagono, 400 metres from the nearest Metro A stop, Ottaviano) - 15 minutes before the start of your tour (please look for the I Love Rome logo carried by our staff).
Description
Discover the very best of Rome in a single, full-day experience that brings together the city’s most iconic ancient and Renaissance landmarks. Begin your journey at the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill, where you’ll step back into the heart of Ancient Rome. Depending on the option selected, enjoy the convenience of a small-group tour with transportation or make your way independently to the meeting point as indicated on your voucher. After the morning visit, enjoy free time for lunch at your own pace (not included), before continuing to the Vatican area in the afternoon. Explore the Vatican Museums, admire Michelangelo’s masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel, and conclude in St. Peter’s Square. Please note that this itinerary is designed to cover a wide range of highlights in one day and follows a fast-paced schedule. It is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive overview of Rome’s must-see attractions and are comfortable with a full and active day of sightseeing.
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, and Sat
- Start times
- 8:15 AM and 9:15 AM
- Adult (ages 18+)
- $410
- Child (ages 3–17)
- $390
- Infant (ages 0–2)
- Free
In demand: 30 of the next 30 departures are already sold out.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 13.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Parco di Colle Oppio
Meeting point at: Colle Oppio Park - Via delle Terme di Tito, corner of Via Nicola Salvi, inside the park - 15 minutes before the start of your tour (please look for the I Love Rome logo carried by our staff).
Colosseum
Step into the heart of ancient Rome! The Colosseum, once called the Amphitheatrum Flavium, stands as the world's largest amphitheater. Marvel at this iconic symbol of Rome, where gladiators once battled, and feel the echoes of history under your feet. The visit includes a tour to the first and second rings of the amphitheatre.
Roman Forum
Wander through the Roman Forum, a magnificent sprawl of ruins nestled between Piazza Venezia and the Colosseum. As you journey along the Via dei Fori Imperiali, you'll traverse the heart of an ancient empire, witnessing the splendor of what was once the most important archaeological complex in the world.
Palatine Hill
Ascend the historic Palatine Hill, the most central of Rome's seven hills. Standing 40 meters high above the Roman Forum, it whispers tales of ancient legends. Believed to be inhabited since 1000 BC, the Palatine Hill is said to be where Romulus, the founder of Rome, was raised by a she-wolf.
Vatican Museums
Embark on an artistic pilgrimage to the Vatican Museums, an awe-inspiring expanse within the Vatican City. Established by Pope Julius II in the 16th century, this intricate maze is home to some of the world's most revered art collections. From the divine frescoes of the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo to the ornate papal apartments adorned by Raphael, this journey offers a feast for the senses.
Sistine Chapel
Conclude your tour with a visit to the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel, a crown jewel of Vatican artistry. As you stand beneath the breathtaking ceiling painted by Michelangelo, allow its stories to wash over you. Please note: While our knowledgeable guide will provide intricate insights from the outside, remember that speaking is not permitted within the chapel to maintain its sanctity and reverence. Let the silent beauty speak for itself.
St. Peter's Square
Note: Explanation provided from outside. Following the information, guests will be given free time to explore at their own pace.
What's included
Included
Professional English-speaking guide
Visit inside all of the attractions
Wireless Audio Headsets
Colosseum entrance ticket (valued at €18 per person)
Colosseum reservation fee (valued at €2 per person)
Please note: Colosseum fees as above. The remaining cost of the experience covers other services.
Not included
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Gratuities
Food and Drinks
Transportation
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.5
116 reviews
How it compares in Rome
- Starting price $410 is 32% below the typical $600 for tours of similar length in Rome
Excurgo comparison of 8,082 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Please provide the full names of all travelers when booking. Passport or valid ID is mandatory on the tour day.
- It is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a hat and sunscreen during the summer
- Heightened security may cause delays
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Customers must adhere to the assigned guide throughout the tour. External guides cannot be added to the group after purchase.
- Appropriate attire is required for religious sites. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
- Archaeological areas involve walking on medium to hard surfaces
- Each traveler must present a valid passport or ID document that matches the name provided at the time of booking for successful entry to the attraction
- Please note that the Vatican Museums are an active place of worship. Therefore, some areas may be subject to sudden closures without prior notice. We will not be held responsible for such closures.
- Access to the Vatican Museums is allowed only with the assigned guide. Guests who leave the group or skip this part of the tour will lose all tour services and tickets, with no refund.
- The Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica are active religious sites. Access may be restricted, modified, or closed without notice due to religious events, papal audiences, maintenance, or special ceremonies, including during the Jubilee Year. These changes are beyond our control.
- If the Sistine Chapel is not accessible, no partial refund will be provided.
- If you have a pacemaker you will need to show a certificate, otherwise you will not be admitted without being screened
- The areas are not wheelchair accessible and may pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does 1-Day Rome: Vatican & Colosseum Tour take?
1-Day Rome: Vatican & Colosseum Tour lasts about 7–9 hours. The itinerary has 7 stops.
How much does 1-Day Rome: Vatican & Colosseum Tour cost?
Prices start at $410 per person for this Rome experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does 1-Day Rome: Vatican & Colosseum Tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, starting at 8:15 AM and 9:15 AM.
How much does 1-Day Rome: Vatican & Colosseum Tour cost for children?
Children aged 3–17 pay from $390, adults from $410. Infants go free.
Does 1-Day Rome: Vatican & Colosseum Tour sell out?
It can: 30 of the next 30 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Can I cancel 1-Day Rome: Vatican & Colosseum Tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Vatican Afternoon tour - Meeting Point: Piazza Risorgimento (Bar - Caffetteria L’Ottagono, 400 metres from the nearest Metro A stop, Ottaviano) - 15 minutes before the start of your tour (please look for the I Love Rome logo carried by our staff). Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is 1-Day Rome: Vatican & Colosseum Tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 10 participants.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
If the Sistine Chapel is not accessible, no partial refund will be provided. The areas are not wheelchair accessible and may pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Reviews(116)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
J
Magnificent tour of the Colosseum.
Luca was magnificent. Passionate about his work and this really came over to us. I found it inspiring to listen to him. His knowledge was second to none and he loved answering questions. Thank you Luca!
V
Amazing
Miracle was amazing. His knowledge was great and his delivery was simple for ya to understand. Easily answered all questions. Five star
7
An excellent way to explore the city of Rome
Great experience on board this Open Bus. The circuit allows for a breathtaking view of the main monuments. The hop-on/hop-off formula is ideal for visiting at your own pace without getting tired. Special mention for the audio guide explanations. I highly recommend it for a first visit. An excellent way to explore the city Great experience on board this Open Bus. The circuit allows you to have a breathtaking view of the main monuments. The hop-on/hop-off formula is ideal for visiting at your own pace without getting tired. Special mention for the audio guide explanations. I highly recommend it for a first visit
1
Vatican tour
Very good guide, lots of information
D
Excellent guided tour of the collesium
Day 1 to collesium and P.Hill with Serena was excellent. We were the first tour which is highly recommended as not too busy. Serena was very knowledgeable and gave helpful tips on what to look for. Day 2 tour was to Vatican City and Sistene Chapel. This ran over by half an hour and was very congested and hot. Whilst the guide Alexandra was very knowledgeable there was way too much info which didn’t allow time to look around you with too much focus on her favourites.
N
Waste of time and money
This tour was a big waste of money. They don't have enough buses, so each stop takes a long time to load/unload, and if you aren't lucky enough to get a seat up top then you're stuck I. The stuffy non-air conditioned bottom. The stops are very far apart. We waited nearly half an hour for a bus and counted 4 of a competitor service ("Big Bus") go by. In the end we just walked. Also the kids had trouble getting the audio commentary to work--some of the audio jacks might need maintenance. Your mileage may vary. Oh yeah, and now we have some e-waste cheap ear buds to get rid of. We saw more than one pair on the ground during our walks.
K
Go Early!
Fantastico! Alessandra Flag 127 made it so animated and interesting with funny stories, picking out the characters from our group. Fully enjoyed the experience. Grazie mille, Alessandra, for making our tour Così bello! Go early!!
6
I ❤️ Rome tours- use them!!!
Emanuel #155 was awesome and very knowledgeable. He made the tour fun with stories , myths, and history ! Learned so much!
6
Rome
We went with Emanuelle 155 was amazing loved it very informative good amount of time
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from$410
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