Rome in a Day:Vatican, Sistine Chapel Colosseum & Historic Center
Description
This tour combines your must-do Rome experiences into one full day. Delve into the very essence of Roman history, culture, art, and architecture on this incredible walking tour, which introduces visitors to Rome’s best-known sights. Visit the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums, and the historic center of ancient Rome. Skip-the-line into the Museums and the Sistine Chapel, all in the company of an expert local guide.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Take to the streets of Rome for a walking tour of the historic center with your guide. Soak up the atmosphere in Piazza Navona, as your guide unravels the story of Bernini's fountain.
This nearly 2,000-year-old building has the largest un-reinforced concrete dome in the world. Hear how it was built and why it has inspired so many other buildings, from St. Peter’s Basilica to the U.S. Capitol Building.
Stroll through streets made famous by films like “Roman Holiday”, stopping at the Trevi Fountain.
The guided walk of the historic city center takes you to see some of Rome's most impressive public sights.
Take a one-hour break for lunch (not included in price) with recommendations from your guide.
Afterwards, follow your guide to the Colosseum and head past the crowds to enjoy a guided tour in small groups. Hear tales of gladiators and emperors as you learn what life was like in Rome 1,000 years ago during a 1-hour tour of one of the world's most iconic sites.
Next, stroll to the Roman Forum to learn how it functioned as the beating heart of Rome’s all-encompassing empire. Instead of slogging through the crowds inside the Forum, your guide will lead you to a stunning overlook. If you selected the Best of Rome option when booking, your tour will end here.
Travel by private transfer to the Vatican Museums and skip the line to bypass long wait times. Enjoy a tour of the best of the Vatican Museums as you admire the Raphael Rooms, the Gallery of the Maps, ancient Greek and Roman sculptures. Enter the world-famous Sistine Chapel, one of the most acclaimed interiors of all time, almost entirely due to Michelangelo's incredible frescoed ceiling.
Inside the peaceful, Pinecone Courtyard you'll pass a spectacular bronze globe. It was designed for the Vatican by well-known Italian artist Arnaldo Pomodoro and copies of it can now be found all over the world, including Dublin, Tel Aviv and New York City.
The day ends with the highlight of your tour, which is, of course, the Sistine Chapel with its incredible frescoes painted by Michelangelo.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
- Please note that this is a walking tour with a quick bus transfer from Central Rome to the Vatican.
- The full names of all participants must be provided at the time of booking and match the names on their ID. The Colosseum requires all guests (including children) to present government ID at the time of entry. Therefore any guest that does not submit their name in advance of the tour, or who does not bring their ID to the meeting point, will be refused participation without refund. Name corrections are possible up to 7 days before the visit. After this, changes may not be possible.
- The sites are 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.
- 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.
- Walks is an Official Parco Archeologico del Colosseo Operator approved to lead guided tours of the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill.
- Please note: This tour offers multiple options. Take a moment to choose the one that best suits your interests.
Reviews(1,127)
... made the city come alive. He is a tour guide extraordinaire! Funny, empathetic, and an astonishing fount of knowledge. And he provides perspective -- a rare quality. But please be aware: this is a very full day. There is a LOT of walking, but it will be worth every step,
The most amazing day! We came off a cruise ship and wanted to see as much of Rome as humanly possible. We had Enrika as our guide who was INSANELY knowledgeable and passionate about the history of Rome. We saw so many sights and were able to etch them in our minds forever. Even though our visit was far too short, she made sure that we left with the most amazing memories. Zero complaints and all the roses sent to our new friend. Thank you thank you thank you for helping us make so many memories. We are eternally grateful.
Very thorough and very knowledgeable guide. Enjoyed the tour
The tour didn't provide water nor did the guide give us toilet breaks. It's a long walking tour so be prepared with comfortable shoes especially when it is 36°C outside. I would recommend the guide give us time to browse the Vatican gift shop which she didn't let us do.
The tour was informative because our guide was very knowledgeable and we got to see a lot of Rome. Beware this is a hiking tour as it is described. It was fine for us and we knew this but because there were many people (4) not suitable for this they slowed things down and/or had to drop out. This was not the guides fault but something to note. You need to come equipped with water bottle, comfortable shoes, maybe a hat and fan or umbrella if it’s hot like it was for us. ( 96 degrees). You need to be in shape and ready to be on your feet and walking for 8 hours/10 k steps.
This was the BEST way to take in Rome when you have limited time. I had been to Rome once before and I learned so much on this tour compared to when I was there previously. It isn’t too strenuous - slow paced walk, lots of information, and a comfortable ride between the Coliseum and the Vatican. The guide is what made the tour so great! Enrica (hope I spelled that right) was informative, funny, and down-to-Earth throughout the whole trip. She made sure to stop for pictures and even help take them. Highly recommend!!
Enzo was our guide and did a fantastic job explaining the history and sites in Rome. His knowledge was second to none and we would definitely take another tour with him!
Great tour, recommend. Enzo was a knowledgeable tour guide.
This was an amazing experience only made better by our tour guide and his vast knowledge!
We walked all around Rome with our tour guide who shared details of all the historical places we passed. After the Colosseum, we boarded a bus to drive across town to the Vatican tour. The tour guide was knowledgeable and was eager to share information about the sites.
