Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum and Vatican Museums
Enter the Sistine Chapel, Roman Forum, and see St. Peter’s Dome, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and more!
Seeing the best of Rome in a single day might seem like a big undertaking, but our expertly designed tour makes it effortless with skip-the-line tickets, included transportation, and engaging guides to lead the way. In just 7 hours, you'll visit renowned sites like the Sistine Chapel, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Pantheon. With fascinating stories at every stop, you can skip the stress and immerse yourself in the vibrant heritage and culture of Rome all in one remarkable day.
What You Get With This Tour
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Expert, English-speaking guide
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Skip-the-line entry to the Vatican Museums
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Entry to the Sistine Chapel
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Transport by air-conditioned van
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See Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain
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Skip-the-line entry to the Colosseum
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Guided tour of the Roman Forum
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Guide tips
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Food and drinks
Tour Itinerary
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1
Meet your guide outside Caffé Vaticano
Your Rome in a Day tour begins just outside the Vatican walls, where you'll meet your expert guide and small group. This is the perfect spot to get acquainted with your guide and prepare to bypass the crowds with your included skip-the-line access to the world-famous Vatican Museums. -
2
Skip-the-line tour of the Vatican Museums
With your ticket in hand, you'll glide past the main queues and dive straight into the Vatican's magnificent art collection. Your guide will lead you through key sections, including the Candelabra Gallery, Gallery of the Tapestries, and the Gallery of Maps, pointing out crucial Roman and Greek statues and explaining the historical context of these papal treasures. -
3
Sistine Chapel
Next, you will enter the breathtaking Sistine Chapel, the artistic pinnacle of the Vatican. Your guide will prepare you with fascinating stories about Michelangelo's world-famous frescoes, including The Creation of Adam and The Last Judgment, before you step inside to gaze in awe at this sacred masterpiece. -
4
Scenic drive to Rome's historic center
After exploring the Vatican, you'll board a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle for a short, relaxing drive to the historic heart of Rome. Sit back and enjoy the scenic transfer, effortlessly bridging the distance between the Vatican and the ancient city center. -
5
Guided walking tour of Piazza Navona, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain
Stepping out into the Roman streets, you’ll embark on a picturesque walking tour of iconic squares and fountains. You’ll stroll through the magnificent Piazza Navona, admire the outside of the majestic Pantheon, and finally arrive at the Trevi Fountain, where your guide will explain the tradition of tossing a coin to ensure your return to Rome. -
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Lunch break near Trevi Fountain
You will take a pause in your explorations for a well-deserved break for lunch. You will have free time to find a local eatery near the Trevi Fountain to recharge and sample some of the city’s delicious cuisine before continuing your journey into ancient Rome. -
7
Guided tour of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
A short walk from the Colosseum, you’ll find yourself amid the sprawling ruins of the Roman Forum, once the political and commercial epicenter of the Roman Empire. Trace the footsteps of emperors and citizens as your guide brings the area's highlights, like the Arch of Titus, to life, detailing what daily life was like in ancient Rome. -
8
Skip-the-line entry and tour of the Colosseum
Bypass the long queue once more and step inside the mighty Flavian Amphitheater, better known as the Colosseum. Your guide will set the scene for the thrilling and often gruesome events—from gladiator fights to public spectacles—as you explore the first and second tiers, visualizing the spectacle from the vantage point of Rome's ancient elite. -
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Your tour finishes at the Colosseum
Your seven-hour, guided adventure concludes inside or near the Colosseum, depending on your assigned ticket time. Your guide will bid you farewell, leaving you perfectly situated to continue exploring the surrounding area, grab a drink, or easily find transport back to your accommodation.
Additional Information
Good to know:
Dress Code: Both men and women must cover their knees, shoulders, and toes to enter the Vatican and Sistine Chapel. Guests who don’t meet the dress code may be refused entry to this portion of the tour. No hats please.
Accessibility: Unfortunately, this tour is not wheelchair accessible due to uneven terrain. Soft baby carriers are recommended instead of strollers.
Bag Policy: Large backpacks or bags may delay security checks at the Vatican and Colosseum, so please pack light.
ID Requirement: A valid government-issued ID is required for entry into the Colosseum and Vatican. The name on your tickets (entered at check-out) must match the name listed on your government-issued ID or you will be refused entry.
Tour Changes: Depending on your Colosseum entry time, the order of the Colosseum and Roman Forum visits may be reversed. The order of Vatican and Colosseum visits may also be reversed depending on ticketing.
Please Note: On Wednesdays and during special Jubilee events, this tour does not include a view of the outside of St. Peter’s Basilica due to closures. The Sistine Chapel is a place of worship, so visitors are not allowed to speak inside the chapel. Your guide will explain what you'll see in advance.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can enter sites on time.
Your 7-hour tour includes:
Expert English-speaking guide
Skip-the-line entry and guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
View of the outside of St. Peter’s Basilica
Comfortable, air-conditioned transportation between the Vatican and Rome’s city center
Guided walking tour of Piazza Navona, outside of the Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain
Skip-the-line entry and guided tour of the Colosseum 1st and 2nd tier
Guided tour of the Roman Forum
Maximum group size of 20
What to bring:
Government-issued ID
Comfortable shoes
Water bottle
Sunscreen (in summer)
Covering for knees and shoulders
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Customer Reviews
Our tour guide was Monica who brought us around on 9 Dec 2025. She is very knowledgeable, has so much energy and really enjoys what she does. It was a pity the tour did not include a visit inside Pantheon but I understood why because of how much we needed to pack into 7 hours. Bring a cap and put on sunscreen even in winter in Dec because the sun can still be too much to bear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
Government-issued ID for entrance to the Colosseum. Bring a water bottle, sunscreen in the summer months, and some coins for making wishes in the Trevi Fountain. Since this is a walking tour that includes a visit to the Colosseum and Roman Forum (archeological sites with uneven terrain), please also wear comfortable shoes. Please be prepared to cover your knees and shoulders in places of worship such as the Sistine Chapel.
What to bring?
Government-issued ID for entrance to the Colosseum. Bring a water bottle, sunscreen in the summer months, and some coins for making wishes in the Trevi Fountain. Since this is a walking tour that includes a visit to the Colosseum and Roman Forum (archeological sites with uneven terrain), please also wear comfortable shoes. Please be prepared to cover your knees and shoulders in places of worship such as the Sistine Chapel.
Is lunch included in the price of the tour?
Lunch is not included, but you'll have free time to grab a bite and rest assured that your guide will point out several good places to eat in the Trevi Fountain area.
Do tours always follow this exact itinerary?
Not necessarily. Guided tours of major attractions are dependent on ticket assignments. Most of our Rome in a Day Tours start at the Vatican, but you might enter the Colosseum before or after the Roman Forum.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
If you have any doubts about your mobility, you might prefer a more comfortable Private Rome in a Day Tour. Private tours offer more flexibility and the ability to accommodate your personal needs especially on heavy walking tours that include sets of stairs and extremely uneven terrain.
How comprehensive are the Colosseum and Vatican sections of this tour?
In the spirit of seeing as much of Rome as possible, the Colosseum and Vatican sections of this tour are a little shorter than some tours. But don't worry, you'll see all the most important things at each location!
Does this tour include pickup at my hotel?
This tour does not offer pickup at any hotels. You'll meet your guide at the meeting point listed on your confirmation voucher.
What happens if it rains?
We run our tours rain or shine. If rainfall is extremely heavy, the Colosseum management sometimes closes the certain areas for safety reasons.
Where does this tour end?
The tour usually begins at the Vatican Museums, so it ends at either the Colosseum or the Roman Forum. The order is dependent on the entry times provided by Colosseum management.
Does this tour go to the Arena Floor?
No, on this tour, you'll visit the first and second floors of the Colosseum. You can also book a Colosseum Arena Floor tour if you want to experience that opportunity!
Is there a dress code to enter the religious sites on this tour?
We ask both men and women to cover knees and shoulders, otherwise the Vatican might refuse entry to religious sites and you’ll miss out on a portion of your tour. We understand the summers in Rome can be hot, so a great alternative is to bring a shawl/scarf/sweater with you. That way you can cover your knees and shoulders when necessary.
Is photography allowed in the Sistine Chapel?
No, the Vatican requests that no photos or videos be taken inside the Sistine Chapel.
Does this tour include St. Peter's Basilica entry?
No, this tour does not include entry to St. Peter's Basilica due to the timing of the tour. Your guide will still offer an explanation and let you know how you can visit on your own. Entrance to the Basilica is free! Please note that on Wednesdays and during special Jubilee events this tour does not include a view of the outside of St. Peter's Basilica, due to the closure of the Scala Regia.
Will my tour time change?
Yes, the start time of your tour is likely to change. Please keep your day open. Your final start time will be sent 5 days before the date of your tour.
Can I cancel if my schedule changes?
No. Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum and Vatican Museums is a non-refundable tour.
Can I bring luggage with me on this tour?
It will not be possible to bring your luggage on this tour as the Vatican museums and Colosseum only allow small backpacks inside and will not permit anything bigger. The transfer during this tour is also used only once and no personal items are allowed to be left behind. You will need to arrange alternative options to store your luggage as unfortunately on this tour it will not be possible to bring them.
What is the cancellation policy for this tour?
Following terms and conditions for the Vatican and the Colosseum, this tour has a 72 hour cancellation policy.
