Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum and Vatican Museums
Explore the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and more!
Is it possible to explore the best of Rome in one day? Well, Rome wasn’t built in a day, but you can see the most iconic places in a day with our experienced local guides! In just 8 hours, you’ll be mesmerized by the Sistine Chapel, wowed at the Colosseum, and inspired at Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon—and much more. Your jam-packed day is stress free with skip-the-line tickets and transportation included, so you can just enjoy your guide's fascinating narrative of these iconic sites of Rome.
- See the best of Rome in a day
- Main Galleries
- Sistine Chapel
- St Peter’s Basilica
- Piazza Navona
- Pantheon
- Trevi Fountain
- Skip-the-line Colosseum tour
- Explore the 1st and 2nd tiers
- Roman Forum
See the best of Rome in just one day with the help of your local guide who knows exactly what to see and how to get there efficiently. You'll meet your guide between Hotel Alimandi and Caffé Vaticano, along with a small group of no more than 15 people. First up, you'll enter the Vatican with your skip-the-line tickets and see some of the most incredible art and statues in the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. Next, you'll get to see the awe-inspiring St. Peter's Basilica and learn about its history, the art, and the famous figures buried there. Then you'll hop in a climate-controlled van and head to downtown Rome for your walking tour.
Get to know the city of Rome and its history as your guide shares stories about the ancient buildings, squares, and monuments you'll pass. You'll go inside the Pantheon for an unforgettable view of this magnificent dome and oculus, wander through vibrant Piazza Navona, and stop at Trevi Fountain for pictures and free time for lunch (not included). After your break, you'll head to the crown jewels of Rome: the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Your tour will end either in the Colosseum or the Roman Forum, depending on your ticket time.
Rome in a Day Tour Description
Your 8-hour Rome in a day tour includes:
Skip-the-line tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica
Comfortable, climate-controlled transportation between the Vatican and city center
Guided walking tour to Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and more
Lunch break near Trevi Fountain (lunch not included)
Skip-the-line entry and guided tour of the Colosseum
Guided tour of the Roman Forum
Professional English-speaking guide for the entire tour
Maximum group size of 15
Please note that depending on the assigned entry time for the Colosseum, your tour might enter the Roman Forum first and end in the Colosseum.
Guided Vatican Museums Tour
After meeting your group nearby, you'll be able to skip the long general admission line and start exploring the impressive art collection at the Vatican Museums. Your guide will lead you on through the Vatican Museums, visiting the Candelabra Gallery, Gallery of the Tapestries, and Gallery of Maps. Admire the ancient Roman and Greek statues, the Flemish tapestries created by Raphael's students, and the gorgeous topographical depictions of Italy.
At the height of the Roman Empire, pontiffs rarely left Rome. In order to understand the Italian peninsula without endangering his life, Pope Gregory XIII commissioned 40 giant meticulous maps to be created for his use. Most of these maps measure more than 15 by 16 feet, and the end result is nothing short of spectacular.
You'll hear the stories behind these treasures from your expert guide as the Vatican secrets are slowly unveiled to you.
While you do not need to wait in the normal line, a shorter security line is still required for entrance. Short delays at the security check may occur during the busiest months of June and July.
Sistine Chapel
Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel likely rivals the Colosseum as the focal point of this Rome day tour. Until you stand beneath the chapel's frescoes, there’s no way to fully appreciate Michelangelo’s world-famous accomplishment. But you'll be wowed by the vision before you after your guide has helped you understand the details of its creation.
The Sistine Chapel is a place of worship, so speaking inside is prohibited. Your guide will explain the significance of Michelangelo’s artwork before entering.
Please note that to enter the Vatican's Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica, both men and women must cover their knees and shoulders. Otherwise, you may be refused entry to this portion of your Vatican tour. We understand the summers in Rome are hot, so a great idea is to bring a shawl/scarf/sweater with you. That way, you can cover your knees and shoulders when necessary.
St. Peter's Basilica
After you exit the Sistine Chapel, follow your guide directly to St. Peter's Basilica. They'll guide you past the re-entry lines so you can quickly enter this monumental church that attracts millions of visitors each year. Listen to your guide share the history of the construction of this basilica as you walk inside and see the grandeur, and look for Michelangelo's La Pietà, Bernini's Baldacchino, and much more inside this ornate church.
Please note that St. Peter's Basilica is closed on Wednesdays for the Papal Audience and can occasionally experience other unexpected closures. If this happens, your guide will make up the time at other areas within the Vatican.
Rome Walking Tour on Foot
A trip through Rome wouldn't be complete without seeing some of the most famous fountains and piazzas. After being driven into Rome's historic center, it's time to set off on a walking tour of the city's historic sites. You'll follow your guide to the beautiful Piazza Navona to see the Fountain of Four Rivers, before stepping inside the Pantheon, Rome's iconic dome with an open oculus.
Finally, head to the famous Trevi Fountain to see what is likely the world's most famous fountain. Remember to bring some coins to make a wish here! Your guide will make sure you know how to do it just right. Along the way, your super-knowledgeable local guide will show you some of Rome's hidden gems to help you get to know the city better. This is also a great chance to ask for restaurant recommendations and things to do with your evenings in Rome!
Skip-the-line Colosseum Tour
There are few more awe-inspiring places than the mighty Roman Colosseum. Originally known as the Flavian Amphitheater, you'll have skip-the-line access to avoid the crowds of tourists waiting to enter. Your expert guide will set the scene for what it felt like to attend the thrilling events that took place inside the arena from epic gladiator fights to public executions held in front of eager crowds of more than 60,000 Romans.
This tour takes you to the first and second tiers of the Colosseum—areas reserved for seating Rome’s most elite classes during the Colosseum’s gladiator games. As you look around and picture what life must have been like here, your guide will enlighten you with intriguing stories of some of the Colosseum’s most gruesome events.
The Roman Forum, Downtown Ancient Rome
The ancient Roman Forum is full of sprawling ruins that once served as the political and commercial hub of the powerful Roman Empire. This is where Rome’s most important decisions were made. Trace the footsteps of Julius Caesar and visit popular sites such as the Arch of Titus and Senate House, as your guide tells you about the daily life and seismic events that one happened here.
On this jam-packed tour, you won't do a deep exploration of these ruins, but your guide will make sure you see the highlights as they explain the most interesting details about life in the Forum. It's the best way to get to know what Roman life really was like for the rich and famous of Rome.
What you get with this tour
See what people are saying
502 total reviews
Leave a reviewFantastic day!
Julie Frattaroli
We spent an amazing day with Monica, so knowledgeable, funny, and like the friend in Rome you never knew you needed. Seven hours of learning about the history of Rome flew by! Well done, Monica!
Eugene Waldbauer
Katia Pullenayegam
Frequently Asked Questions
Where to meet?
Meet your guide between Hotel Alimandi and Caffé Vaticano at the top of the big staircase (Viale Vaticano, 100). You'll find our friendly welcome staff there holding The Tour Guy signs.
What to bring?
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.
Where to meet?
Meet your guide between Hotel Alimandi and Caffé Vaticano at the top of the big staircase (Viale Vaticano, 100). You'll find our friendly welcome staff there holding The Tour Guy signs.
What to bring?
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 Vatican tours. 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. If you're interested in a private transfer to the meeting point for an extra fee, reach out to us by email or give us a call at +1 888 290 5595.
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, since this is a little shorter tour to see as much of Rome as possible, 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 always include St. Peter's Basilica entry?
St. Peter's Basilica is always closed on Wednesday mornings for the weekly papal audience. If you book a tour on Wednesday, your guide will make up the time in other fascinating areas of the Vatican.
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