Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum Arena Floor and Vatican Museums
Experience the top things to do in Rome
This tour includes the Vatican Museums, the Roman Colosseum with access to the Arena Floor, Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain & more. See Rome off the beaten path, the highlights and more on this full-day excursion.
Tour Details
- Skip the Line Tickets!
- Colosseum Arena Floor
- Gladiators, Emperors and Spectators
- Arch of Constantine
- Roman Forum
- Arch of Titus
- The Eternal Flame
- Julius Caesar's Temple
- Senate House
- Trevi Fountain
- Pantheon
- Piazza Navona
- Vatican Museums Tour
- Gallery of the Candelabra
- Gallery of the Tapestries
- Sistine Chapel Tour
- Michelangelo's Masterpieces
- St. Peter's Basilica *
- La Pietà by Michelangelo *
- "Baldacchino" by Bernini *
If you're only in the Eternal City for a few days, consider doing a Rome in a day tour that includes the Vatican Museums, Roman Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Hit all these bucket list destinations with a friendly and professional English-speaking guide, transportation and skip the line tickets included. This 7-hour full day tour includes:
- Professional, English-speaking guide for entire tour
- Comfortable, climate-controlled transfer to the Vatican
- Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica guided tour*
- Guided Colosseum Tour*
- Guided tour to Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and Piazza Navona*
*The order of the itinerary may change, depending on the time of year, site openings and ticket availability.
Colosseum Arena Floor Tour
Stand where gladiators and wild animals once fought. Your guide will go into detail about the highly competitive and gruesome games that were fought right where you are standing, on the newly reconstructed Colosseum Arena Floor. Then, look up to the stands and imagine what it must’ve felt like here when it was filled with up to 60,000 screaming spectators. Before moving onto the Roman Forum, see the first and second tiers.
The Streets of Downtown Ancient Rome
The area next to the Colosseum, the ancient Roman Forum, is full of sprawling ruins. However, back in the day, the Forum served as the political and commercial hub of the powerful Roman Empire. After skipping the line, breeze right on in and take a short walk through these important ruins and buildings.
Rome City Tour on Foot
After visiting the Colosseum, your tour continues with a Rome city tour of the most iconic piazzas, fountains and places in this awe-inspiring city. Stroll through the classic beautiful Piazza Navona, Pantheon and the famous Trevi Fountain. Plus, you’ll see plenty of Rome off the beaten path because you’re under the wing of a local guide.
Guided Vatican Museums Tour
After a break for lunch (lunch is not included in the price of the tour), we drive you directly to the Vatican in a private, luxury vehicle. After skipping the regular line*, visit the Gallery of the Candelabra, Gallery of the Tapestries, Gallery of the Maps on the way to the Sistine Chapel.
*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, June and July.
Sistine Chapel
Want to skip the line at the Vatican without having a guided tour? Click here for skip the line Vatican tickets.
Experience the wonders of the Sistine Chapel in person. Perhaps even beyond the Roman Colosseum, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel is the focal point of this Rome in a day tour. A visit to the Sistine Chapel is included with your skip the line Vatican tickets. Without actually standing beneath the Chapel's frescoes, there’s no way to fully appreciate Michelangelo’s world-famous accomplishment.
The Sistine Chapel is a place of worship, so speaking inside is prohibited. We provide you with a map/handout for reference before entering the chapel, while your guide explains the significance of Michelangelo’s artwork. Use the map when you are inside for orientation.
Please note: 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 - a great alternative is to bring a shawl/scarf/sweater with you. That way, you can cover your knees and shoulders when necessary.
The Palatial St. Peter’s Basilica
Except on Wednesday Mornings
Designed by Renaissance architects that include Bernini, Bramante and Michelangelo, St. Peter’s Basilica is the size of two American football fields and took 120 years to build. Skip the regular entrance and use a special door to continue your comprehensive tour of Rome. Among other things, see the statue of St. Peter's, La Pieta and of course the famed Baldacchino. Standing 95 feet tall, Bernini's Baldacchino sits right above the papal altar and beneath St. Peter's dome.
Remember, it isn’t possible to return to the Vatican Museums from St. Peter’s Basilica. If you want more time inside the museums, you must forgo the guided tour of the basilica. Also, if you’d like to stay in St. Peter's Basilica longer, don't leave with the guide to take photos in the piazza. Because the security line is long and re-entry on your own is not recommended, we suggest you stay inside St. Peter’s and explore on your own after the tour concludes.
What you get with this tour
See what people are saying
57 total reviews
Leave a reviewAverage customer rating
4.96 / 5 based on 57 total reviews
Rome and Vatican
The tour guide we had with us was extremely knowledgeable and friendly to all in the group. I actually attended the tour on my own however most people was in couples and all different age groups. So I’d be happy to say this tour is suitable for anyone. I learnt so much about the city I had always fantasied about going to one day (Rome) and really enjoyed the tour. Thank you RomanGuy.
Victor Rady
Amazing
Our tour guide was so knowledgeable. We asked so many questions and she had an answer for all of them. This tour concluded a 2 week vacation around the Adriatic and Mediterranean including Malta and Greece. This was by far the best out of the five tours we went on. If anyone is thinking of using this service. Just relax and take in the sights. Everything else is taken care of. Thank you so much for making our last day in Italy memorable.
Joshua Starkey
Ask for Carolina
Well organised and run tour. Our guide Carolina was the main reason that the tour was so informative and enjoyable. She was knowledgeable, warm, had a great sense of humour and was genuinely keen to share the city she loves with everyone. Bravo!!!
Albert B G Tay
Frequently Asked Questions
Where to meet?
Check your voucher after booking for the meeting point. Most tours start with the Colosseum and others start at the Vatican ending at the opposite monument.
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, an archeological site with uneven terrain, wear comfortable shoes.
Q: Is lunch included in the price of the tour?
A: It does not, but we're happy to recommend one of our favorite spots. Get in touch with one of our Travel Experts at [email protected] ahead of time or just ask your guide on the day of your tour!
Q: Does this tour include pick up at your hotel?
A: We do not pick you up at your hotel. You will meet your guide at the meeting point listed on your confirmation voucher. If you're interested in a private transfer to the meeting point, reach out to us by email or give us a call at +1 888 290 5595. (an extra fee applies).
Q: How comprehensive are the Colosseum and Vatican sections of this tour?
A: In the spirit of seeing as much of Rome as possible, the Colosseum and Vatican sections of this tour are abbreviated.
Q: I have some doubts about my mobility. Is this tour right for me?
A: If you have any doubts about your mobility, you're better off choosing one of our Private Vatican tours. Private tours offer more flexibility and the ability to accommodate your personal needs.
Q: Due tours always follow this exact itinerary?
A: Some tours start at the Vatican. Others at Colosseum. By rule of thumb, most tours that start at 7:30 begin at Vatican and all others at the Colosseum. Check your voucher after booking for exact meeting point location.
Q: Does this tour always visit every artwork listed?
Often artwork undergoes restorations or is loaned to another museum as an exhibit. Our itinerary will include the stop if it is open to be seen. If not, we will add a substitute.
Q: Does this tour always visit St. Peter's Basilica?
If you're visiting the Vatican Museums on a Wednesday morning, this tour will not visit St. Peter's Basilica due to Papal Audience. Instead, you will visit the Pio Clementino gallery.
You may also like
SKIP THE LINE
Colosseum Underground Tour with Roman Forum and Palatine ...
$128.91 as low as $109.57
Skip the Line
Skip the Line Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel & St. Pete...
$65.56 as low as $55.73
Skip the Line
Privileged Entrance Arena Floor Colosseum Tour with Roman...
$73.48 as low as $62.46
Skip the Line
Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel
$101.76 as low as $91.58
Skip the Line
Early Morning Vatican Gold Tour with Sistine Chapel
$101.76 as low as $81.41
Skip the Line
Vatican Highlights Tour with Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's...
$84.79 as low as $67.83
Skip the Line
Detailed Itinerary Vatican in a Day Tour with Sistine Chapel
$113.07 as low as $96.11
Skip the Line
Colosseum Underground plus Belvedere Top Levels Tour
$158.32 as low as $134.57
Transportation Included
Rome to Pompeii Day Trip with Stunning Sorrento
$192.26 as low as $148.04
Skip the Line
Rome Catacombs Tour With Capuchin Crypts
$79.13 as low as $71.22
Local Rome Food Tour in Trastevere Neighborhood
$94.97 as low as $84.52
SKIP THE LINE
Private Colosseum and Roman Forum Tour with Restricted Ac...
$66.69 + $237.51 base price
Skip the Line
Super Early Private Vatican Platinum Tour with Sistine Ch...
$101.76 + $434.36 base price
Skip the Line
Pre-Opening Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter...
$66.69 + $344.99 base price
Skip the Line
Colosseum Highlights Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
$58.77 as low as $49.95
Transportation Included
Pompeii & Sorrento: Day Trip from Rome
$101.76 + $1,201.32 base price
Transportation Included
Basilicas of Rome Private Driving Tour
$66.69 + $291.82 base price
SKIP THE LINE
VIP Colosseum at Night Tour with Underground and Arena Floor
$90.45 as low as $76.88
Rome Walking Tour with Pasta Making Class and Lunch
$73.48 as low as $55.11
Skip the Line
Private Detailed Itinerary Vatican in a Day Tour with Sis...
$113.07 + $452.46 base price
Skip the line
Flash Vatican & Sistine Chapel Tour
$56.51 as low as $48.03
Skip the Line
Skip the Line Flash Colosseum Tour
$50.85 as low as $43.22
Trastevere and Jewish Ghetto Private Rome Tour
$59.90 + $203.58 base price
Transportation Included
Private Rome City Driving Tour
$58.77 + $328.02 base price
Skip the Line
Private Vatican Highlights Tour with Sistine Chapel and S...
$84.79 + $188.87 base price
Dome Climb
Ultimate St. Peter's Basilica Dome Climb
$50.85 as low as $43.22
Private Rome in a Day E-Bike Tour
$67.82 + $180.95 base price
Skip the Line
Sistine Chapel, Vatican Gardens & Pope's Summer Home Day ...
$119.86
Rome in a Half Day with Electric Bikes
$67.82
Skip the Line
Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica ...
$59.90 + $281.63 base price
Skip the Line
Private Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum & Vatican Museums
$113.07 + $712.66 base price
Skip the Line
Private Family-Friendly Vatican and Sistine Chapel Tour
$79.13 + $339.33 base price
Cocktail bars in Rome: Evening Walking Tour
$71.21 + $162.85 base price
Skip the Line
Vatican Under the Stars Private Evening Tour with Sistine...
$59.90 + $197.92 base price
Skip the Line
Catacombs Private Tour in Rome
$71.21 + $281.63 base price
Transportation Included
Pompeii & Mt. Vesuvius Day Trip: From Rome
$113.07 + $1,307.71 base price
SKIP THE LINE
The Borghese Gallery "Story Tellers" Private Tour
$55.38 + $214.89 base price
Skip the Line
VIP Vatican Museums After-Hours Private Tour with Sistine...
$328.02 + $4,049.96 base price
Skip the Line
Private Family-Friendly Rome Colosseum & Roman Forum Tour
$79.13 + $328.02 base price
Transportation Included
Visit Umbria: Orvieto, Civita di Bagnoregio and Wine Tast...
$113.07 + $832.57 base price
Transportation Included
Civitavecchia Shore Excursion: Rome in a Day
$113.07 + $1,307.71 base price
Transportation Included
Rome to Amalfi Coast: Private Transfer with Pompeii Stop
$101.76 + $1,201.32 base price
Day Trip from Milan to Lake Como
$73.53 + $1,640.37 base price
PRIVATE HELICOPTER DAY TRIP
Luxury Helicopter Tuscan Wine Day from Rome
$848.47 + $7,862.47 base price
