Private Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum & Vatican Museums
See the best of Rome your way with a private guide at the Sistine Chapel, Trevi Fountain, and more!
Can you really see the highlights of Rome and the Vatican in just one day? With our expert Roman guides, anything is possible! This fully private Rome in a day tour makes it easy, with skip-the-line tickets, transportation, and a dedicated local guide to keep you informed, entertained, and on track to see all the city’s most iconic sites. Marvel at St. Peter’s Basilica, be amazed by the Colosseum, toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain, and so much more. It’s the ideal way to see Rome in a day!
- Full-day private tour of Rome
- Skip-the-line Vatican Museums
- Main Galleries
- Sistine Chapel
- St. Peter's Basilica
- Piazza Navona
- Pantheon
- Trevi Fountain
- Skip-the-line Colosseum tour
- Roman Forum
If you only have a short time in Rome but want to make sure you don't miss any of the bucket-list sites, then this private Rome in a Day tour was made for you! Your tour begins near the entrance to Vatican Museums, where you'll skip the line to begin your jam-packed one day tour of Rome and Vatican City. With private transport when needed and a dedicated local guide for the day, you'll breeze through the Rome's highlights hearing fascinating facts and stories along the way.
After seeing the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica, you'll travel into the center of Rome to explore hidden gems, stroll through charming backstreets, and see iconic sites like the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and the Pantheon. You'll also have some free time to enjoy a hearty Roman lunch (not included). Finally, your guide will lead you into ancient Rome for an epic private Colosseum tour and a visit to the Roman Forum—once the heart of Roman society.
This private Rome tour is perfect for groups, families, or anyone with mobility issues, since it can be tailored to your wants and needs for the day.
Private Rome in a Day Tour Description
Your 7-hour, full-day tour includes:
Skip-the-line tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
Entry to St. Peter's Basilica
Comfortable, air-conditioned transportation between the Vatican and city center
Guided walking tour to Piazza Navona, Pantheon (outside only), 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
Engaging, English-speaking private guide for the entire tour
Please note that exact the order of the itinerary may change, depending on time of year, site openings, and ticket availability.
Luxury Transportation Around Rome
To brgin your day, meet your guide at the designated Vatican meeting spot (Caffè Vaticano on Viale Vaticano, 100). Once completing your Vatican Museums tour, you'll be driven around Rome in luxury, air-conditoned vehicle.
Guided Vatican Museums Tour
After meeting your friendly private guide nearby, you'll 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 huge and 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 don't 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.
Experience Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel
Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel likely rivals the Colosseum as the focal point of this Rome in a day private tour. Until you stand beneath the chapel's frescoes, there’s no way to fully appreciate Michelangelo’s astonishing accomplishment.
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
St. Peter's Basilica is a monumental, ornate church filled with works by some of the most celebrated artists in history. Your guide will take you past the re-entry lines so you can quickly enter this monumental church that attracts millions of visitors each year. Before heading inside to explore on your own, you'll listen to your guide share about the history and construction. They will give tips for what to look such as the Baldacchino, La Pieta, the statue of St. Peter and much more. St. Peter's holds the rank of Major Basilica. Only four exist in the world and all four are located in Rome!
Please note: 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.
Free Time for Lunch
After you leave the Vatican, your private driver will be waiting to take you into central Rome for your city tour. You'll have some free time here to grab a delicious Roman lunch, usually near the Trevi Fountain where there's a good selection of eateries. Lunch isn't included, but your guide can point out some of the best places to eat, depending on your tastes.
Private Rome City Tour
A trip to 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 tour of the city's historic sites. While some central Rome sites can only be reached on foot, your driver will also be nearby if needed! You'll follow your guide to the beautiful Piazza Navona to see the Fountain of Four Rivers, before seeing the outside of the Pantheon (entry not included), Rome's iconic dome with an open oculus.
Finally, you'll head to the 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 Private Colosseum Tour
There are few more awe-inspiring places than the mighty Roman Colosseum, and there's no better way to explore than on a private tour! 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.
This product includes an entry ticket to the Colosseum + Arena, Forum and Palatine, for which our cost is 18 Euro per person.
The Roman Forum
If there is time after your visit to the Colosseum, your guide will escort you to the nearby Roman Forum. 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.
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.
What you get with this tour
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80 total reviews
Leave a reviewIncredible Private Tour!
Unverified Review
Such an incredible way to experience my first visit to Rome! Giovanni had an in depth and engaging knowledge of the city. He navigated us through the crowds swiftly and with ease. We experienced the highlights of Rome in an immersive way. I highly recommend booking this tour with Giovanni!
James Feragola
Excellent Private tour!!
James E Belton
Very knowledgeable, considerate, and personable! Highly recommended!!
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
Government-issued ID to enter the Colosseum. Bring a water bottle, sunscreen in the summer months, and some coins for making wishes in the Trevi Fountain. Since many sites on this tour can only be explored on foot and there will be some 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 there a dress code to enter the religious sites on this tour?
We ask both men and women to cover knees and shoulders, otherwise you might be refused entry to religious sites and 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.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
This private tour is your best bet if you have concerns about navigating the areas on this tour. Our private tours offer more flexibility in terms of pace and special accommodations.
How comprehensive are the Colosseum and Vatican portions of this tour?
In the spirit of seeing as much of Rome in one day as possible, the Colosseum and Vatican sections of this tour are abbreviated more than our dedicated Colosseum and Vatican tours. You'll still get to witness all the most important elements of these impressive attractions though.
Does this tour include hotel pickup?
This tour does not offer pickup at any hotels. You'll meet your guide at the meeting point listed on your confirmation voucher.
Is lunch included in the price of the tour?
Lunch isn't included, but you'll have a 1-hour break to find delicious food. We're happy to recommend one of our favorite spots, but your guide is sure to point you in the right direction too.
What to bring?
Government-issued ID to enter the Colosseum. Bring a water bottle, sunscreen in the summer months, and some coins for making wishes in the Trevi Fountain. Since many sites on this tour can only be explored on foot and there will be some 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 it possible to join a group tour instead?
Of course! If you're looking for something more affordable, our popular Small Group Rome in a Day Tour also covers Rome's highlights in just one day.
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. Private Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum & Vatican Museums is a non-refundable tour.
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