Private Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum & Vatican Museums

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 8-hour, full-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

• 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 make this private tour in Rome even easier, you'll be driven around Rome in luxury, climate-controlled vehicle. While a hotel pickup is not included, we can arrange a private transfer in the morning for an additional fee. Otherwise, meet your guide at the designated Vatican meeting spot (Caffè Vaticano on Viale Vaticano, 100). Then, after driving and walking around the iconic sites of Rome, you'll be dropped off at your city center hotel. Not sure if you're staying in central Rome? Contact our Travel Experts by email or online chat to find out if your hotel is located within the drop off area.

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. Once inside, admire 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 stepping inside the Pantheon, 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.

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.

After your ancient Rome tour, your driver will be ready to take you back to your central Rome hotel for a well-earned rest!