Skip-the-Line Pantheon Express Guided Tour in Rome
In one hour, visit the Pantheon and marvel at Michelangelo’s Christ the Redeemer statue
Visiting the Pantheon is no longer simple now that tickets are required, and securing them can be a hassle. Our expertly guided tour guarantees your entry and takes you on a journey through the Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva, the ruins of the Basilica of Neptune, and the Pantheon itself. With a friendly guide sharing fascinating insights at each stop, this tour is the easiest way to explore Rome’s rich history and awe-inspiring architecture.
- Meet your friendly guide at Piazza della Minerva
- Santa Maria sopra Minerva
- Michelangelo's Christ the Redeemer
- Basilica of Neptune
- Pantheon
- Your tour will end after the guided visit
Start your express Pantheon tour in the enchanting Piazza della Minerva, where your guide will greet you beneath the iconic obelisk carried by an elephant, a whimsical creation by Bernini. Before heading to the Pantheon, enjoy a brief visit to the Basilica di Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, a stunning Gothic church often overlooked by visitors, featuring remarkable frescoes and sculptures. Finally, it's time to skip the line into the Pantheon, where your tour guide will explain its history and symbolic designs. Your tour will finish after exiting the Pantheon!
Skip-the-Line Pantheon Express Tour Description
Your 1-hour tour includes:
Knowledgeable and engaging, professional guide
Santa Maria sopra Minerva
Michelangelo's Christ the Redeemer
Basilica of Neptune (exterior)
Exclusive skip-the-line access to the Pantheon
Detailed exploration of the interior
Insights into the Pantheon's history and architecture
Small group size of 15
Please keep in mind that the Pantheon is a church, and it is not possible to enter with bare shoulders or inappropriate clothing. Therefore, we kindly ask both men and women to dress appropriately and avoid bare shoulders and knees. Otherwise, entry may be refused.
Rome’s Only Gothic Church
Your journey begins in the historic Piazza della Minerva, a quiet square steeped in charm and history. Spend time beneath Bernini's elephant obelisk before stepping into the Basilica di Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, one of Rome’s few Gothic churches, adorned with stunning frescoes and hidden artistic treasures waiting to be discovered. Inside, you’ll uncover masterpieces like Michelangelo’s Christ the Redeemer, the vibrant ceiling that predates Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescoes, and a moving funeral monument by Bernini.
Pause at the Basilica of Neptune
Next, make a quick stop at the ruins of the Basilica of Neptune, a reminder of Rome’s pagan past. Here, your guide will share stories of its historical role and how the city’s religious landscape transitioned from pagan temples to Christian landmarks over the centuries.
Skip the Line to Enter the Pantheon
Next, walk to Piazza della Rotonda and bypass the crowds with skip-the-line access to the Pantheon. Step inside this architectural masterpiece and marvel at its grandeur. Your guide will lead you through its most famous features, beginning with the massive dome, an ancient engineering wonder that still fascinates visitors today.
Discover the Oculus and Tombs
Gaze up at the oculus, the open centerpiece of the dome, which floods the Pantheon with natural light and serves as a connection between the temple and the heavens. Learn about the significance of the tombs housed within, including those of Renaissance artist Raphael and Italian monarchs, and the stories they hold.
Admire the Pantheon’s Decorations and Columns
Take in the intricate details of the Pantheon’s decorations and massive columns, each a testament to the artistic and architectural brilliance of ancient Rome. From the rich textures of the marble to the symbolic carvings, your guide will uncover the layers of history embedded in every corner.
End in Front of the Pantheon
Conclude your tour outside the Pantheon, where you can admire its imposing exterior and reflect on its legacy. Whether you choose to linger in the vibrant Piazza della Rotonda or continue your exploration of Rome, this tour provides the perfect blend of efficiency and depth for discovering one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
What you get with this tour

See what people are saying
69 total reviews
Leave a reviewWorst tour I have ever experienced
Greg Craft
We travel a lot and have taken many tours in many different places, but this tour was by far the worst tour we have ever been on. I think the real problem started with the fact that our tour guide was not with The Roman guy tour group. It looked as though we were handed over to join a different tour group and we did not get off to a great start. It was very hard to find where to check in because we were looking for the Roman guy tours and this one went by a different name. We actually had to text and make phone calls to be able to figure out where to meet up with our tour guide. When we finally did meet our tour guide, we were greeted by a very grumpy person who clearly hated tourists. We began our tour by her letting us know how much she disliked all the tourists. Kind of funny don’t you think? She was in a very bad mood and before our tour even started, we knew that she was in menopause, this was her third tour of the day, we watched her mouth off to a tourist who walked by and accidentally bumped into her, we knew she had a boyfriend and did not get into the doctorate program she wanted to complete her doctorate so she probably would not be completing it at all. All of this is information that we really did not need to know about her. Our tour was supposed to begin at 6 o’clock, but she did not like how long the line was, despite the fact that the name of our tour was called the Skip the line tour. Instead, she decided to stand outside the pantheon to wait for the line to go down. At 6:18 we finally got to the end of the line to wait our turn to get in. When we finally got in around 6:30, our tour was rushed because the pantheon was closing at seven. She never walked us around inside the pantheon, instead she stood in the middle and pointed to things from a distance. And to top things off, she took us around to the side of the pantheon to show us another church. When we walked inside to look at it, she left and never collected our radios from us. We were very disappointed in the entire experience. During this trip, we took three tours (2 in Rome & 1 in Barcelona) with this tour group. The other two tours (which were private tours) were exceptional, but this one was beyond terrible. If I could give it zero stars I would.
Amanda Shaffer
Very informative
James Beaty
It is very important to have a knowledgeable guide to get the most out of your visit. Francesca was informative and passionate. 5 star tour
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
The Pantheon is a church, and it is not possible to enter with bare shoulders or inappropriate clothing. Therefore, we kindly ask all visitors to dress appropriately and avoid bare shoulders and knees. Otherwise, entry may be refused. In addition to that, it's always smart to wear comfortable shoes since you'll be on your feet for most of the tour. A good camera and a water bottle are also recommended.
What to bring?
The Pantheon is a church, and it is not possible to enter with bare shoulders or inappropriate clothing. Therefore, we kindly ask all visitors to dress appropriately and avoid bare shoulders and knees. Otherwise, entry may be refused. In addition to that, it's always smart to wear comfortable shoes since you'll be on your feet for most of the tour. A good camera and a water bottle are also recommended.
Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?
This tour is operated by one of our trusted and vetted partners in Rome.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
The Pantheon is wheelchair accessible; however, the cobbled streets outside the entry can prove to be tricky. If you have any doubts about your mobility, please let us know beforehand so we can best cater to your needs.
What happens if it rains?
We run our Rome tours rain or shine. If the weather is extremely bad and the Pantheon is closed, we'll inform you as soon as possible.
Is there any chance my tour might be canceled?
On the rare occasion the tour is canceled, we'll inform you as soon as possible. We will work with you to reschedule your tour when possible or provide a full refund.
Is there a dress code to enter the Pantheon?
Yes, visitors to the Pantheon are required to wear clothing that covers their shoulders and trousers or skirts that are longer than mid-thigh.
Does the Pantheon ever experience sudden closures?
During adverse weather events or due to maintenance or safety reasons, the Pantheon may be closed unexpectedly and without much notice. If this happens, we will immediately inform you.
Is lunch or dinner included in the price of the tour?
No, but our knowledgeable guides will happily point out excellent places to eat after your tour.
Are drinks included in the price of the tour?
No, but our knowledgeable guides will happily point out excellent places to grab a drink after your tour.
Can I bring my kids, and do I have to pay for them?
All ages are welcome on our Pantheon tour. Infants under the age of 2 are free, while the rate for anyone 2 and over remains the same.
Does this tour include hotel pickup?
No, hotel pickup is not included on this tour. You'll meet your guide at the designated meeting point.
Where does this tour end?
This tour ends at the Pantheon.