Premium Vatican & Colosseum Arena Floor Combo Tour

After a break for lunch, you’ll make your way to the Colosseum where your second expert guide will be waiting to meet you. Skip the line through a special entrance then experience the unique thrill of walking through the Gladiator’s Gate and onto the floor of the Arena. Afterwards, explore the first and second tiers then take a tour of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

Vatican and Colosseum Arena Floor Tour Description

Your 8.5-hour tour includes:

• Skip-the-line early entrance to the Vatican

• Guided tour the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica

• Free time for lunch in Rome

• Skip-the-line entrance to the Colosseum

• Exclusive access to the Arena Floor of the Colosseum

• First and second tier access at the Colosseum

• Guided tour of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

• Engaging English-speaking guides

• Maximum group size of 15

This Vatican and Colosseum tour is a combination of two popular tours. After enjoying lunch on your own, meet up with your group again to explore the Colosseum with a new guide. Booking a combo tour saves you money since you see more attractions at a lower price!

Pio Clementino Museum and Nero’s Bathtub

At the start of your tour, you'll follow your guide to the Bramante Courtyard, designed by Donato Bramante. This part of the Vatican Museums is home to the Apollo Belvedere, Laocoön and His Sons, and the Belvedere Torso. Visit three of the world’s most iconic statues: the Apollo Belvedere, Laocoön and His Sons, and the Belvedere Torso.

Learn about the myths and legends associated with these iconic sculptures before visiting the oldest and largest bathtub in existence. The 25-foot bathtub was created for Emperor Nero from the rarest red marble at the time. So rare, that none exists today!

Popular Vatican Galleries

Before the big crowds start to arrive, 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 so he could accurately understand his country better.

Most of these maps measure more than 15 by 16 feet, and the detail will fascinate you as you wander through this hall beneath a glittering gold ceiling. You'll hear the stories behind these treasures from your expert guide as the Vatican secrets are slowly unveiled to you.

Raphael Rooms and The School of Athens

Raphael is the epitome of a Renaissance artist. In the period of European civilization immediately following the Middle Ages, a great period of revival in art, literature, and thought occurred. Raphael became one of the most recognized artists of this era, though his life was short lived.

Pope Julius II commissioned Raphael to fresco multiple rooms inside of the Vatican Museums and you’ll see that art for yourself. Among other masterpieces, you'll stand beneath one of Raphael’s most famous works of art: The School of Athens.

Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel is the Vatican’s crowning jewel. It’s housed in a truly non-descript building from the outside that belies the stunning works of art found inside. Only when stand beneath it, is it clear why the Sistine Chapel is one of the most celebrated works of art in western civilization. Michelangelo painted more than 600 figures on the ceiling and in the Last Judgement (in addition to what other artists created), and the sheer magnitude of his endeavor is mind-blowing.

Since the Sistine Chapel is a place of worship, speaking inside is not allowed. Your guide cannot explain the frescoes while you are inside, so they'll provide you with a map/handout for reference before you enter.

To enter the Sistine Chapel, both men and women must cover their 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.

St. Peter's Basilica

A guided tour of the most famous basilica in Italy is up next. You’ll leave the Sistine Chapel through a door and passageway reserved only for certain group tours. This lets you bypass the lines into St. Peter’s and head right in.

As you enter this majestic space, you’ll see Michelangelo’s La Pietà—his Virgin Mary holding the body of her dead son. It’s a detailed work of art that’s not to be missed. Follow your guide as they point out important tombs, millions of mosaic tiles, details on the dome, and the eye-catching Baldacchino created by Bernini. It’s what stands watch over the tomb of St. Peter’s remains.

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.

Free Time for Lunch and on to the Colosseum

Your Vatican guide will wave goodbye and you’ll have some free time to sit and enjoy an authentic Roman lunch before making your way over to the Colosseum. There, your friendly Colosseum guide will meet you by the Colosseo metro stop, and you’ll skip the line to begin your arena experience.

Colosseum Arena Floor

Beat the crowds with special access to an area of the Colosseum that's not available to regular Colosseum ticket holders: the Arena Floor. You'll trace the footsteps of warriors who once entered through the imposing Gate of Death (or the Gladiator's Gate.)

Visit the opening to the reconstructed trap door and hear your guide describe the wild animals and warriors who once fought to entertain ancient Roman society. It's a unique chance to imagine the emotions that fighters must have felt so many years ago.

Roman Colosseum History

After the Arena Floor, your guide will lead you to the Colosseum's first and second levels. Here, you can see where emperors would sit and you’ll learn the rules of the gladiatorial games for both competitors and spectators. Learn why the ancient amphitheater was named the Colosseum, plus many more interesting facts. You'll spend an amazing 1.5 hours exploring the top attraction in Rome with your super-knowledgeable guide.

Guided Roman Forum Tour

Not far from the Colosseum sits the Roman Forum, and your guide will lead you through these ancient ruins on a guided walking tour. This archaeological site was once the location of downtown ancient Rome. You'll visit some of the most famous Roman Forum buildings including the Temple of Julius Caesar, Arch of Titus, the Roman Senate House, and more. Re-live ancient history as you walk down the same roads taken by famous Roman emperors and philosophers.

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.

Climb Palatine Hill

From the ancient downtown, your guide will lead you to a place we like to think of as the Beverly Hills of Ancient Rome. Climb the Palatine Hill and take in the views over Circus Maximus. You'll explore the 2,000-year-old palaces and learn stories of Rome's rich and famous.

Your tour ends here, right in the heart of ancient Rome. Don’t hesitate to ask your guide for restaurant recommendations!