Your Best of Rome and the Vatican tour begins as you enter the Roman Forum. Learn about Julius Caesar, Augustus, and Mark Antony while your expert archaeologist guide explains their role in the rise to power and collapse of Rome, the Caput Mundi.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 4.5 hours
- Starting time 10:45 AM
- Skip the ticket line
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English
- Audio guide/headphones
- English
Experience
Highlights
- Explore the top sites of ancient Rome and take in the splendor of Vatican City
- Marvel at the iconic Colosseum as you learn about its history
- Tour the major galleries and admire the art in the Vatican Museums
Full description
Meet your guide at Trajan's Column, a 126 foot marble pillar that was built by Trajan in 113 AD in order to commemorate his victories in the Dacian wars. Just a few steps away, the Colosseum awaits. Enjoy privileged skip the line access for tour operators only through the Gladiator’s Gate. Once inside, you will be able to walk across the arena floor while marveling at the 360-degree view of the Icon of Rome. Hear about the making of a gladiator and what the games meant to the Romans. After exploring the various levels and views, your guide will leave you to explore further on your own should you wish.
After a break for lunch, reconvene in the afternoon at the meeting point near the Vatican Museums. Then, walk past the queues straight into the Vatican Museums and see all the major works of art by masters such as Perugino, Giotto, Raphael, and of course Michelangelo. Time inside the magnificent Sistine Chapel is the absolute highlight.
On St. Peter's Square your guide will relate the origins of the Vatican City State and Swiss Guard. At the end of the tour you will be free to enjoy skip the line access to the Basilica of St. Peter and see Michelangelo's beautiful Pietà, Dome, and Bernini's Baldacchino.
Includes
- 2 comprehensive tours: Ancient Rome and Vatican City
- All admission tickets with VIP priority access to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Vatican Museums
- Refreshments
- Transfers to the meeting points
Not suitable for
- Wheelchair users
COVID-19 precautions
Safety measures in place
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Traveler requirements
- Customers are required to bring and wear masks
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Meeting point
10:30 AM: meet beneath Trajan's Column. It stands 50 meters from Piazza Venezia, on the left-hand side as you face the white "wedding cake" building. Your guide will be holding a sign and/or red umbrella. 2:45 PM: Meet at Via Sebastiano Veniero 19.
Open in Google Maps ⟶Important information
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
Not allowed
- Shorts
- Luggage or large bags
- Short skirts
- Sleeveless shirts
Know before you go
- In the summer, be sure to carry water and wear comfortable shoes or sandals
- There is a dress code inside the Sistine Chapel (Vatican Museums) as follows: Inside Vatican City men and women must have their knees and shoulders covered
- The cost of a taxi to the Vatican meeting point from the city center is approximately €8 to €10 and the journey time is 15 minutes
- Please note, this tour is not wheelchair accessible
