Full-Day: Colosseum, Vatican Museums & St Peter's Guided Tour

Rome , Italy

Full-Day: Colosseum, Vatican Museums & St Peter's Guided Tour

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(1140 reviews)

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Experience Rome's top attractions—the Vatican and the Colosseum—on this full-day guided tour. With an expert guide, enjoy exclusive, reserved entry to the Vatican Museums and explore its magnificent artistic treasures, including Michelangelo’s extraordinary frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. After some free time for lunch (at your own expense), continue to the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Take a guided tour of the stunning amphitheater and explore the evocative ruins of the Forum.

Available options

Full Day Colosseum & Vatican

Visit the Colosseum in the morning and the Vatican Museums in the afternoon.

What's included

Guided Tours of Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Vatican Museums, St Peter's Basilica

Professional English-speaking guide

Colosseum entrance ticket (valued at €18 per person)

Colosseum reservation fee (valued at €2 per person)

Note: Colosseum fees are as above. The remaining cost of the experience covers other services

Audio headset so you can always hear your guide at the Colosseum & Vatican

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Meet your English speaking expert guide for a tour of the historical heart of Ancient Rome. Dominating the center of the Eternal City, this ancient arena puts modern stadiums to shame.
As you stroll through the vast walls of the Colosseum your guide will recount the gruesome spectacles, battles, and politics that played out here.

Stop 2

The heart of the Roman Republic that inspired many modern democracies. The Roman Forum was once home to a bustling marketplace and was viewed as the pinnacle of the city.

Stop 3

Then your tour continues to the Palatine Hill, where Rome originated in a battle between two brothers. You’ll be taken from the origin of ancient Rome to its hub. In the continued company of our expert guides, you'll traverse the slopes of Palatine Hill, listening to tales of myth and history that echo through the ages.

No other tour takes you so close to so much of the history, significance, and fabulous riches of Rome.

Stop 4

After your Vatican tour, enjoy some free time to sample authentic Italian cuisine (at your own expense) before crossing the border from Vatican City back into Rome for the second part of your tour.

Stop 5

With your friendly guide, enter the ornate Vatican Museums through an exclusive partner entrance. Unlike the more than 200 tour operators offering standard entry, we provide you with special access through this Partner Entrance. This allows you to start your visit promptly, saving up to four hours during peak season and giving you more time to explore the beauty of the Museums.

Stop 6

Once inside, you and your small group will enjoy all the highlights of the Vatican with an expert guide by your side. The tour takes in a treasure trove of artistic wonders, from masterworks such as Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescos and La Pietà in St. Peter’s Basilica to the precious relics, paintings, and tapestries adorning the museums’ gilded galleries. Throughout the tour, your expert, English-speaking guide will share fascinating insights only a local could know.

Stop 7

After your Sistine Chapel visit, continue with your guide to St Peter’s Basilica to explore the symbolic heart of the Catholic church. Learn about its history and see more Vatican art including Michelangelo’s La Pietà, which was sculpted when the maestro was only 24 years old. Gaze at the baldachino by Bernini, and then say goodbye to your guide in St Peter’s Square.

Keep in mind that St Peter's Basilica and St Peter's Square might be unavailable on Wednesdays due to the weekly Papal Audience. As an alternative, you'll be offered an extended itinerary within the Vatican Museums.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Transfers between the two tours

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.4

841 reviews

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566

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Tripadvisor 4.6

299 reviews

5★

223

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Please note: All participant names are required at the time of booking in order to enter the Colosseum & St Peter's Basilica. If we do not receive the full customers names, we will cancel the booking. Name changes are not permitted once the booking is confirmed.

Failure to present a voucher with all travelers' full names at the ticket office prior to entry may result in denied entry to the Colosseum and Roman Forum & St Peter's Basilica

Please note there will be approximately 2 hours free time between the two tours: You have to make your own way from your morning tour to the afternoon tour. There is plenty of time to travel either by taxi or metro.

Meeting point

Colosseum Tour AM- meet at Largo Gaetana Agnesi, above the 2nd floor of the metro line B (blue line) stop "Colosseo".

Vatican Tour PM- meet at Via Tunisi, 4 - 00192 Roma. At the bottom of the steps across the street from the Entrance of Vatican Museums.

*More info under the 'Before you go' section

Important notes

Your morning tour is at the Colosseum.
Your Vatican tour starts at 2:30pm

• Please ensure to be at the meeting point 15 minutes before each part of the tour.
• Our City Wonders representatives will be wearing blue City Wonders polo shirts/jackets to be easily recognizable at the meeting point.

Colosseum tour: Meet at Largo Gaetana Agnesi, above the 2nd floor of the metro line B (blue line) stop "Colosseo".

Vatican tour: Meet at the bottom of the steps across the street from the Entrance of the Vatican Museums. The steps are located right next to Caffè Vaticano on the corner of Viale Vaticano and Via Tunisi. The closest Metro stop is Line A (Ottaviano – Musei Vaticani).

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• Every customer on this tour is required to present a valid government issued ID or Passport at the Colosseum & St Peter's Basilica, that matches their name on the reservation, or entry will be refused. Name changes are not permitted once the booking is confirmed

• Only small bags are allowed
• At the Vatican, appropriate dress is required for entry into some sites. Knees, shoulders, and backs must be covered

• Some of the venues or parts of the venue may be subject to last-minute, unpredictable closures. When this occurs, we are happy to offer customers an extended tour in keeping with the advertised total length of the tour.

• You may experience delays in clearing security checks when entering the venue
• Gratuities for your guides that provided excellent service are appreciated!

About Rome

Rome, the capital of Italy, is a city of ancient ruins, artistic masterpieces, and vibrant culture. Known as the Eternal City, it is a living museum where every corner tells a story of its rich history spanning over 2,500 years.

Top Attractions

Colosseum

The Colosseum is an iconic symbol of Rome and one of the most famous ancient amphitheaters in the world. It was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles.

Historical 1-2 hours €16 (combined ticket with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill)

Vatican City

Vatican City is an independent city-state enclaved within Rome. It is the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church.

Religious Half day €17 (Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel), Free (St. Peter's Basilica)

Roman Forum

The Roman Forum was the political, commercial, and legal hub of the Roman Republic and Empire. It is a sprawling ruin of temples, basilicas, and arches.

Historical 1-2 hours €16 (combined ticket with Colosseum and Palatine Hill)

Pantheon

The Pantheon is a former Roman temple, now a church, known for its large dome and oculus. It is one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in Rome.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is a Baroque masterpiece and the largest fountain in Rome. It is a popular spot for visitors to throw coins and make wishes.

Architecture 15-30 minutes Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cacio e Pepe

A simple yet delicious pasta dish made with Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper.

Pasta Vegetarian

Carbonara

A rich pasta dish made with eggs, Pecorino Romano, guanciale (cured pork cheek), and black pepper.

Pasta Contains pork and eggs

Supplì

Fried rice balls filled with mozzarella and tomato sauce.

Snack Vegetarian (some variations may contain meat)

Carciofi alla Romana

Artichokes braised with garlic, mint, and olive oil.

Vegetable Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Appian Way Regional Park Biking along the Tiber River Rock climbing in the nearby mountains Picnicking in Villa Borghese Gardens Boating on Lake Albano Enjoying a spa day at a luxury hotel Visiting the Vatican Museums Attending an opera at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer peak. Ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: English, Spanish, French
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Rome is generally safe for tourists, but pickpocketing and scams can be a problem in crowded areas. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use official taxis or ride-sharing services
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or bracelets

Getting there

By air

Leonardo da Vinci International Airport • 35 km from city center
Ciampino Airport • 15 km from city center

By train

Roma Termini, Roma Tiburtina

By bus

Tiburtina Bus Station, Roma Termini

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system is efficient and covers major tourist areas. It operates from 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Trastevere Monti Prancipio Testaccio

Day trips

Ostia Antica

30 km from Rome • Half day

An ancient Roman port city with well-preserved ruins, including a theater, baths, and mosaics. It offers a glimpse into daily life in ancient Rome.

Tivoli

30 km from Rome • Full day

A picturesque town known for its stunning villas and gardens, including the famous Villa d'Este with its elaborate fountains and gardens.

Orvieto

120 km from Rome • Full day

A charming hilltop town known for its stunning cathedral, underground caves, and local wine. It offers a mix of history, culture, and scenic views.

Festivals

Natale di Roma • April 21 Festa de' Noantri • July Rome Film Festival • October

Pro tips

Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Use public transport or walk instead of taking taxis to save money and experience the city like a local
Try local specialties and ask for recommendations from locals and restaurant staff
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and be respectful of local customs and traditions
Be aware of pickpockets and scams, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots