Best of Rome: Vatican & Colosseum Guided Tour

Vatican City , Italy

Best of Rome: Vatican & Colosseum Guided Tour

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(43 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

Embark on an exclusive adventure at the Vatican with your expert guide, skipping the lines to dive into the Vatican Museums' magnificent art collection. Marvel at ancient Greek and Roman sculptures, Renaissance masterpieces, the Raphael Rooms, and the iconic Sistine Chapel. Your guide will bring Michelangelo's genius to life, dispelling myths and unveiling fascinating facts.

Enjoy free time to explore the Vatican Museums or take advantage of fast-track entry to St. Peter’s Basilica for a self-guided tour. After lunch, independently make your way to the iconic Colosseum. With exclusive entrance, step through the Gladiator's Gate onto the Arena floor where history's fiercest battles unfolded. Your guide will vividly recount the infamous gladiator games as you stand on the arena floor and peer down into the intricate underground tunnels.

Delve into ancient Rome at the Roman Forum uncovering the legendary roots of Rome and tales of emperors and gods.

Available options

8:00am

08:00am

What's included

Pre-reserved tickets to the Vatican Museums, Colosseum & Roman Forum

Fully guided tour, broken into two segments

Guaranteed Entry Time at the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill (face value €18 per person)

Exclusive access onto the Arena Floor

Please note: Colosseum fees as above. The remaining cost of the experience covers other services.

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Vast museums inside the Vatican City which house many thousands of ancient works of art and sculpture. The most important museum complex in the world!

Stop 2

Simply the most colourful room in the world! Michelangelo's ceiling will deeply impress all who enter.

Stop 3

Enter the Icon of Rome and understand what it really meant to kill or be killed as a gladiator in ancient Rome.

Stop 4

The heart and soul of ancient Rome.

What's not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Gratuities

Personal extras

Transportation from the Vatican to the Colosseum

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.3

16 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

27 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Vatican dress code requires that knees and shoulders must be covered.

Max group size: 20

The ground in the Roman Forum is composed of large stone or dirt pathways that can be difficult to navigate with strollers or wheelchairs

Wear comfortable shoes for walking and a hat, sunblock and bring some water during summer months

Each traveler must present a valid passport or ID document that matches the name provided at the time of booking for successful entry to the Colosseum and Roman Forum.

Please note: This description is provided as a general example. Actual experiences may vary slightly depending on the season, local conditions, and other factors beyond our control

Access to St. Peter's Basilica is not possible on Wednesday morning during the weekly papal audience.

Please note that essential travel documents and final itinerary details might be delivered electronically closer to the activity date.

Meeting point

Remember, this is a two part tour.
Meeting point 1: 7:45 AM at Via Sebastiano Veniero 19

Meeting point 2: 3:15pm (1:15 November - March)
Arch of Constantine in Piazza del Colosseo. There will be a representative holding an ItaliaTours sign to greet you. ID is required

Important notes

Thank you for booking with ItaliaTours!

**2-PART TOUR**

MORNING MEETING POINT:
Via Sebastiano Veniero 19
Please arrive at 7:45 AM in Via Sebastiano Veniero 19, just a few steps away from the Vatican Museums entrance. The meeting point is inside our lounge (ItaliaPass-ItaliaTours).
Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/ZtNY3GCYFy8zbCN29

AFTERNOON MEETING POINT:
Meet 15 minutes before the start of the tour at the arch of Constantine, which is situated next to the Colosseum in Piazza del Colosseo. There will be a representative holding an ItaliaTours sign to greet you. No refunds will be given for late arrivals or failure to show. An official form of ID will be required to enter the Colosseum.
Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/ubcMRLUFYzz8Piyy5.

CROWDING/PARTIAL CLOSINGS: Excessive crowding is to be expected at the Colosseum and Roman Forum during peak season, especially on days surrounding national and/or religious holidays, often leading to increased wait times to pass through security checks despite our Tour Operator priority access reservations.

LARGE BAGS / WEAPONS/ LUGGAGE will not be allowed inside the monuments. There is no baggage storage area at the Colosseum.

Need Help?
Call/Text/WhatsApp: +1 833-482-5421
Email: info@italiatours.com

About Vatican City

Vatican City, the world's smallest independent state, is the spiritual and administrative headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. Nestled within Rome, Italy, it's home to iconic landmarks like St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums, which house some of the world's most renowned art collections, including the Sistine Chapel.

Top Attractions

St. Peter's Basilica

St. Peter's Basilica is one of the most renowned churches in the world and a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. It is a significant pilgrimage site and a must-visit for its stunning interior, including Michelangelo's Pietà and the dome offering panoramic views of Rome.

Religious/Architecture 1-2 hours Free entry (€8 for dome climb)

Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums house an extensive collection of art and artifacts amassed by the Catholic Church over the centuries. Highlights include the Sistine Chapel, the Raphael Rooms, and the Gallery of Maps. It's a treasure trove for art lovers and history enthusiasts.

Museum/Art 3-4 hours €17 (includes entry to St. Peter's Basilica)

Castel Sant'Angelo

Originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, Castel Sant'Angelo is now a museum and fortress. It offers fascinating exhibits and panoramic views of Rome from its terrace. The passage leading to the Vatican, known as the Passetto di Borgo, is a historical highlight.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours €15

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cacio e Pepe

A classic Roman dish made with pecorino cheese and black pepper, creating a creamy and flavorful sauce.

Pasta Vegetarian

Supplì

Fried rice balls filled with tomato sauce and mozzarella, similar to Sicilian arancini.

Appetizer Vegetarian (some versions contain meat)

Tiramisu

A popular Italian dessert made with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cheese.

Dessert Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in nearby parks Biking tours Strolling through historic neighborhoods Visiting parks and gardens Museum visits Art tours Historical site exploration Boat tours on the Tiber River

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

The best time to visit is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the tourist crowds are manageable. These months offer the best conditions for sightseeing and exploring the city's outdoor attractions.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian, Latin
Widely spoken: English, French, Spanish
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Vatican City is generally safe, with a strong police presence and low crime rates. However, petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas, so it's important to stay vigilant.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services.

Getting there

By air

Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport • 30 km from Vatican City

By train

Roma San Pietro Station

By bus

Roma Termini Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system in Rome is efficient and connects to Vatican City via the Ottaviano Station, which is a short walk from St. Peter's Basilica.

Taxis

Available • Apps: FreeNow, MyTaxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Borgo Prati

Day trips

Rome

0 km (Vatican City is an enclave within Rome) • Full day or more

Rome, the capital of Italy, is a treasure trove of ancient history, art, and culture. It offers iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Trevi Fountain, as well as world-class museums and vibrant neighborhoods.

Ostia Antica

30 km from Vatican City • Half day

Ostia Antica is an ancient Roman port city that offers a fascinating glimpse into Roman life. The well-preserved ruins include homes, shops, and public buildings, providing a unique historical experience.

Festivals

Easter Celebrations • March or April (dates vary) Christmas Celebrations • December 24-25

Pro tips

Book tickets for major attractions like the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica in advance to skip the lines.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites to show respect and avoid being turned away.
Use public transportation or walk to get around Vatican City and Rome, as driving can be challenging and parking is limited.
Learn a few basic Italian phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.