Rome in a Day:Vatican, Sistine Chapel Colosseum & Historic Center

About this experience

This tour combines your must-do Rome experiences into one full day. Delve into the very essence of Roman history, culture, art, and architecture on this incredible walking tour, which introduces visitors to Rome’s best-known sights. Visit the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums, and the historic center of ancient Rome. Skip-the-line into the Museums and the Sistine Chapel, all in the company of an expert local guide.

What to expect

1. Stop 1 · 30min

   Take to the streets of Rome for a walking tour of the historic center with your guide. Soak up the atmosphere in Piazza Navona, as your guide unravels the story of Bernini's fountain.

2. Stop 2 · 30min

   This nearly 2,000-year-old building has the largest un-reinforced concrete dome in the world. Hear how it was built and why it has inspired so many other buildings, from St. Peter’s Basilica to the U.S. Capitol Building.

3. Stop 3 · 30min

   Stroll through streets made famous by films like “Roman Holiday”, stopping at the Trevi Fountain.

4. Stop 4 · 30min

   The guided walk of the historic city center takes you to see some of Rome's most impressive public sights.

5. Stop 5 · 1h

   Take a one-hour break for lunch (not included in price) with recommendations from your guide.

6. Stop 6 · 1h 45min

   Afterwards, follow your guide to the Colosseum and head past the crowds to enjoy a guided tour in small groups. Hear tales of gladiators and emperors as you learn what life was like in Rome 1,000 years ago during a 1-hour tour of one of the world's most iconic sites.

7. Stop 7

   Next, stroll to the Roman Forum to learn how it functioned as the beating heart of Rome’s all-encompassing empire. Instead of slogging through the crowds inside the Forum, your guide will lead you to a stunning overlook. If you selected the Best of Rome option when booking, your tour will end here.

8. Stop 8 · 2h

   Travel by private transfer to the Vatican Museums and skip the line to bypass long wait times. Enjoy a tour of the best of the Vatican Museums as you admire the Raphael Rooms, the Gallery of the Maps, ancient Greek and Roman sculptures. Enter the world-famous Sistine Chapel, one of the most acclaimed interiors of all time, almost entirely due to Michelangelo's incredible frescoed ceiling.

9. Stop 9

   Inside the peaceful, Pinecone Courtyard you'll pass a spectacular bronze globe. It was designed for the Vatican by well-known Italian artist Arnaldo Pomodoro and copies of it can now be found all over the world, including Dublin, Tel Aviv and New York City.

10. Stop 10 · 45min

    The day ends with the highlight of your tour, which is, of course, the Sistine Chapel with its incredible frescoes painted by Michelangelo.

Tour & ticket options

Options may have different inclusions and meeting points. Choose your option when booking on Viator.

Meeting & pickup

• Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a yellow WalksDevour sign. This tour meets at Via delle Terme di Tito, 72 (Oppio Caffè). Meet directly across the street from Oppio Caffè at the gated entrance to Colle Oppio Park.
• Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a yellow WalksDevour sign. This tour meets at Piazza Navona 25, in front of Touristation Navona.

End point

• Vatican Museums

- Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour start time for check-in. Out of courtesy to other guests, we’re unable to wait for latecomers. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows. - The full names of all participants must be provided at the time of booking and match the names on their ID. The Colosseum requires all guests (including children) to present government ID at the time of entry. Therefore any guest that does not submit their name in advance of the tour, or who does not bring their ID to the meeting point, will be refused participation without refund. Name corrections are possible up to 7 days before the visit. After this, changes may not be possible. - Due to the religious nature of the Vatican Museums, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. You can bring extra covering (scarves, etc) to put on just before entering the Vatican. - All guests must pass through security. No weapons or large items will be permitted. Only small backpacks and handbags are allowed. - Please note that this is a walking tour with a quick bus transfer from Central Rome to the Vatican. - The sites are subject to occasional closures. If modifications are needed and time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time. - Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.

Before you go

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
• Please note that this is a walking tour with a quick bus transfer from Central Rome to the Vatican.
• The full names of all participants must be provided at the time of booking and match the names on their ID. The Colosseum requires all guests (including children) to present government ID at the time of entry. Therefore any guest that does not submit their name in advance of the tour, or who does not bring their ID to the meeting point, will be refused participation without refund. Name corrections are possible up to 7 days before the visit. After this, changes may not be possible.
• The sites are subject to occasional closures. If modifications are needed and time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
• Due to the religious nature of the Vatican Museums, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. You can bring extra covering (scarves, etc) to put on just before entering the Vatican.
• Walks is an Official Parco Archeologico del Colosseo Operator approved to lead guided tours of the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill.
• Please note: This tour offers multiple options. Take a moment to choose the one that best suits your interests.

Cancellation policy

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.