Rome in a Day Tour with Vatican, Colosseum & Historic Center

4030 reviews

7.5 hours

Max 18

Why take this tour?

Highlights

  • Visit the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Pantheon and much more in a single day.
  • Cover more ground with a thoughtfully planned walking tour and one private, air-conditioned bus ride to the Vatican.
  • Save hours waiting in line with quick access tickets to the Colosseum and Vatican Museums.
  • Learn about the history of the city from an expert guide who'll be with your small group for the full day.
  • Take the only group tour that combines tickets for the Colosseum and the Vatican with a private transfer to the latter.
  • Sites Visited
  • Colosseum
  • Vatican Museums
  • Sistine Chapel
  • Historic Center
  • Pantheon (exterior)
  • Trevi Fountain
  • Piazza Navona
  • Campidoglio (view of the Roman Forum)
  • Gallery of Maps
  • Tour Includes
  • Skip the line ticket for Vatican Museums
  • Transportation to Vatican Museums
  • Colosseum entrance ticket (24h – Colosseo/Foro Romano/Palatino Ticket €18)
  • Small group of 18 guests maximum
  • Local English-speaking guide
  • Expertly guided walking tour
  • Headset (when needed)

Get ready to walk (a lot) and see all of Rome in just one day!

Book Now

Total Customer Reviews: 4030

Verified Ratings
4.8 /5
based on 3734 Walks’ customer ratings
Rating summary by category
Guide
4.9/5
Guest Support
4.8/5
Latest reviews
Great
We really enjoyed the Rome in a Day Tour. Even though we had already visited a few of the sites the day previously, the tour was fantastic and we learned so many new and interesting things we wouldn't have learned on our own. Our tour guide, Fabrizio, was amazing!!! He was so knowledgeable, and even though the tour lasted almost 8 hours, he didn't stop talking and was an absolute fountain of knowledge about all the historical sites! Especially valuable were the detailed descriptions of the Colosseum, Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, we learned so many interesting things that we couldn't possibly ever have learned on our own. Although we were very tired at the end of our walking your, we have made memories that we will never forget!
Verified · Alastair · Oct 29, 2024 · United Kingdom · Male · 35 to 44 years
Excellent
Amazing tour with high quality for the cost. Would absolutely do this tour again when we return to Rome. Fabrizio was an amazing guide that was responsive to our questions and very enjoyable to listen to. Thank you so much for your guide and service!
Verified · Richard · Oct 29, 2024 · USA · Male · 55 to 64 years
Excellent
Was a wonderful tour. Saw more than we could take in and very informative. Tour guide was amazing
Verified · Greg · Oct 24, 2024 · USA · Male · 65 to 74 years
Excellent
Flavia was knowledgeable and entertaining for our Rome in a Day tour. Highly highly recommend.
Verified · Carmen · Oct 19, 2024 · USA · Male · 25 to 34 years
Excellent
Outstanding tour and superb tour guide. 10 out of 10!
Verified · Ron · Oct 17, 2024 · Canada · Male · 65 to 74 years

FAQs

What if the weather is bad (rain, snow, hail, etc.) on the day of my tour?
Our tours run rain or shine so please dress for the elements. We also ask you to please remember hats and sunscreen if you are taking this tour in the summer as it might be very hot.
What's the cancellation policy for this tour?
This tour is fully refundable up to 4 days prior to the event. Within 4 days, this tour is non-refundable.
Do I need to bring my passport/ID with me?
Yes! All guests (including children) must bring a government-issued ID/passport on the day of their tour. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument. The full names of all participants are required at the time of booking and must match the names on their ID/passport. Name changes are not permitted.
Is this tour accessible for wheelchairs, strollers or for those with mobility impairments?
Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments, or for wheelchairs or strollers. Please contact us at [email protected] so we can arrange your visit.
Does the order of the itinerary on this tour ever change?
Occasionally the sights on this tour are visited in a different order. This happens due to logistical changes and snap decisions made by our guides to avoid crowds and thus improve your visit.
Is there much walking on this tour?
This tour does involve walking. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty and comfortable walking shoes are a must!
Does Skip the Line Access mean no waiting?
During busy periods (May - October) there is sometimes a short wait to get inside the Colosseum. This is because the Colosseum has changed its admission policy to ensure that only 3,000 people are allowed within the amphitheater at any given time, meaning much less crowding during busy periods. Although our tickets are pre-booked with Skip the Line access, this may mean a slight delay on entering if capacity has already been reached. It's rare that we have to wait for more than a few minutes but if we do, it's unavoidable.
Is lunch included on this tour?
No. But your guide is always happy to offer you plenty of recommendations for great places to eat in the vicinity that will suit any price point.
Does the Colosseum ever close without warning?
Unfortunately, Yes. The Colosseum is subject to unforeseen closures due to weather conditions and worker strikes, as well as last minute changes in reservations, all of which are out of Walks of Italy (or any other tour operator's) control. If for any reason we cannot run the tour as described, we will contact you immediately, offering the best alternatives. Depending on the situation this might result in a modification of the itinerary or a change in the tour start time. Our aim is to offer you the highest level of service and in the rare occasion in which circumstances outside of our control mean that you cannot participate in a variation of this tour we will offer you a full refund.
What items can I NOT take into the Vatican Museums
Knives, scissors, and other cutting tools must also be deposited in the cloakroom as a precaution against harming the artwork inside. No hammers, either, as one was once used to smash Michelangelo's Pietá. This probably goes without saying, but firearms are also strictly prohibited for visitors within the Vatican Museums and you can't check them in the cloakroom.
I've heard the Vatican has a strict dress code. What should I wear?
It does, but it isn't anything too formal. The big rule is to make sure your shoulders and knees are covered - that applies to both men and women. Also remember that shorts of any length are not allowed at all in St. Peter's Basilica so if you are visiting both the Vatican Musuems and the Basilica, wear trousers or a long skirt. Occasionally visitors get away with wearing a bit less but it’s best not to risk it. Hats are also not allowed. Walks cannot be held responsible for guests who are refused entrance due to inappropriate dress so please remember to cover up.
IMPORTANT: Can I bring a bag into the Vatican Museums?
Yes, as long as it's within a certain size. You cannot bring any bag, backpack suitcase or container larger that 40cm x 35cm x 15cm into the Vatican Museums. In fact, size limits apply to all items; because of the sheer number of people that visit the Museums, space is at a premium. You can’t enter with medium to large umbrellas, any umbrellas with spiked tips, camera tripods, signage (apart from signs used by certified guides) or walking sticks – except those required by disabled visitors. All of these items can be left in the cloakroom, which is located at the entrance to the Museums. This means that you will need to walk 15 - 20 minutes back here after you finish your tour at St Peter's Basilica. On our afternoon tours you may need to leave the tour early to collect your bag before the cloakroom closes.
I'd like to climb to the top of the Dome of St. Peter's. Anything I should know?
The St. Peter's Dome climb requires separate tickets, one allows you to take the elevator up part of the way then climb a further 320 steps, while another permits you to climb the entire 551 steps. Either way the view from the top is worth it!
Why can't I take photos inside the Sistine Chapel?
When the chapel was restored in 1990 the biggest donors to the project (donating a whopping $4.2 million) were a Japanese television network. In return, they received exclusive rights to photograph and film inside and quickly banned any professional photographers from taking pictures. Although they didn't mind if tourists took photos, the Vatican guards decided to enforce the rule on everyone because it was impractical to differentiate between a normal visitor and who was a professional photographer. The Japanese network's exclusive contract has expired now but the rule persists. If you try to take any images in the Chapel Vatican, security is authorized to make you delete them.

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