Rome: Vatican Museums and Colosseum Private Tour with Transfers

A professional Blue Badge Guide will meet you at your centrally located accommodation and together you will start your full-day tour with the visit of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.

After a quick lunch break, you’ll head to the ancient part of the city, discovering the Great Colosseum and the Roman Forum, walking through their timeless ruins.

You will walk along this Piazza in order to access the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.

Nothing was added from the time of the Roman Empire, what you see, is more or less the view that the romans had in the past.

Visit the Colosseum, one of the largest structures of the ancient world, where Romans once gathered to watch the gladiator games, battles with wild beasts, and according to legend, sea battles. Discover how the Colosseum, a massive stone amphitheater which seated an estimated 60,000 spectators, was built in only 8 years. Your guide will unlock fascinating stories of the design and construction, the political benefit, the fighters, and the eventual end of the games at the Colosseum.

At the Roman Forum, your guide will bring to life the mythology, the popular celebrations of the time, and the gods of ancient Rome, which are reflected in the star signs in contemporary astrology. Learn how the pagan holiday Saturnalia influenced the unfolding of Christmas on the 25th of December today. Listen to the story of the Lapis Niger (Latin for ‘black stone’), the most ancient Latin text ever discovered in the world – which is housed in the foundation of a column in the Forum.

Discover the Temple of the Vestal Virgins. They worked in the temple for a period of 30 years under different emperors and were regarded almost as goddesses in status. Their foremost duty was maintaining the sacred fire of Vesta which represented the heart of Rome. As legend has it – as long as the sacred flame burned, Rome would endure and be victorious.

Admire the view of the most important Triumphal Arch of Rome dedicated to the Famous Emperor Costantine.

This Arch represents a turning point of the Roman History and Art, a dividing line between the rise of the Christians and the decline of the Roman Empire.

Treat yourself with a customized private tour of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. Visit some hidden gems of the museums and explore rooms closed to the general public at all times. Meet your guide at your hotel where you will be picked-up and travel together to the Vatican Museums. Skip the line for fast-track entry to the world famous Vatican museum complex, made up of galleries with an impressive number of artwork and masterpieces from antiquity to present day.

During your visit you will have a chance to see one of the world’s finest collections of sculptures, carvings, frescoes and paintings. Enjoy the impressive Belvedere Courtyard and then stroll through the most interesting rooms and galleries of the museum complex. Marvel at the famous Lacoon and the Belvedere Torso at the sculpture museum, deeply revered by Michelangelo and other Renaissance artists.

The Cortile della Pigna, or “Court of the Pine Cone,” is a tranquil courtyard within the Vatican City, named after a colossal bronze pine cone that dates back to Ancient Rome. This pine cone, once a fountain, stands as the centerpiece of the courtyard, symbolizing enlightenment and eternal life. The courtyard, nestled between the Vatican Museums’ Belvedere Palace and the Apostolic Palace, is an embodiment of the Renaissance spirit, blending art, nature, and history in a serene setting.

The Vatican Museums’ Gallery of Tapestries showcases stunning 15th and 16th-century tapestries, intricately woven with scenes from biblical and historical narratives. Inspired by designs from Raphael’s school, this gallery highlights the artistic sophistication and storytelling of the Renaissance.

The Gallery of Maps, inside the Vatican Museums, displays a stunning collection of topographical maps of Italy. Created in the 16th century under Pope Gregory XIII, these beautifully painted maps span 120 meters, offering a unique geographical snapshot of the Italy of the past.

The Gallery of the Candelabra is a part of the Vatican Museums, showcasing a rich collection of Greek and Roman statues, sarcophagi, and reliefs. It is named for the grand marble candelabra that decorate it, dividing the gallery into thematic sections. Set up in the late 18th century, the gallery merges ancient art with stunning architectural details, providing visitors a journey through history and beauty.

The Sistine Chapel takes its name from Pope Sixtus IV della Rovere (pontiff from 1471 to 1484) who had the old Cappella Magna restored between 1477 and 1480. It is known throughout the world both for being the place where the conclave and other official ceremonies of the Pope are held (in the past also some papal coronations), and for being decorated with one of the most famous and celebrated works of art of artistic civilization the frescoes by Michelangelo

St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City is a renowned architectural masterpiece and an iconic symbol of the Catholic faith. Built over what is traditionally considered the tomb of Saint Peter, the first Pope, its construction involved legendary figures like Bramante, Michelangelo, and Bernini. The basilica is famous for its majestic dome, ornate interiors, and the significant role it plays in Catholic traditions.

The Baldachin in St. Peter’s Basilica is a breathtaking masterpiece of art and architecture. Designed by the renowned Baroque sculptor and architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini, it stands as a magnificent bronze canopy over the high altar of the basilica. This ornate structure, adorned with intricate details and towering over 90 feet tall, serves as a symbol of the grandeur of the Catholic Church and a focal point of the basilica’s interior. It is a true marvel that captivates visitors with its beauty and historical significance.

The Pietà (1498–1499) is a work of Renaissance sculpture by Michelangelo Buonarroti, housed in St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City.

St. Peter’s Square, or Piazza San Pietro, is a large plaza located in front of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini from 1656 to 1667, the square embodies the grandeur and embrace of the Baroque style. The square features a double colonnade and a central obelisk flanked by two large fountains. As a religious and architectural symbol, the square often serves as the gathering point for thousands of Catholics during papal addresses.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
• Please provide the full names of all travelers when booking. 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.
• Please advise in case of mobility issues – wheelchair partly accessible
• Be prepared to climb uneven steps and explore an archaeological site
• 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.
• A moderate amount of walking is involved – comfortable shoes are recommended

• Full day in Rome
  Add
  A full immersion in the Eternal City. Skip the line tickets included.Hotel Pick up 9:30AM-Vatican Museums-lunch break(30-min)-Colosseum and Roman Forum -Hotel Drop off
  Pickup included

• Blue Badge guide
• Colosseum reservation fee (valued at €2 per person)
• Private Walking Tour
• Hotel pick-up, drop-off and transportation between sites with private vehicle
• Colosseum entrance fees (valued at €18 per person)
• Please note: Colosseum fees as above. The remaining cost of the experience covers other services.
• Colosseum and Roman Forum Entrance Fees

• Food and drinks
• Lunch
• Gratuities

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• A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• Be prepared to climb uneven steps and explore an archaeological site – wear good shoes. Anticipate Rome’s intense heat in the summer – you may want to bring a small umbrella to block the sun as well as unexpected, sudden rainfall
• Large bags and backpacks are not allowed inside the Colosseum
– Important notice: The Basilica of St Peter’s might close for last minute ceremonies or mass

Please be advised..

• This Tour is Provided by Eyes of Rome.
• Tour Timezone & Starts at Europe/Rome.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
• This Tour is Rated 5 Stars based on 29 valid reviews on VIATOR.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 8 Travelers is accepted for booking.