Entire Vatican Tour & Colosseum with Arena Floor

Discover the marvels of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica with a knowledgeable local guide. Then enjoy express entry to the Colosseum, enter through the legendary Gladiator’s Gate and step onto the Arena floor for a partly guided, partly independent visit. Experience the wonders of ancient Rome at your own pace, and continue your journey through history with access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill – all included!

Highlights

• Tour four Rome venues by booking this tour and ticket combo!
• Get up close and personal with the likes of Michelangelo and Raphael while touring the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
• Visit the “Vatacombs,” the eerie resting place of former popes beneath St. Peter’s Basilica
• Explore the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill at your own pace with pre-reserved entry
• Exclusive access onto the Arena Floor

Description

Embark on a breathtaking journey through the Vatican Museums with an expert English speaking guide. Skip the lines and dive straight into one of the world’s most important art collections and experience history and art at the very highest level. Your guide will lead you through the highlights, including the Rooms of Raphael, the ancient treasures in the Belvedere Courtyard, and the mesmerizing Gallery of Maps while setting the stage for a once-in-a-lifetime experience of the ultimate masterpiece: the Sistine Chapel.

Our tour handpicks the crème de la crème of this vast collection, from ancient Greek and Roman marvels to the pinnacle of the High Renaissance. You’ll spend considerable time in the Rooms of Raphael and the magnificent Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s genius comes to life. Your guide will unravel the myths, facts, and Hollywood interpretations of these iconic works.

Enjoy fast-track access to St. Peter’s Basilica, home to the unparalleled creations of Michelangelo, Raphael, and Bernini. Descend to the sacred papal crypts before concluding your Vatican adventure with a stroll through Bernini’s grandiose St. Peter’s Square, under the watchful eye of the Swiss Guard.

After a well-deserved break and a quick snack, it’s time to travel back in time to ancient Rome. Make your way independently to the Colosseum. Here you’ll have the exclusive privilege of entering through the Gladiator’s Gate and stepping onto the Arena floor where a local guide will bring to life the infamous games. Feel the thrill as you stand where gladiators once fought and look down into the underground chambers where men and beasts awaited their fate.

Continue on a self-guided visit of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Wander through the ruins of what was once the bustling center of ancient Rome, and ascend to Palatine Hill, where Rome’s legendary founding twins, Romulus and Remus, were said to be nurtured by a she-wolf. Immerse yourself in the rich history of emperors, gods, and the rise and fall of one of history’s greatest empires.

Capture every moment of this epic day in Rome with plenty of photos, this experience is sure to provide memories that will last a lifetime.

Know before you book

• Due to the route covered and/or the means of transportation used, it is not possible to participate in this tour using a wheelchair, scooter, or other aid. Please contact us to inquire about customized tour options for guests with mobility challenges
• No large bags or sharp objects are allowed inside the Vatican
• Prefer to book a private tour instead? Contact us for details.

Know before you go

• Vatican dress code requires that knees and shoulders must be covered
• An official form of ID is required to enter the Colosseum
• For security reasons, backpacks/large bags are forbidden inside the Colosseum
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes for walking
• Saint Peter’s Basilica may experience unexpected closures for religious ceremonies. In such instances, we are pleased to offer an extended tour of the Vatican Museums to our customers. While we make every effort to notify tour groups in advance of any planned disruptions to the Basilica’s opening hours, this is not always possible. Consequently, we are unable to provide refunds or discounts in these cases

Cancellation Policy

• Tours depart rain or shine unless otherwise specified. All cancellations must be received in writing to [email protected]. The cancellation policy for this item is as follows:
• Cancellation with 72+ hours notice: full refund
• Cancellation with less than 72 hours notice: no refunds or exceptions will be made
• Failure to reach the meeting point on time (no-show) is equivalent to cancellation with less than 72 hours notice.
• *If you’ve chosen the Hassle-Free Cancellation policy during checkout, cancel your tour anytime up to midnight of the day before it begins for a full refund, excluding the Trip Protection fee. Remember to notify us of your cancellation in writing before midnight (Rome time) on the night before your tour.