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Rome: Vatican Museums and Colosseum Private Tour with Transfers

★ 5.0 (47 reviews, Viator and Tripadvisor) · Operator: CityEyes Private Tours

  • 8 h on the listing; the time can vary by option
  • Private, up to 8 per booking
  • Live guide: Spanish, English, French, German
  • Mobile or paper ticket accepted
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Editor's take

CityEyes handles the travel between the Vatican and ancient Rome. Full day in Rome is a private 8-hour tour for bookings of up to 8 people. Hotel pickup and return are included.

Your Blue Badge guide starts with the Museums and Sistine Chapel before St Peter's Basilica. The Colosseum and Forum follow a 30-minute lunch break. Lunch costs extra, and the ruins involve uneven steps.

What transfers does the CityEyes Rome day tour include?

1 option. Prices are per adult for a party of two, the usual lowest price of each option. The booking page shows the price for your date.

OptionWhenGuideFrom
Full day in RomeA 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 includedMon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat 08:45Spanish, English, French, German€935

What's included

Included

  • Vatican Museums Tickets
  • Blue Badge guide
  • Hotel pick-up, drop-off and transportation between sites with private vehicle
  • Colosseum reservation fee (valued at €2 per person)
  • 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

Not included

  • Food, Drinks, Lunch

Tour or official ticket?

The full day costs from €935 per person against €25 for official entry to the Museums alone. Your tour adds a private guide and transfers, plus Colosseum and Forum admission. Buy official Museums entry if you only want the Vatican; arrange the Rome sites separately if needed.

Itinerary

From the operator: CityEyes Private Tours's own description of the route.

  1. Colosseum Square

    Passing by

    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.

  2. Colosseum

    1 h 30 minAdmission included

    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.

    Read more

    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.

  3. Roman Forum

    1 h 30 minAdmission included

    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.

    Read more

    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.

  4. Arch of Constantine

    Passing by

    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.

  5. Vatican Museums

    1 h 40 minAdmission included

    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.

    Read more

    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.

  6. Courtyard of the Pinecone

    Passing by

    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.

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    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.

  7. Stop 7

    20 minAdmission included

    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.

  8. Gallery of Maps

    20 minAdmission included

    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.

  9. Stop 9

    15 minAdmission included

    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.

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    Set up in the late 18th century, the gallery merges ancient art with stunning architectural details, providing visitors a journey through history and beauty.

  10. Sistine Chapel

    30 minAdmission included

    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

  11. St Peter's Basilica

    20 minAdmission included

    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.

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    The basilica is famous for its majestic dome, ornate interiors, and the significant role it plays in Catholic traditions.

  12. Stop 12

    Passing by

    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.

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    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.

  13. The Pietà

    Passing by

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

  14. St Peter's Square

    Passing by

    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.

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    As a religious and architectural symbol, the square often serves as the gathering point for thousands of Catholics during papal addresses.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Know before you go

From the operator: CityEyes Private Tours's own notes for this tour.

Tickets and ID

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

What to wear

  • 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
  • A moderate amount of walking is involved - comfortable shoes are recommended
  • Closed-toe, non-slip shoes are required for safety. Access to the Colosseum may be denied without proper footwear.

Access and children

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please advise in case of mobility issues - wheelchair partly accessible

Good to know

  • Be prepared to climb uneven steps and explore an archaeological site

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 from 47 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor together. 100% gave 4 or 5 stars.

Viator

5.0
8 reviews
  • 5 stars100%8
  • 4 stars0%0
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  • 2 stars0%0
  • 1 star0%0

Tripadvisor

5.0
39 reviews
  • 5 stars100%39
  • 4 stars0%0
  • 3 stars0%0
  • 2 stars0%0
  • 1 star0%0

As shown on Viator, read . The rating is for the whole listing, not for one option, and we do not have the review texts.

Photos

From the CityEyes Private Tours listing, 13 photos in all.

Rome: Vatican Museums and Colosseum Private Tour with TransfersRome: Vatican Museums and Colosseum Private Tour with TransfersRome: Vatican Museums and Colosseum Private Tour with TransfersRome: Vatican Museums and Colosseum Private Tour with TransfersRome: Vatican Museums and Colosseum Private Tour with TransfersRome: Vatican Museums and Colosseum Private Tour with TransfersRome: Vatican Museums and Colosseum Private Tour with TransfersRome: Vatican Museums and Colosseum Private Tour with TransfersRome: Vatican Museums and Colosseum Private Tour with TransfersRome: Vatican Museums and Colosseum Private Tour with Transfers

From the operator

From the operator: CityEyes Private Tours's own description of the tour.

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.

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