Reviews

Combo Small Group Tour of Colosseum and Vatican

Visit Rome’s two most visited tourist attractions, the Colosseum and the Vatican, in just one day as part of a small friendly group. Maximize your short time in Rome with our Combo small group tour!

If you are short on time in Rome and need to see the “biggies” in one day, our Colosseum & Vatican Small Group Tour is perfect for you. You will join a friendly group of maximum 20 people led by a fully licensed, enthusiastic guide, with the added bonus of pre-booked access to both the Colosseum and the Vatican. This guarantees a day of incomparable quality and efficiency!
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Itinerary Highlights

Ancient Rome

  • The Colosseum: Explore the main areas of the world’s most famous amphitheater as your guide shares thrilling stories of its history and entertainment.

  • Roman Forum: Visit the center of daily life and commerce in Ancient Rome, exploring the ruins of temples and public squares.

  • Palatine Hill: Discover the legendary founding site of Rome and enjoy stunning views over the Forum and Circus Maximus.

The Vatican City

  • Sistine Chapel Introduction: While waiting to enter the Vatican Museums, your guide will provide a detailed explanation of Michelangelo’s masterpiece, preparing you for the awe-inspiring view inside.

  • Vatican Galleries: Walk through the renowned galleries, where your expert guide will highlight the most important masterpieces and explain the fascinating history of the Vatican State.

  • The Sistine Chapel: Stand speechless beneath Michelangelo’s spectacular frescoed ceiling and the awe-inspiring Last Judgment.

Why book this tour

  • Maximize Your Time: Perfect for visitors short on time, this tour expertly combines the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel into one seamless day.

  • Guaranteed VIP Access: Benefit from pre-booked access to both the Colosseum and the Vatican, eliminating the stress and long waits at Rome’s two most popular sites.

  • Intimate Small Group Size: Enjoy personalized attention and a better overall experience by touring in a friendly group of maximum 20 participants.

  • Expert Licensed Guide: Be accompanied by a fully licensed, enthusiastic guide who will provide rich context and fascinating anecdotes throughout both the Ancient Rome and Vatican portions of the day.

Description

If you are short on time in Rome, or just want to tick off the ‘biggies’ in one day then our Colosseum & Vatican small group tour is perfect for you. You will join a small friendly group of maximum 20 people and be lead by a fully licensed and enthusiastic guide, to ensure you get the most out of your visits. Add to this the additional bonus of pre-booked access to the Vatican and the Colosseum and you are guaranteed a small group tour of thr Colosseum & Vatican of incomparable quality!

Your small group tour of Colosseum & Vatican will begin with a fascinating exploration of Ancient Rome. Again you will be accompanied by an expert licensed guide as you visit the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. You will visit the main areas of the Colosseum, as your guide thrills you with fascinating anecdotes of this world-renowned arena. You will continue to learn about life in everyday Rome as you visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill together with your guide and group.

Take a small break to refresh and eat a quick lunch before you rejoin your group at our office near the Vatican. Please note you will need to make your own way from Colosseum to the Vatican.

You will enter the Vatican Museums with pre-reserved access. Whilst waiting to pass the mandatory security checks, your top guide will explain to you the Sistine Chapel (explanation’s are not permitted inside the Chapel itself). As you walk through the numerous Vatican Galleries your expert guide will point out all the highlights and explain to you the fascinating history of the Vatican state. From the Vatican Galleries, you will continue to Michelangelo’s resplendent Sistine Chapel. The Sistine Chapel’s frescoed ceiling and awe-inspiring Last Judgement fresco will leave you speechless. Your visit will be enhanced by your guide’s explanation of Michelangelo’s masterpiece.

Things to know before the tour

-Please Add the full name of each participant (including children) to your reservation. If names are wrong and entry is denied, we cannot provide a refund
-For minors, the age must be 17 or younger on the day of the activity
-The entrance tickets cannot be changed or refunded
-Each traveler must show a valid ID matching the booking name for entry. Without ID, entry is not guaranteed
-Please show up at least 15 minutes before both tours to do the check in
-Meeting time is subject to change; if this occurs, you will receive a call or message from the activity provider. Please provide your correct phone number and country code
-Late arrivals will not be refunded
-In July and August due to the heat the duration of the visit is 2 hours
-All visitors must pass through a metal detector to enter the Colosseum. No exceptions
-Not Allowed: Big backpacks, pets, weapons, sharp items, large bags, alcohol, drugs, sprays, glass.
-A dress code is required for the Vatican. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women.
-Please note that, for disabled visitors with certified invalidity of more than 74%, the Vatican Museums offers free entry that is extended to a companion for visitors who are not self-sufficient. To benefit from this, make sure you mention it at the time of booking so that our staff may handle your request.

Important information

-The meeting point for the Colosseum is in the square in front of the Santi Cosma and Damiano Basilica in Via dei Fori Imperiali 1 (close the entrance of the Roman Forum). You will see our staff in front of the Basilica wearing a uniform with the logos of the company.

-The meeting point for the Vatican tour is at our office in Via Vespasiano 28.

Cancellation policy

To receive a full refund, travelers may cancel up to 7 days before the experience start time. No refunds will be given after that time period.

Meeting point

In front of Santa Cosma and Damiano Church located along via dei fori imperiali

Included

-2.5 hours Colosseum Tour and 2.5 hours Vatican Tour
-Headsets for both tours
-Pre- purchased tickets for all attractions with priority reservation
-Colosseum entrance ticket
-Vatican Museums entrance ticket

Excluded

-Tips for the Guide
-Meals
-Transportation

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About the Tour

Offered in English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese or German

Duration

5 hours

Level

Moderate

Access

Limited accessibility

Audio

Small Group Tour

Maximum group size of 20 people

Dates and departures

Everyday except on Thursdays, Sundays and on public holidays

Values

— What you won’t miss

You Will See

Sistine Chapel

Sistine Chapel

Commissioned by Pope Sixtus IV, this sacred space is entirely covered by the staggering genius of Michelangelo. Above you, the ceiling depicts nine scenes from the Book of Genesis, culminating in the iconic The Creation of Adam. Behind the altar, the massive fresco of The Last Judgment completes the unparalleled visual narrative. Standing in this chapel is to be immersed in the definitive masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance, a powerful and humbling encounter with artistic perfection.
Vatican Museums - Pinecone Courtyard

Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums house one of the world's most immense and historically rich art collections, collected by successive Popes over five centuries. It is a magnificent journey through 3,000 years of civilization, faith, and culture. Your visit culminates in the breathtaking Sistine Chapel, where you will stand beneath Michelangelo's awe-inspiring frescoes, including The Creation of Adam and The Last Judgment. Along the way, explore the brilliantly frescoed Raphael Rooms, the vast Gallery of Maps and priceless classical sculptures like the Laocoön and His Sons. Prepare to be immersed in the unparalleled genius of the Renaissance masters.
Colosseum

Colosseum

Stepping inside the Colosseum allows you to experience the amphitheater from the perspective of both the fighter and the spectator, across three main areas: the Arena, the First Level and the Second Level.
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Roman Forum

Step off the modern street and into the Roman Forum—the literal and symbolic heart of the most powerful empire the world has ever known. This sprawling valley, nestled between the Capitoline and Palatine Hills, was the epicenter of Roman political, religious, judicial, and commercial life for over a thousand years. Wander among the majestic ruins and you are walking in the footsteps of emperors, senators, orators, and citizens who shaped Western civilization.
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Palatine Hill

Ascend the Palatine Hill, the most central of Rome’s seven hills and stand on the legendary birthplace of the city itself—where Romulus is said to have founded Rome. This elevated site offers breathtaking, panoramic views over the entire Roman Forum and the Circus Maximus. Once the exclusive neighborhood of emperors and the Roman elite, you can wander through the monumental ruins of vast imperial palaces. Experience the peaceful, green grounds where history and myth converge, looking down upon the empire that sprung from this very spot.

— About Us

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