Tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and the Colosseum

Enter the Roman most famous gems

Description

Take an incredible journey to the capital of the Catholic world and discover the history, mysteries and masterpieces of the small and powerful city-state located in the very heart of Rome. You will visit the Vatican museums, the famous Sistine Chapel. That's not all! Rome is also the hub of an empire that dominated the West and of which it still preserves incredible works such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. 

With this tour you will visit some of the most iconic sites of Christianity and the enormous Roman Empire. In the company of a licensed professional guide and a selected group of travellers admire the Capital's iconic monuments in peace and tranquillity. 

You will begin your adventure when you meet your authorised and dedicated guide as well as the group of travellers who will accompany you. The presence of a few people will make the atmosphere more intimate and informal. Thanks to the skip-the-line option already included with your tickets you will have early and priority access to the monuments and the Vatican Museums. You will thus avoid long and tiring queues and gain immediate access to the iconic sites of Christianity. Being the burial place of St. Peter, in fact, the Vatican has always been considered a kind of holy “city within a city”, a second Jerusalem. Over the centuries then, the Catholic Church has collected, catalogued and preserved wonders of all sorts and origins. Today its museums are a treasure trove of countless masterpieces: the astonishing Gallery of Statues, the fascinating Gallery of Tapestries and the Raphael Rooms. Take a leisurely stroll through the different rooms while listening to the detailed and passionate narration of your professional local guide. During your visit you will have the opportunity to get to know the great artists who embellished one of the world's most fascinating sovereign states. Prepare yourself for the side effects of Stendhal syndrome as you enter the Sistine Chapel, a pearl of the Italian Renaissance produced by the mastery of Michelangelo, and lift your head to probably the most famous and admired ceiling in the world. Immerse yourself in the Last Judgement: the seemingly infinite fresco magnificently adorned with the realistic and powerful figures of God, Adam and all the Saints. Don't forget to try to spot the artist's self-portrait among the various figures depicted! In this sacred place, defined by Pope Giovanni Paolo II as the place of action of the Holy Spirit, the conclaves of cardinals have been meeting cyclically for centuries to elect a new pope! 

 Following a morning at the Vatican, deepen your journey with a relaxed stroll through the Roman Forum, the former heart of public life in ancient Rome. Walking through this historical center, you’ll discover the Forum of Augustus, a grand tribunal and a stately gallery of sculptures portraying Rome's mythological and historical icons. Then, venture into the Forum of Trajan, where the remnants of the Basilica Ulpia, dedicated to Emperor Trajan, still stand. This monumental basilica, once a hub for judicial activities, reflects the architectural and civic pride of Rome’s golden age. Let the fascinating stories and architectural wonders of ancient Rome transport you back in time as you explore these magnificent ruins.

The adventure continues with a visit to Rome’s legendary Colosseum, known for its place in Roman history as a hub for gladiatorial games and grand public events. With the guidance of an expert, you'll gain insights into its brilliant architecture and historical importance. Learn about the lives of gladiators and the spectacles that captivated ancient audiences, and capture memorable photos of this enduring icon of Roman culture.

Inclusions

• Licensed English speaking guide
• Skip-the-line access tickets to the Vatican Museums
• Access to the Sistine Chapel 
• Only in English for the highest quality
• Guided tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum

Meeting Point

This tour combines two different experiences, each starting at a different meeting point and separated by a break between activities.

the meeting point for the Vatican Museums tour is: VATICAN MUSEUMS in Viale Vaticano 100. Meet our tour leader on top of the stairs next to Caffè Vaticano, holding a white sign with the "Towns of Italy" logo.   View on Google Maps

The meeting point for the Colosseum tour is: Towns of Italy Tourist Hub & Cooking School in via Quattro Novembre 139. 
View on Google Maps

Notes

Vatican Museums:
Entry to the Vatican Museums is based on strictly timed tickets, meaning late arrivals may not be granted access. A mandatory dress code requires visitors to cover knees and shoulders. All participants must bring a physical ID card on the day of the tour, as digital versions will no longer be accepted. Failure to do so will result in denied entry.The guided tour will culminate at the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel.Your guide will provide you with directions on how to reach St. Peter's Square, ensuring you have a clear understanding of the best route to take, if you want to reach it on your own.

Colosseum
The departure time for tours of the Colosseum is subject to change based on the Colosseum management’s decisions. Additionally, full penalty applies for cancellations in the last 72 hours prior to tour departure and / or no-shows. Participants must present a physical ID card to access the Colosseum , digital versions will not be accepted. If a physical ID is not presented, entry will be denied. The itineraries for the Colosseum may also undergo changes due to unforeseen operational requirements.

Rain Policy

The tour runs rain or shine.