Rome: Full Day Tour Colosseum and Vatican Museums With Lunch

Set out on a captivating journey through the timeless wonders of Rome with this immersive full-day tour. Explore the iconic Colosseum, step into the hallowed halls of the Vatican Museums, and savor the flavors of authentic Roman cuisine. As you explore the city’s rich history and cultural heritage, you’ll be transported to a world where ancient ruins and Renaissance masterpieces coexist in perfect harmony. This comprehensive experience offers a seamless blend of must-see attractions, insider insights, and exclusive access, promising an unforgettable encounter with the Eternal City.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Full-Day Tours In Rome.

Key Points

• This full-day tour offers skip-the-line access to explore the iconic Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and St. Peter’s Basilica, along with a lunch featuring Roman cuisine and wine tasting.
• The tour provides guided exploration of Michelangelo’s masterpieces, including the Sistine Chapel ceiling and The School of Athens, with insights into the cultural and historical significance.
• The Colosseum tour offers an immersive journey through the grandeur of the ancient Roman amphitheater, delving into its architectural design, engineering, and the history of events held there.
• The lunch experience allows for an interactive dining experience, where participants can learn about authentic Roman cuisine and local culinary traditions.
• The tour is available in multiple languages (Spanish, Italian, and English) and offers a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour date.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The full-day tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of Rome’s iconic Colosseum and the renowned Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, spanning a duration of 7 hours.

Priced from $401.70 per person, the tour is available in Spanish, Italian, and English, with the option to join a small group.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later.

The tour highlights include skip-the-line access to both the Colosseum and Vatican Museums, as well as a guided tour with a professional guide and a wine tasting and Roman cuisine lunch.

Guests are advised to dress appropriately and be aware that the tour may not be suitable for those with mobility impairments.

Itinerary

The tour starts at the Hotel Forum, where visitors embark on a guided exploration of the Colosseum for 2.5 hours. During this time, they learn about its historical significance as a venue that could seat up to 70,000 people, built in 72 A.D.

After this, the group enjoys a 1-hour lunch at a local restaurant, where they can savor Roman cuisine and participate in a wine tasting.

The tour then proceeds to the Vatican Museums, where guests spend 2.5 hours admiring Michelangelo’s masterpieces and learning about the works of other renowned artists like Perugino, Botticelli, Rosselli, and Ghirlandaio.

The grand finale is a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica, an architectural marvel showcasing mosaics and the iconic ‘La Pietà’ sculpture.

Colosseum Guided Tour

After exploring the historical significance of the Colosseum, the guided tour takes visitors on an immersive journey through the iconic Roman amphitheater‘s grandeur.

Guests can admire the imposing structure that once housed seating for up to 70,000 spectators and learn about the captivating events that unfolded within its walls, dating back to 72 A.D.

The tour guide provides detailed insights into the Colosseum’s architecture, engineering, and the various gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, and executions that once took place on its floor.

Visitors can envision the spectacle and drama that enthralled ancient Roman audiences, gaining a deeper appreciation for the Colosseum’s cultural and historical importance as the tour navigates through its expansive chambers and passageways.

Lunch Experience

Following the guided tour of the Colosseum, guests enjoy a 1-hour lunch at a local restaurant, where they savor a wine and food tasting experience that showcases the rich flavors of authentic Roman cuisine.

The lunch provides a welcomed respite from the morning’s activities and allows visitors to enjoy the local culinary culture.

Under the guidance of knowledgeable staff, guests sample a variety of regional dishes, each paired with a complementary Italian wine.

This interactive dining experience not only satiates the palate but also offers insights into the traditions and ingredients that define the iconic Roman table.

The lunch break reenergizes guests before they continue their exploration of the Vatican Museums.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Vatican Museums Visit

Visiting the Vatican Museums, guests marvel at Michelangelo’s masterpieces and learn about the works of other renowned artists like Perugino, Botticelli, Rosselli, and Ghirlandaio during the 2.5-hour guided tour. Visitors are given the opportunity to explore the extensive collection of classical sculptures, Renaissance paintings, and intricate tapestries housed within the Vatican’s walls. The tour also includes a stop at the iconic St. Peter’s Basilica, where guests can admire the stunning architecture and view the renowned ‘La Pietà’ sculpture.

Artwork	Artist	Description	Location
Sistine Chapel Ceiling	Michelangelo	Masterpiece of Renaissance art	Vatican Museums
The School of Athens	Raphael	Fresco depicting classical Greek philosophers	Apostolic Palace
Laocoon and His Sons	Hellenistic Sculptors	Iconic ancient Greek sculpture	Vatican Museums
St. Peter’s Basilica	Various	Architectural marvel, home to ‘La Pietà’	Vatican City

St. Peter’s Basilica

The towering St. Peter’s Basilica, the architectural crown jewel of Vatican City, awe-inspires visitors with its grand scale, intricate design, and stunning artwork.

After exploring the Vatican Museums, the tour leads guests to this iconic church, renowned for its magnificent Baroque interior. Visitors can marvel at the ornate dome, designed by Michelangelo, which dominates the Rome skyline.

Inside, they’ll discover breathtaking mosaics, sculptures, and the masterpiece ‘La Pietà’ by Michelangelo. As they wander the vast nave, they’ll feel the weight of centuries of history and the profound spiritual significance of this sacred space.

The tour provides a unique opportunity to appreciate the engineering feat and artistic brilliance that define St. Peter’s Basilica.

Tour Highlights

This full-day tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Rome’s iconic landmarks, providing skip-the-line access to both the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums.

Guests can enjoy the grandeur of imperial monuments, uncover the political and social heart of ancient Rome, and savor the flavors of local cuisine with a wine tasting.

Led by a professional guide for 6 hours, visitors will discover Michelangelo’s masterpieces in the Vatican Museums and learn about other renowned artists like Perugino, Botticelli, Rosselli, and Ghirlandaio.

The tour highlights include exploring the architectural marvel of St. Peter’s Basilica and capturing unforgettable memories with ample time for photography.

Important Information

Appropriate attire is required for this tour, as visitors can’t wear shorts, miniskirts, or expose their shoulders when entering the Colosseum and Vatican Museums.

Guests should bring a passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a camera, and suitable clothing to ensure a comfortable experience.

The tour operates rain or shine, and those with mobility impairments or who use wheelchairs should note that the tour may not be suitable for their needs.

However, the tour provider offers a full refund for any cancellations made within 72 hours of the tour date.

Travelers can expect a comprehensive exploration of Rome’s historic landmarks, accompanied by knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to savor local cuisine and wine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

Yes, there is a dress code for this tour. Visitors must wear no shorts, miniskirts, or shirts with uncovered shoulders to enter the Colosseum and Vatican Museums. Comfortable, modest clothing is required.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Specific Needs?

The tour can be customized to accommodate specific needs, though certain requirements like the dress code must be followed. Guests with mobility issues or who use wheelchairs may not be able to fully participate in the tour.

What Happens in Case of Bad Weather?

The tour operates rain or shine. In case of inclement weather, the schedule and activities may be adjusted, but the tour will proceed as planned. The provider will ensure participants’ comfort and safety throughout the day.

Can the Tour Be Taken in Other Languages?

The tour can be taken in other languages besides English, such as Spanish and Italian. The languages offered are specified in the tour overview, providing options for travelers who do not speak English.

Are There Any Discounts Available for the Tour?

Yes, the tour offers discounts. Small group options are available, and there’s a full refund if canceled within 72 hours. Plus, customers can reserve their spot and pay later, allowing for more flexibility.

Recap

This full-day tour of Rome’s iconic landmarks offers an immersive experience, blending history, art, and local cuisine.

Skipping the lines at the Colosseum and Vatican Museums allows you to maximize your time, while the guided tours provide in-depth insights.

The wine tasting and traditional Roman lunch add a delightful culinary element to this comprehensive tour, leaving you with a well-rounded appreciation of Rome’s rich cultural heritage.

You can check if your dates are available here: