Secure admission for a guided tour of the Colosseum and the Vatican, including the Sistine Chapel. Begin at the local partner’s office, where you pick up your vouchers and watch a 25-minute multimedia video on ancient Rome. A knowledgeable guide will explain key aspects of Roman life and history, then lead you along cobblestone streets to the Colosseum, one of the most intact ancient arenas. Hear about the emperors influential in its history and the public events that took place there, including gladiator contests.
The tour then continues at the Vatican, where you will visit important landmarks. In the Sistine Chapel, view Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes and learn about their significance and artistry.
What Makes This Tour Special
This guided tour offers an immersive experience, combining historical storytelling with access to two of Rome's most important sites. The multimedia presentation at the start enhances understanding and sets the context for the tour.
Expert guides provide deep insights into Roman history and art.
Skip-the-line access to both the Colosseum and Vatican Museums saves time.
The combination of two major attractions in one tour maximizes your visit.
Historical Background
The Vatican Museums and the Colosseum are two of the most iconic symbols of Rome's rich history. The Colosseum, commissioned by Emperor Vespasian in AD 70-80, served as a grand amphitheater for public spectacles, while the Vatican Museums, established in the early 16th century, house an extensive collection of art and historical artifacts amassed by the Catholic Church.
Begin your tour with a visit to the Colosseum through a special group entrance. Walk the path of ancient gladiators and enjoy a unique 360° view of the monument. Feel the atmosphere of ancient Rome as the guide describes the past events that were witnessed by over 50,000 spectators. Visit the Roman Forum, where old governmental buildings stand as silent witnesses to history. Explore the Forum Magnum, once a lively marketplace, and discover the everyday life of ancient Romans. End your tour at Palatine Hill and look at panoramic views of the Circus Maximus, where chariots once raced.
Get ready to discover the beauty and history of the Vatican on this tour, where standing in long lines won't take away from your chance to experience this angelic place. Look at the extensive art collections of the Renaissance period, highly valued by the Catholic Church, holding great historical and artistic significance. Inside the Vatican Museum, see the most interesting rooms and detailed galleries. Including The Gallery of Maps, with its rich paintings. The Sistine Chapel, in the center of the Vatican, lets you look at its famous ceiling. Here, Michelangelo's artwork will draw your attention, showing the artist's remarkable talent.
Visit Palazzo Braschi – Museum of Rome to see a wide collection of paintings, drawings, photographs, statues, furniture, and costumes. The palace was designed by architect Cosimo Morelli and features a staircase with 18 red granite columns originally used by Emperor Caligula, designed by Giuseppe Valadier. Upstairs, the exhibition spaces display arts and crafts, including fragments of medieval frescoes from the former church of Santa Maria in Vincis and mosaics from the medieval St. Peter’s Basilica. You’ll also find portrait busts of papal families, paintings by Giovanni Paolo Pannini and Bartolomeo Pinelli showing Roman ceremonies, and collections of photographs, furniture, clothing, sedan chairs, and ceramics. A café onsite provides direct access to Piazza Navona.
The Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major has dominated the city of Rome for almost sixteen entire centuries. On this Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore Guided Tour you'll get the details on its fascinating history as you explore its cracks and crevices with an expert guide. Discover how it was built after Pope Liberius had a vivid dream in which the Blessed Virgin appeared and suggested the place where the church was to be built. Talk about dreams coming true! See the various particularities inside that make the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore unique: the mosaics of the nave and apse; the numerous chapels, the High Altar and the Relic of the Holy Cradle.
Start with an overview of ancient Rome from terraces that highlight its political and institutional center. Then,visit the Colosseum with a guide and learn about its history. The tour also includes access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Explore the Forum’s historical structures and see the grand palaces on Palatine Hill where Roman emperors lived. Enjoy a guided tour of the Colosseum, covering gladiator battles and Roman architecture. Afterward, you have 24 hours to explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill on your own.
This tour provides access to St. Peter's Basilica and the ascent of its well-known dome, accompanied by a handheld audio guide that enables a personalized and informative visit. Starting at the entrance of the basilica in Vatican City, visitors ascend 136 meters to the top of the dome, passing narrow stairways and viewing platforms. The audio guide provides detailed commentary on the architectural features, the mosaics that adorn the interior, and the panoramic views of Rome’s skyline, including St. Peter's Square and the Vatican Gardens. After descending the dome, the tour continues inside the basilica where the audio guide directs you through a series of 27 specific listening points highlighting notable artworks and religious relics. Key sites include Michelangelo's Pietà, a marble masterpiece located near the entrance, and Bernini's Baldacchino, the large bronze canopy over Saint Peter's tomb. The guide also provides historical context about the basilica's construction, its role in Catholicism, and details about the popes buried within. The tour is self-paced and designed for individual or small group visits, allowing flexibility without the constraints of a scheduled group tour. There is no physical guide present; instead, the audio guide and digital map provide clear directions and commentary. Visitors should be prepared for a moderate physical effort, especially climbing the dome stairs. The basilica is accessible via public transport, with the Ottaviano metro station nearby. This tour is suited for those interested in Renaissance architecture, religious art, and panoramic city views. It appeals to travelers comfortable with some physical exertion and who prefer an independent but well-structured visit. It also suits visitors who appreciate detailed historical and artistic information delivered at their own pace.
Explore the Eternal City with Big Bus Tours Rome, and soak up ancient wonders and ambient culture aboard of a Rome sightseeing tour, choosing between 24, 48 or 72-hour bus tickets. Immerse yourself in the city's remarkable beauty and heritage with over eight stops, conveniently located close to major landmarks and attractions around Rome, You can hop on and hop off the bus as much as you like! Hop on the top deck for beautiful panoramic views and snap the perfect photo of Rome’s beautiful landmarks from the Colosseum to St. Peter’s Basilica. While enjoying the sights, learn the city’s secrets thanks to the multilingual audio commentary. Hop off to sight-see on foot at your own pace with included self-guided walking tours or stay on board to explore for hours - the choice is yours with Big Bus Tours.
Begin at the Touristation Ara Coeli office, Piazza Ara Coeli 16, with a 30-minute 3D video about ancient Rome. Then, explore the Roman Forum. The Touristation staff will assist with entry. Discover once-vibrant temples and monuments, gaining insight into Roman life and architecture. Continue to Palatine Hill, where Rome's elite once lived. Imagine their daily lives while walking among the ruins. Visit the Colosseum approximately two hours after your booking. Explore this iconic Roman amphitheater and marvel at its impressive arches. Complete your journey with an hop-on hop-off bus tour. Choose your starting point, including a stop near the Colosseum. Enjoy views of the city's landmarks with the audio guide.
Pass the security checks and take your seat in St. Peter’s Square for the Papal Audience, which includes prayers, blessings, and a message from the Pope. At 11:30 AM or 12:30 PM, join a guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica to see Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s Baldacchino, and the dome. Your guide will explain the history and features of the church.
Begin your tour with a visit to the Colosseum through a special group entrance. Walk the path of ancient gladiators and enjoy a unique 360° view of the monument. Feel the atmosphere of ancient Rome as the guide describes the past events that were witnessed by over 50,000 spectators. Visit the Roman Forum, where old governmental buildings stand as silent witnesses to history. Explore the Forum Magnum, once a lively marketplace, and discover the everyday life of ancient Romans. End your tour at Palatine Hill and look at panoramic views of the Circus Maximus, where chariots once raced.
Start with an overview of ancient Rome from terraces that highlight its political and institutional center. Then,visit the Colosseum with a guide and learn about its history. The tour also includes access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Explore the Forum’s historical structures and see the grand palaces on Palatine Hill where Roman emperors lived. Enjoy a guided tour of the Colosseum, covering gladiator battles and Roman architecture. Afterward, you have 24 hours to explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill on your own.
This tour provides access to St. Peter's Basilica and the ascent of its well-known dome, accompanied by a handheld audio guide that enables a personalized and informative visit. Starting at the entrance of the basilica in Vatican City, visitors ascend 136 meters to the top of the dome, passing narrow stairways and viewing platforms. The audio guide provides detailed commentary on the architectural features, the mosaics that adorn the interior, and the panoramic views of Rome’s skyline, including St. Peter's Square and the Vatican Gardens. After descending the dome, the tour continues inside the basilica where the audio guide directs you through a series of 27 specific listening points highlighting notable artworks and religious relics. Key sites include Michelangelo's Pietà, a marble masterpiece located near the entrance, and Bernini's Baldacchino, the large bronze canopy over Saint Peter's tomb. The guide also provides historical context about the basilica's construction, its role in Catholicism, and details about the popes buried within. The tour is self-paced and designed for individual or small group visits, allowing flexibility without the constraints of a scheduled group tour. There is no physical guide present; instead, the audio guide and digital map provide clear directions and commentary. Visitors should be prepared for a moderate physical effort, especially climbing the dome stairs. The basilica is accessible via public transport, with the Ottaviano metro station nearby. This tour is suited for those interested in Renaissance architecture, religious art, and panoramic city views. It appeals to travelers comfortable with some physical exertion and who prefer an independent but well-structured visit. It also suits visitors who appreciate detailed historical and artistic information delivered at their own pace.
Explore the Eternal City with Big Bus Tours Rome, and soak up ancient wonders and ambient culture aboard of a Rome sightseeing tour, choosing between 24, 48 or 72-hour bus tickets. Immerse yourself in the city's remarkable beauty and heritage with over eight stops, conveniently located close to major landmarks and attractions around Rome, You can hop on and hop off the bus as much as you like! Hop on the top deck for beautiful panoramic views and snap the perfect photo of Rome’s beautiful landmarks from the Colosseum to St. Peter’s Basilica. While enjoying the sights, learn the city’s secrets thanks to the multilingual audio commentary. Hop off to sight-see on foot at your own pace with included self-guided walking tours or stay on board to explore for hours - the choice is yours with Big Bus Tours.
Begin at the Touristation Ara Coeli office, Piazza Ara Coeli 16, with a 30-minute 3D video about ancient Rome. Then, explore the Roman Forum. The Touristation staff will assist with entry. Discover once-vibrant temples and monuments, gaining insight into Roman life and architecture. Continue to Palatine Hill, where Rome's elite once lived. Imagine their daily lives while walking among the ruins. Visit the Colosseum approximately two hours after your booking. Explore this iconic Roman amphitheater and marvel at its impressive arches. Complete your journey with an hop-on hop-off bus tour. Choose your starting point, including a stop near the Colosseum. Enjoy views of the city's landmarks with the audio guide.
Pass the security checks and take your seat in St. Peter’s Square for the Papal Audience, which includes prayers, blessings, and a message from the Pope. At 11:30 AM or 12:30 PM, join a guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica to see Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s Baldacchino, and the dome. Your guide will explain the history and features of the church.
Begin your tour with a visit to the Colosseum through a special group entrance. Walk the path of ancient gladiators and enjoy a unique 360° view of the monument. Feel the atmosphere of ancient Rome as the guide describes the past events that were witnessed by over 50,000 spectators. Visit the Roman Forum, where old governmental buildings stand as silent witnesses to history. Explore the Forum Magnum, once a lively marketplace, and discover the everyday life of ancient Romans. End your tour at Palatine Hill and look at panoramic views of the Circus Maximus, where chariots once raced.
