Rise early and meet your guide at the Vatican Museums. Before entering, get a fascinating introduction to the history of the Sistine Chapel and its extraordinary art from your expert guide. Then, head inside and enter the world-famous Sistine Chapel a full hour before the main, daytime crowds are allowed to enter. As one of the first visitors of the day, make the most of this hallowed sanctuary. Gaze in awe at its two Michelangelo masterpieces — the sublime The Creation of Adam ceiling fresco, and breathtaking The Last Judgment. From here, explore the art-stuffed halls of the Vatican Museums, taking in the Gallery of Maps, Gallery of the Tapestries and Raphael Rooms as your guide details the highlights of this priceless art collection, amassed by popes through five centuries. Next, visit spectacular St Peter’s Basilica, seeing its dome and Michelangelo’s La Pietà, before riding a taxi to Rome’s historical center. Here, stroll the charming streets to see the 2nd-century Pantheon and throw a coin in Trevi Fountain before enjoying free time for lunch (own expense) and continuing to the Colosseum. The Colosseum draws big crowds, so your skip-the-line ticket is a great bonus. Bypass the main entrance lines and dive into three of the monument’s limited-access areas. Descend to the underground level, open only to a limited number of people daily, and explore the dungeons where gladiators and animals were kept before being hurled into the arena. Continue to the arena floor and hear about the gory battles staged here as your guide points out the areas of original flooring. Finally, visit the Colosseum’s upper tier to ogle the epic views of the arena below. Then, walk up nearby Palatine Hill, and hear about Rome’s ancient origins before exploring the Roman Forum below. Inspect the main ruins of this ancient area and then end your tour after saying goodbye to your guide. Please note: A minimum of two people per booking is required.