Rome in a Day Tour: Including Vatican, Colosseum & Historic Center

Check all of Rome's most unmissable attractions off your list in just one day.

As the famous saying goes, a lifetime isn't enough for Rome. But if you're eager to experience the most iconic sites in the city in a shorter amount of time, this Rome in a Day tour is calling your name. From the Colosseum to the Vatican—not to mention the countless must-sees in the historic center—we've crafted the perfect itinerary to ensure you see and do it all in one unforgettable day. The best way to see Rome is on foot, so get ready to do a lot of walking!

Discover history and art in the historic center on a walking tour.

Your Rome in a Day tour begins in one of Rome's most beautiful squares, Piazza Navona, home to Bernini's Fountain of Four Rivers. Your guided stroll through the historical center of the city continues past the Pantheon: a 1,900-year-old temple that has inspired countless buildings around the world throughout the centuries, including the U.S. Capitol.

You’ll also explore the most idyllic side of the Eternal City, the Rome of Audrey Hepburn and Federico Fellini, bursting with piazzas and fountains, gelato and photo ops. That includes the world-famous Trevi Fountain, where Fellini’s lovers cavorted in La Dolce Vita. The morning finishes at Piazza Venezia where you'll admire an impressive monument affectionately nicknamed "the wedding cake" by locals. You'll break for lunch, and even though it isn't included in the tour price, your guide will share recommendations for every taste and budget.

Explore the Colosseum with an expert guide.

After lunch, you'll reconvene with your guide and small group and walk to an overlook of the Roman Forum. Your knowledgeable guide will set the scene, introducing you to the ancient city and pointing out various attractions that you'll visit later on.

From there, you'll take advantage of express access Colosseum tickets to step into the iconic amphitheater for an insightful Colosseum tour of all the general access areas on the first and second tiers. Since there are never more than 18 people in the group, this is a unique opportunity to interact with your guide and learn about this spectacular structure in a way that's just not possible on your own.

See the best of the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, with private transportation from central Rome.

Following your Colosseum tour, our Rome in a Day tour continues aboard a comfortable private minibus for a seamless transfer across the river to the Vatican.

Pre-reserved skip-the-line tickets allow you to avoid the extremely long wait to enter the Vatican Museums so you can get right into the highlights of the collection with your guide. Our specially designed itinerary showcases the very best of the nine miles of art and antiquities to make sure you're engaged and entertained throughout, while not missing any of the gems of the collection such as the Apollo Belvedere, Laocoon and His Sons, and Raphael Rooms.

You’ll end your full day tour of Rome in the Sistine Chapel. After we part ways, you can choose to spend more time in the Vatican Museums, soaking up the history and art surrounding you.

If you only have a short period of time to see the absolute best that Rome has to offer, our Rome in a Day tour is the perfect way to maximize your time and experience the wonders of the city in the company of an expert local guide and small group of fellow travelers.

Please note that this description is an example and your experience may vary depending on the season, day of the week, and group size. Regardless of where your tour goes, you always have an excellent experience.