
Vatican Tours
Enter your dates to find available
activities
The Vatican Museums are a series of museums in Vatican City, an independent city-state enclaved within Rome, Italy. They display works from the immense collection amassed by the Roman Catholic Church over the centuries, including some of the most renowned classical sculptures and most important masterpieces of Renaissance art in the world. The museums are located within Vatican City and are home to some of the world’s most famous artists, including the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms. The museums are open to the public, and visitors can explore the collection on their own or take a guided tour.
Vatican City, the world's smallest independent state, is a unique enclave within Rome, Italy. Serving as the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church, it holds immense religious and cultural significance. At its heart lies St. Peter's Square, Vatican City, an architectural marvel designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The square is framed by grand colonnades that embrace visitors, providing a majestic welcome to one of the holiest sites in Christianity.
The centerpiece of Vatican City is St. Peter's Basilica, renowned for its breathtaking dome and stunning Renaissance art. Visitors flock to see Michelangelo's iconic Pietà and the intricately designed Baldachin by Bernini. To enter, you’ll need to purchase St. Peter's Vatican tickets, which grant access to the basilica and allow you to explore its stunning interior.
Adjacent to the basilica are the Vatican Museums, a vast collection of art and historical artifacts that span centuries. Home to masterpieces from renowned artists, the museums culminate in the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel, famous for Michelangelo’s stunning ceiling frescoes. To make the most of your visit, consider booking tickets to the Sistine Chapel and Vatican in advance. This ensures you skip the long lines and can fully immerse yourself in the art and history.
The Vatican City Museum Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the museums, led by knowledgeable guides who provide valuable insights into the vast collection. If you prefer a more personalized experience, private tours of the Vatican are available, allowing for tailored itineraries and focused discussions.
For a seamless experience, secure your Vatican Museum tickets official, which provide guaranteed access without the hassle of waiting in long queues. Many visitors opt for Vatican City Museum tickets that bundle access to both the museums and the Sistine Chapel, making it easier to plan your visit.
When planning your trip, it's essential to check for any restrictions or special events that might affect access. Vatican City can become particularly busy during peak tourist seasons, so advanced booking is highly recommended. Overall, a visit to Vatican City is not just a journey through art and history; it’s a profound experience that connects visitors to centuries of faith, culture, and artistry.
What to bring:
What not to bring:
By Bus: Several bus lines, including Line 40 and 64, connect central Rome to Vatican City. Buses are frequent and provide an affordable way to reach the Vatican. Look for stops near St. Peter's Square for easy access.
By Walking: If you’re staying in central Rome, walking to Vatican City is a pleasant option. Stroll through charming neighborhoods, enjoying sights along the way. The journey from popular areas like Piazza Navona takes about 20-30 minutes, offering beautiful views.
By Taxi: Taxis are readily available throughout Rome and provide a convenient way to reach Vatican City. Ensure you use licensed taxis, identifiable by a “TAXI” sign. The drive from central locations typically takes 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic.
If you want to visit the heart of Ancient Rome, the Roman Forum Tour is the best way to experience the history of the ancient city. You will walk down the Via Sacra, or Sacred Way, of the Roman Forum, also known as the triumphal road. This is the same path that victorious Roman generals would follow when they returned from abroad. Every stone that lies within the Roman Forum is connected to the great moments from Ancient Rome’s past.
The Roman Forum Tour will also lead you past the triumphal arches. The Arch of Titus is especially well preserved and detailed. The Arch of Constantine is also visible from the 2nd floor balcony of the Colosseum. Only a few of these incredible arches still remain, and even fewer are well preserved.
During the Colosseum and Roman Forum tour your guide will lead you through the once bustling marketplace that was ruled by the shopkeepers and moneylenders. The Roman Forum was the focal point of the Ancient Roman Empire and was home to many religious and political buildings such as the Basilica of Maxentius and the Senate House. Although this was not the Senate House in which Julius Caesar was assassinated, you will find the temple of Julius Caesar in the Roman Forum.
With so many layers of history and architecture in the Ancient City, choosing a Colosseum and Roman Forum tour is an excellent way to experience it all. You will walk the ancient roman roads with a local guide who is an expert in their field. Not only will you visit Rome’s most famous monument, you will learn the history as well. When you walk past the broken pieces of marble strewn about the valley and past ancient temples, it is hard to believe that this area was once a vast swampland.
If you want to visit the heart of Ancient Rome, the Roman Forum Tour is the best way to experience the history of the ancient city. You will walk down the Via Sacra, or Sacred Way, of the Roman Forum, also known as the triumphal road. This is the same path that victorious Roman generals would follow when they returned from abroad. Every stone that lies within the Roman Forum is connected to the great moments from Ancient Rome’s past.
The Roman Forum Tour will also lead you past the triumphal arches. The Arch of Titus is especially well preserved and detailed. The Arch of Constantine is also visible from the 2nd floor balcony of the Colosseum. Only a few of these incredible arches still remain, and even fewer are well preserved.
During the Colosseum and Roman Forum tour your guide will lead you through the once bustling marketplace that was ruled by the shopkeepers and moneylenders. The Roman Forum was the focal point of the Ancient Roman Empire and was home to many religious and political buildings such as the Basilica of Maxentius and the Senate House. Although this was not the Senate House in which Julius Caesar was assassinated, you will find the temple of Julius Caesar in the Roman Forum.
With so many layers of history and architecture in the Ancient City, choosing a Colosseum and Roman Forum tour is an excellent way to experience it all. You will walk the ancient roman roads with a local guide who is an expert in their field. Not only will you visit Rome’s most famous monument, you will learn the history as well. When you walk past the broken pieces of marble strewn about the valley and past ancient temples, it is hard to believe that this area was once a vast swampland.
An exploration of ancient Rome would not be complete without a Palatine Hill Tour. Learn about the legend of the twin brothers, Romulus and Remus, and see where their battle for the city took place. Archaeologists are always finding something new on the Palatine Hill, in 2007 an underground chamber was found that is thought to have been the Lupercal, the chamber where legend says that Romulus and Remus were suckled by a she-wolf. Of course this seems like a far-fetched idea today, but the ancient Romans truly believed it.
The Palatine Hill is one of the famous seven hills of Rome and eventually became the site of the imperial palaces.The hill was inhabited by wealthy citizens who used it to escape the heat, noise and smells of the crowded city. It eventually became the home of the emperors after Domitian built an expansive palatial complex. During the Palatine Hill Tour you will get to see what remains of this massive palace as your guide describes its ingenious design.
From the height of the Palatine you will enjoy wonderful views of Rome’s skyline. You can look down over the Circus Maximus and imagine the emperors watching the chariot races taking place down below without the need to leave their palace. From the other side of the hill you get an amazing view of the Roman Forum spreading out before you. Having a guide with you during the Palatine Hill tour makes the experience much more interesting and enjoyable.
Don’t miss the chance to explore the Palatine hill and see one of the oldest parts of the city. Having a guide makes all the difference when it comes to ancient history and architecture. Rome’s incredible history will be brought to life and your guide will transport you back to ancient roman times.
An exploration of ancient Rome would not be complete without a Palatine Hill Tour. Learn about the legend of the twin brothers, Romulus and Remus, and see where their battle for the city took place. Archaeologists are always finding something new on the Palatine Hill, in 2007 an underground chamber was found that is thought to have been the Lupercal, the chamber where legend says that Romulus and Remus were suckled by a she-wolf. Of course this seems like a far-fetched idea today, but the ancient Romans truly believed it.
The Palatine Hill is one of the famous seven hills of Rome and eventually became the site of the imperial palaces.The hill was inhabited by wealthy citizens who used it to escape the heat, noise and smells of the crowded city. It eventually became the home of the emperors after Domitian built an expansive palatial complex. During the Palatine Hill Tour you will get to see what remains of this massive palace as your guide describes its ingenious design.
From the height of the Palatine you will enjoy wonderful views of Rome’s skyline. You can look down over the Circus Maximus and imagine the emperors watching the chariot races taking place down below without the need to leave their palace. From the other side of the hill you get an amazing view of the Roman Forum spreading out before you. Having a guide with you during the Palatine Hill tour makes the experience much more interesting and enjoyable.
Don’t miss the chance to explore the Palatine hill and see one of the oldest parts of the city. Having a guide makes all the difference when it comes to ancient history and architecture. Rome’s incredible history will be brought to life and your guide will transport you back to ancient roman times.
There is no better way to experience Ancient Rome than by taking a Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Tour. Exploring what remains of the Ancient Roman empire with an official guide is an exciting and interesting way to spend your time in Rome. There is so much history and so many hidden details that you will never find without the knowledge and experience of a professional guide.
During the Colosseum tour you will have a chance to inspect its magnificent facade and check out the roman numerals above the arches. Your guide will describe why the Colosseum’s walls are covered with holes and the differences between the columns. The intrigue only grows as you enter the monument and hear about the drama and gore of the gladiator battles.
You will go back in time as you walk through the Ancient City during the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill guided tour. It is easy to imagine a bustling city center and marketplace as your guide describes what life was like in Rome during ancient times. As you walk through Roman Forum your guide will lead you past the Temple of Julius Caesar as well as the Basilica of Maxentius. Strolling up the Palatine Hill you will pass by the Arch of Titus and appreciate the intricate artistry and craftsmanship of the reliefs. The tall umbrella pine trees that are so iconic to Rome create a lovely atmosphere as your guide describes the incredible palaces that once reigned over the city. With a gorgeous view unfolding in front of you and your tour guide sharing their expertise, the history of Ancient Rome has never been more engaging.
The tour of the Colosseum as well as the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill tour combine to create an immersive and unforgettable experience of Rome’s fascinating history.
There is no better way to experience Ancient Rome than by taking a Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Tour. Exploring what remains of the Ancient Roman empire with an official guide is an exciting and interesting way to spend your time in Rome. There is so much history and so many hidden details that you will never find without the knowledge and experience of a professional guide.
During the Colosseum tour you will have a chance to inspect its magnificent facade and check out the roman numerals above the arches. Your guide will describe why the Colosseum’s walls are covered with holes and the differences between the columns. The intrigue only grows as you enter the monument and hear about the drama and gore of the gladiator battles.
You will go back in time as you walk through the Ancient City during the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill guided tour. It is easy to imagine a bustling city center and marketplace as your guide describes what life was like in Rome during ancient times. As you walk through Roman Forum your guide will lead you past the Temple of Julius Caesar as well as the Basilica of Maxentius. Strolling up the Palatine Hill you will pass by the Arch of Titus and appreciate the intricate artistry and craftsmanship of the reliefs. The tall umbrella pine trees that are so iconic to Rome create a lovely atmosphere as your guide describes the incredible palaces that once reigned over the city. With a gorgeous view unfolding in front of you and your tour guide sharing their expertise, the history of Ancient Rome has never been more engaging.
The tour of the Colosseum as well as the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill tour combine to create an immersive and unforgettable experience of Rome’s fascinating history.
Covid Safety measures:
All the areas that customers come in contact with are frequently cleaned
In order to reduce crowds, the number of visitors is limited
Customers are required to bring and wear face masks
There is a mandatory temperature check for customers
Social distancing standards must be maintained inside the monument
What to bring:
Weather-appropriate clothing
Comfortable shoes
Passport or ID card
Water
Sunscreen
Arena entrance & Reduced price tickets:
As the Colosseum Arena Floor is a restricted area, visitors will have to provide details such as their full name, date of birth, and a valid ID card as they’re entering the monument.
People who have booked tickets at the reduced price for ages 2 to 15 years old will also be required to show an ID.
Things that are not allowed:
Pets
Drones
Aerosol sprays
Any kind of weapons or sharp objects.
Luggage or large bags. Even smaller bags with wheels are not allowed.
Note: The Imperial Forum Road is closed to car and bus traffic on Sundays, which means it’s the perfect time to go for rental bikes or take a nice walk along via Fori Imperiali towards the Colosseum. Some bus routes are deviated on Sundays, so be sure to allow extra time to arrive.