Rome in a Day Group Tour with Colosseum and Vatican by Minivan

Tour Overview

In Rome, as the old saying goes, one lifetime isn’t enough. But what if you’ve only got a single day to see the Eternal City? Thanks to our carefully planned Rome in a Day itinerary with minivan transportation, you’ll still be able to make the most of your limited time in Rome! Get to grips with the amazing legacy of ancient Rome in the Roman Forum and walk in the bloodied footsteps of the gladiators at the iconic Colosseum; discover the Pantheon and gaze on the splendours of the Baroque city as we visit the Trevi fountain, Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona. Finally expedited entrance to the Vatican Museums and come face-to-face with Michelangelo’s jaw-dropping Sistine Chapel, Raphael's magnificent frescoes and vast St. Peter’s Basilica.

*** All participants 18 and over must book as adults, there is no older student discount available for this itinerary, and due to new regulations for Colosseum tickets, all participants must provide full names immediately upon booking ***

Tour Description

Discover the essence of the Eternal City in a single day

With nearly 3,000 years of history behind it and boasting 900 churches, over 100 museums, countless artistic masterpieces and archaeological sites, the Eternal City is full of never-ending surprises - and a source of inspiration to last a lifetime.

But even if you are here just for one day, with the right planning it's possible to visit the most important highlights of this amazing city - and that's exactly what our Rome in A Day Group Tour is about. Drawing on our years of experience, we've carefully designed this itinerary to allow you to get the very best out of this extraordinary city in a single day. Traveling comfortably between the sites by minivan will mean you can save your time and energy for the monuments themselves!

The Roman Forum: Walk in the footsteps of emperors

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live at the time of the Ancient Romans? The Roman Forum is probably the best place to imagine the life of our ancestors: as you walk down its ancient roads, your guide will bring these majestic ruins back to life. On our tour, you will see the ruins of the amazing buildings that where our modern concepts of government and politics were born, such as the Senate (or the Rostra), where Cicero and other orators gave their passionate speeches - sometimes paying for their political views with their lives. We'll also admire the majestic triumphal arches that dot the area, built by the ancient emperors to celebrate their victories.

Each one of these magnificent arches has a fascinating story to tell: in front of the Arch of Titus, you will listen to the sad story of the sack of Jerusalem; gazing on the impressive Arch of Septimius Severus you'll learn about the emperor's military campaigns and the terrible story of his eldest son Caracalla, who killed his younger brother out of jealousy and a thirst for power. Discover the religious beliefs of the Romans and their rituals while exploring the House of the Vestal Virgins and the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, still perfectly preserved even today. Exploring the Temple of Julius Caesar, meanwhile, we'll discover the close connection between power and religion - Caesar, dictator in life, was elevated to the ranks of the divine after his death.

The Colosseum: Blood and sand in Rome’s iconic arena

Built by the Flavian dynasty at the end of the 1st century AD, the Colosseum is by far the most iconic building in Rome. Anxious to win back the love and support of the Roman populace after Nero’s disgraceful reign, the emperor Vespasian started the construction of the monument that was going to be the symbol of Rome for the next 2,000 years. Financed with the treasures taken during the sack of Jerusalem, the Colosseum was built in an incredibly short amount of time - just 9 years, thanks to the famous ingenuity of the Romans and the hard work of thousands of slaves in equal mesaure.

When he inaugurated the Colosseum in 80 AD, Vespasian’s eldest son Titus was determined to get off to a great start: he offered 100 days of shows during which thousands of animals and people were killed, all for the entertainment of the 65,000 bloodthirsty spectators sitting on the bleachers. 

Experience the unique atmosphere of Rome's historic centre

In Rome, spectacular art isn't just confined to the walls of dusty museums: here, art and history are literally around every corner  - and there’s nowhere better to truly appreciate how they are still an intrinsic part of city life than the metropolis' pulsating historic center. With the help of our expert guide guide, on this tour you'll learn the fascinating stories behind the city's most beautiful squares, fountains and monuments: admire the Baroque splendor of the Trevi Fountain (don’t forget to throw a coin in its magical waters to ensure your return to Rome), and enter the majestic ancient Roman Pantheon (from the exterior). Learn how the ancients built a dome that even today remains the largest of its kind ever constructed! Finall, take a stroll in the beautiful Piazza Navona, and marvel at the famous Fountain of the Four Rivers - the work of Baroque master Gianlorenzo Bernini.

Lunch at a modern, yet authentic Roman restaurant.

During the tour, you will get to enjoy a sit-down lunch in an amazing restaurant just a stone's throw away from the Vatican Museums. Here you will get to experience a real Roman lunch, including a charcuterie board with bruschetta, cured meats, and cheese with honey and jam. Then you get to chose between a pasta Amatriciana or Carbonara. Last but not least, a home-made dessert is also included as well as water, a glass of wine and coffee during your lunch.

* If you have any dietary restrictions, please let us know immediately upon booking so we can inform the restaurant accordingly.

The Vatican: 2,000 years of art and spirituality

At 109 acres and with a popualation of 1,000 citizens, the Vatican City is the smallest country in the whole world. But don’t let these numbers fool you: in its tiny territory the Vatican houses the 5th largest museum in the world as well as the world’s largest Catholic Basilica.

With the help of your expert guide, you will discover the most renowned treasures of this unique country. In the prestigious Vatican Museums, you will come face to face with the most celebrated statues of emperors, gods, muses and philosophers from the past. As you walk through galleries and courtyards, you will meet the Apollo Belvedere and marvel at his divine beauty; admire the Laocoon and listen to the tragic destiny of the priest who sought to warn the Trojans not to trust the Trojan Horse. 

Walk through the celebrated Gallery of the Tapestries and the Hall of Maps; discover why Raphael's art was considered to have been inspired by God himself. Finally enter the Sistine Chapel, the spectacular highlight of the Vatican musuems itinerary, and breathe in the magic of Michaelangelo’s timeless art.

The last part of your journey will take you to enormous Saint Peter’s Basilica, where you will be touched by the beautiful Pietà - sculpted by Michelangelo when he was just 23 years old out of a single block of Carrara marble. Gaze up at the the main altar crowned by Gianlorenzo Bernini’s extraordinary bronze canopy.  According to tradition, the Apostle Peter is buried right here, directly beneath the altar where the Pope celebrates mass.

Join us on this unforgettable journey to discover the fascinating stories and figures that have shaped the Eternal City.

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