Luxury Rome in a Day Tour with a Private Driver
Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain
Kids pay half price!
Duration
about 6 hours + 1 h lunch break
Skip-the-line tickets
Pick up at your hotel
Private Transportation
Mercedes Car or Van
Professional Guides
Activity level
medium
Sights Included
– Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica
– Second Floor
– Trevi Fountain
Tour Description
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and it can’t even be fully explored in a day.
But with the right guidance, you can make the most of your few hours in Rome.
Our Rome in a Day Tour has been designed so that you can experience the best of Rome in just a few hours, and in the most comfortable way.
Your driver and your guide will pick you up at your hotel, and you’ll start your tour right away.
1. Colosseum
First, you’ll go to the Colosseum, undoubtedly the most impressive building in Rome.
This enormous amphitheater was commissioned by the emperor Vespasian in the year 72 AD. Vespasian wanted it to be constructed right in the center of Rome, near the Palatine and the Roman Forum. This was formerly the site of an artificial lake built by Nero, which had since dried up.
Ever since its construction, the Colosseum has been the symbol of the emperor’s power, of the brilliant building skills of the Romans, and of their insatiable bloodlust.
It’s also a very important Christian site and a memorial to all the martyrs that died during the Roman persecutions. But how many Christians were actually killed here?
Take advantage of our professional guide’s knowledge to learn about the gladiators’ daily life, their struggle for freedom, and their deadly combats.
How was the Colosseum built, and how long did it take the Romans to complete it? Is it true that it was built on the site of the ancient lake of Nero? Your tour guide has the answers to all your questions.
2. Piazzas & Fountains
Our Rome in a Day Tour would not be complete without a walk through the unique city center.
- Trevi Fountain
Next, you’ll be off to the Trevi Fountain, the biggest and most famous fountain in Rome.
You’ll hear the story of the springs that still supply the fountain, which were found in the Roman age.
You’ll also learn about the Roman aqueducts and, of course, you’ll have the chance to throw a coin in the fountain, just to make sure you return to Rome!
- Pantheon
After crossing Via del Corso you’ll arrive at the Pantheon, the best-preserved ancient Roman temple in the world.
Aside from the Colosseum, no other building has had such a huge influence on architects.
The Pantheon has always been seen as the peak of Roman architecture and engineering, and as a model of perfection that’s impossible to match.
Countless buildings have been inspired by the Pantheon: the Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Dome of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, the Panthéon in Paris, and the Jefferson Memorial in Washington DC.
Even though it’s about 1,800 years old, the Pantheon is still standing strong in all its monumental grandeur, with its gargantuan columns carved from single pieces of Egyptian granite.
Its dome is still the biggest in Rome, but for more than 1,200 years, it was the biggest in the whole world.
At this point, you’ll probably be hungry. But don’t worry! The tour includes some free time to try a few of the most traditional local dishes.
Ask your guide for a restaurant recommendation, and let us guide you through the discovery of Roman cuisine, which is famous worldwide!
3. Vatican Museum
The last stop of our Rome in a Day Tour is the Vatican, where you will visit the Museum and the Sistine Chapel.
You can skip the line and enjoy a tour of the Museum highlights.
Here, you’ll see the gorgeous galleries decorated with ancient Roman statues, tapestries, and colorful frescoes.
As you stroll through the galleries, you’ll learn about the historical, artistic, and religious significance of the Vatican.
It’s the smallest country in the world and, in proportion, the country with the richest art collection.
- Sistine Chapel
Then, it will be time to visit the Sistine Chapel, where the election of the pope takes place.
This breathtaking church is almost entirely covered with Renaissance frescoes.
The walls were painted by great masters from the 15th century, such as Perugino (the master of Raphael) Botticelli, Rosselli, Ghirlandaio (the master of Michelangelo), and many others.
The Ceiling and the Altar wall, on the other hand, were decorated by the most famous Italian artist: Michelangelo.
Even though he had made his career as a sculptor, Michelangelo accepted the challenging commission of Pope Julius II.
He painted the entire ceiling of the chapel with a massive fresco representing episodes from the Bible, such as the Creation of Adam and Eve, the Great Flood, and Noah’s Sacrifice.
Your guide will tell you the story of Michelangelo’s enterprise, and how he overcame many difficulties to finally share his masterpiece with the world.
However, that’s not the end of the story. 24 years later, Michelangelo also started painting the altar wall, which is entirely covered by the dramatic Last Judgment, his most intense masterwork.
Your tour guide will show you all the details of this revolutionary fresco, and enhance your understanding of the scenes of Damnation and Redemption, which move millions of visitors every year.
- St. Peter's Basilica
The last stop of your Luxury Rome in a Day Tour will be St. Peter’s Basilica, the most important and biggest Catholic church in the world.
We will skip the line using the special access for tours, unavailable for travelers who don’t have a guide and enter the Basilica avoiding the long line.
The Basilica was built on top of the tomb of St. Peter the Apostle, the first pope, who was crucified upside down in the area that, today, is occupied by St. Peter’s Square.
It is a marvel of Renaissance and Baroque architecture, and it’s full of treasures.
Your guide will show you the Pietà, the most moving statue by Michelangelo, carved by the great master in his early 20s.
Also, you will see the Canopy by Bernini, a gargantuan bronze structure that tops the papal altar.
The walls and the ceiling of the basilica are covered with shiny mosaics and dramatic decorations, and the floor is paved with precious ancient marble.
Above the main altar, you will see the Dome, which is the most impressive of Michelangelo’s works as an architect.
Your tour will end in St. Peter’s Square, one of the most impressive piazzas in the world.
After saying goodbye to your guide, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel, or wherever you prefer in Rome’s city center, leaving you with some wonderful memories of the Eternal City.
If you have only one day in Rome, why waste it with a standard group tour?
Take advantage of our VIP service, relax in an air-conditioned Mercedes, and let our professional guides take care of you!
*The order of the sights visited might change
Your knees and shoulders must be covered to enter the Vatican and the Pantheon.
This is the price for groups from one to six people. If you have more people in your group, please let us know and we’ll create a customized price.
149 € per additional adult
75 € per additional kid under 18
in a Mercedes car or van
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or call us at +39 376 165 1457 Tour Itinerary
Italian ArtVentures' Feedbacks
Your guides are so friendly and knowledgeable. They made the history accessible and enriching.
You covered every detail, down to lunch reservations, business class train tickets and wonderful air-conditioned transportation with friendly drivers!
Thank you again for all the e-mails to develop a personalized itinerary for a special trip! We give you 5 1/2 stars on a 5 star scale!
