Rome in 2 Days: Colosseum, Vatican Museum, Underground Catacomb Tour
Best of Rome – Exclusive 2-Day Small Group Tour
The essence of Ancient Rome and the Vatican in one unforgettable experience
Embark on a two-day journey through time and beauty as you explore the most iconic landmarks of Rome, guided by passionate experts and surrounded by the timeless charm of the Eternal City. This exclusive small group tour is designed for curious travelers who want to experience the very best of Rome, combining ancient wonders, hidden underground treasures, and the splendor of the Vatican.
Day 1 – Ancient Rome & the Underground Catacombs
Begin your adventure with a deep dive into the glory of the Roman Empire. Visit the awe-inspiring Colosseum, where your guide will bring to life the stories of emperors and gladiators, epic battles, and public spectacles that once filled this massive amphitheater.
From there, continue to the Roman Forum, the political and commercial heart of ancient Rome, and walk up the Palatine Hill, where Romulus is said to have founded the city. These ruins whisper powerful tales of imperial ambition, myth, and daily life.
After a short break, you’ll board a comfortable air-conditioned minivan and head along the Ancient Appian Way, one of Rome’s oldest and most fascinating roads. Here begins your descent into the mysterious world of the Catacombs—a labyrinthine network of underground burial sites used by early Christians.
Depending on the day, you’ll visit one of the following:
- San Callisto (St. Callixtus) – Home to the Crypt of the Popes and martyrs
- San Sebastiano (St. Sebastian) – Known for its devotion to early Christian worship
- Santa Domitilla – Among the most extensive and best-preserved catacombs in Rome
Inside, you’ll discover ancient frescoes, crypts, and mausoleums, and learn the stories of saints, popes, and martyrs. According to legend, even some apostles may be buried here.
Day 2 – The Vatican Experience
On your second day, immerse yourself in the heart of the Catholic world with a guided tour of the Vatican Museums. Admire one of the most impressive art collections on the planet, from ancient sculptures to Renaissance masterpieces. Walk through the famed Gallery of Maps, the Tapestries Hall, and the Raphael Rooms, as your expert guide reveals the stories behind the works and the people who shaped them.
Then, step into the Sistine Chapel, where you’ll have time to pause and admire Michelangelo’s iconic frescoes. One of them is the breathtaking Last Judgment—a work that forever transformed the history of art.
Your tour continues with direct access to St. Peter’s Basilica, where you can explore at your own pace. Gaze up at Michelangelo’s dome, admire the emotional beauty of the Pietà, and stand beneath Bernini’s towering Baldachin, over the very tomb of St. Peter.
Why Choose This Tour?
- Two full days of immersive, guided exploration
- Small group format for a more intimate and engaging experience
- Skip-the-line access to all major sites
- Expert local guides with deep knowledge of art, history, and archaeology
- Round-trip transportation to the Catacombs by air-conditioned minivan
- Access to both above-ground marvels and underground mysteries
What’s included?
- Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill Small Group Guided Tour
- Transfer from/to the Catacombs at the meeting point near the Colosseum (pick-up/drop-off)
- Catacombs Small Group Guided Tour
- Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel Small Group Guided Tour
- WI FI Headsets system
- Admission to the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel
- Admission to St Peter’s Basilica
- Admission to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill
- Admission to the Catacombs Guaranteed to skip the long lines
- All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Guide service during the transfer to the Catacombs
- Gratuities (recommended)
Please note
- Public transportation nearby
IMPORTANT INFORMATION – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Accessibility & Health
- This tour is not wheelchair or walker accessible
- Strollers are not permitted
- Infant seats are not available, and infants may not sit on laps
- Not suitable for travelers with walking difficulties, heart conditions, or back problems
- Pets are not allowed
- Any disability or health condition (e.g., visual or hearing impairments, mobility limitations) that may affect your participation must be communicated to our team in advance.
Identification & Booking Policy
- A valid photo ID (passport, driver’s license, student ID, etc.) is required to enter the monuments.
- At the start of the tour, you may be asked to confirm your full name and date of birth.
- If you booked a discounted ticket, you must show a valid ID to prove eligibility.
- Group tickets are used for entry; individual ticket requests are not possible.
- Late arrivals cannot join the tour and will not be eligible for a refund
Meeting Times & Tour Schedule
- All tours have a mandatory meeting time 20 minutes before departure
- Late arrivals will not be admitted, and no refund (even partial) will be issued
- Actual departure times may vary by up to 20–30 minutes for organizational reasons
- The order of site visits may vary depending on availability and operational needs
- Meeting times, points, and schedules will be confirmed after booking and may vary based on monument availability
- Incorrect or inactive phone numbers may result in communication failure—we are not responsible in such cases
- Changes to bookings are not accepted within 72 hours of the tour. No refund will be issued after this time
Security & Site Regulations
- All visitors and bags will be screened through security checks
- Prohibited items inside the Monuments and Museums: glass bottles or containers, alcoholic beverages, aerosols, backpacks, camping equipment, large or bulky bags, suitcases, trolleys, selfie sticks
- Only small to medium-sized backpacks are allowed, subject to visual inspection and metal detectors
- The Colosseum Administration, under the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, may close the site (or parts of it) at any time without notice due to weather, strikes, or special events. In such cases, we will offer an alternative itinerary or partial refund, when possible
- Catacombs access is only allowed when accompanied by a guide. It is strictly forbidden to separate from the group or cross restricted barriers
- No photos are allowed inside the Catacombs
- Inside the Catacombs: high humidity and a temperature of about 60°F / 16°C – dress accordingly
Dress Cod
- To enter religious sites (Vatican Museums, Catacombs, etc.), a modest dress code is mandatory. Shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women Sleeveless tops and shorts are not allowed Entry may be denied without a refund for failure to comply
- Comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended
Transportation & Logistics
- Transfer to the Catacombs is by private minivan with a professional driver (not a guide)
- Meeting points for each tour:
Colosseum & Catacombs Tour: Piazza di San Clemente (next to Basilica San Clemente). Look for staff holding a “Tour in the City” sign
Catacombs departure time: between 2/3:00 PM (Will be communicated the day before the tour) – please arrive 10 minutes early
Vatican Tour: Check&Go Office, Via Sebastiano Veniero 21 (Metro: Ottaviano/San Pietro)
Final Notes
- Please be aware that the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, or the Colosseum may be partially or fully closed without notice due to religious events or institutional decisions. In such cases, no refund will be provided, and we cannot be held responsible for last-minute changes beyond our control.
- If schedule adjustments are necessary due to availability, you will be promptly informed
What do I need to bring?
- Valid photo ID
(Passport, national ID, driver’s license, or student ID).
Required for all participants. The name must match the booking. - Printed or digital voucher
To be presented to your guide at the meeting point. - Comfortable walking shoes
The tours involve extended walking and uneven terrain. - Weather-appropriate clothing
Light clothes and sun protection in summer; umbrella or jacket in case of rain. - Modest clothing
Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter religious sites (e.g. Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, Catacombs). - Water in a plastic bottle
Glass containers and alcoholic beverages are not permitted. - Small bag or backpack only
Large bags, luggage, and bulky items are not allowed inside the monuments. There is no bag storage available on site. - Warm layers for the Catacombs
Underground temperature is around 60°F (16°C) with high humidity.
Cancellation policy
- Bookings are non-refundable. All sales are final.
Day 1 : Colosseum
Visit Rome’s symbolic monument with an expert tour guide that makes it easy and fun for all ages. Learn about the amphitheatre’s history from a guide with an art and archaeology background.
Day 1 : Palatine Hill
You will then, visit the Roman Forum. This is one of the most important archaeological areas in the world with some of Ancient Rome’s most evocative ruins, including the Temple of Julius Caesar, Arch of Titus, House of the Vestal Virgins, Senate House and Basilica of Maxentius. Admire the Roman Forum’s Sacred Way, the triumphal road where the Centurions of Caesar marched after their return from countless battles and conquests.
Day 1 : Roman Forum
After you walk through Palatine Hill, explore the site of an older settlement from the 9th century BC. Admire the incredible frescoes in the House of Augustus and the Hippodrome, an elliptical sunken garden from the Palace of Domitian. Here, enjoy an impressive view of the Circus Maximus and the valley of the Roman Forum. Learn about the legend of Romulus and Remus, the abandoned brothers raised by a wolf who fought each other for power and control.
Day 1 : Catacombs
The catacombs are a complex network of underground tunnels among the longest in the world, which occupies an area of about fifteen hectares, consisting of about 60 km of tunnels on several levels. The catacombs that we will visit (San Calisto, San Sebastiano or Santa Domitilla), for your tour will change depending on the day, but from where we go, you will have the opportunity to see ancient frescoes, crypts rich in inscriptions carved in the walls, niches with still remains of skeletons, small mausoleums, sarcophagi, tombs and small chapels that still today, after about 2000 years, are still used to celebrate religious rites. Here you will find the burial of famous people like popes, martyrs and, according to legends, even some apostles. After the tour back to the meeting point.
Day 2 : Vatican Museum
Discover the treasures hosted by one of the largest and most-visited museums of the world enriched by a considerable number of masterpieces collected through time.
Day 2 : Sistine Chapel
Admire the major representatives of Italian art such as Leonardo, Perugino, Beato Angelico, and many more Towards the end of this tour, you will visit the beautiful Sistine Chapel to admire Michelangelo’s masterpiece: The Last Judgement.
You can start this experience at the following places.
Piazza di San Clemente, next to Basilica San Clemente
Piazza di San Clemente, 00184 Roma, IT
Piazza di San Clemente, next to Basilica San Clemente
Piazza di San Clemente, 00184 Roma, IT
Via Sebastiano Veniero 21. at Check&Go Office
Via Sebastiano Veniero 21, 00192 Roma, IT
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No Hidden Costs: All taxes and fees included.
25 years of experience
Tour in The City was founded in 1990 in response to the ever increasing demand for customized guided tours, in order to visit one of the most important art collections in the World, the eternal city Rome.
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Must-see attractions
Colosseum
The Colosseum, Rome’s legendary ancient arena, once echoed with gladiator battles and grand shows, and now stands as a powerful symbol of the city's eternal legacy.
Pantheon
The Pantheon is a masterpiece of Roman ingenuity, crowned by its iconic dome and central oculus, serving as a temple-turned-church for almost two millennia.
Roman Forum
Once the center of ancient Roman society, the Roman Forum is a vast archaeological park showcasing temples, civic buildings, and storied ruins.
Vatican City
Vatican City, the spiritual center of the Roman Catholic Church, holds a wealth of art, history, and faith, housing St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.
Palatine Hill
Palatine Hill, one of Rome’s famed seven hills, was the site of imperial palaces and offers breathtaking views over the city and its ancient ruins.
Galleria Borghese
The Galleria Borghese, set within the lush Villa Borghese gardens, showcases a stunning collection of sculptures and paintings by masters such as Bernini, Caravaggio, and Raphael.
St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica, the crown jewel of Vatican City, is a majestic architectural marvel housing Michelangelo’s Pietà and the soaring dome he masterfully designed.
Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel, famed for Michelangelo’s awe-inspiring ceiling frescoes, is both a masterpiece of Renaissance art and the sacred setting of the papal conclave.
Castel Sant’Angelo
Castel Sant’Angelo, once Emperor Hadrian’s grand mausoleum, now serves as a museum with sweeping views of Rome and a rich history as a fortress and papal stronghold.
Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain, Rome's largest and most iconic Baroque fountain, is famed for its stunning sculptures.
Testimonials
Hear From Our Happy Explorers!
Martin G
A hot visit to the Colosseum!
Had to collect tickets from a shop near to the Colosseum – lady there was most helpful in explaining where we needed to go and to download apps to our phones for the self audio guide (also gave us some free water with the heat!). Found the entrance easy and then enjoyed the tour – only issue was that the GPS signal wasnt great inside so it was difficult to sync the audio guide to what we were looking at. Took a break before doing the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum – we went on a very hot day and it was hard work walking around – make sure you have plenty of water!! Surfaces were very uneven – which is understandble considering its an ancient monument.
Martin G
FamilyOfFive
Amazing place to visit, weak audio guide
Such an amazing place to visit, it’s easy to understand why this is a must see! The sites were fantastic, but the audio tour was too generic. There were some interesting clips, but not enough about what we were looking at when we were at different points and too much generic history. In retrospect we would have got a lot more from a guide, but it was very nice to go at our own pace.
FamilyOfFive
Eva N
Unforgettable experience!
This tour was nothing short of amazing! From start to finish, everything was organized, engaging, and informative. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and brought the history of the Colosseum to life with fascinating stories, little-known facts, and a real passion for Ancient Rome.
The skip-the-line access was a huge plus—no waiting around in the hot sun! We also got upgraded for an Arena tour and got to explore areas that aren’t always open to the public, which made the experience feel exclusive and even more special.
Eva N
Poppy B
Very good customer service from Dolly
I was due to travel in August on this holiday however due to operational reasons, the tour may not have run and I was made aware straight away. I dealt with a women called Dolly and she offered me alternative options and we decided to refund the tour which was done promptly. Dolly gave me some brilliant advice and some useful insight to Rome.She was fab!
Poppy B
Tom P
Good day out
Really enjoyed the experience, can’t remember the tour guide’s name but he was very good. Very informative and detailed on the tour which kept me engaged about the history. It wasn’t as busy as usual which was also a pleasant experience. Highly enjoyable, many thanks.
Tom P
James C
Well worth it
Really well organised and our guide was great. Really informative and engaging. You wasn’t rushed and had a nice flow to it.
Would highly recommend this. Not sure you’d capture everything without the guide.
James C
Testimonials
Hear From Our Happy Explorers!
Martin G
A hot visit to the Colosseum!
Had to collect tickets from a shop near to the Colosseum – lady there was most helpful in explaining where we needed to go and to download apps to our phones for the self audio guide (also gave us some free water with the heat!). Found the entrance easy and then enjoyed the tour – only issue was that the GPS signal wasnt great inside so it was difficult to sync the audio guide to what we were looking at. Took a break before doing the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum – we went on a very hot day and it was hard work walking around – make sure you have plenty of water!! Surfaces were very uneven – which is understandble considering its an ancient monument.
Martin G
FamilyOfFive
Amazing place to visit, weak audio guide
Such an amazing place to visit, it’s easy to understand why this is a must see! The sites were fantastic, but the audio tour was too generic. There were some interesting clips, but not enough about what we were looking at when we were at different points and too much generic history. In retrospect we would have got a lot more from a guide, but it was very nice to go at our own pace.
FamilyOfFive
Eva N
Unforgettable experience!
This tour was nothing short of amazing! From start to finish, everything was organized, engaging, and informative. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and brought the history of the Colosseum to life with fascinating stories, little-known facts, and a real passion for Ancient Rome.
The skip-the-line access was a huge plus—no waiting around in the hot sun! We also got upgraded for an Arena tour and got to explore areas that aren’t always open to the public, which made the experience feel exclusive and even more special.
Eva N
Poppy B
Very good customer service from Dolly
I was due to travel in August on this holiday however due to operational reasons, the tour may not have run and I was made aware straight away. I dealt with a women called Dolly and she offered me alternative options and we decided to refund the tour which was done promptly. Dolly gave me some brilliant advice and some useful insight to Rome.She was fab!
Poppy B
Tom P
Good day out
Really enjoyed the experience, can’t remember the tour guide’s name but he was very good. Very informative and detailed on the tour which kept me engaged about the history. It wasn’t as busy as usual which was also a pleasant experience. Highly enjoyable, many thanks.
Tom P
James C
Well worth it
Really well organised and our guide was great. Really informative and engaging. You wasn’t rushed and had a nice flow to it.
Would highly recommend this. Not sure you’d capture everything without the guide.
James C
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