Rome in a Day Tour with Vatican, Colosseum & Historic Center

Knives, scissors, and other cutting tools must also be deposited in the cloakroom as a precaution against harming the artwork inside. No hammers, either, as one was once used to smash Michelangelo's Pietá. This probably goes without saying, but firearms are also strictly prohibited for visitors within the Vatican Museums and you can't check them in the cloakroom.

Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments, or for wheelchairs or strollers. Please contact the Guest Experience team at [email protected] or call +39 068-596-0143 (Italy) or 888-683-8670 (USA) to make alternative arrangements.

It does, but it isn't anything too formal. The big rule is to make sure your shoulders and knees are covered - that applies to both men and women. Also remember that shorts of any length are not allowed at all in St. Peter's Basilica so if you are visiting both the Vatican Musuems and the Basilica, wear trousers or a long skirt. Occasionally visitors get away with wearing a bit less but it’s best not to risk it. Hats are also not allowed. Walks cannot be held responsible for guests who are refused entrance due to inappropriate dress so please remember to cover up.

Between January 12 and March 31, 2026, the Vatican Museums will carry out a dedicated preservation project focused on Michelangelo’s "Last Judgment" in the Sistine Chapel. To allow specialists to work safely and thoroughly, the entire wall featuring the fresco will be covered by scaffolding throughout the intervention. The Sistine Chapel will remain open to visitors, though this specific artwork will be temporarily out of view during the restoration period. We appreciate your patience and understanding as essential conservation work is performed on this remarkable masterpiece.

This tour is fully refundable up to 7 days prior to the event. Within 7 days, this tour is non-refundable.

Our tours run rain or shine so please dress for the elements. We also ask you to please remember hats and sunscreen if you are taking this tour in the summer as it might be very hot.

Occasionally the sights on this tour are visited in a different order. This happens due to logistical changes and snap decisions made by our guides to avoid crowds and thus improve your visit.

Unfortunately, Yes. The Colosseum is subject to unforeseen closures due to weather conditions and worker strikes, as well as last minute changes in reservations, all of which are out of Walks of Italy (or any other tour operator's) control. If for any reason we cannot run the tour as described, we will contact you immediately, offering the best alternatives. Depending on the situation this might result in a modification of the itinerary or a change in the tour start time. Our aim is to offer you the highest level of service and in the rare occasion in which circumstances outside of our control mean that you cannot participate in a variation of this tour we will offer you a full refund.

No. But your guide is always happy to offer you plenty of recommendations for great places to eat in the vicinity that will suit any price point.

Walks Tours is proud to be an Official Parco Archeologico del Colosseo Operator approved to lead guided tours of the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill.

The St. Peter's Dome climb requires separate tickets, one allows you to take the elevator up part of the way then climb a further 320 steps, while another permits you to climb the entire 551 steps. Either way the view from the top is worth it!

When the chapel was restored in 1990 the biggest donors to the project (donating a whopping $4.2 million) were a Japanese television network. In return, they received exclusive rights to photograph and film inside and quickly banned any professional photographers from taking pictures. Although they didn't mind if tourists took photos, the Vatican guards decided to enforce the rule on everyone because it was impractical to differentiate between a normal visitor and who was a professional photographer. The Japanese network's exclusive contract has expired now but the rule persists. If you try to take any images in the Chapel Vatican, security is authorized to make you delete them.

Yes, as long as it's within a certain size. You cannot bring any bag, backpack suitcase or container larger that 40cm x 35cm x 15cm into the Vatican Museums. In fact, size limits apply to all items; because of the sheer number of people that visit the Museums, space is at a premium. You can’t enter with medium to large umbrellas, any umbrellas with spiked tips, camera tripods, signage (apart from signs used by certified guides) or walking sticks – except those required by disabled visitors. All of these items can be left in the cloakroom, which is located at the entrance to the Museums. This means that you will need to walk 15 - 20 minutes back here after you finish your tour at St Peter's Basilica. On our afternoon tours you may need to leave the tour early to collect your bag before the cloakroom closes.

Yes! All guests (including children) must bring a government-issued ID/passport on the day of their tour. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument. The full names of all participants are required at the time of booking and must match the names on their ID/passport. Name changes are not permitted.

This tour does involve walking. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty and comfortable walking shoes are a must!