Vatican and Rome walking tour combined package

Tour Description

Vatican and Rome at Sunset combined package

This tour option is designed for those with limited time, covering almost 3,000 years of history and two cities in one convenient package. As with all our tours, fast-track tickets to all the sites are included.

Part 1

The first part of your adventure begins in the morning and focuses on the highlights of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel with quick access to St. Peter’s Basilica.

The Vatican Museums

Housing one of the largest and most impressive art collections in the world, the Vatican Museums are comprised of 1,200 rooms, 54 galleries and 7 kilometers of art. You will be navigated through this vast network of courtyards, galleries and rooms, stopping off at some of the most important art works along the way. You will see the pieces that inspired Michelangelo, influenced Raphael and helped to propel the Italian Renaissance.

The Sistine Chapel

The jewel of the Vatican is, of course, the Sistine Chapel and no visit would be complete without it. You will receive an in-depth and well-rounded explanation of this remarkable space. Explore every aspect of this sanctuary, from the sidewalls, to the altar wall and finally the vault, as you uncover the sequence of the frescoed panels and symbolism behind every figure. Hear about the techniques Michelangelo employed, as well as the struggles and obstacles he had to overcome to create the most famous ceiling in the world.

St. Peter’s Basilica

Once your excursion is over, you will be escorted through a priority passageway to the Basilica of St. Peter’s, where you will be free to explore the awe-inspiring landmark at your own leisure.

Break

Once this segment of the tour is done, you will have a bit of time by yourselves to relax. Absorb what you have seen, take some photos, and maybe grab a bite to eat before making your way over to the City Center. (Please be aware that the transportation are not included in this package).

Part 2

Rome at Sunset                             

Your tour will continue with a fun walking tour of Rome, that covers the city’s highlights and is great for those who want to visit the must-see sites and learn some history! 

Campo De’ Fiori 

Meet your tour guide in the City Center, at our office at Campo de’ Fiori and start the tour with a delicious, homemade Tiramisù, accompanied by a hot shot of typical Roman Coffee (Espresso) . Campo de’ Fiori was once a field of flowers and a very popular part of Rome, frequented by the most influential historical figures. Its popularity drew new businesses to the area, opening workshops, inns and taverns making this neighbourhood one of the most prosperous of the city.

Piazza Navona

The next stop on the tour is the picturesque Piazza Navona, built over the ancient Circus Aronalis, or “Stadium of Domitian”. In the 15th century the former stadium was covered over, although it maintained its racetrack shape and became Rome’s central market place. Today it’s one of the city’s liveliest squares and frequently hosts local artists and street performers. Find out how they used to flood the square in the summer months to create an artificial lake, hear the story behind one of art world’s greatest rivalries and discover whose ghost still lingers there. 

The Pantheon 

This was Michelangelo’s favorite Roman building, as well as Raphael’s. In fact, the latter loved the building so much it is also his resting place. The word “Pantheon” takes its name from the Greek “Pan” meaning “all” and “theion” meaning “gods” and was the first temple in Rome dedicated to “all the Gods”. It has been rebuilt a few times over the years, but its current construction is the work of the great Emperor Hadrian. The structure is divided into two separate parts, the portico and the rotunda, which were masterfully formulated to look like one.  Marvel at its dimensions, find out what its inscriptions mean, and look up at is ceiling, a mathematical triumph that inspired Brunelleschi to create his dome for the church of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence. You’ll get to learn how the pantheon was built, why it’s so well preserved and who else is buried within its impressive walls. 

Fontana di Trevi

This is undeniably one of the most famous fountains in world, and one of the few in Rome not designed by Bernini. The Trevi Fountain was created by Nicola Salvi between 1732 and 1751. Unfortunately, he died before its completion and the work was entrusted to four other artists before it was finally inaugurated in 1762. Immortalised in movies like Roman Holiday, Three Coins in a Fountain and La Dolce Vita, it is something you must see in person to truly apricate. Its beauty, the sheer size of it and the way the water sounds as you approach are things that just can’t be replicated, even on the big screen. Discover the interesting history surrounding the fountain, where its name comes from, who died during its construction, and the correct way to throw your coins in. 

Piazza di Spagna 

The last stop on your tour is the Piazza di Spagna or the square of Spain, considered one of the most beautiful piazzas in Rome. Housing Rome’s fashion district and littered with high end designer stores and boutiques, the square is a must see for any aspiring fashionista. Its charm has drawn visitors for years and the location was once a literary hub as well, attracting a slew of international writers and poets who made it their home. Today, all that remains of this era are a few plaques marking where they lived, the Keats and Shelly memorial house and their old haunt, Antique Café Greco, the second oldest café in Italy. You’ll learn all about the world-famous Spanish Steps, who designed them, why they were built and what they are used for today. View the Column of the Immaculate Conception and fill up your water bottles at a fountain designed by Bernini and his dad, before moving on to the following site.

Itinerary

• Vatican Museums
• Sistine Chapel
• Privileged entrance to St. Peter's Basilica
• Homemade Tiramisu & typical Roman Espresso
• Campo de Fiori
• Navona square
• Pantheon
• Trevi Fountain
• Spanish Steps