Colosseum and Vatican (Imperial and Vatican itinerary)

The most iconic places in Rome are famous throughout the whole world, and no trip to Italy could be complete without visiting them. See the greatest monuments of Roman political and religious history, including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Vatican.

The Colosseum, the world’s largest standing amphitheater, is a breathtaking monument to the heart of ancient Roman culture. Construction was originally begun in 72 CE by the emperor Vespasian, who chose to build the public stadium upon a drained lake that was once private property—taken from the Roman people—by the tyrant Nero. The arena’s construction was completed in 80 CE by the emperor Titus. It was used for hundreds of years for the height of entertainment for Roman civilians, hosting shows and events such as gladiatorial fights, combat between men and animals, reenactments of famous battles, and public executions, and it was even filled with water for mock naval battles. Over millennia, the great structure has sustained heavy damage due to natural disasters, vandalism, and neglect. For a time, it was even used as a quarry for building materials. The Colosseum has since been restored to the best of modern ability, and it is once again a beloved attraction for all who come to Rome.

The Ancient Roman Forum, the Forum Romanum, was the center of Roman commerce and politics. The Forum is home to the Senate House and a great number of stunning basilicas, which were multipurpose buildings for public events. Like the Colosseum, the structures in the Forum Romanum were also pillaged for stone for other buildings, including Saint Peter’s Basilica in the 1500s. Since the very late 1800s, excavation and restoration efforts have been made to preserve this ancient heart of Rome.

After your visit to the Forum, stop for lunch in the heart of Rome and indulge in authentic Italian cuisine. After that, the finale of the tour is in Vatican City, where you will skip the lines into the Vatican Museums. The Vatican Museums house the most famous and most visited art collection on Earth, curated over centuries by the papacy. The extensive building is also known to have the world’s most exquisite frescoes, including those of the Sistine Chapel. Finally, you’ll visit Saint Peter’s Basilica, the largest Christian church in the world, entering through the Holy Doors, open only for the duration of the Jubilee (2025, the next one being in 2050). Highlights of the Basilica include Michelangelo’s Pieta’, the imposing 29-meter-tall Baldacchino by Bernini, and the mosaics that cover the whole ceiling.
At the end of your tour, enjoy some time to browse the Vatican gift shop to commemorate your visit.