**All Colosseum tours require photo ID for all participants; plan to bring your passports on the day of your tour. Failure to show identification will result in the denial of entry to the site.**
Your LivTours Rome 2 Day Tour – All Inclusive Bundle begins with a visit to see the statue of Moses made by one of Italy’s most revered artists, Michelangelo! You will hear the history of this area and how Emperor Nero forever changed the face of Rome. The rest of your morning can be spent visiting ancient Rome, the Forum, and the Colosseum.
Your private guide will ensure that you have priority access into the Colosseum, whisk you through a quick security check, and then dive into the ancient Roman world. Your guide will share with you the stories of gladiator fights, exotic animals, and theater performance that took place right where you are standing. Admire the wondrous engineering feat visible in the construction of this famous amphitheater as your guide brings the venue to life through anecdotes and the history of days gone past. Walk up to higher levels and experience the amazing views that only the noble Romans would have enjoyed while you look at your next stops – the Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum.
Known as ancient Rome’s most exclusive neighborhood, The Palatine Hill is still covered by the ruins of Emperor Domitian’s palace. You will discover the wonders of the Forum, including the Temple of Julius Caesar, in the company of your expert private guide. For literary fans, the Temple is the site Shakespeare chose for Marc Antony’s famous speech!
Lunch will be at one of our favorite trattorias giving you a great introduction to real Roman cuisine (not included in price). Afterward, you will continue your tour, this afternoon is dedicated to Rome’s historic district allowing you to see famous sites such as Trevi Fountain, the spectacular Pantheon (from outside), and Bernini’s Four Rivers Fountain in Piazza Navona, Rome’s largest square. Your private expert guide will give the backstories that make these monuments to life!
From the historic center to the Borghese Gallery is just a short taxi ride, but one that is appreciated after a day of strolling through Rome’s most historic districts. See some of the masterpieces of painters like Caravaggio, Raphael, Dossi, and Rubens and some of the remarkable statues by Bernini and Canova. After a beautiful panoramic view of Rome from the Borghese Gardens, your guide will bid you a good evening at the Spanish Steps. Climbing the Spanish Steps offers you one of the most breath-taking views in the city.
On your second, you will explore another part of the city as you visit the catacombs and the well-preserved ruins of the ancient Baths of Caracalla as well as the Circus Maximus. Staring over the empty field, it is easy to imagine Ben-Hur racing in his chariot around the circus. Rome is famous for its miles and miles of catacombs, but what exactly is a catacomb? These ancient burial chambers, which date as far back as the 2nd Century AD, were a network of underground tunnels that were used years ago to bury the not so wealthy. Land inside the protective wall that would have surrounded any Roman town was at a premium, so only the very wealthy could afford to be buried in cemeteries, with this in mind, the Roman Christians got creative and adopted the Jewish idea of burying people underground.
You might be thinking that catacombs are gruesome and rather gory places to visit, but the reality is actually quite different. The catacombs are like walking through an underground excavation site surrounded by history this old really is a reason to head underground and explore the mystery. Next is a stop at the Bocca della Verità (Mouth of Truth) and then a break for lunch. There are a variety of tasty places to grab a bite to eat in the area.
In the afternoon your guide will accompany you to the Vatican City where you will enjoy priority access, skipping the often long lines, and start your tour without any delay. This exclusive experience allows you to take in all of the Papal Palace highlights, which include the vast collection of Greek & Roman statues, such as the magnificent Laocoon and the moving Apollo Belvedere. With your private guide, you will learn the intriguing stories behind the sculptures that occupy this beautiful space.
Your private LivTours Expert guide will weave together the fascinating history adding in the little-known stories about the Popes and the artists who walked these lavish hallways. Soak up the intriguing gossip that only a private tour guide can provide. After a thorough exploration of the museums, your tour continues to the Sistine Chapel. This stunning room contains one of the greatest and most famous examples of Michelangelo’s artistic genius. Enjoy the luxury of time on your private Vatican tour, as you take your time admiring the details that interest you the most.
The last stop on your private Vatican tour is the stunning St. Peter’s Basilica. You will enjoy skipping another long line as your guide shares with you the masterpieces of the largest and most ornate church in the world. This magnificent tour promises to teach, entertain, and give you new insight into the wonderful art and history in Vatican City.
*The order of events outlined above are subject to change based on ticket availability