Does any one have a good tour guide they would be able to recommend for the roman colosseum? Also, would appreciate any suggestions for the Vatican city as well. Thanks,
Jason
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16698 posts
Jason, I see on another of your posts that you've already purchased "open" tickets that do not allow entry to the Colosseum before 2:00 PM? If you want to make use of those tickets, consider booking one of the 45-minute, 5-euro tours, in English, of the general areas of the arena (doesn't include underground or Belvedere).
Assuming your tickets are "Full entry" for adults (are you traveling with kids?) you'd choose the "free entrance + guided tour € 5,00" option and choose a time slot after 2:00 PM. Pretty sure this would work. You can use your "open" tickets for the Forum/Palatine as well.
If you want to access additional areas of the Colosseum, then you're going to to have to purchase a tour which includes those. If using a private company, entry tickets are included so you won't be using those that you purchased. If booking a coopculture tour (assuming there are any left for your dates) it's my understanding that your "open" tickets won't be any good if the tour is before 2:00 PM. so you'd have to purchase NEW ones along with tour. I will cheerfully stand corrected on that if not the case.
For the Vatican Museums/St Peters, these two companies get a lot recommendations on the forum from people who've taken then. The early-entrance tours are advised if wanting to see the Sistine before it's completely mobbed:
Walks of Italy "Pristine Sistine":
https://www.walksofitaly.com/vatican-tours/pristine-sistine-chapel-tour
The Roman Guy "Privileged Entrance":
https://theromanguy.com/tours/Rome/Sistine-Chapel-Vatican-Tour
Additionally (and less expensively), the Vatican's own early entrance tour + breakfast has seen some thumbs up so take a look at that one? It does not include the Basilica although I'm certain, as you purchased a tour, you may use the special shortcut into the church from the Sistine to look about on your own.
Even less expensive but which doesn't have the benefit of early entry is the Vatican's guided museums+ basilica tour, which is just fine for folks on a budget: