Short Rome tour

The only way to avoid lines is to prebook timed entries-required now for most venues
Tour guides have no ability to skip ticket lines and nobody skips the security lines

hey hey lentnerj
october will be a busy month in rome, it's harvest time with many fairs/festivals/tasting. there really is no off season anymore, italy is one of the top places to go to with many seeing what you & everyone else does. plus a long weekend will be crazy.
how many people is "we", do you have accomodations. what kinda of day or multi-day tour are you hoping for? as ChristineH says pre-book early direct from website to stay out of buying ticket line, everyone goes thru security lines.
what kind of tour you asking about (vatican, colosseum, forum etc) or outside of the city center.
restaurants will be busy, make reservations or find mom & pops down "alleyways" away from the crowds, not the ones with waiters standing in front with menus. good luck have a great/fun time
aloha

We (along with many friends) have used Miles&Miles, whom we originally found mentioned in Rick Steves' guide. It's a private tour, which means pricey, but you see and learn a lot. Just an option to consider. https://www.milesandmiles.net

Thanks everyone. So I can prebook instead of buying tours. Good to know.

Yes
Required for Colosseum/Forum, Borghese etc

Make sure you are on the official sites-there are a lot of scammers
That info is here along with info on when you can book

Let us know if you need links

hey hey lentmerj
go to the direct website and book times/date tours for colosseum (many issues getting tickets, vatican go early early morning or late late afternoons/evenings) book early you still have to go through security lines for everyone
you haven't said how many people or dates. years ago after arrival to rome, next day we stood in long long line to vatican. was like 5 minutes to go 2 feet. i said forget it, went to a church nearby, lit candles for family, walked out and priest of church standing outside with his purple & white robe looking great. went to ask for a picture my friend took, he kissed my forehead, blessed me and had a fabulous picture taken. he was my pope for the day, i loved it
don't know what you are hoping to do and see, you can take a tour to countryside 30 minute train ride from rome to see pope's, summer villa, share wine within frascati, away from the crazy/crowded bubble and enjoy wine country & wine tasting/pizza classes to enjoy away from the crowds. it's up to you and what you are wishing/hoping for. eat gelato enjoy & have fun
aloha