short time in Rome but specific goals

Lots of sights are open on Sunday; many are also open on Monday, check a guidebook for specifics so you can plan your route efficiently. The Rick Steves guidebook for Rome has lots of useful information and detailed directions.

You will have part of Sunday -- almost all sites are open -- and three full days. Plenty of time to see highlights and still enjoy some Roman atmosphere. Stay centrally.

You do not need a ticket for St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City (nor for the other 3 basilicas in Roma). As Zoe mentioned, consult the Rick Steves Guidebook for details on visiting, i.e. security, etc.

You do need tickets in advance if you wish to visit the Vatican Museums.

I have not done the tours you mention, but you might add the church of San Clemente to your list. It is near the Colosseo. Read about it in the book and see what you think. Also, look at Palazzo Valentini Le Domus Romane.

If you want to see the Galleria Borghese, get tickets ASAP. Might be a good activity for Sunday late afternoon. Last entry is 17:00.

Consider hiring a guide, tell them what you want see, and enjoy. We did that for two days and saw more than we would have seen alone.

One special underground/hidden place, which is described in Rick Steves' guidebook, is the Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano, not far from the Colosseum. Above ground it's a medieval church with an impressive interior, but underneath that (down a flight of stairs) is an earlier church from the 4th Century, and beneath that are the remains of an early Roman temple, homes, and even bakery ovens, plus the tomb of St. Cyril. It's an archaeological wonder and a magnificent church, all in one spot!

Hello again, Stefan!

I know you're looking for firsthand experience but I did a little digging about for a nice tour which might meet you and your wife's special needs and came up with this one:

http://www.mybesttour.com

They appear to be getting very high marks from posters on Trip Advisor who have used them.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187791-d4889714-Reviews-My_Best_Tour-Rome_Lazio.html

If anyone has taken one of the golf-cart tours - this one or any other company's - please chime in? It might be fun, easy sightseeing for a 1/2 day!

Check out Context Tours too.

Oh, and you might like the Ape Calessino Tour with this company. It has very good credentials, and you can customize, take their classic tour route, or a little of both.

http://scooteroma.com/tours/

What I wouldn't do is use the golf cart or Ape tours for visiting things which require a lot of time, like the Vatican Museums or the interior of the Colosseum. These are best for taking in smaller venues and scenic spots/routes.

Kathy,
Thanks for the golf cart reminder. I have a group of 9, some who have mobility issues and only 3-4 days. This will help immensely. It works out to $80 p/p. It's their first trip.
Everyone say a prayer for me.

Will report back if I'm still sane!

Prayers dutifully sent, Gerri! 🙏