Take a small group walking tour of the Vatican Museums and St Peter's Basilica, and jump the queue by booking ahead. Numbers are limited to a maximum of 20 people on this small group walking tour, ensuring you'll receive personalized attention from your guide. And by booking ahead, you won't waste any time waiting in line!
Your knowledgeable guide will escort you into the Vatican Museums to explore the world's most extensive collection of art. Brilliantly decorated and lined with masterpieces, the museums are brimming with treasures and history. Your guide will lead you through the 2000 rooms that stretch over almost nine miles, and share the stories and secrets contained within the Vatican's walls.
Highlights of the museums are Michelangelo's famous Creation of Adam fresco in the Sistine Chapel and Raphael's Rooms. After taking in the Vatican Museums, you will encounter another of Michelangelo's masterpieces, La Pieta, in St Peter's Basilica. For a fascinating finish to your small group guided walking tour, stop to admire magnificent St Peter's Square, as your guide points out Bernini's ingenious use of optical illusion.
Do you want to skip the line AND the crowds too?
Upgrade to the 8:10am tour and not only will you skip the long lines (which can last up to two hours!) to enter the Vatican Museums but gain access as soon as the doors open - before the general public step foot inside! Tours are arranged exclusively for our guests and groups never exceed 8 people in total. No upgrades available on Wednesday.
Special Offer - Book now and price displayed includes 10% off the normal cost of the "8:10am Upgrade" option - BOOK NOW!
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Your tour begins atop the Colle Oppio with a panoramic view of the Colosseum, Rome's most recognizable landmark. Next, you will skip the long lines and gain special access to the Colosseum. Once inside, your expert official guide will take you through the bloody past of the amphitheater as you listen to tales of gladiators, mock sea-battles and executions.
After a brief rest at the Arch of Constantine, you will arrive at the Palatine Hill, the most famous of the seven hills of Rome. From here you can admire the views of the Roman Forum and Nero's Circus Maximus where chariot races were held. Romulus and Remus were said to have been found on the Palatine Hill by the she-wolf who nursed and raised them. Legend also holds that Romulus went on to found Rome.
The last stop on your tour is a walk along the Via Sacra or 'Sacred Way', the main path through the Roman Forum that was used for triumphal processions. The tour ends at the temple which houses the altar where Julius Caesar was cremated. Visitors from around the world still leave flowers and candles at this site to this day.
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On your full-day tour from Rome you'll travel along the Highway of the Sun, crossing the area known as Castelli Romani dotted with enchanting medieval villages. During the journey you will pass the ruined Abbey of Monte Cassino, destroyed during the Second World War.
After a photo stop at Naples' impressive Castel dell'Ovo (Egg Castle), you'll continue across Naples' historic center. You'll pass Naples' historic sights, including the Royal Palace, Basilica of San Francesco di Paola, San Carlo Opera House, Gallery of Umberto I and imposing Castel Nuovo.
Leaving Naples, you will cross the valley of Mount Vesuvius, passing through the villages of Ercolano (Herculaneum), Torre del Greco and Torre Annunziata before arriving in Pompeii for lunch.
After lunch, you will take a two-hour walking tour of the ancient city of Pompeii with a local guide. A thrilling archaeological journey unfolds as you walk through the ancient ruins which were buried in ashes after Mount Vesuvius erupted almost 2000 years ago. You'll discover the everyday life of Rome's Imperial age at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, and imagine the panic felt by the people in those last few minutes before the city was so disastrously buried.
On the trip back to Rome (approximately three hours), you'll stop at a coral and cameo factory, where you will have the opportunity to purchase examples of this ancient craft that dates back to the Greek period.
Hotel pickup is available, please click on 'View Map' below for full list of hotels included.
Explore Rome at your own pace on an extensive hop-on hop-off itinerary through the heart of Rome. The buses are open top which allows you to enjoy full 360 degree panoramic views as you travel along your route. You have the choice of a 24 or 48 hours ticket with which to make use of the 17 stops in the most beautiful, cultural and evocative areas of the Eternal city. The tour operates 365 days per year.
The buses are equipped with a personalized throwaway audio system which functions in 6 different languages, providing recorded commentary throughout the tour. There is also an English and Italian speaking host onboard each bus to assist with any queries. You will be provided with a set of earphones which you keep and use for the duration of your ticket.
The double decker green bus departs Termini Station every 15 to 20 minutes giving you plenty of opportunities to explore each stop in detail. If you were to stay on the bus for the entire loop, it would take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
Upgrade to Rome Tiber River Hop-on Hop-off Cruise (Optional): Please note, this option is not available until June 15, 2009 due to flooding
Seasonal, March to October. If you purchase the 48 hour bus ticket, you also have the option to add a 24 hour hop-on hop-off Rome cruise. It's a great way to enjoy Rome and move effortlessly around the city, especially in high season. The combined ticket offers a perfectly planned route of Rome's major sites coupled with the absolute freedom to alight and re-board the bus or boat as you wish. 24hr-cruise is available for purchase with the 48-hr bus ticket only. Also, if you pre-book this cruise option, the total price represents 10% saving!
Tour Pompeii and the beautiful Amalfi coast villages on a small group day trip (maximum 8 people!) from Rome. You'll travel in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan and receive individual attention from your expert tour guide.
You'll stop at scenic viewpoints as you travel along the stunning coastline to reach Positano, one of the most famous charming old fishing towns along the Amalfi coast. After a walking tour and some free time in Positano, you will travel on to Amalfi aboard a shared public boat.
Amalfi is a labyrinth of narrow lanes and alleyways and features typical Mediterranean village architecture. Here you can sample the local Limoncello liqueur or visit the celebrated Moorish-style Paradise Cloister, dating back to the 13th century. You'll also enjoy lunch at Amalfi (additional expense), then follow the road uphill away from the coast for a last glimpse of this enchanting part of Italy before continuing on to Pompeii.
At the amazing ruins of Pompeii you will take a two-hour guided walking tour conducted by a local expert guide. You'll discover the everyday life of Rome's Imperial age as you walk through the ancient ruins which were buried in ashes after Mount Vesuvius erupted almost 2000 years ago. You will visit the homes of Pompeii's wealthier citizens and ancient street cafes where locals dined, hear numerous anecdotes about daily life in Pompeii, and see graffiti dating back to Roman times.
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On your morning or afternoon guided walking tour of Christian Rome's most inspirational sites, you'll explore the world's smallest country, its largest church and an impressive collection of fine art. A highlight of the tour is the famous Sistine Chapel and its collection of frescoes begun in 1508 by Michelangelo. You'll see the master's best known fresco, the Last Judgment, covering one entire wall of the chapel.
However, the Vatican is not all gold, pomp and stateliness - it has a history full of dark tales of deceit and even lust! A world of discovery awaits you as your expert guide brings the Vatican and its stories alive.
Note that entrance fees to the Vatican Museums are NOT included. A supplement of approx. 20 euros (adult) is payable direct.
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After skipping the line, you can explore the Vatican Museums at your leisure, including the famous Sistine Chapel and Raphael's Rooms. When you are finished exploring, head over to St Peter's Basilica which you can enter directly from the Museums, thereby skipping the line there as well.
By pre-booking this Vatican Museums ticket you can avoid the long lines (which can take more than two hours!) to enter the Museums. Please note that all visitors must pass through metal detectors at the security check point, so please expect to wait 20-30 minutes to clear security. These special Vatican tickets include the standard ticket price plus fast-track access fee.
";s:15:"ProductImageURL";s:112:"http://cache.graphicslib.viator.com/graphicslib/3731/SITours/skip-the-line-vatican-museums-tickets-in-rome-1.jpg";s:10:"ProductURL";s:100:"http://www.partner.viator.com/en/7606/tours/Rome/Skip-the-Line-Vatican-Museums-Tickets/d511-3731SKIP";}i:7;a:6:{s:9:"region_id";s:3:"138";s:11:"ProductCode";s:10:"2390GRET14";s:11:"ProductName";s:24:"Capri Day Trip from Rome";s:12:"Introduction";s:1666:"This scenic full-day trip from Rome to Capri is a must for any visitor to Italy! You'll sail across the Gulf of Naples to the island of Capri, known as the 'Pearl of the Mediterranean', where you have the option to take a boat ride to the beautiful Blue Grotto and take in stunning views from Anacapri.
Your journey begins by heading south along the Highway of the Sun, crossing the fertile Roman countryside and the area known as Castelli Romani dotted with enchanting medieval villages.
Arriving in Naples, you will board a jet boat for the 45-minute crossing to Marina Grande, the port of Capri. Here you will have the option (fees payable direct) of boarding a motorboat to reach the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra), where sunlight passes into an underwater cavity and shines through the seawater, creating a magical blue reflection that illuminates the cavern. The boat trip is subject to weather and sea conditions.
On your return to the port, you'll board a minibus for a scenic drive to Anacapri, 918 feet (280 meters) above sea level. You will see wonderful views of the Bay of Naples, before continuing to a local restaurant for lunch. After lunch you can take advantage of some free time to explore Capri at your leisure. Don't forget to bring your camera!
You'll then return to Marina Grande and board the boat transfer to Naples. As you enter the port, you'll see Naples' splendid Castel Nuovo (a 12th-century fortress) and Royal Palace. Next, board the coach for your return three hour journey to Rome.
Hotel pickup is available, please click on 'View Map' below for full list of hotels included.
Take your time with five days to explore the best of Italy! After a taste of Italy's capital, venture north of Rome and navigate your way through Assisi, Siena, Florence, Padua, and Venice. Your journey will take you away from modern highways and large cities to discover the real Italy, where ancient villages are just waiting to be explored.
Departing Rome, you will travel through Umbria to Assisi and join the millions of pilgrims who arrive each year to pay homage at the home of St. Francis. Steeped in medieval tradition, Siena's Gothic buildings will also entice you on your next coach stop.
Art and architecture, paintings and sculptures, museums and galleries - let the Renaissance-inspired city of Florence captivate you before you make your way to the Shakespearian city of Padua. The town was the setting for Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew.
Spend the last full day of your travels navigating the canals of Venice, composed of more than 100 tiny islets. Take a gondola ride or lose yourself down narrow winding streets.
Special Offer - Select the 'Stay in Florence and Mestre' option and you'll save 5% off the recommended retail price for two people in August and September, 2009 - BOOK NOW!
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Departing Rome, you will travel to Naples, UNESCO Heritage Listed and famous for delivering the humble pizza to the rest of the world. It is a brazen yet vibrant city and the capital of the Campania region.
Next, you'll visit another fascinating UNESCO Heritage Listed site at Pompeii. You will have the opportunity to delve into the now restored Pompeii to discover traces of ancient Roman daily life. Due to a lack of air or water, amazing frescoes and objects buried from Mt. Vesuvius' volcanic eruption have remained intact for almost two thousand years.
Overlooking the bay of Naples, Sorrento's sea cliffs are lined by luxury hotels and a tangle of lemon trees. Perhaps that's the secret to their locally produced lemoncello, an alcoholic aperitif and the locals' drink of choice.
And how can one go past the Isle of Capri? A resort since the rule of the Roman Empire, Capri lures yearly crowds to its Blue Grotto, so named for the azure limestone glow beneath its waters.
Hotel pickup is available, please click on 'View Map' below for full list of hotels included.
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