ROME, VENICE, FLORENCE & MOREitaly41.90451 12.45976EXCLUSIVE TOURS
The Exclusive City Lights Experience: Private Access to Italy’s Iconic Sites
From the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel to St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, Galleria Borghese in Rome, Uffizi Gallery in Florence, the Veiled Christ in Naples, and many other sites, City Lights Experiences gives you exclusive access to Italy’s most treasured art, history, and culture. Explore masterpieces without the crowds, creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience. In some cases, experiences may be shared with other small groups, never exceeding 20 guests, ensuring an intimate and personalized visit. The experience that regularly runs throughout the year is the Vatican Exclusive Experience & Keymaster Experience that you can find in the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel tours section.
As an official partner of Italy’s top museums and cultural sites, City Lights Tours can craft your private, curated experience — whether it’s for your family, friends, or as a luxury corporate event. Book your exclusive Italian experience and enjoy the art, history, and culture of Italy without the crowds.
[ experiences ]
MAX 350 PEOPLE
TAILORED TO REQUEST
Borghese Gallery
Experience
DURATIONSTART TIMEEXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE
Type
How to Book
CONTACT US AT info@citylightstours.com
CAPACITYLANGUAGE
2 hrs
After 6:30PM
Visit one of the world’s greatest collections of Baroque and Renaissance art, including stunning sculptures by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, refined canvases by Caravaggio, elegant works by Antonio Canova, as well as masterpieces from Raphael and Titian. Housed in a beautiful Renaissance villa surrounded by gardens, the collection offers an intimate and powerful encounter with Italian artistic genius.
Your Itinerary
Type
EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE
How to Book
CONTACT US AT info@citylightstours.com
DURATIONSTART TIMEGalleria Colonna
Experience
CAPACITYLANGUAGEFLEXIBLE
TAILORED TO REQUEST
1.5 hrs
AFTER CLOSING HOURS
Enjoy a dazzling journey through Italian Baroque masterpieces by artists such as Guido Reni, Guercino, and Salvator Rosa, alongside luminous Venetian works attributed to Tintoretto and Paolo Veronese. The collection also features refined Flemish paintings linked to Anthony van Dyck, as well as ancient Roman sculptures and marble busts of the Colonna family. The mirror-lined Great Hall itself is a masterpiece, frescoed to celebrate the dynasty’s power and its ties to Pope Martin V.
Tour Overview
With exclusive access to avoid the crowds, this experience offers a rare opportunity to discover one of Rome’s hidden artistic treasures and immerse yourself in the history, power, and cultural legacy of the Colonna family.
Step inside one of Rome’s most magnificent aristocratic palaces with an exclusive visit to the breathtaking Galleria Colonna. Located within the historic Palazzo Colonna, this extraordinary gallery is still owned by the noble Colonna family and houses a remarkable private art collection built over centuries.
During this special visit, you’ll explore the lavish halls and richly decorated rooms adorned with masterpieces by renowned artists, intricate frescoes, and dazzling Baroque architecture. The highlight is the spectacular Great Hall, often compared to the famous galleries of royal European palaces, where paintings, mirrors, and gilded details create a truly unforgettable setting.
Your Itinerary
Type
EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE
How to Book
CONTACT US AT info@citylightstours.com
Musei Capitolini
Experience
CAPACITYLANGUAGEFLEXIBLE
TAILORED TO REQUEST
DURATIONSTART TIMEFLEXIBLE
After 7:30PM
Explore the world’s oldest public museum, home to iconic sculptures such as the Capitoline Wolf and the monumental equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, alongside refined paintings by Caravaggio and Guido Reni. Set atop the Capitoline Hill in Michelangelo’s grand architectural complex, the museum offers sweeping views over the Roman Forum. It is a powerful journey through the political, artistic, and symbolic heart of ancient and papal Rome.
Tour Overview
Discover the Musei Capitolini, the world’s oldest public museum, set atop the historic Capitoline Hill. Overlooking the elegant Piazza del Campidoglio. This extraordinary complex, housed in the Renaissance palaces of Palazzo dei Conservatori and Palazzo Nuovo, offers an immersive journey through over two millennia of art, power, and culture.
From iconic masterpieces like the Capitoline Wolf and the monumental remains of Emperor Constantine to refined classical sculptures such as the Dying Gaul and the Capitoline Venus, each gallery reveals the myths, achievements, and daily life of ancient Rome.
The experience is enriched by Renaissance paintings and beautifully preserved inscriptions that bring the past vividly to life, culminating in the breathtaking display of the original equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius. Perfect for history lovers and first-time visitors alike, this tour provides a comprehensive and engaging introduction to the Eternal City’s enduring legacy.
Type
EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE
How to Book
CONTACT US AT info@citylightstours.com
Trajan's Market
Experience
CAPACITYLANGUAGEAPPROX 200 VISITORS
TAILORED TO REQUEST
DURATIONSTART TIMEFLEXIBLE
AFTER 7:30PM
Step into the heart of ancient Rome’s commercial and administrative life. Explore the multi-level complex of shops, offices, and grand halls built under Emperor Trajan, where Roman ingenuity meets architectural mastery.
Tour Overview
Trajan’s Market highlights include well-preserved vaulted spaces, ancient inscriptions, and exhibits that trace Rome’s economic and social history. The site offers a rare opportunity to experience the bustling atmosphere of a Roman forum and market, making it both an archaeological treasure and an evocative journey through the daily life of ancient Rome.
Built under Emperor Trajan in the early 2nd century AD, this extraordinary site unfolds across multiple levels of brick-built halls, offices, and terraces that once formed the administrative and commercial center of the Trajan's Forum. Often considered the world’s first shopping complex.
With privileged access outside regular opening hours, your experience offers a rare opportunity to explore the monument in near silence, away from crowds, allowing you to fully appreciate its scale, architecture, and historical significance.
Accompanied by an expert guide, you will walk along the ancient streets, enter vaulted interiors, and discover how this complex functioned at the height of the Roman Empire. Panoramic terraces reveal breathtaking views over the Roman Forum and the city beyond, creating unforgettable moments in a truly unique setting.
Enhanced by curated storytelling and a more intimate atmosphere, this exclusive tour offers a deeper connection to Rome’s past—ideal for discerning travelers seeking a refined and immersive cultural experience.
Type
EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE
How to Book
CONTACT US AT info@citylightstours.com
Doge’s Palace
Experience
CAPACITYLANGUAGEFLEXIBLE
TAILORED TO REQUEST
DURATIONSTART TIME2 HOURS
AFTER 6:00PM
Tour Overview
Wander through the Doge’s apartments, the Council Chambers, and the iconic Bridge of Sighs, experiencing centuries of political intrigue and artistic brilliance. Every room tells a story, offering a unique, immersive journey into the life and power of Venice at its height.
Once the residence of the Doge and the seat of government, this extraordinary Gothic masterpiece opens its doors to you in rare tranquility, outside regular visiting hours, offering an intimate and privileged perspective on centuries of history.
Accompanied by an expert guide, you will explore the palace’s opulent chambers, from the richly decorated Doge’s Apartments to the vast institutional halls where the fate of the Republic was decided.
Marvel at the masterpieces of Venetian art adorning the walls and ceilings, including works by Tintoretto and Veronese, and stand beneath the monumental canvases that celebrate Venice’s power and prestige. Crossing the legendary Bridge of Sighs, you will gain access to the historic prisons, retracing the final steps of those once condemned by the Republic.
Type
EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE
How to Book
CONTACT US AT info@citylightstours.com
St. Mark’s Basilica
Experience
CAPACITYLANGUAGEFLEXIBLE
TAILORED TO REQUEST
DURATIONSTART TIME1.5 HOURS
AFTER 6PM
Step into the spiritual and artistic heart of Venice. Marvel at the dazzling mosaics that cover the walls and ceilings, spanning centuries of Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance artistry, alongside masterpieces by Tintoretto and Paolo Veronese.
Tour Overview
The Basilica’s gilded domes, intricately carved marble floors, and iconic Pala d’Oro altarpiece create an awe-inspiring setting that reflects Venice’s wealth, faith, and political power. Every corner tells a story, from the opulent chapels to the soaring arches, offering visitors an immersive journey through history, devotion, and Venetian grandeur.
Located in the iconic St. Mark's Square, this masterpiece of Italo-Byzantine architecture opens its doors to you, accompanied by an expert guide. You will step inside a shimmering world of gold mosaics that cover over 8,000 square meters, illuminating biblical stories and centuries of Venetian devotion.
Explore the Basilica’s most treasured spaces, including the magnificent high altar and the renowned Pala d'Oro, a dazzling work of Byzantine craftsmanship adorned with precious stones. Ascend to the upper terrace for a close view of the famous bronze horses and take in sweeping views over the square and the Venetian lagoon.
[ HIGHLIGHTS ]What to Expect
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Italy’s Bold Spirit
Just a train ride from Rome, Naples greets you with energy that’s impossible to resist. From bustling markets and colorful streets to the birthplace of pizza, this city serves up history and flavor in equal measure. It’s chaotic, authentic, and endlessly captivating.
A City Frozen in Time
Step into the shadow of Vesuvius and wander the ancient streets of Pompeii, where villas, theaters, and frescoes remain as if the people had only just left. Every stone tells a story of daily life paused in an instant, making it one of the world’s most hauntingly beautiful archaeological sites.
Where Cliffs Meet the Sea
Dramatic cliffs plunge into sparkling turquoise waters as pastel villages cling to the mountainsides. From Positano’s chic boutiques to Amalfi’s seaside charm, the coast feels like a dream painted in color and light. It’s romance, adventure, and relaxation rolled into one unforgettable journey.
Rome’s Seaside Gateway
Often overlooked, this ancient port town, Civitavecchia offers a quieter escape from Rome. Walk its medieval fortress walls, enjoy a stroll along the marina, or simply savor fresh seafood with a sea breeze at your back. It’s a relaxed slice of coastal Italy with centuries of history still standing guard.
[ FAQ ]Common Questions
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The price covers:
Entrance tickets
Reservation fees
A professional licensed guide
Headsets (for groups larger than 5 people)
The full itinerary as described in the tour program
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Customers should be at the meeting point 15 minutes prior to the departure time. If you will be late, please contact our customer care team at City Lights Tours at the telephone number found on your confirmation voucher and we will do our best to accommodate you; however, it may not be possible for you to join the tour. Late arrivals are not eligible for refunds.
Please note that if you do not arrive on time for your tour, it cannot be rescheduled. This is because the tickets are time-sensitive and valid only for the specific date and hour booked. -
We suggest booking your Experience at your earliest convenience. Due to popular demand, it is possible that the Experience will be fully booked if left too late.
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We accept online payments from most major credit and debit card providers including Visa Credit, Visa Debit, Maestro, MasterCard, and American Express.
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You should receive your email confirmation, including your tour voucher, after you make your booking online. In most cases this happens almost instantly.
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If your payment didn’t go through, it may be due to your credit card not passing our payment gateway security check. For a credit card to be accepted, it needs to have 3D security verification enabled.
If your card has been declined for the reason mentioned above, please contact us directly at info@citylightstours.com or through our online forms and we will assist you in completing the booking process.
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If you did not receive an email confirmation when making your booking, please check your spam folder first. If it's not there, contact our customer care team at info@citylightstours.com, and we will be happy to investigate and reissue your tour voucher if necessary.
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Please contact City Lights Tours customer care team at info@citylightstours.com before making your booking, and we will advise you on accessibility, as well as any potential restrictions at the sites you wish to visit. Note that a wheelchair-friendly itinerary is available and must be booked specifically for such needs.
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If you wish to cancel your booking, please contact our customer care team at info@citylightstours.com. Cancellations will be issued in accordance with our Cancellation Policy, which can be found on our Terms & Conditions page.
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You can reschedule or change your tour providing that you give us enough notice. Changes to bookings are subject to our Terms & Conditions.
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We are happy to accommodate additional guests subject to availability. Please contact our customer care team at City Lights Tours with the details.
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Our staff at the meeting point will be dressed in branded clothing, with CityLights logos on it.
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The Vatican and Colosseum tours entail extensive walking, including navigating staircases and uneven surfaces.
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If you join a group experience, the guide will have a microphone connected to the headsets provided to all customers. We always ensure high-quality headsets for our experiences. However, please note that inside the Vatican, the audio equipment is provided by the Vatican (Whisper), and the quality of the headsets may vary.
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[ ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ]Borgo Vittorio 85a 00193 Roma, Italy
+39 351 737 8623
info@citylightstours.com