Hi everyone,

Okay so we are going to Italy next week! we booked a few private tours, the only thing is one of them goes to the Vatican and we are already going to the Vatican another day... so the tour company has said we can replace the Vatican portion with something else. What do you all suggest? We would like to go see the catacombs, would that be a good replacement? which ones should we go to? what about some of the hills of Rome? I need specifics. Below is a list of where the private tour is already going:
Colosseum
Circus Maximus
Baths of Caracalla
Pantheon
See the Trevi Fountain
Vatican City and the beautiful Sistine Chapel

I am surprised that the Roman Forum is not on that list. To me, it is one of the sites where you can most benefit from a tour.

That would be my suggestion. But perhaps you are not interested or already have it covered.

Roman Forum.
If time for a catacomb, San Sebastian is interesting.

The Forum was the heart of ancient rome and you can easily spend the best part of day wandering through the different buildings/remains and understanding how they related to the politics, religion and culture of the time.

If you don;t have that covered - add it.

Just do understand that the Temple of the Vestal Virgins - was priestesses - not prostitutes. (First time I was there one woman rushed her tween/teen children away as soon as she heard the guide say "Vestal Virgins" - apparently she was one of those who belief lack of knowledge is vital.

I think if you are interested to go to the catacombs you should go there.

Although I think the Forum would be a great addition, it can make for a very hot tour. There is very little shade. It seems like it will be in the 80s next week, so the catacombs tour might be a good choice instead. I assume they would be cooler (have not done them).

If you have any interest in sculpture, then The Borghese Gallery. Also possible: day trip to Ostia Antica or Tivoli or Orvieto.