Rome: Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum Guided Tour

126 Reviews | Rome, Italy

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3 hours (approx.)

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Overview

See the best of Ancient Rome on this great tour to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Led by an expert, licensed guide, you'll learn about the heart of this once-mighty empire. Your adventure begins with a unique introduction at the Ludus Magnus, the famed gladiatorial training school, providing unparalleled insight into the lives of these ancient warriors. We'll utilize the group entrance for faster access to the Colosseum, though please note all visitors must pass through security checks. Explore the legendary Palatine Hill, birthplace of Rome, and wander through the ruins of the Roman Forum, the center of ancient Roman life. Along the way, you will walk on a part of Via Sacra, the main street of old Rome. This tour offers an immersive experience, filled with fascinating stories and historical context, making it the perfect way to discover Rome's most iconic sites.

What's Included

Rome City Map
Colosseum entrance ticket (valued at €18 per person)
A bottle of still water
Colosseum reservation fee (valued at €2 per person)
Assistance on Spot & 24/7 Customer Support
Entry tickets for Palatine Hill & Roman Forum
Please note: Colosseum fees as above. The remaining cost of this experience covers other services.
Expert Official Guide & Headsets Included To Hear Clearly The Tour

Private transportation

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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Via di San Giovanni in Laterano
00184 Roma RM, Italy

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Piazza del Colosseo
Roma RM, Italy

We'll finish our guided tour inside the Colosseum, a perfect place to reflect on all you've seen. You have up to 75 minutes from entry to stay inside. Enjoy exploring further and take advantage of this time!

What To Expect

Ludus Magnus (Pass By)

Your Ancient Rome adventure starts at the Ludus Magnus, the most famous gladiator training school. Before the Colosseum, step back into a time of combat and public spectacle. Here, where gladiators lived and trained, your guide will introduce you to the world of these warriors. Learn how emperors used games to entertain and control the people. This introduction sets the stage for your Colosseum visit, helping you picture the events and lives of those who fought within its walls. This beginning, focusing on the human stories, makes for a truly memorable journey. You'll gain a deeper understanding of what you'll see next.

Arch of Constantine (Pass By)

Leaving the Ludus Magnus behind, we'll make our way towards the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum area. On our route, we'll pause before the imposing Arch of Constantine. Your guide will explain the significance of this triumphal arch, built to commemorate Emperor Constantine's victory at the Battle of Milvian Bridge. You'll learn about its impressive size, the detailed reliefs depicting scenes of conquest, and the fascinating story behind the arch's "recycled" sculptures, taken from earlier monuments. This introduction will provide valuable context for understanding the transition of Rome from a pagan to a Christian empire. We will then continue our walk, heading towards the Palatine Hill & Roman Forum

Via Sacra (Pass By)

We'll walk in the footsteps of emperors and commoners along the Via Sacra. This ancient road was more than just a path; it was the central artery of Roman life, witnessing triumphs, religious rites, and the daily activities of its people. Your guide will paint a picture of the Via Sacra's vital role in the heart of the Roman world.

Palatine Hill

Our next stop is Palatine Hill, the most central of Rome's seven hills and a place of immense historical significance. As we climb, on this guided tour, your guide will share the legend of Romulus and Remus and the founding of Rome on this very spot. We'll explore the ruins of the imperial palaces, imagining the daily lives of the emperors who resided here. You'll learn about their routines, their lavish banquets, and the political intrigues that unfolded within these walls. Your guide will point out hidden details and share fascinating anecdotes, bringing the stones to life. Throughout our exploration, you'll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the Roman Forum, the Circus Maximus, and the city beyond, providing a unique perspective on the layout of ancient Rome. Palatine Hill will be one of the highlights of your journey through the city's past.

55 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Foro Romano

We now descend into the Roman Forum, the bustling heart of ancient Rome's political, religious, and social life. As we walk through this sprawling archaeological site, your guide will expertly navigate the ruins, identifying key structures and recounting their significance. We'll trace the footsteps of senators, generals, and everyday citizens, imagining the lively debates, vibrant markets, and solemn ceremonies that once took place here. You'll learn about the rise and fall of temples, the functions of basilicas used for law courts, and the fiery speeches delivered from the Rostra. Your guide will share captivating stories of famous figures like Julius Caesar and Cicero, connecting their lives to the very stones beneath your feet. Throughout this immersive exploration, you'll gain a profound understanding of the Forum's central role in shaping Roman civilization. This guided tour in the Roman Forum will truly transport you back to the height of Roman power.

55 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Colosseum

Our journey culminates at the iconic Colosseum, the grandest amphitheater of the Roman world and a symbol of its enduring power. As we approach this majestic structure, your guide will prepare you for the awe-inspiring experience within. We'll delve into the history of the Colosseum's construction, commissioned by Emperor Vespasian and completed by his son Titus. Inside, you'll learn about the gladiatorial combats, wild animal hunts, and public spectacles that captivated vast audiences. Your guide will vividly describe the different seating sections, the ingenious mechanisms used for staging events, and the social dynamics at play. We'll also touch upon the Colosseum's later uses and its evolution into the iconic ruin we see today. Our exploration culminates inside the Colosseum. This guided tour within the amphitheater will provide a profound and memorable conclusion to your journey through Ancient Rome.

55 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

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Additional Info

Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

It is mandatory to provide all the names of each traveler
Please provide the full names of all travelers when booking. Failure to present a voucher with all travelers' full names at the ticket office prior to entry may result in denied entry to the Colosseum and Roman Forum.
Each traveler must present a valid passport or ID document that matches the name provided at the time of booking for successful entry to the Colosseum and Roman Forum.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 25 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Rome: Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum Guided Tour?

A: This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded. Read more Apr 2025