Ancient Rome Colosseum & Roman Forum

Key Details:

Places visited (with skip-the-line tickets):

Colosseum
Roman Forum
Capitol Hill

Add-ons:

San Clemente underground excavations
Palatine Hill

Duration: 2.5-3 hours (4-5 hours with add-ons)

Difficulty: 3/3

Kids and Families: Check out our Family Adventure at the Colosseum!

Accessibility: the Colosseum is wheelchair accessible; in case of walking disability we’ll see the Roman Forum from Via dei Fori Imperiali, the modern street alongside the ruins

Focus: Ancient Roman History, Archeology

Price: starting at € 270,00

Description

Immerse yourself in the world of the Ancient Roman Empire, and let me take you for a journey along 12 centuries of history, from the legendary foundation of the city by the twins Romulus and Remus in 753 B.C. to the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century.

Get up close and personal with the Colosseum, the largest amphitheater in the world, holding about 50.000 spectators. Climb to the first tier to enjoy the spectacular view of the arena. Hear about gladiators’ fights and animal hunts, and have fun as we bust some of the many myths surrounding this majestic building.

Discover the cradle of Western culture and democracy as we explore the Roman Forum, once a bustling market area, the centre of public life. Imagine politicians rallying voters, senators walking past in their togas on their way to the Senate House, crowds milling around the courthouses, priests worshipping the pagan gods in the many temples.

See the amazing ruins of the Basilica of Maxentius, the Arch of Constantine, the Arch of Titus with the Jewish Menorah depicted on the inside, the Temple of Julius Caesar and the House of the Vestal Vergins. Hear the cheer of the crowds as victorious generals marched their army along the Via Sacra, the sacred way leading up to Capitol Hill. From the top of the hill, take in the breathtaking view over the most famous archeological area in the world.

Add-ons

For a more in-depth experience, I suggest to spend a bit more time exploring this area, and to climb to the top of Palatine Hill, the site where Rome was originally founded, and where the Roman emperors used to live. The sheer grandeur of the former imperial palace is mind-boggling, even if just the ruins stay as a reminder of the city’s past splendour. Palatine Hill also offers sweeping views of the city and of the Circus Maximus, the race-track where chariot races took place. Allow about 1-1,5 hrs to visit the Palatine Hill.

If you wish to really understand how Rome developed over the centuries, getting built layer upon layer, let me take you to the underground excavations of San Clemente church, a 10 minutes walk from the Colosseum. Here, you’ll feel like you just stepped into a time-elevator, taking you back in history with every step you take: we’ll get down to about 40 feet under street-level to explore the ancient Roman buildings on top of which the early Christian church was built, to be replaced later by the medieval church we see today. Allow about 1 hour to visit San Clemente.

Useful info

If you are interested in booking this tour, please get in touch so we can talk over the details!

Then I’ll send you a detailed recap of the itinerary choosen, the cost of the tour and of the entrance tickets, as well as all the relevant info about our meeting point.

This tour involves some walking on ancient cobbles, as well as some inclines to climb and stairs. Comfy shoes, sunblock, a hat or umbrella, and a water bottle are essential. There are drinking fountains along the way where you’ll be able to refill your bottle, but it might be a good idea to bring a little snack, since there’s no café inside the Colosseum and Forum area.

Security checks

Please note that there are security checks to enter both the Colosseum and the Roman Forum/Palatine Hill area. Our skip-the-line tickets give us priority, but there might still be a certain amount of waiting in line that can’t be avoided.

No pocket-knives, scissors, glass bottles, spray bottles (be aware of sunblock), tripods, professional video equipment, large backpacks or trolleys allowed inside. There’s no checkroom to leave any unauthorized items.

Kids & Families

Traveling with kids? Check out our Family Adventure at the Colosseum!

We love to engage kids in games and activities on our tours. Less is more: consider focusing on 1-2 items with plenty of time for games to give your children the opportunity to really enjoy the tour while learning about ancient Rome, rather than trying to cover too much ground and tire them out.

Virtual Tours

Can’t wait to get there? Why not book one of my live virtual tours, The Colosseum In & Out? This way you’ll be able to experience the building literally “zooming in”, discovering details impossible to see when you are standing in front of it, enjoying it while you make yourself comfortable. It is also a wonderful opportunity to have a family get-together even if you are spread in a dozen cities: just grab a drink or a coffee and meet on Zoom with your guide and your dear ones, to explore one of the must-sees every traveler has on his bucket list.

Price

Duration of tour	Up to 4 people
Up to 3 hours	270,00 EUR
+ each additional person over 18	40,00 EUR

For larger groups, I’ll be happy to send you a quote.

The tour rate includes your private guided tour – price is total, not per person.

Entrance tickets, transportation, meals, snacks and gratuities not included in above rates.

Tickets for the Colosseum are not included and have to be purchased in advance (subject to availability). Once you book the tour, I can either send you the link to book the tickets on your own, or I can take care of it (handling fees apply).

Entry fees for the Colosseum/Roman Forum/Palatine Hill are between 20-35 EUR per person depending on the kind of ticket purchased (regular, with Arena access etc.). Children under 18 get a free ticket. Updated entry fees will be listed in the detailed trip summary you’ll get upon sending a request/booking.

Please note that we reserve the right to vary the prices shown on this website at any time before you book (during Bank Holidays, National Holidays, Christmas Holidays, Easter Holidays, or last minute bookings).

You will be advised of the current price at the time of booking. Once you have booked we will not increase your tour price other than for changes in VAT or any other Venues or Government imposed levy.

Cancellation Policy & Refunds