Best Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum Guided Tour
Active
2h
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 1 and 3 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 1 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Go back in time with this 2.5-hour skip-the-line tour of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum in Rome. Bypass the queue at the Colosseum to avoid long waits. Explore the first and second tiers for great views. Then walk through the ruins of Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum with your guide, an art and archaeology expert.
Available options
Colosseum Private Guided Tour
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes: The tour duration may vary depending on the time spent passing the security check.<br/>Full Tour Itinerary: Colosseum, Palatine Hill Roman Forum
Colosseum English Group Tour
Colosseum Full English
What's included
Official Tour Guide at disposal for 3 Hours
3h Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill guided tour (max 19 pax)
Colosseum entrance ticket (valued at €18 per person) reservation fee (valued at €2,44 per person)
Radios and earphones to amplify the voice of the tour guide (over 7 pax)
Please note: Colosseum fees as above. The remaining cost of the experience covers other services.
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Start your journey with the visit of Rome's symbolic monument with a tour that makes it easy and fun for all ages. Learn about the amphitheatre’s history from an official tour guide with an art and archaeology background.
Learn about the spectacular games and bloody battles that were held inside. Hear about the techniques of construction invented by the Romans, the incredible ability of the gladiators, the violent fighting between exotic animals and the high level of technology achieved by Roman engineers to build the Colosseum.
Walk around the first tiers and see the arena to learn about the trapdoors and all the mechanisms used to animate the games. Your guide will keep you entertained with stories of sea-battles, the cages where lions were kept before the games started, the rooms in which gladiators were waiting before they reached the arena, the executions, and the excitement of the spectators attending the most spectacular, fantastic, and expensive games in human history.
2
Stop 2
After the Colosseum, you will walk through the Palatine Hill, where you will be able to explore the site of an older settlement from the 9th century BC.
Admire the first settlements of the city of Rome and the Hippodrome, an elliptical sunken garden from the Palace of Domitian. Here, enjoy an impressive view of the Circus Maximus and the valley of the Roman Forum. Learn about the legend of Romulus and Remus, the abandoned brothers raised by a she-wolf who once they grew older, fought each other for power and control.
3
Stop 3
You will finish this amazing experience with the visit of the Roman Forum, one of the most important archaeological areas in the world with some of Ancient Rome's most evocative ruins, including the Temple of Julius Caesar, Arch of Titus, House of the Vestal Virgins, Senate House and Basilica of Maxentius. Admire the Roman Forum's Sacred Way, the triumphal road where the Centurions of Caesar marched after their return from countless battles and conquests.
What's not included
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Hotel pick-up and drop off
Transportation to/from attractions
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.9
8 reviews
5★
7
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.8
5 reviews
5★
4
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Customers have a mandatory meeting time stated 20 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time due to managing and organizational reasons.
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.
The activity can suffer 20/30 min variation due to organizational resons
Children must be accompanied by an adult
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.
Child discount is applied only with a valid ID card
Please note that for safety reasons the Coliseum can accommodate up to 3.000 people at once.
This could lead to delays in access to the site, even for pre-booked visitors.
For security reasons all visitors and their luggage shall be screened.
Forbidden objects inside the Colosseum: bottles and glasses containers, alcholic beverages and aerosols, backpacks, camping, bulky bags and luggage / trolley
Can be introduced medium and small size backpacks to shoulder, which must be checked, as any other bag, with metal detectors, opened and visually inspected by the Urbe Security Institute, responsible for the entrance inspection
Please notice that the Colosseum Administration, which depends on the Ministry of Cultural Assets and Activities has the faculty to close the Colosseum, or parts of it, with or without notice, for events, strikes, heavy rain, or any other reason. In which case, we will offer an alternative itinerary as it seems fit and offer a partial refund
Activity not recommended for people with motor lag
No change on a booking can be accepted after 24hrs to the starting time of the tour. In that instance, no refund will be issued.
For the safety of all guests, the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to passengers who are intoxicated or show signs of intoxication. If, as a result, your tour is canceled, you will not be entitled to a refund.
The order in which the sites will be visited may vary depending on the availability of entry
All the refund requests must be done within and not later than 48 hours from the day of the tour
To get inside the Colosseum it is used group ticket and not individual one. It cannot be can asked just the ticket entrance.
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.
The itinerary may vary depending on weather conditions (ice, rain, or high temperatures) or other events beyond the travel agency's control.
Meeting point
The meeting point is in front of the "Oppio Caffe" on Via delle Terme di Tito on the corner of Via
Nicola Salvi. The guide will have a sign with "Tour in the city / Explore Italy tours" on it.
Meeting time 15 minutes prior to tour departure time.
Important notes
PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY
The meeting point is in front of the "Oppio Caffe" on Via delle Terme di Tito on the corner of Via
Nicola Salvi. The guide will have a sign with "Tour in the city" on it and will wait beside the park entrance.
Please make sure to show up at the meeting point for the check-in at least 20 min before your tour departure time, as the entrance is strictly timed. As per the above, anyone coming after the stated meeting time cannot be accommodated or refunded!
The actual departure time can differ from the one selected for organizational reasons due to last-minute decisions of the Colosseum management.
Visitors must pass through metal detectors at the security checkpoint. Please expect to wait 20-30 minutes to clear security.
All visitors must have a photo ID for the security check!
It could also influence the smooth running of the tour, especially on national holidays and events.
Forbidden items: glass bottles and glass containers, alcoholic beverages and aerosols, backpacks, camping, bulky bags, and luggage/trolley.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
For the safety of all guests, the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to passengers who are intoxicated or show signs of intoxication. If, as a result, your tour is canceled, you will not be entitled to a refund.
We inform you that the management of the Museums or Archaeological sites, or the Ministry of Cultural Heritage may at any time decide to close some sites totally or partially. If the communication reaches us in a timely manner, and it is possible, we will provide alternatives. If the closure is sudden and it is out of our control, we will not be able to give other alternatives and no refund will be possible.
All the refund requests must be done within and not later than 48 hours from the day of the tour
About Rome
Rome, the capital of Italy, is a city of ancient ruins, artistic masterpieces, and vibrant culture. Known as the Eternal City, it is a living museum where every corner tells a story of its rich history spanning over 2,500 years.
Top Attractions
Colosseum
The Colosseum is an iconic symbol of Rome and one of the most famous ancient amphitheaters in the world. It was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles.
Historical
1-2 hours
€16 (combined ticket with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill)
Vatican City
Vatican City is an independent city-state enclaved within Rome. It is the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church.
Religious
Half day
€17 (Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel), Free (St. Peter's Basilica)
Roman Forum
The Roman Forum was the political, commercial, and legal hub of the Roman Republic and Empire. It is a sprawling ruin of temples, basilicas, and arches.
Historical
1-2 hours
€16 (combined ticket with Colosseum and Palatine Hill)
Pantheon
The Pantheon is a former Roman temple, now a church, known for its large dome and oculus. It is one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in Rome.
Historical
30 minutes to 1 hour
Free
Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is a Baroque masterpiece and the largest fountain in Rome. It is a popular spot for visitors to throw coins and make wishes.
Architecture
15-30 minutes
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Cacio e Pepe
A simple yet delicious pasta dish made with Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper.
Pasta
Vegetarian
Carbonara
A rich pasta dish made with eggs, Pecorino Romano, guanciale (cured pork cheek), and black pepper.
Pasta
Contains pork and eggs
Supplì
Fried rice balls filled with mozzarella and tomato sauce.
Snack
Vegetarian (some variations may contain meat)
Carciofi alla Romana
Artichokes braised with garlic, mint, and olive oil.
Vegetable
Vegetarian
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Appian Way Regional Park
Biking along the Tiber River
Rock climbing in the nearby mountains
Picnicking in Villa Borghese Gardens
Boating on Lake Albano
Enjoying a spa day at a luxury hotel
Visiting the Vatican Museums
Attending an opera at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma
Best Time to Visit
April to June, September to October
Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer peak. Ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
15-30°C
59-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Italian
- Widely spoken: English, Spanish, French
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Rome is generally safe for tourists, but pickpocketing and scams can be a problem in crowded areas. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use official taxis or ride-sharing services
- • Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or bracelets
Getting there
By air
- Leonardo da Vinci International Airport • 35 km from city center
- Ciampino Airport • 15 km from city center
By train
Roma Termini, Roma Tiburtina
By bus
Tiburtina Bus Station, Roma Termini
Getting around
Public transport
The metro system is efficient and covers major tourist areas. It operates from 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Trastevere
Monti
Prancipio
Testaccio
Day trips
Ostia Antica
30 km from Rome • Half day
An ancient Roman port city with well-preserved ruins, including a theater, baths, and mosaics. It offers a glimpse into daily life in ancient Rome.
Tivoli
30 km from Rome • Full day
A picturesque town known for its stunning villas and gardens, including the famous Villa d'Este with its elaborate fountains and gardens.
Orvieto
120 km from Rome • Full day
A charming hilltop town known for its stunning cathedral, underground caves, and local wine. It offers a mix of history, culture, and scenic views.
Festivals
Natale di Roma • April 21
Festa de' Noantri • July
Rome Film Festival • October
Pro tips
- Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
- Use public transport or walk instead of taking taxis to save money and experience the city like a local
- Try local specialties and ask for recommendations from locals and restaurant staff
- Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and be respectful of local customs and traditions
- Be aware of pickpockets and scams, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
