Colosseum and Ancient Rome Private Guided Tour

Rome , Italy

Colosseum and Ancient Rome Private Guided Tour

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About this experience

When in Rome, this Colosseum & Ancient Rome tour is a must.

The Colosseum is arguably the most famous monument in the world, and it lies just next to the Palatine hill and the Roman Forum.

The Palatine Hill is where Rome was first established, while the Roman Forum was the very center of the ancient city, hosting the most important ancient roman buildings of the regal, republican and imperial eras.

With this private tour, you take the opportunity to plunge yourself into the very essence of ancient Rome, with your personal guide telling you about the history of such places.

During this 3-hour tour, your dedicated English-speaking guide leads you around the three major sights of Ancient Rome, sharing with you the history, tales and facts behind them.

Your guide is the perfect candidate to lead your Colosseum & Ancient Rome adventure, telling you the stories that bring the stones to life.

Available options

Colosseum and Ancient Rome Private Guided Tour

What's included

Admission to Palatine Hill and Roman Forum

Licensed local guide

Colosseum entrance ticket (valued: €18 per adult - children under 18 0€))

Please note: Colosseum fees as above. The remaining cost of the experience covers other services.

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Visiting the Colosseum is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Make the best of your trip with your own private tour, by tailor-making your experience so as to have the best interaction possible with your personal tour guide.

Learn about the history, features and tales behind the greatest entertainment venue of all times. The construction of the Colosseum, whose official name is Flavian Amphitheatre, was begun around 72 AD and completed in 80 AD. This means it took the ancient Romans around 8 years to complete this engineering masterpiece designed to entertain the citizens of Rome.

Find out about the political and social background of the Roman Empire before, during and after the construction of the Colosseum. Get to know its purpose and its role within the Roman society.

Stop 2

A stone's throw from the Colosseum, you can find the Roman Forum: the political, religious, judicial and financial center of Rome and all the Roman Empire.

This is where a city that once was barely a regional power became the core of the mightiest empire of the ancient times.
This is where the Romans shaped the politics, laws and administrative systems that shaped the world we live in today, and affect the way we think about ourselves and our society.

As the first core of Rome grew larger on the close by Palatine hill, the Romans started to settle also in the lower areas.
The area occupied by the Roman Forum was once only a marshy land, but already under the regal period was chosen as the social, political and religious center of the city.

Here you can find some of the most important buildings of the ancient Rome: the house of the Senate, temples, basilicas and much more.

Plunge yourself in the heart of the Roman Empire by visiting the Roman Forum!

Stop 3

Just above the the Roman Forum there’s the Palatine Hill, where Rome was established in 753 BC, 21st of April.

This is where the first nucleus of Rome took shape, and where the houses, villas and palaces of the kings, emperors and notable people were.

The Palatine hill was chosen by Romulus as it was deemed to be the best of all the 7 hills of Rome thanks to its ideal and central position.

The Romans, as other ancient civilizations, tended to choose the high grounds close to rivers for their early settlements.

This gave a strategic advantage in case of military attack as well as against the frequent floods of the water streams.

Walk on the hill where the history of Rome started from. Learn about the early history of the city, the foundation myth of Romulus and Remus, and how the former managed to become the first king of Rome.

Explore the ruins of the once imposing structures of the imperial houses of the emperors of Rome!

What's not included

Underground and Belvedere levels

Trasportation and Hotel pick up

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT

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Tripadvisor 5.0

32 reviews

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Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

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

Ticket price: Adult 18 € - Children (under18) 0 €

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 costumers need to show up 20 mins before in order to guarantee a smooth departure of the tour.

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.

Depending on ticket availabiility, it is possibile that you visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill first and the Colosseum afterwards

Meeting point

The meeting point is located at Largo Gaetana Agnesi, 5, on the second floor of the Colosseo metro station. It's in front of the entrance to the primary school. Our staff will be wearing a dark blue uniform with the City Walkers logo.Please arrive 20 minutes earlier and bring a valid ID with you

Important notes

The customer is only required to show the booking voucher to the guide at the meeting point. The guide already has the tickets for the tour.
Starting from October 18, 2023, nominative tickets have been introduced for the Colosseum. Please ensure that the full names and birth dates of all participants are provided at the moment of booking, as entry cannot be guaranteed if the booking information is incomplete. All guests must have an ID with them as they may be required to show it at the entrance. As tickets as purchased in advance, this tour is non-refundable. The meeting time is 20 minutes before the tour start time.
Colosseum tickets have a set entry time, late arrivals cannot be accomodated and no refund will be due.

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