Rome: Colosseum with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Guided Tour

Rome , Italy

Rome: Colosseum with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Guided Tour

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(363 reviews)

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Searching for an efficient way to explore the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill in a limited amount of time? Join a knowledgeable local guide who will lead you through the most significant sites of ancient Rome while avoiding the crowds. Marvel at the grandeur of the Colosseum and listen to captivating tales of the brutal battles that once occurred there. Then, appreciate the ruins that were once the seat of power of the Roman Empire. This tour offers the perfect opportunity to witness the iconic highlights of ancient Rome!

This tour will cover the entire archaeological park which includes the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Ready for the adventure? effortless partner admission & Admission fees are included!

Available options

Colosseum Group Tour

English Guided Tour: Choose this option: for a Guided Group Tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

Colosseum Tour Max 10 People

Small Group Guided Tour: Colosseum Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Tour I Max 10 People

Colosseum Tour + Arena Access

English Guided Tour: Option to discover the Colosseum from the eyes of gladiators with special entry to the arena floor, only accessible to tours.

What's included

Maximum group size of 25

Colosseum entrance ticket (valued at €18 per person)

Guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill

Colosseum reservation fee (valued at €2 per person)

An engaging, English-speaking local guide

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

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Experience the wonders of the Colosseum without the hassle. You'll enter through a special entrance for small groups, heading straight to the heart of the ancient Roman structure. Led by an enthusiastic local guide, you'll be transported back in time to witness the gruesome battles and legendary spectacles that took place in this historic arena. Explore the exclusive first and second tiers of the Colosseum, reserved for Rome's elite classes.

Discover the engineering marvels behind the construction of the Colosseum and hear tales of the brutal gladiator battles and animal hunts that shaped ancient Rome. This tour is perfect for those who want to maximize their time and cover the most ground in a short amount of time.

Stop 2

Following the Colosseum, you'll explore the heart of ancient Rome, commonly referred to as downtown. The Forum, an ancient site bustling with activity, is where you've probably seen people strolling around in busy marketplaces in movies set in ancient Rome. It was the cultural hub of the city, where everything from senate meetings to poetry recitals and political demonstrations occurred. Your guide will provide you with a glimpse into what life was like in this vibrant area as you stroll around and admire the historic structures, such as the Arch of Titus and the Temple of Julius Caesar.

Stop 3

Lastly, your tour guide will accompany you to the location believed to be where Romulus established the city in 753 B.C. The region is home to lavish ancient palaces that remain adorned with intricate artifacts and mosaics. These grandiose palaces were not only inhabited by Rome's elite, but they also served as enormous repositories of opulence, containing every conceivable luxury. The Palace of Domitian, for instance, even contained an amphitheater within its walls, spacious enough to accommodate chariot races! Additionally, you will have the opportunity to witness a fragment of an ancient Roman aqueduct.

What's not included

Hotel Pick Up / Drop Off

Food & Beverages

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.3

204 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.4

159 reviews

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Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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.

We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any walking impairments that require special assistance on our group tours. We are also unable to accommodate strollers or baby carriages.

Meeting point

Please Arrive 10 Minutes Early. We meet between the 2 green souvenir kiosks in front of the “Colosseo” metro stop - located just outside the lower-level entrance/exit. A representative will be there holding a sign with The Tour Guy on it.

Important notes

Meeting point: Please Arrive 10 Minutes Early. We meet between the 2 green souvenir kiosks in front of the “Colosseo” metro stop - located just outside the lower-level entrance/exit. Your guide will be there holding a sign with 'The Tour Guy' on it.

Important: Names of all participant need to match their passport or ID card, and cannot be amended after booking.

IMPORTANT: Recent changes to reservation procedures, put in place by the Colosseum, may result in tour start time changes or, in rare cases, a tour cancellation. Keep your day open as bookings are non-refundable. We will contact you at your earliest convenience if your booking is affected.
• Large bags, backpacks, luggage, tripods, large umbrellas, and glass bottles cannot be brought into the Colosseum. There is no coat check or space on-site.
• It is the responsibility of all visitors to be at the meeting point 10-15 minutes before departure. Guests arriving after departure cannot be accommodated, & missed tours or tickets cannot be refunded.
• Mandatory: All participants are required to carry a valid government-issued picture ID on them during our tours.
• Some sites visited are not shaded and can be hot under the summer sun. We recommend bringing a hat, sunscreen and a bottle of water during the warmer months.
• We will be subject to a security check at the entrance to all sites. Depending on the volume of visitors, we may have a short wait in the security line.
• We run tours rain or shine and no refunds will be issued due to inclement weather. In extreme weather conditions (i.e., flooding, hail storms, lightning) areas may close down for safety purposes.
• We will do everything within our power to ensure timings and itineraries are respected, however, due to issues beyond our control, timings and sites are subject to last-minute changes on rare occasions.
• Depending on ticketing times, the itinerary order might vary.

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