Rome Ancient History Small-Group Guided Tour

Delve deep into ancient Roman history during this small-group tour of three of its most significant sites. Get ahead of the crowds at the Colosseum and explore the first and second tiers of the ancient arena as your guide brings Roman history to life. Climb to the top of Palatine Hill to wander through some of Rome’s oldest ruins and stroll through the Roman Forum, stopping at famous sights like the funeral pyre of Julius Caesar, the Arch of Constantine, and the Temple of the Vestal Virgins.

Meeting Point

Via delle Terme di Tito, 72

Via delle Terme di Tito, 72, 00184 Roma RM, Italy

This tour meets at Via delle Terme di Tito, 72 (Oppio Caffè). Meet directly across the street from Oppio Caffè at the gated entrance to Colle Oppio Park. Meet your guide at the entrance of Colle Oppio Park on the corner of Via di Terme di Tito and Via Nicola Salvi.

What's included:

• Colosseum Entrance Ticket (24h – Colosseo, Foro Romano, Palatino Ticket, €18)
• Colosseum reservation fee (valued at €2 per person)
• Headset (groups over 6 people)
• Expertly guided walking tour
• Please note: Colosseum fees as above. The remaining cost of the experience covers other services.
• 11:15 start time only: Join an intimate tour with max 8 guests

Not included:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Gratuities

What to expect:

Duration: 3 hours

Colosseum

Piazza del Colosseo, 1, Rome, 00184

Your tour starts at the Colosseum, where you bypass the crowds with pre-reserved passes. Your guide will lead you inside, up a set of stairs, and through the arches for your first glimpse of the world's most iconic sporting ground. Explore the first and second levels, hearing stories of the gladiators who fought here by choice (or otherwise), of the emperors who decided their fate, and of the captive audience whose graffiti still marks the walls today. The Colosseum had more uses as well, some of which you’ll hardly believe—your guide has all the details.

1 hour, 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Foro Romano

Largo della Salara Vecchia 5/6, , Rome, 00186

The adventure continues at the Roman Forum. You’ll appreciate having a historian as a guide here. As you wander the streets, they can make sense of the ruins for you, pointing out the subtle differences that reveal whether the structure is a moneylender’s shop, public bath, or any number of common ancient structures. Learn what life was like in the days of Caesar, Nero, and Hadrian, and how Roman society functioned.

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Palatine Hill

Piazza Santa Maria Nova, 53, Rome, 00186

Finally, climb the hill to see the palaces of Palatine Hill, built on the grounds where Romulus and Remus were discovered by the she-wolf in the legend of Rome’s founding. After an incredible day of making ancient history come to life, you’ll part from your group feeling more in touch with the beautiful ruins of Rome.

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included