About this experience
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.
At a glance
- Duration: 1 hr 30 min–3 hr 30 min
What is included
- Local English-speaking guide
- Palatine Hill
- Colosseum Entrance Ticket (24h – Colosseo, Foro Romano, Palatino Ticket, €18)
- Roman Forum
- Expertly guided walking tour
- Access to exclusive underground sections (if the option selected)
- Colosseum
- Private group of up to 6 people (if option selected)
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
Itinerary and highlights
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.
If Premium Colosseum Tour Option selected — 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.
If Premium Colosseum Tour Option selected — 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.
Meeting and pickup information
- Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a yellow WalksDevour sign. 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.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Walks - Italy & Spain
Accessibility and practical details
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
- The full names of all participants must be provided at the time of booking and match the names on their ID. The Colosseum requires all guests (including children) to present government ID at the time of entry. Therefore any guest that does not submit their name in advance of the tour, or who does not bring their ID to the meeting point, will be refused participation without refund. Name corrections are possible up to 7 days before the visit. After this, changes may not be possible.
- The Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill may close occasionally. We'll notify you of any changes in advance if possible. For last-minute closures, updates will be given at the start of the tour.
- Walks is an Official Parco Archeologico del Colosseo Operator approved to lead guided tours of the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill.
- Please note: This tour offers multiple options. Take a moment to choose the one that best suits your interests.
Cancellation policy
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.
Available tour options
- Duration: 3 hours with guided Roman Forum: Enjoy a fully guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill in a small group.
- Duration: 3 hours Private Tour in English: Save precious time with express access on a private tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill in English.
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes with Forum tickets: Enjoy a Colosseum tour with a professional guide and receive Roman Forum tickets to discover it at your own pace.
- Colosseum Underground Tour: Explore the Colosseum and its exclusive Underground, then discover the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill on this private VIP tour Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
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