Good stays. Real cities.An independent travel journal

Tours & experiences

Rome: Guided Tour of Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum

About this experience

Discover Rome’s most iconic ancient sites in just three hours on a group tour led by a licensed expert, with faster access included. Visit the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum efficiently, without long waits, crowded groups, or rushed explanations.

Begin inside the Colosseum, viewing the arena from above as your guide brings to life the world of gladiators, emperors, and public spectacle. Continue to Palatine Hill, once the exclusive residential district of Rome’s elite, then explore the Roman Forum, where laws were made, temples rose, and daily Roman life unfolded.

Designed for comfort, clarity, and depth, this tour offers expert guidance, a manageable walking route, and a small group for a more engaging experience, all at an exceptional value. Spaces are limited; book early to secure your spot.

This tour is offered in multiple languages.

At a glance

  • Duration: 1 hr–3 hr
  • Skip-the-line entry

What is included

  • Historical insights and storytelling from a licensed guide
  • Organised entry into Rome's most sought after sites and speedier access
  • Entrance to the Colosseum (€18 per person; €24 per person if you choose Arena access)
  • This tour is offered in multiple languages, depending on the option selected
  • Guided group tour of Ancient Rome

Not included

  • Walking Tour - External Visit does not include Colosseum entry; all sights are viewed from outside.
  • Arena access is not included in any of the options (unless the €24 ticket is chosen)
  • Transportation, food, and drinks

Itinerary and highlights

Meet your guide and fellow travelers at the Arch of Constantine to begin your tour.

Step inside the Colosseum with your expert, licensed guide and discover the history of gladiator fights, beast hunts, and Roman engineering. Learn how the Colosseum was built and explore its first and second levels at your own pace, with plenty of opportunities for photos.

Discover the legendary Palatine Hill, where Romulus founded Rome. Explore ruins, imperial palaces, and enjoy panoramic views over the Circus Maximus and Roman Forum.

Follow in the footsteps of Caesars along the Via Sacra, the route victorious generals and their legions took through the Roman Forum. Experience the history before entering the Forum itself.

Explore temples, basilicas, arches, and the central hub of political and social life in the Roman Empire. After the guided portion, continue exploring the Forum at your own pace.

Meeting and pickup information

  • Meet your guide at Largo Gaetana Agnesi, above the Colosseo Metro station. Use Google Maps to find the meeting point. Look for a yellow Carpe Diem Tours flag or sign. If near the Colosseum, enter the metro station and take the stairs up.
  • Meet your guide in front of the Arch of Constantine. Use Google Maps to find the meeting point. Look for a yellow Carpe Diem Tours flag or sign. Arrive at least 15 minutes early.

Languages and tickets

  • English — Guide
  • Mobile Only

Tour operator

  • Rome Adventures

Meeting points and locations

Accessibility and practical details

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • The Walking Tour - External Visit option does not include Colosseum entry; all sights are viewed from outside.
  • Full names of all travellers must be provided at the time of booking. A voucher with all travellers’ full names must be presented at the Colosseum and Roman Forum ticket office. Failure to do so may result in denied entry.
  • Each traveller must present a valid passport or government-issued ID that matches the name provided at booking to gain entry to the Colosseum and Roman Forum.

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

  • Small Group Colosseum tour (max 12 people) with visits to the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum. Duration: 3 hours Starting point: Arch of Constantine, P.za del Colosseo, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
  • Colosseum tour with a guide, including visits to the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum. Duration: 3 hours Starting point: Arch of Constantine, P.za del Colosseo, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
  • External visit of the Colosseum only – no entry; explore Rome’s historic ruins and landmarks on a 1.5-hour night tour. Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes Starting point: Largo Gaetana Agnesi, L.go Gaetana Agnesi, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
  • Full Colosseum Tour + pro photoshoot. Meet your photographer 1 hour before at 5 of the best Colosseum photo spots.

Traveller reviews and photos

Traveller experiences load when you reach this section.