Tour Details
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
-
- Colosseum
- Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Photos & Highlights
- Join an engaging, local expert at the top of their field such as archaeology or history as you explore ancient Rome
- Unique, personal tours for the intentional traveler. Choose from private tours for just you and you party, or join a small group tour with up 6 other travelers
Tour Description
Your tour begins near the gates of the Colosseum, the most iconic site of ancient Rome. Here, at the world's largest standing amphitheater, you’ll learn about the gladiatorial shows and public spectacles that took place almost two thousand years ago. Feel free to ask your guide in-depth questions about the construction of this wonder and the role it played in society, politics, religion, and history.
As you make your way down Via Sacra, the exciting main street of ancient Rome, you’ll marvel at the major sites in the city center including the Curia (senate house), and the temples, triumphal arches, and basilicas around the historical Forum Square.
You’ll explore Palatine Hill, one of the sites where the city first began, and delve into the legend of its founding in 753 B.C. by emperor Romulus. By the end of this four-hour tour, your expert will have guided you to find a deeper knowledge of the rise and decline of one of history's most pivotal empires–and the many historical figures who once walked the streets of Rome.
Experts
- It's your first time in Rome and you're seeking to uncover the essential sites of the Eternal City
- You’re returning to Rome and want to go deeper into archaeology and the Roman Empire subject
- If you're traveling with children under the age of 12, we recommend our family-oriented Ancient Rome for Kids Tour.
- Colosseum – Learn more about this iconic landmark on our Context Stories
- Palatine Hill – Offering a stunning panoramic view of the Roman Forum this was once the location of the home of aristocrats and emperors.
- Roman Forum – A central marketplace for ordinary citizens and noblemen to conduct their daily business.
Tickets
- Includes skip-the-line access tickets to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
- Our special skip-the-line tickets will get us to a fast lane, where our group will have to stand in line due to security measures and a strictly enforced maximum capacity at the Colosseum.
- Upon receiving your order, our team will secure a guide. Once the venue tickets are released, we will purchase them. Our team will be in touch with alternative options if we cannot secure tickets for the date and time you requested.
Headsets
- Depending on your group size, we may be required by the venue to order headsets in which case you’ll see a “Headset Fee” added to your order.
Resources
- For more information on planning your tour, take a read through our How to Tour the Colosseum resources page.
- Check out our upcoming online lectures which transport you back to Ancient Rome, accompanied by a leading Context Expert.
Wheelchair accessibility
- The Colosseum and the Roman Forum are wheelchair accessible while the Palatine Hill is not.
Service Dogs
- Service dogs are allowed if you have a medical certificate proving the need.
- For more information about Context tours, please visit our FAQs.
If children under 18 qualify for free tickets, why am I required to purchase a ticket for my child?
While children may enter for free, they are required to stand in the general entrance line if they do so. In order to save time and expedite the tour, we purchase skip-the-line tickets so they may enter as quickly as possible.
What are skip-the-line tickets?
While children may enter for free, they are required to stand in the general entrance line if they do so. In order to save time and expedite the tour, we purchase skip-the-line tickets so they may enter as quickly as possible.
What are skip-the-line tickets?
For this tour, your Colosseum tickets are pre-purchased which allows you to skip the ticket office line upon arrival at the venue. You may still have to wait in a security line or in a line to have your pre-purchased ticket scanned.
I have purchased the Roma Pass, can I use it on my Context tours?
You cannot use the Roma Pass on your Context tours. Roma Pass holders have to wait in a long line for the non-reserved public entrance to the Colosseum. In order to save time and expedite the tour, we purchase skip-the-line tickets so you may enter as quickly as possible.
Why does this tour only take place early in the morning and late in the afternoon?
In the summer, this tour has an early start or takes place late afternoon to beat the heat.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where You'll Start
2207 Reviews
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Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
The absolutely best tour experience! My family and I enjoy all the beautiful history, and skip the lines option completely worth it. The guides are so informative, funny, accommodating and experienced. We can’t wait to book our next tour.
Tania
Sep. 21, 2023
This tour was a comprehensive look at the history of Rome from its founding through its imperial years and beyond , given as a walking tour from the Colosseum, to Palatine Hill to the Forum Giuseppe does a wonderful job, combing information about the structures visited and their historical significance. A great tour,, presented beautifully by a skilled guide
Roger
Sep. 20, 2023
Fabio was excellent! A wealth of knowledge, charming and fun. The best experience in Roma!!
Catherine
Sep. 20, 2023
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