Tour Details
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
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- Colosseum
- Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
- Largo di Torre Argentina
- Teatro di Marcello
- Pantheon
- Portico D'ottavia
- Mausoleo di Augusto
Photos & Highlights
- A comprehensive view into the history and culture of Rome for first-time or returning visitors
- Led by a PhD or MA-level archaeologist
Tour Description
If you’re after an exclusive private tour of Rome’s most spectacular highlights and architectural masterpieces, this is the tour for you. We’ve curated a special itinerary for those intrigued by Rome’s most renowned sites. In the company of a local expert, we’ll enjoy and take our time exploring the majestic Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill and other fascinating famous and offbeat ancient Roman sites. From the ancient Theatre of Marcellus to the Pantheon to the mighty Colosseum, this private tour is a wonderful experience for those looking to explore Rome’s greatest sites.
This is our full-day archeological tour combining our Colosseum Tour with Roman Forum, Palatine Hill and Skip-the-Line Tickets and our Ancient Rome Empire Tour with the Pantheon and Teatro Marcello. To assist you in planning your Ancient Rome tour, read our guide How to Tour the Colosseum and Ancient Rome for some helpful tips.
Please note:
- Colosseum tickets are amongst the most difficult to secure in Rome due to the way the venue releases tickets for tour operators to purchase. In the event that we cannot secure tickets for your tour date, our team will be in touch with alternative options.
- This venue may require headsets for certain group sizes. We may add a headset fee to your order if it is required for your group.
Experts
- Colosseum
- Palatine Hill
- Roman Forum
- Pantheon
- Portico D'ottavia (exterior)
- Largo di Torre Argentina
- Mausoleo di Augusto (exterior)
- Teatro di Marcello (exterior)
- 8-hour private tour with Ph.D. or MA-level historian
- Skip-the-line tickets to the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum
- Morning coffee
Your day of exploration begins with meeting your expert archaeologist who will welcome you to your Roman adventure. You will be guided through an in-depth exploration of Rome after the death of Julius Caesar in 44 BCE. We’ll look closely at this pivotal historical period, and how, under the influence of the first emperors, Rome quickly became one of the most powerful capitals of the ancient world. During this expedition, we will visit some of the most important monuments of ancient Rome including the Pantheon, the Theatre of Marcellus, and Largo Argentina.
After a fascinating morning fueled by some of Italy’s excellent coffee, we’ll take a small break from our archaeological adventure for a delicious local lunch. After lunch, we’ll skip the line of the Colosseum and head within to discuss topics ranging from Roman public decadence, ancient Roman engineering, and the gladiatorial fights and the wild beats that went with them.
Leaving the impressive amphitheater behind, we can head towards Palatine Hill where you will learn the legend of Rome’s founding in 753 B.C. by Romulus. We will stop for an afternoon coffee or gelato while we walk down to the Roman Forum, strolling past the major sites that crowded ancient Rome.
At the end of our full-day archaeological explorations viewing the city's most famous sites, you will come away with a deep and fascinating historical understanding of ancient Rome.
Logistics Note:
The tour may be reversed depending on Colosseum ticket availability. Interested in a full-day art orientation tour? Check out our Full-Day Rome Art Tour.
The tour may be reversed depending on Colosseum ticket availability. Interested in a full-day art orientation tour? Check out our Full-Day Rome Art Tour.
For more information about Context tours, please visit our FAQs.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where do we meet? Where does the tour end?
We meet at Antico Caffè del Teatro Marcello, and end our tour at the Forum Romanum. Your confirmation email will have the exact meeting point details along with a map.
Can this tour be done in reverse?
Yes, as long as morning Colosseum tickets can be secured, we can do this tour in reverse with a meeting point at Oppio Caffe.
Is this tour suitable for children and/or clients with mobility challenges?
Yes. We can adapt the itinerary based on the ages, needs, and interests of travelers in your party.
What is included in the itinerary?
Rome private guide itineraries include the cost of your time with your expert and include museum or monument entrance tickets. Lunch and refreshments are at your expense. Accommodation is not included. We will purchase the tickets ahead of time. Adult tickets are pre-purchased for this tour regardless of participant age.
What is the dress code inside the Pantheon?
The Pantheon is considered a holy place. Men should wear slacks, and women should wear slacks or skirts below the knee. Shoulders must also be covered, so bring something to cover them. Shorts above the knee are not allowed.
Can Roma Passes be used?
We don’t accept Roma Pass; holders have to wait in a different line and won’t be able to access priority tickets, so they cannot be used on this tour.
What are skip-the-line tickets?
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.
Are there any other tickets included on this tour?
Yes! It is now required to purchase tickets in order to enter the Pantheon. Context will pre-purchase these tickets in anticipation of your tour.
What is the dress code inside the Pantheon?
Are there any other tickets included on this tour?
Yes! It is now required to purchase tickets in order to enter the Pantheon. Context will pre-purchase these tickets in anticipation of your tour.
What is the dress code inside the Pantheon?
The Pantheon is considered a holy place. Men should wear slacks, and women should wear slacks or skirts below the knee. Shoulders must also be covered. If you are intent on wearing spaghetti straps or a halter-top, bring a shawl and expect to keep it around you. Shorts above the knee are not allowed. These rules may seem unduly strict, but remember, the Pantheon is also a church so the same dress code standards apply.
Do you reserve headsets for this tour?
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. If you would like to guarantee headsets for your tour regardless of your group size, please email us and we’ll be happy to get them reserved for you.
Where You'll Start
25 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.
My husband and I had a fabulous day.
Paolo is a fantastic guide: very knowledgeable, approachable & erudite.
We both would recommend this tour and take it again!
Chloe
Sep. 17, 2023
Liz was great. She gave us a very intellectual level tour full of things we would never have understood on our own.
Richard
Jun. 19, 2023
Richard was awesome Very knowledgeable and fun
Michael
Jun. 12, 2023
