Group Tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
We designed this option for those who want to skip the lines, see the sites and learn some history. Explore the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill on a fun historic walking tour of Ancient Rome, with an expert guide and likeminded travellers.
Your group tour begins with a look inside Rome’s most popular site, the Colosseum, which sees around 6 million people each year. Made up of a combination of tufa, concrete and marble, it was the largest Roman arena ever built, with the capacity to seat as many people as a modern baseball stadium. Despite its immense size, nothing was overlooked, and everything functioned like a well-oiled machine. From allocated seating, quick exits, trap doors, underground tunnels and its own sewer system, the Romans thought of everything when designing this incredible structure. Flanked by 3 hills, the Caelian, Palatine and Esquiline, this free-standing open-air venue was constructed by the Flavians (a dynasty of 3 emperors) between 72 – 80AD. Your guide will explain how the monument was a gift to the people, an apology for Nero and a promise of better times. Learn how no expense was spared when it came to the entertainment, from exotic animals to a variety of gladiators, historical and mythological reenactments, as well as free food that was provided by the state. Climb its different tiers, marvel at its columns and peer through its arched windows that look out into modern Rome. Hear about its rise and fall, its neglect, and how it was used as a quarry and storage facility before becoming a world heritage site.
The Roman Forum is the most interesting historical site in Rome, as well as one of the best-preserved assemblages of ancient ruins in Italy. This open-air museum is located steps away from the Colosseum and houses a vast collection of temples, monuments, arches, and churches. Originally a marsh, it was converted by the Etruscans, becoming a market place during the early days of the republic and eventually the capital of the Roman Empire. Journey back in time, down cobbled streets into the basin of this remarkable archeological anomaly and envision what life was like in classical Rome. Hear how Caligula made his favorite horse a senator, about Nero’s cruel and tyrannical deeds and what made Julius Caesar Rome’s favorite son. You’ll find out where Saint Laurence was martyred, how Saturnalia was celebrated and discover the reason why some Roman churches are called Basilicas. Your guide will also tell you how the senate was reconstructed at the request of Mussolini, how excavation in the forum began and why one third of it remains buried to this day.
Towering high above the Roman Forum is the very birth place of Rome, the Palatine Hill. This layer cake of Republican houses and Imperial palaces was also the abode of Rome’s legendary founder Romulus. Acting as an intersection between myth and history, this hill housed the famous Lupercal, the house of a man-eating monster, as well as the temples of Cybele and Apollo. Surrounded by the Velabrum, Roman Forum and Circus Maximus, and with great views from all directions, this site is a perfect location for photos and videos. Hear the fascinating stories behind this historical wonderland, as you walk past ancient ruins, roman baths, and the remains of an old stadium. Find out the differences between ancient and Renaissance gardens, which English word is named after this hill and why this was Rome’s most desirable address for centuries.
Skip-the-line access to the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Fascinating, historical tales of gladiator battles inside the ancient Roman amphitheater
Sweeping views of the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Nero’s Circus Maximus atop of Palatine Hill
Opportunity to witness the civic buildings that were the center of the ancient Roman Empire
