We planned this choice for those who need to skip the lines, see the destinations and learn a few history. Investigate the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill on a fun historic walking tour of Old Rome, with a master guide and like-minded travellers.
The Rome’s most prevalent location, the Colosseum, which sees around 6 million people each year. Made up of a combination of tufa, concrete and marble, it was the biggest Roman arena ever built, with the capacity to situate as many people as a modern baseball stadium. In spite of its gigantic size, nothing was overlooked, and everything worked like a well-oiled machine. From allocated seating, speedy exits, trap doors, underground tunnels and its own sewer system, the Romans thought of everything when designing this mind-blowing structure. Flanked by 3 slopes, the Caelian, Palatine and Esquiline, this free-standing open-air venue was built by the Flavians (a dynasty of 3 emperors) between 72 – 80AD. Your guide will clarify how the monument was a gift to the people, an apology for Nero and a promise of better times. Learn how no cost was saved when it came to the excitement, from exotic animals to a variety of gladiators, historical and mythological.
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.
