Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum Guided Tour
Description
Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill Official Guided Tour Colosseum Group Tours with our local expert guides for an unforgettable experience. Immerse Yourself in the History in this 2.5-hour tour of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum in Rome goes back in time. Bypass the queue at the Colosseum to avoid long waits. Explore the first and second tiers for great views. Then walk through the ruins of Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum with your guide, an art and archaeology expert history come to life!! For travelers who chose the Colosseum Arena Option: Colosseum Arena and Roman Forum Tour Meet your guide and enjoy special priority access that leads you directly to the Arena of the Colosseum. Visit the Roman Forum, the heart of the Roman Empire, for a truly unforgettable experience. Or visit at your own pace by booking the option Audio-Guided tour of the Colosseum/Palatine Hill/Roman Forum with Multilingual storytelling in English/Chinese/German/French/Italian/Spanish.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Start your journey with a visit to Rome's symbolic monument with a tour that makes it easy and fun for all ages. Learn about the amphitheater’s history from an official tour guide with an art and archaeology background. Learn about the spectacular games and bloody battles that were held inside. Hear about the techniques of construction invented by the Romans, the incredible ability of the gladiators, the violent fighting between exotic animals, and the high level of technology achieved by Roman engineers to build the Colosseum. Walk around the first tiers and see the arena to learn about the trapdoors and all the mechanisms used to animate the games. Your guide will keep you entertained with stories of sea-battles, the cages where lions were kept before the games started, the rooms in which gladiators were waiting before they reached the arena, the executions, and the excitement of the spectators attending the most spectacular, fantastic, and expensive games in human history.
After the Colosseum, you will walk through Palatine Hill, where you will be able to explore the site of an older settlement from the 9th century BC. Admire the first settlements of the city of Rome and the Hippodrome, an elliptical sunken garden from the Palace of Domitian. Here, enjoy an impressive view of the Circus Maximus and the valley of the Roman Forum. Learn about the legend of Romulus and Remus, the abandoned brothers raised by a she-wolf who once they grew older, fought each other for power and control.
You will finish this amazing experience with a visit to the Roman Forum, one of the most important archaeological areas in the world with some of Ancient Rome's most evocative ruins, including the Temple of Julius Caesar, Arch of Titus, House of the Vestal Virgins, Senate House and Basilica of Maxentius. Admire the Roman Forum's Sacred Way, the triumphal road where the Centurions of Caesar marched after their return from countless battles and conquests.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Customers have a mandatory meeting time stated 20 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time due to managing and organizational reasons.
- Please provide the full names of all travelers when booking. Each traveler must present a valid passport or ID document that matches the name provided at the time of booking for successful entry to the Colosseum and Roman Forum. We are not responsable if you provide us with wrong information.
- PLEASE NOTE: as for the Colosseum new management, it might take few minutes to grab tickets for kids (if any of them are in the group) so the activity can suffer 20/30 min variation due to organizational reasons
- The order in which the sites are visited during the tour can vary
- Discounts for children under 18 years is applied only with a valid ID card!
- Please note that for safety reasons the Colosseum can accommodate up to 3.000 people at once.This could lead to delays in access to the site, even for pre-booked visitors.
- For security reasons all visitors and their luggage shall be screened.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Forbidden objects inside the Colosseum: bottles and glasses containers, alcholic beverages and aerosols, backpacks, camping, bulky bags and luggage / trolley
- Please notice that the Colosseum Administration, which depends on the Ministry of Cultural Assets and Activities has the faculty to close the Colosseum, or parts of it, with or without notice, for events, strikes, heavy rain, or any other reason. In which case, we will offer an alternative itinerary as it seems fit and offer a partial refund
- Activity not recommended for people with motor lag
- No change on a booking can be accepted less than one week before the time of the tour. In that instance, no refund will be issued.
- For the safety of all guests, the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to passengers who are intoxicated or show signs of intoxication. If, as a result, your tour is canceled, you will not be entitled to a refund.
- PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED
- The meeting point for the group guided tour is at Piazza San Clemente. Our Staff will wait for you at the entrance to the Basilica, holding a "Tour in the city" sign. MANDATORY meeting time 20 minutes prior to tour departure time
- In case of late arrival or cancellation beyond the limits indicated in the cancellation policy by the customer, a refund is not foreseen.
- The duration of the tour may vary according to the time taken to access the monument. The tour duration is always at least 2 hours and will always be at most 3 hours.
- The itinerary may vary depending on weather conditions (ice, rain, or high temperatures) or other events beyond the travel agency's control.
- To download the Audioguide application you need a latest-generation smartphone not produced before 2020. We recommend bringing headphones.
- Last Minute TICKET & SELF AUDIOGUIDED: if you choose this option, It is mandatory for every customer to have a mobile phone. You must download the application, and once installed, you will need to download the QR codes provided. These QR codes must be presented at the entrance for access. Without the QR codes, entry will not be allowed.
- Not recommended for travelers with walking problems
- Not accessible for walker users
- We kindly inform you that any kind of disability (visual impairment, hearing impairment,... ) or anything that might prevent you to regularly join the tour, MUST BE communicated in advance to our staff at the following email address: tourinthecityrome@gmail.com
Reviews(3,427)
Great tour, lots of interesting details and the guide was informative and friendly. Really enjoyed the experience.
The tourwas amazing. So much to take in. The tour company was very professional and thorough. I enjoyed the self guided as it allows us to move at our own pace but the added bonus of the app with explanations was extremely helpful 😀
Unfortunately, I must leave a negative review regarding this agency. I purchased two tickets for the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Imperial Fora with an audio guide at a cost of 158 euros. Before the purchase, I contacted the agency explaining that one of the two tickets was for my daughter, who has a disability card. I was told to proceed with the purchase of both tickets and that I would be contacted later for a possible refund. After the payment, however, I did not receive any response, even after sending another message to clarify the situation again. Upon arriving in Rome, I went to the agency to explain again that my daughter had the disability card and that she was entitled to free entry. The owner replied that it was not possible to obtain any refund, claiming that if I had only purchased my ticket, they would probably have assigned my daughter a different time than mine at the Colosseum. Once I arrived at the Colosseum, I asked for information directly from the official staff, who explained to me that with the disability card, my daughter was entitled to free entry and that I, as her companion, was also entitled to free entry with her. I was then clearly told that the purchase of the two tickets through the agency was not only unnecessary but also incorrect, both regarding the disability issue and the excessively high price. I reported everything to the agency, and an operator assured me that I would receive a partial refund, but to date, I have received nothing. I also add that, given the price paid, the service received is absolutely not up to par: the provided audio guide does not justify in any way the extremely high cost of the tickets. Furthermore, we only had one audio guide to download on the phone because my daughter does not yet own a cell phone, and we had to listen to the audio guide sharing my personal headphones. For all these reasons, I cannot recommend this agency in any way. The experience was disappointing, lacking transparency, and definitely not worth the cost incurred.
Gentile Signora Longhi, Ci dispiace leggere la Sua recensione e riteniamo opportuno precisare alcuni aspetti della vicenda. Dopo ulteriori verifiche, abbiamo accertato che la telefonata a cui Lei fa riferimento non è stata effettuata con la nostra agenzia, bensì con il servizio clienti di Viator. Purtroppo, nessuna comunicazione relativa alla Sua richiesta è mai stata trasmessa alla nostra società e, di conseguenza, nessun membro del nostro staff ha potuto fornirLe le informazioni o le promesse di rimborso da Lei indicate. Desideriamo inoltre ricordare che il possesso della Disability Card non esonera dall’obbligo di ottenere un titolo di accesso. Come indicato sul sito ufficiale del Parco Archeologico del Colosseo, i visitatori aventi diritto alla gratuità devono comunque prenotare il proprio ingresso online o ritirare un biglietto gratuito presso la biglietteria, sempre previa disponibilità. La Sua visita era programmata per il 1° giugno, uno dei giorni di maggiore affluenza dell'anno a causa del ponte del 2 giugno e della chiusura del Colosseo nella giornata festiva successiva. In quel periodo i biglietti risultavano esauriti da settimane e non vi era alcuna garanzia di reperire ingressi gratuiti disponibili negli stessi orari richiesti. Proprio grazie alla prenotazione effettuata tramite la nostra agenzia, Lei e Sua figlia avete potuto visitare il Colosseo nella data e nell'orario desiderati. Si tratta di un aspetto tutt'altro che scontato, considerato che in quei giorni la disponibilità era estremamente limitata e nessuno avrebbe potuto garantire la possibilità di ottenere ingressi gratuiti compatibili con le Sue esigenze. Ci teniamo inoltre a precisare che il prezzo del servizio acquistato non riguarda esclusivamente il biglietto d'ingresso, ma comprende anche i costi di prenotazione, gestione, assistenza, piattaforma e la card digitale con audioguida fornita prima della visita. Nonostante non sussistessero i presupposti per un rimborso integrale, e pur non avendo alcuna responsabilità per le informazioni ricevute tramite canali terzi, abbiamo comunque disposto un rimborso di €30 come gesto di cortesia commerciale nei Suoi confronti. Inoltre, nel corso delle nostre comunicazioni private, Le abbiamo trasmesso il link ufficiale del Parco Archeologico del Colosseo che conferma quanto sopra esposto in merito alle modalità di accesso per i visitatori titolari di Disability Card, affinché potesse verificare direttamente le informazioni presso la fonte ufficiale. Infine, respingiamo con fermezza qualsiasi insinuazione di scorrettezza o di mancanza di trasparenza. Tour in the City opera da anni nel pieno rispetto delle regole e con la massima attenzione per i propri clienti. Per questo motivo ci dispiace particolarmente leggere accuse così gravi, soprattutto considerando la disponibilità, la cortesia e il tempo dedicato dal nostro staff alla gestione della Sua pratica. Cordiali saluti, Tour in the City
Great tour!! Eva’s knowledge was excellent. She did a fantastic job retelling history and what a day at the colosseum would be like. Likewise as we moved onto Palatine hill and the Roman forum.
Thank you for your fantastic review! We're delighted to hear that you had such a great experience exploring the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum. These sites are at the heart of Ancient Rome, and there's nothing better than bringing their stories to life through the eyes of an expert guide. A special thank you for your kind words about Eva. We're thrilled to know that her knowledge, storytelling, and ability to recreate what daily life was like in ancient Rome helped make your visit both engaging and memorable. Her passion for history truly shines through, and we're glad it enhanced your experience throughout the entire tour. Thank you for choosing Tour In the City. We hope to welcome you back to Rome for more unforgettable discoveries in the future! Warm regards, The Tour In the City Team
We booked this tour based on other positive Viator experiences and because the Colosseum website would not allow us to book directly. When we arrived, the tour office was in total chaos which did not inspire confidence. Once someone took charge and got us our tickets and listening devices, things improved. However, we then waited 30 minutes past the start of our tour time for the last two memebers of our party to join, which felt rude to those of us who had been on time. The Colosseum itself was also very busy, so there was even more waiting. Once we finally got started, our guide was knowledgeable, but it was a little hard to hear. We also moved through the Colosseum very quickly, and I would have preferred more time to take it all in, to take pictures, and to learn. Our tour also included Palatine Hill and the Roman ruins and there was another incredibly long line to get in. Once inside, again, our guide was helpful in understanding what we were seeing, but we probably spent 80% of our time there and only 20% in the Colosseum. Overall, it was a little disappointing. A lot of it was outside our guides control (the waiting, the heat) and she did her best to make it a positive experience, but I was left wanting more.
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We are sorry to hear that your experience did not fully meet your expectations. We would like to point out that the tour itinerary, duration spent at each site, meeting procedures, and the expected conditions inside the archaeological area are all clearly described before booking and again in the information provided prior to the tour. As you correctly noted, many of the aspects that affected your experience were unfortunately beyond our control. During peak season, the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill can experience significant crowds, security checks, queues, and high temperatures. These conditions are managed by the archaeological park authorities and can impact all visitors regardless of the tour operator. Regarding the delayed departure, our guides always do their best to accommodate guests while respecting those who arrive on time. We understand that waiting can be frustrating and appreciate your patience. We are pleased to hear that you found your guide knowledgeable and helpful throughout the tour. Our team works hard to provide an informative experience despite the challenges that can arise at one of the world's most visited monuments. Thank you again for your comments, as they help us continue improving our service.
They didn't get our tickets. Possible it was just unfortunate for them or they sold too many. Just buy tickets off the offical website or line up the day of and get in for 18 euro. Audio guide not worth 100 dollars. Dont buy tickets or tours off the street.
Thank you for sharing your opinion. We would like to clarify that Colosseum tickets are extremely limited and often sell out weeks in advance. Purchasing directly from the official website can certainly be a good option, provided tickets are booked at least a month ahead of the visit date. Otherwise, visitors may face very limited availability or long waits at the ticket office, often exceeding two hours during busy periods. Our tour includes much more than just the entrance ticket, including the service, organization, assistance, and the expertise of a professional guide. While guided tours may not be the preferred choice for every traveler, many visitors appreciate the added historical context and the support provided throughout the experience. We're sorry the tour did not meet your expectations, and we appreciate your feedback.
Was very easy to purchase tickets on the website and app, tickets purchased are extra what we required. App very much up to date. Ticket sent to my email address via pdf the day before attractions visit. Nice friendly staff as well who I spoke too. Would recommend and use again.
Thank you for your kind review! We're delighted to hear that you found the booking process easy and convenient through our website and app. It's great to know that everything went smoothly, from receiving your tickets in advance to your interaction with our team. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. We look forward to helping you again on your next visit to Rome! Best regards, The Tour in the City Team
Wonderful tour guide, Azzure. She kept the tour informative and fun!
Thank you for your fantastic review! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your tour and that Azzurra made such a positive impression. She is passionate about bringing the history of ancient Rome to life, and we're delighted that you found her tour both informative and fun. We will be sure to pass along your kind words to her. Thank you for recommending her, and we hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable experience in Rome! Best regards, The Tour in the City Team
Due to my mistake, I scheduled the visit for the wrong date, and they helped me to reschedule for another date.
¡Muchas gracias por su comentario! Nos alegra saber que pudo disfrutar de la visita a pesar del error en la fecha de la reserva. Entendemos que este tipo de situaciones pueden ocurrir y siempre intentamos ayudar a nuestros clientes cuando es posible encontrar una solución. Ha sido un placer asistirle y nos alegra que finalmente pudiera realizar la experiencia. Esperamos darle la bienvenida nuevamente en Roma para otra visita inolvidable. ¡Gracias por elegirnos! Saludos cordiales, The Tour in the City Team
Collected tickets, they helped us every step to down load all the apps. Great places to visit and well worth a visit, take your time there’s plenty of history to read and take great pictures
Thank you for your kind review! We’re delighted to hear that our team was able to assist you with collecting your tickets and helping you download and set up all the necessary apps. We always strive to make the experience as smooth and stress-free as possible for our guests. The Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill are truly incredible sites, and we completely agree that taking your time to explore the history and capture memorable photos makes the visit even more special. Thank you for choosing us, and we hope to welcome you back to Rome again soon! Best regards, The Tour in the City Team
