Tours/Rome/Viator
Viator · group up to 25 pax

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Experience

3.7(60)Rome1 hour
VIATOR3.2(20)TRIPADVISOR3.9(40)

Description

Step back in time and explore the heart of the Roman Empire on an unforgettable journey through the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. With your Forum SUPER ticket, you’ll enjoy exclusive access to newly reopened sites, including the magnificent Domus Tiberiana. Skip the long lines and dive straight into history. Rome’s ticket queues can be overwhelming, especially in the summer heat. But with your pre-booked admission, you’ll bypass the wait and walk in the footsteps of emperors, senators, and citizens of ancient Rome. Enjoy the experience at your leisure with an audio guide, revealing the stories and grandeur of this ancient civilization. Get ready to uncover the power and glory of Rome like never before!

Tour Options

Roman Forum Experience

Itinerary

Admission included45 min

Your adventure begins in the Roman Forum, the bustling epicenter of ancient Roman life. Wander through the remnants of temples, basilicas, and government buildings that once defined this vibrant hub. Picture the Roman citizens engaged in commerce, political debates, and the rituals of everyday life as you traverse the same cobblestone paths that echo the footsteps of emperors and senators. Our seasoned guides will transport you back in time, painting vivid images of the bustling marketplace, the grandeur of imperial processions, and the drama of historical events that unfolded within these majestic ruins.

Admission included45 min

Ascend the Palatine Hill, the legendary birthplace of Rome's emperors, and relish the breathtaking panoramic views of the Eternal City. The Palatine, with its commanding position overlooking Rome, served as the residence for emperors seeking refuge from the city's tumult. Explore the sprawling grounds of the imperial palaces, adorned with intricate frescoes and adorned with opulent architecture. Your guide will illuminate the history of this regal enclave, offering insights into the opulent lifestyle of Rome's elite and the political machinations that shaped the destiny of the empire.

Admission included15 min

This imperial residence, nestled on Palatine Hill, provides an unparalleled opportunity to step into the private world of emperors. Admire the well-preserved architecture, marvel at the intricate frescoes that adorn the walls, and witness the historical significance of this hidden gem. The Domus Tiberiana, with its recent unveiling, offers a fresh perspective on the opulence and sophistication that characterized the living quarters of Rome's imperial household.

Highlights

imperial palaces
Curia Iulia
The Domus Tiberiana
Santa Maria Antiqua
Roman Forum and Palatine Hill SUPER tickets
Audio guide – Bring your own headset

What's included

Included
imperial palaces
Curia Iulia
The Domus Tiberiana
Santa Maria Antiqua
Roman Forum and Palatine Hill SUPER tickets
Audio guide – Bring your own headset
Not included
Colosseum Entrance
Tour Guide

Traveller Ratings

3.7
60 reviews
5
34
4
4
3
3
2
6
1
13

Important Information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please arrive 15 minutes earlier and bring a valid ID
  • Avoid bringing large purses, bags, or backpacks

Reviews(60)

P
Passport57686
June 19, 2026
DO NOT BOOK WITH EMPIRE TOURS

DO NOT book with T&T Empire. They cancelled our underground tour the day before with a promise of a refund which we never received, and they will not respond to multiple requests. Once on site, the tour guide stated that the Colosseum would not allow large groups in that day, but we could clearly see other groups with guides inside. It was clear that the only company the Colosseum would not let inside was Empire Tours. We were sent inside by ourselves, although we paid for a guided tour with no compensation whatsoever. BOOK WITH ANOTHER COMPANY!!!!

Operator response

This is not the correct company. Please write down TT Empire, not The Empireverse. Guys, please double-check before writing your review. This review is not related to The Empireverse. We will also take legal action regarding this matter if necessary.

J
jferder
April 19, 2026
No see them - no forum

Booked this tour because I really wanted to show my husband the forum. We Couldn’t find the tour company where they said they’d be so was charged for nothing and had to rebook with another firm. We couldn’t get our money back

Operator response

Thank you for your feedback. We’re sorry to hear about your experience. Our team was present at the meeting point, and we also tried to contact you using the number on your booking but couldn’t reach you. In such cases, we always recommend contacting us directly so we can assist immediately. As we did not receive any communication at the time, the booking was marked as a no-show as per policy. We appreciate your feedback and will continue improving our meeting point instructions.

A
artman_ori
July 18, 2025
Too crowded

Even more crowded than Roman times, compounded with construction through the city and the city made for a poor visit. Should the authorities modulate the number of visitors it would go a long way towards make the visit experience much better.

Operator response

Thank you for your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that the crowds and construction impacted your visit. July and August are indeed the hottest and busiest months in Italy, which can make the experience more intense. Unfortunately, the ongoing city construction is beyond our control, but we truly hope future visits will be more enjoyable. Your input is appreciated, and we’ll continue working to provide the best experience possible!

S
Stephen_J
April 10, 2025
Do NOT book this tour!!

Overpriced and disingenuous advertising. We had no data on our phones to access the audio guide. It’s totally self guided and no skip the line. Extremely inconvenient as well.

Operator response

Thank you for your booking and for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that the experience didn’t meet your expectations. We’d like to clarify that the tour is clearly described on Viator as an audio-guided experience, which many of our guests enjoy for the flexibility and freedom it offers to explore at their own pace. All instructions are provided via WhatsApp to ensure easy access to the guide. Thank you again for your understanding, and we hope to welcome you to a smoother experience in the future.

A
aborik
April 9, 2025
Misleading information by Viator.

We, 4 adults were shocked to find out that it is an audio tour and NO live guide would accompany the tour. It was not clear from Viator description at all. In order to download the audio guide you need to have WhatsApp on your phone. It is very complicated to use audio guide. Information is very limited. We were not able to start the tour bc of King Charles visit. All entrances were closed even the agent assured us that would be able to get through. After we waited for more than an hour we had to leave and never used the tickets. Would request refund.

Operator response

Thank you for your booking and for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that the experience didn’t meet your expectations. We’d like to clarify that the tour is clearly described on Viator as an audio-guided experience, which many of our guests enjoy for the flexibility and freedom it offers to explore at their own pace. All instructions are provided via WhatsApp to ensure easy access to the guide. Unfortunately, the security closures due to King Charles’ visit were completely beyond our control. We truly understand how disappointing the situation must have been and appreciate your patience during the delay. Thank you again for your understanding, and we hope to welcome you to a smoother experience in the future.

W
Wanderer702308
March 20, 2025
Holidays

It was a wonderful experience, kind and qualified staff. I recommend it. Sam was amazing. if you want to experience the colosseum at its best, this agency is the best.

Operator response

Thank you for your kind words! We’re glad you had a great experience. Hope to see you again. ...

G
G2465CSsarae
March 8, 2025
Friendly, good communication, accommodating

Due to an unavoidable mishap with my tour leader getting injured, my tour was actually cancelled and completely refunded. However, I was notified of this the night before by a friendly employee named Sam who I met at the appointed time the next day. He gave me the ticket that I purchased electronically along with a downloaded audio guide which he helped me load on my phone and gave me a quick tutorial. I still went to the Forum and Palatine Hill just as planned! It really worked out for me as I’m usually unhappy in a tour group going at other people’s pace anyhow. When I got to the House of Augustus and House of Livia, which needed a Super ticket, not standard, I wasn’t sure if I could get in, but whoop!! I had the Super Ticket and was able to see those great sites! So…I was helped by a super friendly employee, got a refund, and still saw everything I wanted to see. I don’t have a problem with that. :)

Operator response

Thank you for your kind words! We’re glad you had a great experience. Hope to see you again. ...

B
bleedblue72
June 26, 2024
Expert Guide but may not get what you your whole experience.

The only negative issue was that the underground portion was canceled due to overlooking. Not sure how the tickets were distributed but other people were able to go. Sarah was our tour guide and she is absolutely fantastic. It quickly became evident that she knows her stuff as it quickly became information overload...in a great way. We walked out knowing everything we needed to know about Ancient Rome Palentine Hill and the Colesseum.

Operator response

Hello, thanks for taking the time to review. We're sorry all members were not able to join in the Colosseum Underground portion of the tour. The Colosseum's management has new rules that we (tour operators and tour guides) must constantly navigate. These rules create confusion for all visitors to Rome (regardless of with a tour or not) and we're always doing our best to accommodate the change. Luckily the 3rd party company that manages the ticket office has been removed with a new company managing the ticket office in 2024. The change is very welcomed as we're always looking to improve guests’ experiences, We value your feedback and would appreciate the opportunity to make it right. Thank you for choosing Empire Tours. We sincerely apologize once again for any inconvenience caused, and we hope to have the opportunity to serve you better in the future. Best regards, EMPIRE TOURS

F
Frances_S
June 24, 2024
Very confusing

We almost missed the tour we were looking for empire tour and the you’re guide was holdin up a city you’re sign very confusing for the customers!! Then no one knew where the meeting place was because there were no signs again very confusing

Operator response

thank you!

C
Chastity_B
June 21, 2024
Fire - in many ways!

What a great tour. Aside from it being 100 degrees (Fahrenheit), Sarah Gildea made the tour fun. Being that Sarah lived in the US and in our neighboring state, she provided humor and education to the entire tour. Our kids (late teens and early 20s) also enjoyed Sarah’s witty humor and educational facts. The only downside to the tour was that the tour company cancelled the underground portion of the tour. I’m sure Sarah would have made that engaging as well. If you do this tour, be prepared to do a lot of walking, which for us was a good thing.

Operator response

Thank you!

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