Colosseum and Roman Forum Archaeological Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Skip-the-line access to Colosseum
- Explore Roman Forum ruins
- Guided by expert archaeologist
- Learn ancient Roman history
- Visit Palatine Hill
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Expert archaeologist guide
- Skip-the-line access to Colosseum and Roman Forum
- Comprehensive historical insights
- Food and beverages
Itinerary
Meet your guide at the Colosseum and head to the second tier. Here, enjoy a panoramic view of the monument's interior and the square below. This perspective provides a bird's-eye view of the expansive foundation, the remains of the colonnade, and the walls of the grand temple dedicated to Venus and Rome.
Pass by: The Arch of Titus in Rome is a 1st-century triumphal arch celebrating Emperor Titus's victory in Jerusalem. Known for its detailed reliefs, it stands at the Roman Forum's entrance, symbolizing Roman imperial power.
Proceed to the Roman Forum, the ancient center of public life. Here, you will find notable landmarks such as the Basilica of Maxentius, the House of the Vestals, the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, and the Altar of Caesar.
Pass by: Take a leisurely stroll to the Arch of Constantine while heading towards the Velian Hill, where you can appreciate its architectural intricacies and historical importance up close.
Pass by: The Temple of Saturn, standing in the Roman Forum, is an ancient Roman temple dedicated to the god Saturn. Renowned for its eight surviving columns, it originally served as the treasury of the Roman Empire and remains a prominent symbol of Rome's rich historical and architectural heritage.
Pass by: The Arch of Septimius Severus, located in the Roman Forum, is a monumental triumphal arch. Erected in 203 AD, it commemorates the Roman victories of Emperor Septimius Severus and his sons. The arch is renowned for its intricate reliefs and grandiose design.
Pass by: The Basilica Julia, located in Rome's Forum, was a Roman civil basilica used for business and legal affairs. Initiated by Julius Caesar, it stands as a testament to ancient Roman architecture and public life.
Pass by: The Temple of Castor and Pollux, also known as the Temple of the Dioscuri, is a notable ancient structure in the Roman Forum. It is distinguished by three standing Corinthian columns and was dedicated to the twin brothers and demigods Castor and Pollux in Roman mythology.
Meeting point
Start Location
Piazza del Colosseo, 21, Piazza del Colosseo, 21, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates rain or shine; dress accordingly.
- Photography is allowed, but tripods are not permitted.
- Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the scheduled start time.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.
- Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the tour.
- Be prepared for a moderate amount of walking and standing.
Cancellation policy
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Accessibility
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- The Colosseum is closed on December 25th and January 1st.
- Please provide the full names and ages of all travelers when making your booking. Failure to present a voucher containing the full names of all travelers at the ticket office before entry may lead to denied access to the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.
- We suggest to wear comfortable shoes and light clothing in summer. Also to bring water, sunglasses, and a hat for additional comfort and protection.
- The activity level is minimal.
- It is mandatory for travelers to carry an identification document to access the Colosseum and Roman Forum.
- 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.
Traveler reviews
Daniella was an excellent...
Daniella was an excellent tour guide. Had fantastic insights into the history of the Colosseum and Forum.
Great private tour
Laura was a wonderful guide answering all questions that we had and giving great detail. She also gave us time on her own to wonder the Colosseum.
Fantastic and fun tour!
Paolo is fantastic. Friendly, patient, and incredibly informative. My wife and I loved our history lessons and private tour of the Colosseum and surrounding archeological treasures. He is the perfect guide for those who are curious about the history and culture. A professor, an archeologist, an author, and a pleasure to spend time with.
Another winner from Viator!
Marilu is a knowledgeable Roman tour guide. Our focus was the coliseum and the forum, but she was also knowledgeable of the many grand artefacts of the Middle Ages. She is also flexible and lets her people make suggestions on the itinerary, which is not a given and something unappreciated.
History Buffs - MUST DO!
Gabriella was wonderful and insightful! We had just gotten to Rome after over 36 hours of travel (delays, delays, delays), so we were exhausted, but Gabriella took fantastic care of us. We didn’t have to worry about a single ticket as she guided us through each security checkpoint. It was fantastic to just stand back and let her take the reins. I learned more in 2.5 hours with her than I think I ever would in a Roman history class. She also made sure that me and my husband got lots of pictures together as it was our honeymoon. Truly spectacular service and knowledgeable guide! Cannot recommend this tour enough for those interested in the history of Rome!