Premium Colosseum Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
3 hours
Max 15 people
Commentary: Guide · en
Rome, Italy
About this activity
Our most popular Colosseum tour is an intimate, small group exploration of Ancient Rome through the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
Highlights
- Explore the Colosseum with a dedicated guide who knows this spectacular ancient structure better than anyone.
- Immerse yourself in the stories of Ancient Rome at the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
- Navigate with ease in a group of just 16 people or less—one of the smallest group sizes available for Rome Colosseum tours.
- View the site of Julius Caesar’s funeral pyre inside the Forum.
- Waste no time—we’ve secured special express access into all three sites.
- 8:15 AM & 11:15 AM tours only: Join a small group of maximum eight guests for an intimate and personalized journey through history.
Full description
In a small group of 16 people or less (not 50 like other companies!), venture into the heart of an empire at the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill on this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Our most popular Rome Colosseum tour gives you the opportunity to interact and follow along with a local expert guide, versed in all the guts and glory of this truly magnificent symbol of an ancient people and their astounding pursuits.
Dive deep into the Eternal City’s ancient past on our most popular Rome Colosseum tour.
Whatever you think you know about the Colosseum goes out the window when you visit on a small group tour with an archaeologist guide. This tour of Rome’s Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum immerses you in the real history of the arena and its surroundings—from the truth of its name to the vicious blood sports that took place inside. There is no more insightful or entertaining way to see the Colosseum.
With a small group of no more than 16 people (option to join an intimate tour of just eight people on 8:15 AM tours) and an expert local guide who has dedicated their life to studying ancient Roman history, you'll get ahead of the massive crowds and head right inside the Colosseum. As you explore this huge structure, you'll learn all about the reasons why it was built and what went on inside. From bloodcurdling mass executions to wild and extravagant animal hunts and even an intentional flooding to stage a naval battle, the history of this place really is stranger than fiction. Of course, you'll also get to hear everything about the gladiator games, the most famous form of entertainment hosted in the Colosseum. You'll break through myths about who exactly lost their lives here and what gesture was used to order their deaths. After an hour exploring the ancient world’s most famous arena on your Colosseum tour, your guide will take you to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill to learn what everyday life was like in Ancient Rome. As you traverse the heart of the ancient city, stones will come to life with stories of political intrigue, crazy emperors, pagan religious practices, and more than a few murder plots! See the site of Julius Caesar’s funeral pyre, the ruins of temples, the main centers for business and politics in Ancient Rome, and so much more. Finally, you’ll go even further back in time at Palatine Hill, where—legend says—Rome itself was born. This is where the she-wolf in the famous myth found Remus and Romulus, where the brothers fought for the right to build a city, and where Rome first grew and prospered. The Forum and Palatine Hill are often overlooked by visitors who have difficulty deciphering ruins on their own. With an expert guide on hand, however, you'll learn why these sites are arguably even more important (and interesting!) than the Colosseum. If you’re looking for an experience to introduce you to the might and magic of the Roman Empire, this is one that shouldn't be missed.
8:15 AM & 11:15 AM tours only: Join a small group of maximum eight guests for an intimate and personalized journey through history. Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments, or for wheelchairs or strollers. Please contact the Guest Experience team at info@takewalks.com or call +39 068-596-0143 (Italy) or +1-202-684-6916 (International) to make alternative arrangements.
Walk Tours is proud to be an Official Parco Archeologico del Colosse Operator approved to lead guided tours of the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill.
Sites Visited:
Colosseum Roman Forum Palatine Hill
Whatever you think you know about the Colosseum goes out the window when you visit on a small group tour with an archaeologist guide. This tour of Rome’s Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum immerses you in the real history of the arena and its surroundings—from the truth of its name to the vicious blood sports that took place inside. There is no more insightful or entertaining way to see the Colosseum.
With a small group of no more than 16 people (option to join an intimate tour of just eight people on 8:15 AM tours) and an expert local guide who has dedicated their life to studying ancient Roman history, you'll get ahead of the massive crowds and head right inside the Colosseum. As you explore this huge structure, you'll learn all about the reasons why it was built and what went on inside. From bloodcurdling mass executions to wild and extravagant animal hunts and even an intentional flooding to stage a naval battle, the history of this place really is stranger than fiction. Of course, you'll also get to hear everything about the gladiator games, the most famous form of entertainment hosted in the Colosseum. You'll break through myths about who exactly lost their lives here and what gesture was used to order their deaths. After an hour exploring the ancient world’s most famous arena on your Colosseum tour, your guide will take you to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill to learn what everyday life was like in Ancient Rome. As you traverse the heart of the ancient city, stones will come to life with stories of political intrigue, crazy emperors, pagan religious practices, and more than a few murder plots! See the site of Julius Caesar’s funeral pyre, the ruins of temples, the main centers for business and politics in Ancient Rome, and so much more. Finally, you’ll go even further back in time at Palatine Hill, where—legend says—Rome itself was born. This is where the she-wolf in the famous myth found Remus and Romulus, where the brothers fought for the right to build a city, and where Rome first grew and prospered. The Forum and Palatine Hill are often overlooked by visitors who have difficulty deciphering ruins on their own. With an expert guide on hand, however, you'll learn why these sites are arguably even more important (and interesting!) than the Colosseum. If you’re looking for an experience to introduce you to the might and magic of the Roman Empire, this is one that shouldn't be missed.
8:15 AM & 11:15 AM tours only: Join a small group of maximum eight guests for an intimate and personalized journey through history. Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments, or for wheelchairs or strollers. Please contact the Guest Experience team at info@takewalks.com or call +39 068-596-0143 (Italy) or +1-202-684-6916 (International) to make alternative arrangements.
Walk Tours is proud to be an Official Parco Archeologico del Colosse Operator approved to lead guided tours of the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill.
Sites Visited:
Colosseum Roman Forum Palatine Hill
Included / Excluded
- Local English-speaking guide
- Expertly guided walking tour
- Colosseum Entrance Ticket (24h – Colosseo, Foro Romano, Palatino Ticket, €18)
- 8:15 AM & 11:15 AM tours only: Join a small group of max 8 guests
- Headset (groups over 6 people)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
- Lunch
Meeting point
Start Location
Via delle Terme di Tito, 72, (Oppio Caffè), Rome, IT
Via delle Terme di Tito, 72 (Oppio Caffè) Meet directly across the street from Oppio Caffè at the gated entrance to Colle Oppio Park.
Get directions →Important information
Know before you book
- The ancient sites on this tour are not wheelchair or stroller-friendly. Please contact our Guest Experience department for more options.
- The Colosseum is subject to occasional closures. If modifications are needed and time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
- Walks comply with all local government regulations. You may need to wear a mask or provide proof of vaccination to enter certain venues. Please refer to Italy government guidelines for the most up to date information
Know before you go
- This tour is in English.
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
- The tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the start time. No refunds or re-bookings can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
- If you cannot join your tour at the last minute (running late, etc), please contact us. We may be able to reschedule your tour with a small amendment fee depending on availability.
- All guests must pass through security. No weapons or large items will be permitted.
- All guests must present a photo ID to enter (including children).
- Only small backpacks and handbags are allowed inside (no bag check).
- The Colosseum is subject to occasional closures. If modifications are needed and time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
- Walks comply with all local government regulations. You may need to wear a mask or provide proof of vaccination to enter certain venues. Please refer to Italy government guidelines for the most up to date information
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts
Cancellations received greater than 72 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 72 hours of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive, or arrives after tour departure.
Accessibility
- Easy Public Transport