Magpie
4.7(26 reviews)

Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Tour

From€69
2 hours
Province of Rome, Italy

About this activity

Experience Rome's ancient history with skip-the-line access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, guided by experts in a small-group setting.

Highlights

  • Skip-the-line access to Roman Forum
  • Explore Palatine Hill's ancient ruins
  • Learn from expert local guides
  • Enjoy a small-group tour experience
  • Discover Rome's rich history firsthand

Full description

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the heart of ancient Rome with our exclusive tour of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Skip the long lines and delve into the rich history of these iconic sites, guided by knowledgeable experts who bring the past to life. Wander through the ruins of the Roman Forum, once the bustling center of Roman public life, and ascend Palatine Hill to enjoy panoramic views of the city. This small-group experience ensures personalized attention, making it the perfect way to connect with Rome's storied past. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the Eternal City like never before!

Included / Excluded

  • Skip-the-line entry to Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
  • Expert guide providing historical insights
  • Small-group experience for personalized attention
  • Colosseum entry (separate ticket required)

Itinerary

1

Start your journey by exploring one of the largest triumphal arches in Roman history: the Arch of Constantine the Great, before meandering through the sites of the Roman Forum.

Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

Here you will hear about the Vestal Virgins and see their gardens and the pagan temple of the Goddess Vesta they served. Learn about the Basilica Julia and the penal system of Ancient Rome and its effects on Christianity. See the temple of Castor and Pollux and the Arch of Titus and learn about the sacking of Jerusalem.
 Discover the Senate House, where senators met to decide the fate of the Roman Republic and how that climaxed with the murder and cremation of Julius Caesar.

Duration: 30 minAdmission: YES
3

Discover the Senate House, where senators met to decide the fate of the Roman Republic and how that climaxed with the murder and cremation of Julius Caesar.

Duration: 5 minAdmission: YES
4

Discover the ruins of the largest building in the Roman Forum that became an inspiration for many buildings built afterward, including New York City's former Penn Station.

Duration: 5 minAdmission: YES
5

Marvel at the details of the Arch of Titus that provided the inspiration for the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

Duration: 5 minAdmission: YES
6

Be impressed by the remains of the largest temple in Ancient Rome and enjoy the best view of the Colosseum.

Duration: 5 minAdmission: YES
7

Walk the paths of the Roman Emperors while visiting the hill where the legend of Romulus and Remus places the foundation of the city: the Palatine Hill. Learn how it later became one of the most exclusive areas of Ancient Rome and enjoy breathtaking views over the Colosseum and Roman Forum.

Duration: 35 minAdmission: YES
8

Pass by: From the heights of the Palatine Hill, enjoy a bird's eye view over what is considered to have been the largest structure for public games ever built by mankind, the Circus Maximus. Let your guide drive your imagination through chariot races, gladiator fights, and the clamor of the public. Learn about the famous Roman Games and travel back in time to a quasi-legendary era before Rome itself and find out the Circus’s foundations in the early myths and Gods. Stay in the Archeological Area as long as you wish at the end of your official tour.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Meeting point

Start Location

Piazza del Colosseo, 21, Piazza del Colosseo, 21, 00184 Roma RM, Italy

Important information

Know before you book

  • This tour is conducted in English; ensure you understand the language.
  • The tour involves walking on uneven surfaces; consider your mobility.
  • Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
  • Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the tour.
  • Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Service Animals Allowed
  • Easy Public Transport
  • Infant Seats Available

Good to know

  • A moderate amount of walking is involved, wear comfortable shoes
  • You will need to pass through strict and mandatory security checks to enter the Roman Forum. Expect to wait 5 to 30 minutes to clear the security checks depending on the season
  • Please provide the full names of all travellers when booking
  • Each traveller must present a valid passport or ID document that matches the same name provided at the time of booking for a successful entry
  • Animals are not permitted
  • You must be at the meeting point 10 minutes before the tour starts to complete the sign-up process and clear the security check
  • Trolleys and large backpacks are not allowed inside

Traveler reviews

4.7
26 reviews
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1

Hopefully you get Mario as your guide

If you get Mario as your guide be prepared to have a GREAT time. Mario brought wonderful humor into the history tour. He’s by far as memorable as Palatine Hill. Using Viator was a great way to bypass the long lines

Gregory_HMay 5, 2026VIATOR

Terrific tour! our guide...

Terrific tour! our guide gave us a real feel for the history behind the temples, arches, and buildings throughout the Forum - he was very knowledgeable and also had a great sense of humor! My husband had some mobility issues which he took into account and kindly gave direction to us! All in all a fantastic experience!

mary_WNov 15, 2025VIATOR

Highly recommend!

This tour was top notch! Our guide Eleanora moved us along early so we were the FIRST to the Colosseum floor and FIRST to get pictures/views before the crowds poured in. She was funny and informative. I’ve been to the Colosseum on my own, and this tour is 100% the way to go. You won’t have to fight the mobs of tourists and you’ll learn and laugh. Highly recommend!!

Carolinagirl4Oct 28, 2024TRIPADVISOR

Francesca was our favorite tour guide

Francesca was very warm and personable. She has a great personality. She is knowledgeable and engaging.

Jennifer_BSep 6, 2024VIATOR

Great tour with a great guide

It was very hot but the guide kept us very interested and stayed longer as it took a little while to get in, very informative

Julie_AJun 28, 2024VIATOR

Additional information

A moderate amount of walking is involved, wear comfortable shoes You will need to pass through strict and mandatory security checks to enter the Roman Forum. Expect to wait 5 to 30 minutes to clear the security checks depending on the season Drones and knives of any kind are strictly forbidden at the monuments Trolleys and large backpacks are not allowed inside Animals are not permitted Travellers younger than 18 years old must present a valid document or proof of ID You must be at the meeting point 10 minutes before the tour starts to complete the sign-up process and clear the security check
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