Tour Details
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
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- Colosseum
- Roman Forum
- Palatine Hill
Photos & Highlights
- Go beyond the basics – No matter your reason for visiting the Colosseum, we will uncover the secrets and stories in the ruins, creating connections and memories for you and your family to cherish for a lifetime.
- Expert-Guided, Stress-Free, Tailored to You – Each tour is carefully curated to your interests and led by an expert archeologist or historian who brings Ancient Rome to life, ensuring you get the most out of this iconic landmark.
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Tour Description
The crowds are roaring, the swords are clashing, the tunics are swishing over the flagstones, and the conversations are lilting across the Foro. These sounds of everyday life at the Colosseum and the Roman Forum still echo in the air as whispers of stories for you to hear as you journey into the heart of Ancient Rome with an archeologist or historian.
As your expert guide leads you through the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, you’ll gain unparalleled insights, and through your expert's storytelling, your sense of the history will go beyond dry narratives to a living image of both what this place looked like before it was ruins and the powerful people who shaped it. This power had such a great legacy that generations of archaeologists (including some of our experts) have dug and preserved here hoping to understand the past better and - in some cases - to draw conclusions about how we live in the present.
Need help choosing the right tour for your needs? View a comparison of our most popular Colosseum tours.
Need help choosing the right tour for your needs? View a comparison of our most popular Colosseum tours.
Choose this tour if…
- You want to make unforgettable memories standing inside the legendary Colosseum, where gladiators once fought for their lives.
- You prefer a stress-free experience with an expert guide who ensures you don’t miss the hidden stories and must-see highlights.
- You desire to feel deeply connected to history, walking the same paths as emperors, senators, and citizens of Ancient Rome.
- You want to understand how Rome’s empire still shapes today’s world, from politics and architecture to language and culture.
Experts
"Tremendously knowledgable guide"
"Emily was a tremendously knowledgeable guide who was able to maneuver thru the ticketing/security situations with ease, and left us wanting to know more."
Kay G.
Kay G.
"An experience for everyone"
"Wonderful tour! Maddalena was engaging and kept everyone in our group interested, from my 76 yo parents to my teenagers. Highly recommend!"
Kristen F.
Kristen F.
"Expert experience makes this special"
"Christina & Context are wonderful. This was our 4th tour with Context. Each guide is special to their tour. Christina is an archaeologist and has actually participated in expeditions at the Colosseum. Wonderful! Excellent tour."
Nancy H.
Nancy H.
Begin at the awe-inspiring Colosseum, the largest amphitheater ever built. Your expert guide, who is either an archeologist or historian, will bring the landmark to life, from the architectural genius behind its construction to the legendary gladiator battles that captivated thousands.
Next, ascend Palatine Hill, the mythical birthplace of Rome. Stand where Romulus built the city in 753 BC and take in breathtaking panoramic views of the Eternal City.
Finally, follow the Via Sacra, the path once walked by victorious emperors and senators. As you stroll through the Roman Forum, envision the grand temples, bustling markets, and political debates that shaped the empire—and still influence our world today. Your guide will highlight overlooked details, ensuring you see more than just ruins, but the very soul of Ancient Rome.
By the end of this immersive experience, you won’t just have checked the Colosseum off your list—you’ll have gained a deeper understanding of its legacy, felt the pulse of ancient history, and made memories that will last a lifetime.
Sites Visited
- Colosseum – Learn more about this iconic landmark on our Context Stories
- Palatine Hill – Offering a stunning panoramic view of the Roman Forum, this was once the location of the home of aristocrats and emperors.
- Roman Forum – A central marketplace for ordinary citizens and noblemen to conduct their daily business.
Logistics
Tickets
Includes tickets to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
Upon receiving your order, our team will secure a guide. Once the venue tickets are released, we will purchase them. Our team will be in touch with alternative options if we cannot secure tickets for the date and time you requested.
Headsets
Depending on your group size, we may be required by the venue to order headsets in which case you’ll see a “Headset Fee” added to your order.
We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.
Wheelchair accessibility
The Colosseum and the Roman Forum are wheelchair accessible while the Palatine Hill is not.
The Palatine Hill can be skipped and the itinerary can be adjusted to make it more accessible, however, this Colosseum guided tour covers around 2.5 miles and includes cobblestones, uneven and natural terrain, stairs, and hilly areas that are tricky to maneuver.
Service Dogs
Service dogs are allowed if you have a medical certificate proving the need.
For more information about Context tours, please visit our FAQs.
Will I need to bring identification to enter the Colosseum?
Yes, original identification is required to be presented upon entry to the Colosseum for all visitors including children. These should be original documents, copies will not be accepted.
Do we have to buy tickets on-site?
For this tour, your Colosseum tickets are pre-purchased, which allows you to go directly to the security line where you will have your pre-purchased ticket scanned.
I have purchased the Roma Pass, can I use it on my Context tours?
You cannot use the Roma Pass on your Context tours. Roma Pass holders have to wait in a long line for the non-reserved public entrance to the Colosseum. To save time and expedite the tour, we purchase regular tickets so you may enter as quickly as possible.
Why does this tour only take place early in the morning and late in the afternoon?
In the summer, this tour has an early start or takes place late afternoon to beat the heat.
Is this tour suitable for children?
If you're traveling with children under the age of 12, we recommend our family-oriented Colosseum Tour for Kids with the Roman Forum
Are your Colosseum tours legitimate and officially accredited?
Yes! We are proud to be an accredited tour operator with the Colosseum. All our tours are professionally conducted and fully comply with all official regulations and guidelines set by the Parco Archeologico del Colosseo.
Do you reserve headsets for this tour?
Do you reserve headsets for this tour?
Depending on your group size, we may be required by the venue to order headsets in which case you’ll see a “Headset Fee” added to your order. If you would like to guarantee headsets for your tour regardless of your group size, please email us and we’ll be happy to get them reserved for you.
Cancellation Policy
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where You'll Start
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2838 Reviews
Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
Maddalena is a scholar and wonderful guide. We learned a lot and had a terrific time.
John
Mar 29, 2025
I was amazed at how much Liz was able to cover in a relatively short time. My wife and I loved being able to ask questions and feel that we were getting a full appreciation of both the history and its context. 100% would recommend to anyone that values a personalized experience.
John
Mar 28, 2025
Dony was incredible and very knowledgeable! He is a very engaging story teller, which made learning history very fun. He also pointed out great photo opportunities and captured photos we’ll enjoy to remember our trip. We also appreciated Dony’s efficiency in navigating heavily populated areas during our tour. Thank you Dony!
John rex
Mar 23, 2025
Explore ancient Rome with Context
Get to know one of the archaeologists leading this tour
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