Tour Details
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
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- Colosseum
- Roman Forum
- Palatine Hill
"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.
Photos & Highlights
- Uncover the secrets held within ancient ruins and dive into the stories of life as an emperor, gladiator, and everyday Roman
- Explore three iconic Roman sites with a local history or archaeology expert who caters the experience to your interests
Select a date
Tour Description
Stand where ancient Romans watched gladiators fight for their lives in the Colosseum. Marvel at the political heart of the Roman Empire in the Forum. Enjoy breathtaking views from Palatine Hill, the legendary birthplace of Rome.
Begin with the awe-inspiring Colosseum, the largest amphitheater ever built. Discuss everything from the details of its construction to the bloody gladiatorial battles and roaring crowds that filled the arena, allowing your expert to bring this iconic venue to life before your eyes.
Next, walk in the footsteps of ancient Rome’s elite as you explore the Via Sacra. Picture temples, arches, and basilicas lining the Sacred Way. Your guide will point out hidden gems that most tourists miss, giving you a secret glimpse into the lives of emperors and everyday Romans.
Palatine Hill, the legendary birthplace of Rome, marks the final stop. Stand where Romulus founded the city in 753 BC and take in the views of the city. By the end of this adventure, you'll have a deeper understanding of this powerful empire, from its glorious rise to its dramatic fall.
Experts
- You love ancient Roman history and are eager to discuss it with an expert while learning more about the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
- You’d like a more in-depth look at the lifestyles of ancient Romans, from the most elite to the average citizen.
- You want to ditch the stuffy scripts of group tours. This experience is structured, not scripted, allowing you to dive into the topics that interest you.
- 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.
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.
Additional Trip-Planning Resources
A few things that pair well with this tour:
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- All of your burning questions about ancient Roman civilization
- A little pre-trip preparation with The Roman Forum and Colosseum: What You Need to Know Before Your Visit
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 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.
If children under 18 qualify for free tickets, why am I required to purchase a ticket for my child?
While children may enter for free, they are required to stand in the general entrance line if they do so. In order to save time and expedite the tour, we purchase regular tickets so they may enter as quickly as possible.
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. In order 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 Ancient Rome for Kids Tour
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where You'll Start
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2771 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.
Simply amazing. Doriana was a wealth of information, who helped put so much in perspective! Very approachable and kind—what a fabulous morning. Thank you!
Michelle
Nov 14, 2024
Liz was faultlessly fantastic. Our tour was more like a delightfully relaxed and fact-packed conversation with a font of knowledge and subject matter expert. A great tour guide and just as importantly a great companion, too.
Justin
Nov 13, 2024
This was an outstanding experience for me and my family (wife and two college-aged kids). It was pretty crowded, but our small group moved easily and swiftly through the crowd, to the best vantage points. Meanwhile, Elisa shared her vast knowledge of Roman history with us, bringing the sites to life. Her background as an archaeologist and egyptologist enabled her to provide next-level insights. The small private tour led by Context is well-worth the investment.
James
Nov 13, 2024
Explore ancient Rome with Context
Get to know one of the archaeologists leading this tour
Meet Dimo
