Your day of exploration begins with meeting your expert archaeologist who will welcome you to your Roman adventure. You’ll head to the Colosseum first and discuss topics ranging from Roman public decadence, ancient Roman engineering, and the gladiatorial fights and the wild beats that went with them. Leaving the impressive amphitheater behind, you will head towards Palatine Hill where you will learn the legend of Rome’s founding in 753 B.C. by Romulus. You will stop for a coffee or gelato while walking down to the Roman Forum, strolling past the major sites that crowded ancient Rome. 

After lunch, you will be guided through an in-depth exploration of Rome after the death of Julius Caesar in 44 BCE. You’ll look closely at this pivotal historical period, and how, under the influence of the first emperors, Rome quickly became one of the most powerful capitals of the ancient world. During this expedition, you will visit some of the most important monuments of ancient Rome including the Theatre of Marcellus, Largo Argentina, and the Pantheon, 

At the end of our full-day archaeological explorations viewing the city's most famous sites, you will come away with a deep and fascinating historical understanding of ancient Rome. 

 

Logistics Note: 
The tour may be reversed depending on Colosseum ticket availability. 

For more information about Context tours, please visit our FAQs.

Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.

Yes, as long as morning Colosseum tickets can be secured, we can do this tour in reverse with a meeting point at Oppio Caffe.

 

Yes. We can adapt the itinerary based on the ages, needs, and interests of travelers in your party.

 

Rome private guide itineraries include the cost of your time with your expert and include museum or monument entrance tickets.  Lunch and refreshments are at your expense. We will purchase the tickets ahead of time. Adult tickets are pre-purchased for this tour regardless of participant age.

 

The Pantheon is considered a holy place. Men should wear slacks, and women should wear slacks or skirts below the knee. Shoulders must also be covered, so bring something to cover them. Shorts above the knee are not allowed. 

 

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. 

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.   

Is this tour accessible to those with mobility issues?

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 a lot of ground and it is walking-intense. The itinerary includes cobblestones, uneven and natural terrain, stairs, and hilly areas that are tricky to maneuver.  If you use a wheelchair or have any mobility concerns, please contact us to discuss alternate options.

Do we have to buy tickets on-site?

For this tour, your Colosseum and Pantheon tickets are pre-purchased, which allows you to go directly to the security line where you will have your pre-purchased ticket scanned.  

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.