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Full-Day Rome Archaeology Tour with the Colosseum, the Roman Forum

Your comprehensive archaeology discovery of Rome
From US$1,149 privately
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Tour Details
Duration
8 hours
Product Type
Tour
Venues
  • Colosseum
  • Roman Forum
  • Largo di Torre Argentina
  • Teatro di Marcello
  • Pantheon
  • Portico D'ottavia
  • Mausoleo di Augusto
  • Palatine Hill
Photos & Highlights
  • A comprehensive view into the history and culture of Rome for first-time or returning visitors
  • Led by a PhD or MA-level archaeologist
Tour Description
If you’re after an exclusive private tour of Rome’s most spectacular highlights and architectural masterpieces, this is the tour for you. We’ve curated a special itinerary for those intrigued by Rome’s most renowned sites. In the company of a local expert, we’ll enjoy and take our time exploring the majestic Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill and other fascinating famous and offbeat ancient Roman sites. From the ancient Theatre of Marcellus to the Pantheon to the mighty Colosseum, this private tour is a wonderful experience for those looking to explore Rome’s greatest sites. 
 
Please note:
  • Colosseum tickets are amongst the most difficult to secure in Rome due to the way the venue releases tickets for tour operators to purchase. In the event that we cannot secure tickets for your tour date, our team will be in touch with alternative options.
  • This venue may require headsets for certain group sizes. We may add a headset fee to your order if it is required for your group. 
Experts
Paolo Paolo
Archaeologist
Valentina Valentina
Local Guide
Jade Jade
Archaeologist
Carlo Carlo
Local Guide
Dimosthenis Dimosthenis
Archaeologist
Dony Dony
Art Historian
Simona Simona
Archaeologist
Kasia Kasia
Local Guide
Emanuela Emanuela
Archaeologist
Liz Liz
Architect
Priscilla Priscilla
Archaeologist
Flavia Flavia
Local Guide
Cecilia Cecilia
Art Historian
Federico Federico
Local Guide
Alessia Alessia
Art Historian
Richard Richard
Medievalist
Giulia Giulia
Archaeologist
Roberta Roberta
Art Historian
Sara Sara
Art Historian
Andrea Andrea
Historian
Massimo Massimo
Local Guide
Alessandro Alessandro
Local Guide
Fiorenza Fiorenza
Art Historian
Mara Mara
Local Guide
Sandro Sandro
Local Guide
Arianna Arianna
Art Historian
Guido Guido
Tourist guide
Antonella Antonella
Archaeologist
Laura Laura
Local Guide
Olivia Olivia
Art Historian
Simona Simona
Archaeologist
Jose Jose
Artist
  • Colosseum
  • Palatine Hill
  • Roman Forum
  • Pantheon
  • Portico D'ottavia  (exterior)
  • Largo di Torre Argentina
  • Mausoleo di Augusto (exterior)
  • Teatro di Marcello (exterior)
  • 8-hour private tour with Ph.D. or MA-level historian 
  • Tickets to the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum 
  • Tickets to the Pantheon
  • Morning coffee
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.

Can this tour be done in reverse? 
Yes, as long as morning Colosseum tickets can be secured, we can do this tour in reverse with a meeting point at Oppio Caffe.
 
Is this tour suitable for children and/or clients with mobility challenges? 
Yes. We can adapt the itinerary based on the ages, needs, and interests of travelers in your party.
 
What is included in the itinerary? 
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.
 
What is the dress code inside the Pantheon?
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.
Where You'll Start
(4.98) 44 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.

Carlo was great - he knows his Roman history and his enthusiasm was contagious! He was also very accommodating about customizing the itinerary for us and the whole day was extremely well-planned. Highly recommend!
Jose was easily the best guide we have ever had and I hope sincerely that he is treated as an asset by the company.
Simona provided extra details that would not have been available on a normal tour. The small details around but apart from the major attractions provided invaluable context to the sites we visited. Simona's local recommendations for food and drinks were perfect for getting a taste of what the locals enjoy. Her personal history with the city gave us great insights into social, religious, and cultural history at each site we visited.