Tour Details
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
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- Colosseum
- Roman Forum
- Pantheon
- Largo di Torre Argentina
- Historic District
- Palatine Hill
Photos & Highlights
- A scholarly day in Rome to explore archaeology and ancient history
- Led by Dimo, Rome private guide and Archaeologist
Select a date
Tour Description
Meet Dimo, your expert private guide to the history and archaeology of the Eternal City. If you’re after an exclusive curated experience with an expert guide who will take you through Rome’s most famous monuments and sites, this is the perfect in-depth eight-hour tour for you.
With his knowledge of archaeology, ancient art history and Roman architecture, Dimosthenis provides you with a unique perspective on ancient Rome.
During his PhD. studies at La Sapienza, the University of Rome, he participated in national and international projects as well as several archaeological excavations including the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Outside of the city, in collaboration with the British School at Rome and the German Institute of Archaeology in Rome, they covered Falacrinae, Segni, and Albano Laziale.
His intriguing work as an archaeologist led him into the fascinating study of Latin epigraphy and Roman pottery as well as researching classical art and architecture. His career has allowed him to study abroad and research in Paris and Athens and explore the interaction between Roman and Greek architecture.
It’s safe to say that Dimo is an expert in archaeology, and not only will you have a great time during this specially curated private tour, you will also leave with a deeper knowledge of ancient Rome’s fascinating rich history, architecture, and archeology.
Languages: Italian, English, German, Greek.
Sites Visited
- Colosseum
- Roman Forum
- Palatine Hill
- Pantheon
- Largo di Torre Argentina
- Historic District
Included
- 8-hour private tour with Ph.D. archaeologist, Dimo
- Tickets to the Colosseum
- Tickets to the Pantheon
Dimo's Roman Itinerary: Highlights of the Ancient World
Dimo has designed this itinerary exclusively for Context, and it covers the most spectacular highlights and architectural masterpieces of the ancient city. Join him on this full-day exploration of Rome’s archaeology, history, and architecture.
Your day begins at the Colosseum, one of the world’s greatest wonders, where you will learn all about how and why it was built. Dimo will take you to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill afterward to continue your explorations. After a break for lunch nearby at one of his favorite local spots, the tour will continue through the archaeological heart of the city along Via dei Fori Imperiali and towards Piazza Venezia.
Passing by Trajan’s Markets (and his mighty Column), we’ll discuss the role of public spaces in ancient Rome as we walk towards Largo Argentina, a fascinating archaeological site and the scene of Julius Caesar’s assassination in 44 BCE. Dimo will point out the impressive temple architecture and explain the layers of history visible below street level.
The learning continues at the Pantheon with a focus on the role of architecture during the reigns of Emperor Augustus and Emperor Hadrian and how the surrounding area, the Campus Martius, evolved from swampland to battle training ground. We will stop for an afternoon coffee or gelato while we enjoy a stroll in one of the most elegant areas of the modern city rich with ancient historical landmarks, from ancient Roman construction to Renaissance residences to opulent Baroque churches.
FAQ
For more information about Context tours, please visit our FAQs.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Can I change the itinerary with Dimo?
The published itinerary represents Dimo’s favorite way to visit Rome. If you are looking for something different, please feel free to check out our other Rome offerings!
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 usually include museum or monument entrance tickets. Lunch and refreshments are at your expense. Accommodation is not included.
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
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
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.
Is this tour accessible to those with mobility issues?
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.
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.
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.
Are there any other tickets included on this tour?
Yes! It is now required to purchase tickets in order to enter the Pantheon. Context will pre-purchase these tickets in anticipation of your tour.
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. If you are intent on wearing spaghetti straps or a halter-top, bring a shawl and expect to keep it around you. Shorts above the knee are not allowed. These rules may seem unduly strict, but remember, the Pantheon is also a church so the same dress code standards apply.
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.
Meet Your Expert
During his university studies at “La Sapienza” in Rome, Dimosthenis participated in several national and international projects, such as the study of Latin epigraphy and Roman pottery as well as various archaeological excavations in different areas of Rome (Roman Forum, Palatine, Mausoleum of Augustus). His work as an archaeologist brought him to carry out research in classical art and architecture, exploring in particular the relationship between iconography and architecture as ancient Greek and Roman artistic expressions. Dimosthenis completed his Ph.D. with a thesis on temple architecture in the Italian peninsula during the Republican period. This topic became his area of expertise. His knowledge of archaeology, ancient art history and Roman architecture is the key that he uses to share his unique perspective on the Eternal City.
Where You'll Start
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36 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.
Dimo was awesome. His descriptions of the Roman ruins made them come to life and provided us great insight into the daily life of the Roman citizens. He was very flexible and spent more time on the topics we were interested in. His depth of knowledge of Rome from the ancient times to the present was phenomenal. We definitely recommend Dimo and will request him when we come back.
John
Aug 6, 2024
Dimo was sensational! He answered all my questions and we discussed deeper details on the sites and the actual daily activities (as best we know)- this made it come alive for me. I’ve been to these sites before and learned much more about them this time. He was easy to talk with and attentive to the need for rests and water. ..just a great day all around!!!
Joyce
Jul 24, 2024
We had a fantastic day with Dimo! I always feel for our guides (
all exceptional and experts in their fields) as they try to balance their own enthusiasm and understanding of their region with the realities of meeting travelers where they are. Dino has a gift of intellect and a deep understanding of the history of Rome paired with an ability to meet people where-ever they are in their day or in their travels. He’s exceptionally knowledgeable and affable and someone you are just as happy to enjoy lunch with as you are learning about the fascinating and endless history of the region. My husband and I both agreed, Dimo was our favorite guide so far and we’ve had great guides through Context!
Jennifer
May 6, 2024
Rome with Dimo
Get to know Dimo, Rome archaeologist
Meet Dimo
