Facing the chaotic entry process at the Colosseum alone has the potential to ruin a dream trip and leave guests feeling like just another number in a long line. Instead, secure pre-reserved tickets and personalized time with an expert on a semi-private tour. Enter the stone arches of the amphitheater to tour the 1st and 2nd tiers, examine the remains of Rome's birthplace on Palatine Hill, then stroll through the old city center at the Roman Forum. Join us for a hassle-free Colosseum experience!
What's included
Walk the Colosseum in tandem with an expert
Expert English-speaking guide
Pre-reserved Colosseum entry tickets
Guided tour of the Colosseum 1st and 2nd tiers
Guided tour of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Small group experience
Headset for groups of 6+
Guide tips
Itinerary
Your tour begins at the Colosseum
Meet your guide and small group right outside the amphitheater. After a quick introduction to the area, use your pre-reserved tickets to follow your guide through a security check and into the ancient stadium.
Explore the first and second levels of the Colosseum
Walk the stone tiers where thousands of spectators once cheered for their favorite warriors. Your guide reconstructs the atmosphere of the games and explains the clever trap doors used to send animals into the arena. Before leaving, view the nearby Arch of Constantine to see how emperors celebrated their biggest victories.
Climb the Palatine Hill
Next, walk up the hill where the city of Rome first began. You will explore the ruins of massive palaces and see where the emperors lived in luxury. From this high point, look down over the entire valley for a clear view of the city’s famous skyline.
Walk through the Roman Forum
Then, descend into ancient Rome’s old downtown area, the Roman Forum, to stand among the tall columns of temples and government buildings. Follow the main stone road once used for grand parades and important speeches. Your guide points out the spot where Julius Caesar was honored and explains how this plaza was the center of daily life.
Your tour finishes at the Roman Forum
Your guided tour concludes inside the forum grounds. Your guide is happy to answer final questions and provide tips for local restaurants or other historic sites to visit for the rest of your day.
For Reference Only. Itineraries are subject to change
Select participants and date
Free cancellation up to 3 days in advance!
Fri, 21 Aug 2026
Meeting and drop-off point
...
Important Details
...
4.96
259 Ratings
5
248
4
11
3
0
2
0
1
0
Great tour
Tara C.
Verified Review
August 15, 2026
Today we had a tour with Monika and it was interesting and informative enough to keep my teenage boys entertained! It was a nice small group and she did her best to keep us cool on a very hot day. Would definitely recommend taking a tour for Palantine Hill as it’s not as self explanatory as the colosseum. Monika was so knowledgeable, it was very impressive.
Great tour
Tara C.
Verified Review
August 15, 2026
Today we had a tour with Monika and it was interesting and informative enough to keep my teenage boys entertained! It was a nice small group and she did her best to keep us cool on a very hot day. Would definitely recommend taking a tour for Palantine Hill as it’s not as self explanatory as the colosseum. Monika was so knowledgeable, it was very impressive.
Had a great tour with Davide!
Cailin N.
Verified Review
August 12, 2026
We really enjoyed our tour with Davide at the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. He was super knowledgable and enthusiastic. Would absolutely recommend!
Colusswum tour
Thomas B.
Verified Review
August 10, 2026
Stephano great guide
Very entertaining
Made the best out of the heat
Iona M.
Verified Review
August 08, 2026
Marili W.
Verified Review
August 03, 2026
Our tour with Michele was excellent! He clearly has a passion for the history and we had a great experience. The three hours flew by and even my two teenagers thoroughly enjoyed it! I would highly recommend!
Sandra M.
Verified Review
July 31, 2026
Nicole L.
Verified Review
July 19, 2026
Fantastic Value for a Semi-Private Tour
Emily A.
Verified Review
July 17, 2026
Thank you Monika for a fantastic and informative tour. We enjoyed the way you presented the information and provided new insights that I would not have known if not for the tour. Pacing was perfect 10/10!
Six stars, seriously!
Michael W.
Verified Review
July 17, 2026
We had the pleasure of being guided by Monika on this tour. Not only is she a thorough, knowledgeable, and personable host, she’s also a gracious host, constantly looking out for our comfort - and photo opportunities! Monika - thank you for all of the history, the photos, and a great experience!
Amazing guide and experience
Alison H.
Verified Review
July 17, 2026
Our guide was knowledgeable, warm and funny. She kept us entertained and we learned so much about Ancient Rome. The pace of the tour was great. We sped through security and entrance lines and had plenty of time to explore both palatine hill and the colosseum with water breaks. Everyone in our group, from age 11 to 70 loved the experience.
Alison H.
Verified Review
July 17, 2026
A wonderful experience
rytis J.
Verified Review
July 17, 2026
What a great tour the guide was wonderful knowledgeable and very engaging. Unfortunately due to extreme heat we could not finish it. We highly recommend the tour and a big thank you to the guide unfortunately we don’t remember her name.
Great experience!
Caitlin M.
Verified Review
July 11, 2026
This tour was so worth it! Three hours of fascinating history with a very knowledgeable guide (I think her name was Eleanora). It was very hot but the guide made sure to stop in the shade and by the water fountains. We learned so much, thank you!!!
A lot of nontrivial info
Eugenia Y.
Verified Review
July 06, 2026
The tour was packed with a lot of very interesting, not commonly known information. The tour guide definitely has a talent for painting very vivid pictures of traditions and ways of ancient Rome. Skip the line is a great feature of this tour. Highly recommended.
Great
Whitney D.
Verified Review
July 06, 2026
It took us a while to find the group at the meeting spot because things were a bit chaotic in that area, but otherwise the tour was fantastic.
Great Experience
Dan F.
Verified Review
July 05, 2026
Our guide did a great job, was very knowledgeable and made the tour a wonderful experience
Great Tour
Tanya B.
Verified Review
June 29, 2026
Our tour was amazing our guide, knew everything and answered every question we recommend this toward anyone that would ask.
Tour with Novella
Gwen L.
Verified Review
June 23, 2026
Our tour was special in that it felt almost like a friend was leading us through some of her favorite places in the Forum. Novella has been leading tours for a long time, and she made the day unforgettable.
Fun experience
Joseph F.
Verified Review
June 23, 2026
Group was reasonable size and things moved along well. Guide was informative. Access is a little speedier with groups which helped as it was very hot.
Steven B.
Verified Review
June 22, 2026
Highly Recommended Tour
Stephen P.
Verified Review
June 21, 2026
This was one of the highlights of our trip to Rome. The Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill are incredible to see in person, but what really made the experience special was our guide.
Our guide was knowledgeable, engaging, and clearly passionate about Roman history. Rather than simply pointing out landmarks, they brought the ancient city to life by explaining how people lived, worked, governed, and entertained themselves nearly 2,000 years ago. The stories and historical context made the ruins much more meaningful than if we had explored on our own.
The semi private format was also excellent. The smaller group size made it easier to hear the guide, ask questions, and move through the sites comfortably. We never felt rushed and had plenty of opportunities for photos along the way.
The tour was well organized, easy to find, and paced appropriately for our family. By the end, we had a much better understanding of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill than we would have gained from a guidebook alone.
If you’re visiting Rome for the first time, I highly recommend this tour. The guide’s knowledge and enthusiasm transformed a visit to ancient ruins into a memorable and educational experience.
Great tpur
Thomas M.
Verified Review
June 15, 2026
Well paced and very informative. Skip the line is key.
Loved the history
Jessica Z.
Verified Review
June 14, 2026
Really enjoyed the experience of walking through all of the monuments. Our tour guide made a point of showing the best vantage points and sharing the history at each stop. Overall great experience.
Excellent tour
Maria M.
Verified Review
June 14, 2026
Well worth taking this tour. Great tour guide, managed the crowds well to give us a memorable visit .
