Colosseum Private Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

At a glance

Colosseum Private Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill is a 2h 30m private experience in Rome, Italy, operated by What a Life Tours. Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 130 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $330.98 per person, and free cancellation is available. Included: Colosseum entrance ticket (valued at €18 per person), All Fees and Taxes, Colosseum reservation fee (valued at €2 per person).

Quick facts

Duration

2h 30m

Group

Private tour — only your group

Languages

English, Italian, French, Spanish

Pickup

Meet at the start point

Confirmation

Instant confirmation

Ticket

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

Cancellation

Free cancellation (see policy)

Overview

Itinerary

1. Stop 1 · 1h

   Revel in exquisite antiquity as your guide dazzles you with tales from the Roman Empire on this afternoon tour of the Colosseum. This carefully crafted itinerary also covers the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill – without waiting in any lines - to give you a complete perspective on one of the most important civilizations in history.
   
   If you truly want to immerse yourself into the Eternal City’s 2500+ years of intriguing history, there is no better place to start than the Colosseum. The most spectacular edifice of Ancient Rome still in existence, this immortal amphitheater has a past filled with equal parts gore and glory – just like the Roman Empire itself. Over time, the boundary of history and legend may have been blurred out, but your guide will help you debunk the myths and shock you with stories even more jaw-dropping the ones you’ve seen played out on the silver screen. From wicked emperors to gruesome gladiator fights, we’ll delve right into the excitement from the get go!

2. Stop 2

   Every inch of this massive triumphal arch is covered by carvings and sculptures, making it a veritable billboard, made to advertise the achievements of Constantine in the Battle of the Milvian Bridge. Curiously, much of its decoration was cobbled together from monuments built by earlier emperors, more specifically those of Trajan, Hadrian and Marcus Aurelius. These were all men that Constantine considered to have been the great rulers of the 2nd century AD and with whom he most wanted to be associated.
   
   This triumphal landmark also acts as an everlasting testimony of the victory of Constantine and the end of persecutions against Christians.

3. Stop 3 · 45m

   This was once the central hub of the sprawling empire, where the early Romans would mix and mingle throughout its glory days. As you gaze upon towering triumphal arches and the imposing remnants of senate houses and hallowed temples, you’ll be mesmerized by the stories that have transpired on this very ground. Get the inside scoop on Marc Antony and Cleopatra’s epic love story and hear the thrilling tale of the conspiracy that cost Julius Caesar his life – but also learn how the great Roman Empire slowly began to crumble towards its dramatic demise in 500 AD.

4. Stop 4 · 45m

   According to Roman mythology, the Palatine Hill was the birthplace of Romulus and Remus, the twin-brothers who were suckled by a she-wolf and later became the founders of Rome. Literary sources imply that the city Romulus founded was confined primarily to this hill, where Romulus dwelt in a hut in the south-west corner, which was continually restored in his honor.
   
   This was also where very famous and rich Romans lived and where ultimately also where the Emporers chose to move their gigantic residences.
   
   Embrace the mesmerizing panoramic views and architectural remnants of this once mystical site now overtaken with lush vegetation, and take a journey through the vestiges of history to imagine the splendor and vivacity of this ancient settlement

Meeting point

Good to know

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Please provide the full names of all travelers when booking as all spots are strictly personal and need to be reserved in advance.
• Please bring a valid ID document (no photocopies!) for each participant - documents will be checked and they must match the names on the voucher.
• The final start time of the tour might be updated up to a week in advance as there can be some changes for logistical reasons.
• Please plan on being at the meeting point 15 minutes before the start time.
• We are unable to accommodate late arrivals as we have a time entrance to respect. Missed tours due to late arrivals are non-refundable. Please allow extra time to reach the meeting point as Rome's streets can be confusing.
• The itinerary is subject to change depending on the timed entry slot of the Colosseum.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Frequently asked questions