About Rome
- Rome’s Carnival: From Ancient to Modern Times
16 February, 2023 - Rome's Budding Street Art Scene
25 January, 2023 - The Life and Reign of Emperor Claudius
19 January, 2023
Why Choose It?
- Encounter the ghosts of the gladiators who perished in the Colosseum.
- Follow in Caesar's footsteps as you walk the storied Via Sacra.
- Climb the legendary Palatine Hill to see where it all began.
Tour Description
Travel back in time to relive the Roman Empire and its imperial grandeur. Follow in the footsteps of some of Roman history’s most illustrious figures: from the tyrannical Julius Caesar and the cunning emperor Augustus to notorious emperor Nero and the fearless (and fortunate) Flavians. Your private Ancient Rome and Colosseum tour takes you on an unforgettable journey through the beating heart of the imperial capital.
Starting at the iconic Colosseum, which the Flavians funded through their conquest of Jerusalem, we’ll venture through the Roman Forum – the space at the center of public and political life. Our final destination is usually the imposing Palatine Hill. However, as this is a private tour we can customize your itinerary to include exactly what you want.
Scratch beneath the surface of the Colosseum
A temple of slaughter funded from spoils of war, the Colosseum is the most mesmerising monument of the ancient world. Some 60,000 spectators, from senators to plebeians, would congregate within its walls to worship at death’s altar. Wild animal hunts, battle reenactments, and criminal executions were the usual order of the day. Yet the Colosseum had no shortage of the kind of gladiatorial combats we’re most familiar with – immortalized in popular culture through Ridley Scott’s epic Gladiator.
Your knowledgeable guide will bring the Colosseum to life, painting scenes of its blood-stained sands and evoking its deafening atmosphere among the raucous roars of its crowds. Gaze down upon the arena floor, now the setting of the Colosseum Underground, imagining the unspeakable scenes that took place there. Wander the different levels of the monument, absorbing its powerful history and shaping an experience you’ll never forget.
Follow in the Caesars’ footsteps as you walk the Roman Forum
Our journey into the Roman Forum takes us along the Via Sacra where victorious generals returning from battle would ride in chariots during their triumph. Pass by the Arch of Titus and Temple of Romulus to enter the heart of the Roman Forum, treading the same cobblestones that the likes of Caesar, Cicero, and Caligula would have once walked as they conspired, plotted, and navigated their survival.
Behold the site where Mark Antony cremated Julius Caesar – his speech rousing the rabble to riot. Marvel at the Temple of Vesta, where the Vestal Virgins kept the sacred fire burning – both for Rome and for their own protection. Discover the Roman Forum’s magnificent temples; not just to gods as with the Temple of Saturn, but also to emperors like Vespasian and Antoninus Pius, who were declared gods after their death.
Climb the Palatine Hill to discover where it all began
Should you wish to extend your tour to 4 hours, your expert guide will then take you up the Palatine Hill: a site bursting with historical significance. It’s not surprising it has some of Rome’s oldest and most ornate monuments given how old the Palatine Hill is. For according to legend it was on the Palatine that Romulus founded Rome after murdering his twin brother Remus.
The Hut of Romulus is closed to the public, though it can be seen from outside. But recently opened are the equally fascinating and beautifully painted House of Augustus and Livia and the Domus Transitoria. Before the Great Fire of 64 AD the Domus Transitoria was the emperor Nero’s palace. Intended to link all imperial residences together, its sheer size was staggering.
A separate ticket is required for some of the Palatine Hill’s sites: House of Augustus, the House of Livia, and the Domus Transitoria. If you would like to explore these, please let us know in advance.
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Itinerary:ColosseumRoman ForumArch of ConstantinePalatine HillCapitoline Hill (View)
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Included:Priority skip-the-line entrancePrivate licensed guide
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Wheelchair accessible:Yes
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Meeting Point:In front of the Colosseum metro station, by the green kiosque.
excellent guides
Our guides are fluent in English and have a contagious passion for the inspiring cultural heritage of our Italian cities. Experts in their fields, they will immerse you in the hidden histories and intriguing lives of history's great protagonists. So much to see, so easy to miss out: with the help of our guides, visit the most absorbing sites and uncover the stories that have changed the world. Don't miss this fascinating journey!
Terrific Trastevere Food Tour with Luca! Luca took my wife and myself on a wonderful food tour through Trastevere. The things we saw and ate and learned were excellent. The best part was Luca's friendly nature.... read more
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A must do experience This cooking class was a highlight of our trip. We got to meet a young chef, Sara. She had us decide what to cook. Then we walked through... read more
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Best Food Tour We Took! My fiance and I capped off our first full day in Rome with this lovely food tour. Luca was friendly, excited, and knowledgeable. We got to try a ton of... read more
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Worth every penny. What an evening! This was without a doubt the highlight of my trip. A great evening with plenty of incredible local food and drink and a really good way to meet and... read more
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Delicious food from fabulous foody Luca Boccia was PHENOMENAL!
His knowledge of Italian cuisine was exceptional, especially welcomed because it included more than just the well known dishes. He was funny and friendly, making our... read more -
A Must Do Tour of Sistine Chapel Amazing! This was my third time to the Vatican but this time I took my adult/teen children and wife and we used a tour guide. It was a... read more
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Amazing evening activity in Rome Excellent night with Sara on her birthday!
We drank wine, ate amazing food and capped it with gelato!! -
Amazing walking food tour w Luca B My wife and I had an amazing walking food tour through the Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere. Luca B was extremely informative and accommodating. Would absolutely recommend to anyone!
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Best tour ever. Martha was our guide. She is the best. They way she explained all , answered our questions give us all the information in every place all was wonderful. It was... read more
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Great Food Stroll with Luca We did the Trastevere Food Stroll with Luca B and he was great! Brought us to great authentic locations and provided his expert advice! We would highly recommend this tour... read more
