Rome Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Bus+ Colosseum/Ancient Rome Tour
Discover Rome by Bus and Explore the Colosseum at Your Own Pace
Experience the best of Rome with a combined ticket that gives you access to the Hop-On Hop-Off panoramic sightseeing bus and a self-guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Choose between a 24-hourbus pass and enjoy the freedom to explore the Eternal City as it suits you. With 10 centrally located stops, you’ll easily reach iconic landmarks like Vatican City, Piazza Venezia, and Circus Maximus. While on board, enjoy multilingual audio commentary in 8 languages and panoramic views from the open-top double-decker bus.
This tour includes skip-the-line entry to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Enhance your visit using our multilingual audio guide app (available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Portuguese, and Chinese) with 44 points of interest to deepen your experience at your own pace.
IMPORTANT:
The time you select when booking refers to your reserved entry time for the Colosseum. You must check in at our agency (Via Labicana 96) 30 minutes before this time to collect your entry ticket and instructions for the audio guide app.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Highlights:
Runs daily from 9:00 AM to 5:45 PM
Full loop duration: approximately 2.5 hours
Ticket validity starts at first use
Printed ticket required for bus access
Bus Stops Include:
TERMINAL 1 – Piazza dei Cinquecento (corner Via Cavour)
Santa Maria Maggiore – Piazza dell’Esquilino 12
Colosseum – Via di San Gregorio
Circus Maximus – Belvedere di Romolo e Remo
Piazza Venezia – Via del Teatro Marcello
Vatican City – Lungotevere Tor di Nona 7
Villa Borghese – Via Ludovisi 48
Barberini Square – Via Barberini 14.
Plan your visit with total flexibility, skip the lines, and experience two of Rome’s must-do experiences in one convenient package.
What’s included?
Here’s a clear list of what is included in the experience:
- 24-hour Hop-On Hop-Off bus ticket (depending on the option selected)
- Panoramic open-top double-decker bus tour of Rome
- Multilingual audio commentary on the bus (available in 8 languages)
- Free Wi-Fi onboard the bus
- Map of Rome with bus route and stops
- Option to include Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill entry tickets
- Option to include a multilingual self-guided audio tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill (English, Spanish, Italian, French, German, Portuguese, and Chinese)
Exclusions
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities (optional and not included)
- Entry tickets to attractions, unless explicitly selected at booking
- Live guide service
- Headphones for the audio guide app (please bring your own)
- Devices for audio guide use (smartphones required; not provided)
Please note
- Public transportation nearby
Important Information and Entry Requirements
The time you select when booking refers to your reserved entry time for the Colosseum. You must check in at our agency (Via Labicana 96) 30 minutes before this time to collect your entry ticket and instructions for the audio guide app.
- This experience is not wheelchair accessible
- Not stroller accessible
- Pets are not allowed, except certified service animals
- An adult must accompany children
Colosseum Entry and Security Regulations
- A valid photo ID (passport, national ID, or driver’s license) is required for all participants to enter the Colosseum. Student cards are not accepted as valid ID.
- All guests must provide their full name and date of birth at the time of booking. Security staff may deny entry if the information provided does not match the ID shown exactly.
- The Colosseum and Roman Forum are subject to strict capacity limits (maximum 3,000 visitors at a time). This may cause delays, even with pre-booked tickets.
- Security screening is mandatory. To facilitate this process, place all belongings (including phones) into your bag or tray for the X-ray.
- Prohibited items inside the Colosseum and Roman Forum include:
Bottles or glass containers
Alcoholic beverages and aerosols
Camping gear, trolleys, large backpacks, and bulky bags
Selfie sticks and knives - Only small to medium-sized shoulder backpacks are permitted and will be inspected via metal detectors.
- The Colosseum administration may close sections of the site without notice due to weather conditions, events, or labor strikes. In these cases, we will offer an alternative itinerary or partial refund.
Tour & Ticket Policy
- Your Colosseum self-guided tour starts at our travel agency at Via Labicana, 96.
- Meeting time is mandatory 30 minutes before your scheduled Colosseum entry time. Late arrivals cannot join and are not entitled to a refund.
- Tickets and instructions for the Green Line Hop-On Hop-Off Bus will be sent the day before your tour. Please print your bus ticket before arrival – digital versions are not accepted.
- Bus tickets are valid for 24 hours from the time of first use, depending on the option selected.
- The Hop-On Hop-Off bus route may be subject to variations due to traffic or public events.
- The Hop-On Hop-Off service operates daily from 9:00 AM to 5:45 PM, with buses departing approximately every 30 minutes.
Technology & Accessibility
- The self-guided audio tour requires a smartphone (model year 2020 or newer) and headphones. Devices are not provided.
- Please ensure your phone is fully charged before the tour.
- Green Pass or similar health documents are not currently required, unless local regulations change.
Conduct Policy
- We reserve the right to refuse participation to any guests who appear intoxicated or disruptive. In such cases, no refund will be issued.
What do I need to bring?
- A valid photo ID (passport, national ID, or driver’s license – required for entry to the Colosseum)
- A fully charged smartphone (2020 or newer) for downloading and using the self-guided audio tour
- Headphones or earphones to enjoy the audio guide comfortably
- Comfortable shoes for walking across uneven ancient surfaces
- A bottle of water (plastic only – no glass containers allowed inside archaeological areas)
- Sunscreen and a hat during summer months
- Voucher printed or Digital for the Hop-On Hop-Off and Colosseum Tour (digital tickets aree accepted)
- A small backpack or bag (large bags, luggage, and trolleys are not allowed inside the Colosseum)
Cancellation policy
- Bookings are non-refundable. All sales are final.
1A – TERMINAL (Piazza dei Cinquecento, corner Via Cavour)
1A – TERMINAL (Piazza dei Cinquecento, corner Via Cavour)
The main starting point of your panoramic journey, located next to Termini Station—Rome’s central transport hub.
SANTA MARIA MAGGIORE (Piazza dell’Esquilino, 12)
SANTA MARIA MAGGIORE (Piazza dell’Esquilino, 12)
Visit one of Rome’s four major papal basilicas, famous for its ancient mosaics and rich Christian heritage. The nearby Church of Santa Prassede is also a hidden gem.
COLOSSEUM (Via di San Gregorio)
COLOSSEUM (Via di San Gregorio)
Step into ancient Rome at its most iconic site. Explore the Colosseum, Arch of Constantine, Roman Forum, and Nero’s Golden House (Domus Aurea).
Colosseum/Palatine Hill/ Roman Forum Audioguided tour and Ticket
Explore Ancient Rome at Your Own Pace with a Self Audio-Guided Tour
Step into the glory of Ancient Rome with a self-paced audio-guided tour of three of the Eternal City’s most iconic landmarks: the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Palatine Hill. Perfect for independent travelers, this immersive experience allows you to explore freely while enjoying expert narration directly on your smartphone.
With our Multilingual AudioGuide App, available in English, Chinese, German, French, Portuguese, Italian, and Spanish, you’ll enjoy insightful commentary, rich historical context, and fascinating stories about Rome’s imperial past—all in your preferred language.
CIRCUS MAXIMUS (Via del Circo Massimo)
CIRCUS MAXIMUS (Via del Circo Massimo)
Discover the largest stadium ever built in ancient Rome. From here, you can also climb the Aventine Hill or visit the famous Mouth of Truth.
PIAZZA VENEZIA (Via del Teatro Marcello, 32–34)
PIAZZA VENEZIA (Via del Teatro Marcello, 32–34)
A monumental hub of the city with the Altar of the Fatherland, Capitoline Hill, Jewish Ghetto, and easy access to Trajan’s Forum and Campo de’ Fiori.
VATICAN CITY (Lungotevere Tor di Nona, 7)
VATICAN CITY (Lungotevere Tor di Nona, 7)
The heart of the Catholic world. Get off here to explore the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and the awe-inspiring St. Peter’s Basilica.
VILLA BORGHESE (Via Ludovisi, 48)
VILLA BORGHESE (Via Ludovisi, 48)
Take a relaxing break in one of Rome’s most elegant parks. Visit the Borghese Gallery or enjoy panoramic views from the Pincian Terrace.
BARBERINI SQUARE (Via Barberini, 14)
BARBERINI SQUARE (Via Barberini, 14)
Ideal for visiting the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and doing some shopping on Via del Corso. A lively area full of history and charm.
1A – TERMINAL (Piazza dei Cinquecento, corner Via Cavour)
1A – TERMINAL (Piazza dei Cinquecento, corner Via Cavour)
The main starting point of your panoramic journey, located next to Termini Station—Rome’s central transport hub.
You can start this experience at the following places.
COLOSSEUM/PALATINE/ROMAN FORUM
Via Labicana 96, 00184 Roma, IT
BUS TERMINAL 1 – Piazza dei Cinquecento (corner Via Cavour)
Piazza dei Cinquecento, 00185 Roma, IT
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No Hidden Costs: All taxes and fees included.
25 years of experience
Tour in The City was founded in 1990 in response to the ever increasing demand for customized guided tours, in order to visit one of the most important art collections in the World, the eternal city Rome.
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Must-see attractions
Colosseum
The Colosseum, Rome’s legendary ancient arena, once echoed with gladiator battles and grand shows, and now stands as a powerful symbol of the city's eternal legacy.
Pantheon
The Pantheon is a masterpiece of Roman ingenuity, crowned by its iconic dome and central oculus, serving as a temple-turned-church for almost two millennia.
Roman Forum
Once the center of ancient Roman society, the Roman Forum is a vast archaeological park showcasing temples, civic buildings, and storied ruins.
Vatican City
Vatican City, the spiritual center of the Roman Catholic Church, holds a wealth of art, history, and faith, housing St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.
Palatine Hill
Palatine Hill, one of Rome’s famed seven hills, was the site of imperial palaces and offers breathtaking views over the city and its ancient ruins.
Galleria Borghese
The Galleria Borghese, set within the lush Villa Borghese gardens, showcases a stunning collection of sculptures and paintings by masters such as Bernini, Caravaggio, and Raphael.
St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica, the crown jewel of Vatican City, is a majestic architectural marvel housing Michelangelo’s Pietà and the soaring dome he masterfully designed.
Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel, famed for Michelangelo’s awe-inspiring ceiling frescoes, is both a masterpiece of Renaissance art and the sacred setting of the papal conclave.
Castel Sant’Angelo
Castel Sant’Angelo, once Emperor Hadrian’s grand mausoleum, now serves as a museum with sweeping views of Rome and a rich history as a fortress and papal stronghold.
Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain, Rome's largest and most iconic Baroque fountain, is famed for its stunning sculptures.
Testimonials
Hear From Our Happy Explorers!
Martin G
A hot visit to the Colosseum!
Had to collect tickets from a shop near to the Colosseum – lady there was most helpful in explaining where we needed to go and to download apps to our phones for the self audio guide (also gave us some free water with the heat!). Found the entrance easy and then enjoyed the tour – only issue was that the GPS signal wasnt great inside so it was difficult to sync the audio guide to what we were looking at. Took a break before doing the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum – we went on a very hot day and it was hard work walking around – make sure you have plenty of water!! Surfaces were very uneven – which is understandble considering its an ancient monument.
Martin G
FamilyOfFive
Amazing place to visit, weak audio guide
Such an amazing place to visit, it’s easy to understand why this is a must see! The sites were fantastic, but the audio tour was too generic. There were some interesting clips, but not enough about what we were looking at when we were at different points and too much generic history. In retrospect we would have got a lot more from a guide, but it was very nice to go at our own pace.
FamilyOfFive
Eva N
Unforgettable experience!
This tour was nothing short of amazing! From start to finish, everything was organized, engaging, and informative. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and brought the history of the Colosseum to life with fascinating stories, little-known facts, and a real passion for Ancient Rome.
The skip-the-line access was a huge plus—no waiting around in the hot sun! We also got upgraded for an Arena tour and got to explore areas that aren’t always open to the public, which made the experience feel exclusive and even more special.
Eva N
Poppy B
Very good customer service from Dolly
I was due to travel in August on this holiday however due to operational reasons, the tour may not have run and I was made aware straight away. I dealt with a women called Dolly and she offered me alternative options and we decided to refund the tour which was done promptly. Dolly gave me some brilliant advice and some useful insight to Rome.She was fab!
Poppy B
Tom P
Good day out
Really enjoyed the experience, can’t remember the tour guide’s name but he was very good. Very informative and detailed on the tour which kept me engaged about the history. It wasn’t as busy as usual which was also a pleasant experience. Highly enjoyable, many thanks.
Tom P
James C
Well worth it
Really well organised and our guide was great. Really informative and engaging. You wasn’t rushed and had a nice flow to it.
Would highly recommend this. Not sure you’d capture everything without the guide.
James C
Testimonials
Hear From Our Happy Explorers!
Martin G
A hot visit to the Colosseum!
Had to collect tickets from a shop near to the Colosseum – lady there was most helpful in explaining where we needed to go and to download apps to our phones for the self audio guide (also gave us some free water with the heat!). Found the entrance easy and then enjoyed the tour – only issue was that the GPS signal wasnt great inside so it was difficult to sync the audio guide to what we were looking at. Took a break before doing the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum – we went on a very hot day and it was hard work walking around – make sure you have plenty of water!! Surfaces were very uneven – which is understandble considering its an ancient monument.
Martin G
FamilyOfFive
Amazing place to visit, weak audio guide
Such an amazing place to visit, it’s easy to understand why this is a must see! The sites were fantastic, but the audio tour was too generic. There were some interesting clips, but not enough about what we were looking at when we were at different points and too much generic history. In retrospect we would have got a lot more from a guide, but it was very nice to go at our own pace.
FamilyOfFive
Eva N
Unforgettable experience!
This tour was nothing short of amazing! From start to finish, everything was organized, engaging, and informative. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and brought the history of the Colosseum to life with fascinating stories, little-known facts, and a real passion for Ancient Rome.
The skip-the-line access was a huge plus—no waiting around in the hot sun! We also got upgraded for an Arena tour and got to explore areas that aren’t always open to the public, which made the experience feel exclusive and even more special.
Eva N
Poppy B
Very good customer service from Dolly
I was due to travel in August on this holiday however due to operational reasons, the tour may not have run and I was made aware straight away. I dealt with a women called Dolly and she offered me alternative options and we decided to refund the tour which was done promptly. Dolly gave me some brilliant advice and some useful insight to Rome.She was fab!
Poppy B
Tom P
Good day out
Really enjoyed the experience, can’t remember the tour guide’s name but he was very good. Very informative and detailed on the tour which kept me engaged about the history. It wasn’t as busy as usual which was also a pleasant experience. Highly enjoyable, many thanks.
Tom P
James C
Well worth it
Really well organised and our guide was great. Really informative and engaging. You wasn’t rushed and had a nice flow to it.
Would highly recommend this. Not sure you’d capture everything without the guide.
James C
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