Ancient Rome Revealed: From the Forum to the Colosseum
Embark on an extraordinary journey through the heart of ancient Rome with this immersive and expertly guided tour.
Your experience begins in Piazza del Campidoglio, a masterpiece of Renaissance urban planning designed by Michelangelo himself. From here, enjoy a panoramic view over the Roman Forum—one of the most iconic vistas in the city.
Step back in time as you explore the Basilica, the ancient markets, and the majestic Trajan’s Column, a marvel of imperial propaganda and engineering. Then follow a fascinating underground passage that leads to the Forum of Julius Caesar, where centuries of imperial ambition are revealed through layers of history. Emperors successively added temples, arches, and public spaces, making this area a true open-air archive of Roman civilization.
Continue your walk along the Via Sacra, the sacred road of Ancient Rome, in use for more than 2,500 years. Pass under the Arch of Titus, symbol of Roman military triumph, and climb the legendary Palatine Hill, where, according to tradition, Rome was founded in 753 BC. From this vantage point, enjoy sweeping views over the city and explore the sprawling ruins of the Imperial Palaces, once home to emperors and dynasties.
Your tour culminates with a close look at the Arch of Constantine and the most iconic monument of ancient Rome—the Colosseum. Learn about the architectural genius behind its construction, the dramatic spectacles that took place within its walls, and the stories of gladiators, wild beasts, and even mock naval battles that once captivated thousands.
This journey through ancient Rome is more than a tour—it’s a vivid reawakening of history, bringing to life the legacy, power, and grandeur of the Roman Empire.
What’s included?
- Professional Licensed Local Guide (Blue Badge Certified) with in-depth expertise in Ancient Roman history
- Guided small-group walking tour for a more intimate and engaging experience
- Headsets are provided to ensure you can hear your guide throughout the tour (for groups where applicable)
- Skip-the-line access and entry tickets included for:
Trajan’s Forum
Roman Forum
Palatine Hill
Imperial Forum - Visit to Piazza del Campidoglio, designed by Michelangelo, with panoramic views over the Forum
- Walking route along the Via Sacra, passing the Arch of Titus
- Commentary on the Arch of Constantine and Colosseum, the gladiator arena, and ancient construction techniques
- Support from our on-site team, where needed
Exclusions
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off (meeting point details will be provided after booking)
- Food and drinks, unless specifically stated
- Gratuities (not mandatory, but always appreciated)
- Colosseum entrance tickets (can be added as an optional extra upon request)
Please note
- Stroller / pram accessible
- Public transportation nearby
1. Identification and Entry Requirements
All participants must present a valid photo ID or passport. The name and date of birth provided at the time of booking must match exactly with the ID shown on-site. Without valid identification, access will be denied and no refund will be granted. Student cards are not accepted as valid identification. Children’s discounts apply only if a valid ID is provided.
2. Meeting Point and Mandatory Check-In Time
The meeting point is at Piazza del Campidoglio, beside the Statue of Marcus Aurelius.
Our staff will be wearing blue T-shirts with “Tour in the City” branding and will assist with check-in.
You must arrive at least 20 to 30 minutes before the scheduled start time.
The group may leave up to 15 minutes before the official start, due to organizational requirements.
Late arrivals cannot join the tour, and no individual tickets will be provided.
Latecomers may only rejoin by purchasing the activity again.
3. Security Screening and Site Access
For safety reasons, all visitors and bags are subject to mandatory screening.
You must place personal items (including phones) in your bag or tray during the security check.
Only small and medium backpacks are allowed. These will be opened, scanned, and inspected.
Prohibited items include:
- Glass bottles and containers
- Alcoholic beverages
- Aerosol sprays
- Knives or sharp objects
- Bulky bags, luggage, camping gear
- Selfie sticks
4. Tour Content and Format
This is a walking tour conducted by a licensed professional guide, and includes:
- Exterior visit to the Colosseum (entry not included unless purchased separately)
- Guided access to the Roman Forum, Imperial Forum, Palatine Hill, and Trajan’s Forum
- Use of audio headsets (provided and collected at the end of the tour)
- Tour duration: 2 to 3 hours
The tour is conducted in small groups, and the management uses one collective group ticket. Individual entry is not possible once the group enters.
5. Accessibility and Suitability
- This tour is not wheelchair or stroller accessible.
Infants are not allowed to sit on laps, and infant seats are not available. - Pets are not allowed, unless certified as service animals.
- If you or someone in your group has a mobility, hearing, visual or other impairment, you must inform us in advance so we can assess feasibility and suggest alternatives if available.
6. Site Closures and Weather Conditions
The Roman Forum Administration, under the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, reserves the right to close the Forum or parts of it at any time, with or without notice.
Reasons may include events, strikes, security issues, or adverse weather.
In such cases, we will offer an alternative itinerary and, if applicable, a partial refund.
The tour is subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to bad weather, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.
7. Changes and Refund Policy
- Booking changes are not accepted within 24 hours of the tour’s starting time.
- All refund requests must be submitted at least 48 hours before the scheduled tour date.
- After that point, no refunds will be issued.
- Tickets are timed, dated, and non-refundable once issued.
What do I need to bring?
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, please bring the following:
- Valid photo ID or passport
Required for all participants and must match the information provided at the time of booking. - Comfortable walking shoes
The tour includes walking on uneven cobblestone paths, steps, and archaeological areas. - Appropriate clothing
Modest attire is required for access to certain historical or religious areas. Shoulders and knees must be covered. - Weather-appropriate gear
Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen during warmer months, or an umbrella/raincoat in case of rain. - Reusable water bottle
Especially recommended in summer months to stay hydrated. - Small backpack or bag
Only small to medium-sized bags are allowed inside the archaeological sites. Large bags, luggage, or bulky items are not permitted. - Booking confirmation
Printed or digital voucher may be required at check-in.
Cancellation policy
- We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 1 day or less before the event
- We will charge a cancellation fee of 0% if booking is cancelled 1000 days or less before the event
Piazza del Campidoglio
This square, from where you can enjoy panoramic views, was born according to the criteria of a uniform project due to the genius of Michelangelo; it stands on the Capitoline hill, where an ancient village was located, and the place was chosen to dedicate numerous temples to the Roman deities.
In 1536, on the occasion of the visit to Rome of the Spanish emperor Charles V, Piazza del Campidoglio underwent a series of transformations due to the severe state of abandonment in which the hill found itself. Pope Paul III commissioned Michelangelo to complete the overall layout of the square. The Florentine architect created an elegant podium for the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, placed in the center of the hill in 1537. Hence, this became the fulcrum of the new urban project. Furthermore, Buonarroti designed an imposing staircase with giant steps, the “Cordonata,” which allowed knights to climb quickly, culminating with the solemn balustrade surmounted by classic marble groups.
Foro di Traiano
It was obtained by cutting the Quirinale and the Campidoglio slopes, connected by a mountain saddle. The excavation works were probably started under Domitian, in parallel with the arrangement of the Forum of Nerva. The undertaking, which had to be interrupted after the death of this emperor, murdered in a conspiracy in 96 AD, was continued by Trajan and financed with the booty obtained from the conquest of Dacia (now Romania), conducted in two subsequent military campaigns (101 -102 and 105-106 AD) and ended with the defeat and submission of the Dacians and the death of their king Decebalus. The architect of the work was Apollodorus of Damascus, a military engineer who had accompanied the emperor in the victorious war.
The plan of Trajan’s Forum was more articulated and complex than that of its predecessors: it included a vast square flanked by porticoes with exedras behind them, dominated on one side by the imposing Basilica Ulpia, behind which stood the Trajan’s Column.
Colonna Traiana
Trajan’s Column narrates in images the two military campaigns of 101-102 and 105-106 AD. with which the emperor Trajan (98-117 AD) conquered Dacia, mainly corresponding to present-day Romania. Thanks to the extraordinary war booty, Trajan was able to build the most majestic of the Forums of Rome, which took its name from him and was inaugurated in 112 AD. The Column was erected in the center of a courtyard delimited by the monumental entrance to the Forum by the Basilica Ulpia and by the two libraries to the east and west.
It rests on a base decorated with bas-reliefs depicting stacks of weapons. The shaft, 100 Roman feet high (30 meters), is composed of 17 colossal rocks of white Carrara marble, with a diameter of almost 4 meters. Inside is a spiral staircase of 185 steps leading to the top. The frieze is arranged around the shaft, imagined as a spirally wrapped scroll, approximately 200 meters long in total and densely animated with scenes with about 2,500 characters.
Roman Forum
Roman Forum, Latin Forum Romanum, the most important forum in ancient Rome, is situated on low ground between the Palatine and Capitoline hills. The Roman Forum was the scene of public meetings, law courts, and gladiatorial combats in republican times and was lined with shops and open-air markets. Under the empire, when it primarily became a centre for religious and secular spectacles and ceremonies, it was the site of many of the city’s most imposing temples and monuments.
Among the structures surviving in whole or in part are the Temple of Castor and Pollux, the Temple of the Deified Caesar, the Mamertine Prison, the Curia (senate house), the Temple of Saturn, the Temple of Vesta, the Temple of Romulus, the Arch of Titus, the Arch of Septimius Severus, and the Cloaca Maxima.
Palatine Hill
The Palatine Hill, (/ˈpælətaɪn/; Latin: Collis Palatium or Mons Palatinus; Italian: Palatino [palaˈtiːno]) which is the centremost of the Seven Hills of Rome, is one of the most ancient parts of the city and has been called “the first nucleus of the Roman Empire.” The site is now mainly a large open-air museum while the Palatine Museum houses many finds from the excavations here and from other ancient Italian sites.
Imperial palaces were built here, starting with Augustus. Before imperial times the hill was mostly occupied by the houses of the rich.
The hill originally had two summits separated by depression; the highest part was called Palatium and the other Germalus (or Cermalus). Using the Forma Urbis its perimeter enclosed 63 acres (25 ha); while the Regional Catalogues of the 4th century enclose 131 acres (53 ha).
Arch of Costantine
The Arch of Constantine is a triumphal arch in Rome dedicated to the emperor Constantine the Great. The arch was commissioned by the Roman Senate to commemorate Constantine’s victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in AD 312. Situated between the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill, the arch spans the Via Triumphalis, the route taken by victorious military leaders when they entered the city in a triumphal procession. Dedicated in 315, it is the largest Roman triumphal arch, with overall dimensions of 21 m (69 ft) high, 25.9 m (85 ft) wide and 7.4 m (24 ft) deep. It has three bays, the central one being 11.5 m (38 ft) high and 6.5 m (21 ft) wide and the laterals 7.4 m (24 ft) by 3.4 m (11 ft) each. The arch is constructed of brick-faced concrete riveted in marble.
Though dedicated to Constantine, much of the sculptural decoration consists of reliefs and statues removed from earlier triumphal monuments dedicated to Trajan (98–117), Hadrian (117–138) and Marcus Aurelius (161)
Colosseum
Your guide will show you the best-preserved part of the Colosseum, entertain you with tales of sea battles, and tell you about the Gladiator’s combats and animal fights. Imagine the roar of the crowd as their bloodlust was met.
Called by the ancient Romans “Anphitheatrum Flavlum” (Flavian Amphitheatre), the Colosseum is the most famous and impressive monument of ancient Rome and the largest amphitheater in the world.
The name is undoubtedly linked to the large size of the building but derives above all from the fact that nearby, there was a colossal statue of Nero and bronze.
In 1990, the Colosseum, along with all the historical centre of Rome, the Vatican extraterritorial zones in Italy and the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, while in July 2007 was included among the New seven Wonders of the World.
You can start this experience at the following places.
Meeting/Starting Point
Piazza del Campidoglio, 00186 Roma, IT
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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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