Rome’s Hidden Depths: Colosseum, Underground Tunnels & Ancient City Tour
Uncover the secrets of Rome—above and below the surface—at your own pace.
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Eternal City’s most legendary landmarks, where epic tales, imperial power, and sacred silence meet. This curated self-guided experience blends the drama of ancient arenas with the mystery of Rome’s underground world, offering you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Walk through history at the Colosseum, where the roar of 80,000 spectators once echoed through the massive amphitheater. Stand where gladiators once fought for glory, and feel the weight of centuries beneath your feet.
Explore the Roman Forum, once the bustling heart of Roman politics, religion, and daily life. Among the majestic ruins, imagine senators debating laws, merchants trading goods, and emperors addressing their citizens.
Climb the Palatine Hill, the mythical birthplace of Rome, and take in breathtaking views of the Forum and Circus Maximus. Wander through the crumbling remains of ancient palaces that once housed Rome’s most powerful figures.
Then, descend into the underground world of San Clemente, a hidden treasure buried beneath the city streets. Wander through a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers, from a medieval basilica down to 1st-century Roman homes and even older pagan temples. Discover how layers of faith and civilization were built, one atop the other—offering a rare and intimate view of Rome’s evolution.
The order in which the sites included in your experience (Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, etc.) are visited may differ from what is shown in the itinerary or brochure, depending on ticket availability and operational conditions.
What’s included
- Fast-track Colosseum entrance tickets
- Roman Forum & Palatine Hill access (valid for 24 hours)
- Entry to the Underground Excavations of San Clemente
- Multilingual Audio Guide App for Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine in:
English, Italian, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Chinese - Multilingual Audio Guide App for San Clemente in:
English, Italian, Spanish, French, German
Exclusions
- Guided tours (this is a self-guided experience)
- Transportation between sites
- Smartphone and Headphones
- Food and beverages
- Gratuities
- Entry to areas of the Colosseum not included in the standard ticket
- Live assistance during your visit (unless otherwise specified)
PLEASE NOTE
- Stroller / pram accessible
- Public transportation nearby
Accessibility and Limitations:
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not suitable for pets
- Not recommended for people with mobility impairments or motor lag
- Smartphones for the audio guide must be from 2020 or newer
- Large bags, backpacks, and suitcases are not allowed inside the Colosseum (no cloakroom available)
Identification and Entry Requirements:
- A valid photo ID is required for entry (passport, national ID, driver’s license, student ID)
- The Colosseum performs name and ID checks for all visitors
- Full names of all participants must be provided when booking
- Child discounts apply only if a valid ID is shown
Meeting and Starting Point:
- Meeting point and ticket redemption point:
Via Labicana, 96 – inside our Travel Agency (just 300 meters from the Colosseum entrance) - Meeting time is mandatory 30 minutes before the scheduled start time
Late arrivals may lose part or all of the experience
Security checks and capacity regulations may cause additional delays
Dress Code:
- To enter the Basilica, shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women
Disabilities and Special Needs:
- Any disability (mobility issues, hearing or visual impairment, etc.)
must be communicated in advance - Tour routes may vary for guests with disabilities
Self-Guided Tour Specifics:
- Smartphones must be modern (2020 or newer) to download and use the audioguide app
- You will receive a QR code at the meeting point to download the app
- The order of site visits may vary due to ticket availability or site conditions
Closures and Refund Policy:
- The Colosseum or parts of it may be closed without notice by the Ministry of Culture due to events, strikes, or weather
- In such cases, an alternative itinerary will be proposed, and a partial refund may be offered
- The order in which the sites included in your experience (Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, etc.) are visited may differ from what is shown in the itinerary or brochure, depending on ticket availability and operational conditions.
What do I need to bring?
- Valid photo ID (passport, driver’s license, national ID, or student ID) – required for entry to the Colosseum and for audio guide pickup at the Pantheon
- Smartphone (2020 or newer) – necessary to download and use the audio guide app
- Comfortable shoes – the experience involves walking over uneven surfaces, cobblestones, and stairs
- Appropriate clothing – shoulders and knees must be covered to enter religious sites like the Basilica and Pantheon
- Water – recommended, especially during warm seasons
- Voucher or booking confirmation – printed or digital version to present at check-in
Cancellation policy
- We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 3 days or less before the event
Starting/Meeting point
Before starting your tour, please come to our travel agency to collect your tickets and download the audio guide.Basilica di San Clemente and Escavations
Basilica di San Clemente and the Underground Excavations
Discover one of Rome’s most fascinating hidden gems—the Basilica di San Clemente, a unique site where layers of history come to life.
Located just steps away from the Colosseum, this remarkable church is not just a single structure, but a journey through centuries. What you see at street level is a beautiful 12th-century basilica, filled with stunning mosaics, frescoes, and sacred art.
But the real magic lies beneath.
Descend underground to explore two deeper levels:
- A 4th-century basilica, rich with early Christian frescoes.
- A 1st-century Roman building, once a private home and later a pagan temple dedicated to Mithras, featuring a perfectly preserved altar and ancient Roman alleyways.
The site offers a vivid and rare glimpse into Rome’s complex layering of faith, architecture, and culture—all in one place.
This is not just a visit, but a walk back through time, from medieval Christianity to ancient Roman religion—an immersive experience for history lovers, archaeology enthusiasts, and curious travelers alike.
Colosseum Heart of Ancient Rome
The Colosseum: Icon of Ancient Rome
Step into the grandeur of ancient Rome at the Colosseum, the world’s most famous amphitheater. Built in the 1st century AD, this monumental structure once held up to 80,000 spectators, who gathered to witness epic gladiator battles, wild animal hunts, and dramatic public spectacles.
A masterpiece of Roman engineering, the Colosseum stands as a powerful symbol of the Empire’s architectural brilliance and cultural might. As you walk through its vast corridors and towering arches, you’ll uncover stories of heroism, power, and entertainment that shaped history.
Roman Forum
The Roman Forum: Walk Through the Heart of Ancient Rome
Step back in time as you explore the Roman Forum, the beating heart of public life in ancient Rome. Once the center of politics, commerce, and religion, this sprawling plaza was where emperors gave speeches, senators debated laws, and citizens gathered for daily affairs.
Surrounded by majestic ruins, the Forum features iconic landmarks such as the Senate House (Curia Julia), the Temple of Saturn, and the Arch of Titus—all standing as powerful reminders of Rome’s imperial legacy.
Walking through its ancient streets, you’ll discover the remains of temples, basilicas, and public spaces, offering an unforgettable glimpse into the power, architecture, and daily life of the Roman Empire.
Palatine Hill: The Birthplace of Rome
Palatine Hill: The Birthplace of Rome
Discover Palatine Hill, one of the most ancient and legendary areas of the Eternal City. According to Roman mythology, this is where Romulus founded Rome in 753 BC, making it the very cradle of Roman civilization.
Set high above the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill offers stunning views and a peaceful escape from the busy city below. In ancient times, it became the home of emperors and aristocrats, who built lavish palaces overlooking the heart of Rome.
As you explore its ruins, you’ll walk among the remnants of imperial residences like the Domus Augustana and Domus Flavia, surrounded by gardens, courtyards, and centuries of history.
A visit to Palatine Hill is a step into the origins of Rome—rich in myth, power, and breathtaking beauty.
You can start this experience at the following places.
Via Labicana, 96
96 Via Labicana, 00184 RM 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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