Rome
3 hours
Times vary
Max 16

Highlights

  • Make the most of your time with pre-reserved entry. Get into the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill efficiently, spending more time exploring and less time waiting.
  • Walk the same paths as emperors and gladiators. Tour the first and second levels of the Colosseum with a guide who makes the arena’s ancient drama feel vividly real.
  • Discover iconic ruins most miss. See icons like the Arch of Titus and the Temple of Julius Caesar—monuments packed with stories of triumph, betrayal, and empire.
  • Be guided by a master storyteller. Your Walks guide isn’t just knowledgeable—they’re a born storyteller, turning facts into unforgettable moments of discovery.
  • Enjoy the intimacy of a true small-group tour. With just 16 guests or fewer, you’ll feel like you’re part of a private historical adventure.
  • Catch every word, even in the busiest ruins. Personal headsets ensure crystal-clear audio throughout your journey, so the story never gets lost in the crowd.

Preview the experience

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Tour description

Why Take This Tour?

The Colosseum isn’t just a monument—it’s a stage where power, blood, and empire collided. But most tours rush through its ruins. This one? It brings them to life.

Led by archaeologists and Roman history scholars, this immersive tour unlocks the gripping stories behind the stones. You’ll stand in the same tiers where emperors judged gladiators. Walk streets where Caesar himself once strode. And climb the hill where Rome was born—without battling the crowds.

This is the definitive Colosseum experience: small group, big stories, and no wasted time.

Step Into the Arena of Legends

Begin at the Colosseum, where your expert guide sets the scene: roaring crowds, blood-soaked sand, and the brutal theater of ancient Rome. With pre-reserved access, you’ll enter efficiently—no long waits—and explore the first and second tiers, once reserved for Rome’s elite.

Hear the clang of steel and feel the weight of centuries as your guide shares the secrets of its construction, its chaos, and its cultural legacy. This isn’t just where gladiators fought. It’s where Rome entertained the world.

Walk Where Rome Was Ruled

Next, descend into the Roman Forum—ancient Rome’s political and commercial hub. Stand beneath the Arch of Titus. Walk the Via Sacra. Visit the Temple of Julius Caesar, where his funeral pyre once burned. These aren’t just ruins; they’re scenes of revolutions, betrayals, and whispered deals.

Your guide will help you see past the rubble—bringing drama and detail into every column and corridor.

Climb the Hill Where Rome Began

You’ll finish on Palatine Hill, birthplace of the Eternal City. Explore the imperial palaces and grand remnants of emperors past, all while taking in panoramic views that stretch across modern Rome. It’s a breathtaking finale to a tour that takes you deep into the past—without getting lost in the crowds.

Please note that this description is an example and your experience may vary depending on the season, day of the week, and group size. Regardless of where your tour goes, you always have an excellent experience.

Sites visited

  • Colosseum
  • Roman Forum
  • Palatine Hill

Included

Verified guest reviews
4.7 / 5
7749 Customer Reviews

  1. Excellent

    6253

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  3. Good

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  4. Average

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Jessica

Apr 24, 2025

Our tour guide was outstanding - exceptionally well informed, engaging, while looking out for the concerns of her tour group.

Danielle

Apr 20, 2025

Our tour guide, Alessie, was incredibly knowledgeable and kind. She made all of the difference.

Robin

Apr 15, 2025

The colosseum tour was terrific! Our guide, Nick, was the best! His sense of humor and his enthusiasm for Rome was contagious. Nick shared his expert knowledge in a very engaging manner. Highly recommend!

Rebecca

Apr 14, 2025

Our tour guide was outstanding. She was very knowledgeable and entertaining. She clearly knows and love Roman history. She also mentioned the other walks tours which we might use later and gave a food recommendation (fried artichoke) which we ordered the next day to sample traditional cuisine!

Reginald

Apr 13, 2025

While in Rome, my wife and I took three tours from Walking Tours of Italy. Each were exceptional and in comparison to others we spoke with who took other company tours, we were the winners! Each tour we took had a qualified tour guide in the appropriate area of study: historian, art history and archeology. Their expertise made each tour top notch!

Know before you book

Make it a perfect day

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This one-day Rome itinerary, starting with our Premium Colosseum tour, gives you a complete look at the Eternal City and its history, culture, and food.