Rome
3.5 hours
3:30 PM
Max 16

Highlights

  • Get ahead of the crowds at the Colosseum and head straight inside to the arena floor. With a small group of 16 people or fewer and an expert guide, you'll explore this incredible amphitheater for a full hour.
  • Step off the beaten path on Palatine Hill and explore the SUPER Sites for an elevated experience of Ancient Rome.
  • Explore the Roman Forum, the remarkably preserved center of life in the ancient city, and immerse yourself in thousands of years of history.

Tour description

Explore the Colosseum arena floor and the highly exclusive SUPER Sites with a knowledgeable expert in ancient history.

On this VIP tour of Rome's most spectacular ancient sites, you'll delve deep into the real lives of Ancient Romans: from emperors and gladiators to the ordinary citizens who populated the empire. From the arena floor of the Colosseum to the breathtaking SUPER Sites at the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill—the famed "Caesar's Palace" among them—you'll have once-in-a-lifetime access to some of the ancient world's most privileged locations.

You'll start your Ancient Rome tour at the Roman Forum, where you'll get a crash course in day-to-day life in the historic heart of the city. Walk on the very same stones where Julius Caesar and Mark Antony once stepped when this spot was the center of western civilization. Although the ruins can be hard to decipher, your guide will bring the old stones to life with thrilling stories and anecdotes.

Visit the awe-inspiring SUPER Sites, rarely accessed by visitors to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, and the Colosseum arena floor.

Next, you’ll explore the SUPER Sites, a collection of exquisitely preserved ancient villas, temples, churches, and more dotted throughout the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. While these sites are off-limits to visitors with standard admission, your special access tickets allow you to walk right in. The specific sites you’ll visit depend on what’s open on the day of your tour. Possibilities include the House of Augustus, the iconic "Caesar's Palace" where Caesar Augustus once lived and adorned with frescoes rivaling those of Pompeii; the church of Santa Maria Antiqua, showcasing rare early Christian art and architecture; or the Domus Tiberiana, Ancient Rome’s first imperial palace dating back to the first century AD. Regardless of which SUPER Sites you visit, you’re sure to have an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience away from the crowds.

After your visit to the SUPER Sites, no ancient Rome tour would be complete without a trip to the Colosseum. And we'll do you one better—you'll even step out onto the reconstructed arena floor itself. With pre-reserved tickets, you’ll slip past the crowds and head straight in, walking in the footsteps of gladiators and spectators as you explore the arena floor and the first and second tiers. Learn all about what a day at the games was like, from animal hunts and “halftime” executions to gladiatorial combat and even a bit of betting.

Small groups of 16 guests or fewer and special access areas all to yourself offer an unforgettable experience.

This tour of the Colosseum arena floor and Roman Forum SUPER Sites gives you a rare glimpse into life in one of history's greatest empires. In a small group of just 16 guests or fewer, you'll have fantastic access to your guide as they immerse you in the wonders of the Eternal City.

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 including Arena Floor
  • SUPER Sites
  • Roman Forum

Included

Verified guest reviews

4.7 / 5
1522 Customer Reviews
  1. Excellent

    1248

  2. Great

    175

  3. Good

    64

  4. Average

    24

  5. Poor

    11

Chris

Jul 15, 2024

We had Paola who was excellent. We mainly booked to assist with tickets, no lines, and to have a guided tour to actually inform us of the sites and history. It was hot, so knowledge of water refill stations was also key. Overall, happy and impressed by this tour, would recommend. We went in July, which just happened to be very hot, but we had a wonderful time in Italy and the rest of Europe.

Daniel

Jul 15, 2024

Gigi was an excellent tour guide. He is informative, engaging, and entertaining. Our experience with him was the best we've had yet after 3 amazing weeks in Italy.

Kim

Jul 02, 2024

Flavia was a very knowledgeable guide. She is a trained archeologist which was perfect for the Colosseum, Roman Forum, vip Caesar’s palace tour. She was also very good about taking us to shady areas to discuss things so we didn’t swelter in the late June heat, and showing us fountains to refill water. The tour made a huge difference in our understanding and appreciation of the things we saw.

Christianne

Jun 29, 2024

We decided to pay a little extra for the VIP tour that included a small group, and it was so worth it! Not only did we have a small group making it easier to see and hear, but our tour guide Dario was truly wonderful! He was passionate about the history he was sharing, patient and eager to answer questions, considerate, and had a friendly yet professional demeanor. We’d do it again!

Eve

Jun 24, 2024

Michele was INCREDIBLE! Such an amazing tour with such an informed guide who was able to make the tour fun, exciting and enjoyable. This will always be a favourite memory in Rome.

Know before you book

From $136
Free Cancellation