Rome: Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Private Tour
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Rome, Italy
- 1 hour 30 minutes to 3 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Why travelers loved this
·
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
The Colosseum and the Roman Forum are two landmarks rarely left off any Rome itinerary, but without a guide to offer explanations, it can be hard to know what you’re looking at. This private tour pairs you with your own personal guide, with plenty of time to answer questions. Upgrade to include VIP perks like hotel transfers and arena access, or to continue your tour at the nearby Roman Forum.
- Private tour of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum in Rome
- Great-value tour includes entrance fees
- Upgrade for hotel drop-off and access to the Arena Floor
- Get a private guide all to yourself with this customizable option
What's Included
- Official Private Guide
- Hotel pickup (if option selected)
- Arena Access (if option selected)
- Drop-off service (if option selected)
- Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill entrance with arena access
- Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill entrance
- Roman Forum Guided Tour (valid for all options but "Colosseum Only - No Forum")
- Palatine Hill Guided Tour (valid for all options but "Colosseum Only - No Forum")
- Food and drinks
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Itinerary
Your tour begins with a morning or afternoon pickup (depending on the option chosen) from your central Rome hotel by your private guide. Set out to explore Rome’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, starting with a tour of the mighty Colosseum.
Using your entry tickets, gain admission to the grand amphitheater and marvel at the spectacular 60,000-seat arena. As you admire the impressively preserved ruins, listen as your guide brings the Colosseum back to life, telling stories of ancient Roman emperors, gladiator games, and wild beast fights. If you’ve booked the upgraded tour, you’ll also get access to the Arena Floor.
Continue to the Roman Forum, the grand centerpiece of ancient Rome, where the remarkably preserved temples, basilicas, and public squares offer a fascinating glimpse into Roman life. While you’re there, hear the story of the Lapis Niger, an ancient Latin text housed in the base of one of the columns in the Forum, and visit the Temple of the Vestal Virgins, once home to the virgin priests of Vesta.
Your tour concludes at the Colosseum, or with drop-off at your hotel if you’ve booked the “Luxury” upgrade.
Using your entry tickets, gain admission to the grand amphitheater and marvel at the spectacular 60,000-seat arena. As you admire the impressively preserved ruins, listen as your guide brings the Colosseum back to life, telling stories of ancient Roman emperors, gladiator games, and wild beast fights. If you’ve booked the upgraded tour, you’ll also get access to the Arena Floor.
Continue to the Roman Forum, the grand centerpiece of ancient Rome, where the remarkably preserved temples, basilicas, and public squares offer a fascinating glimpse into Roman life. While you’re there, hear the story of the Lapis Niger, an ancient Latin text housed in the base of one of the columns in the Forum, and visit the Temple of the Vestal Virgins, once home to the virgin priests of Vesta.
Your tour concludes at the Colosseum, or with drop-off at your hotel if you’ve booked the “Luxury” upgrade.
1
Colosseum
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
2
Roman Forum
50 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Arch of Constantine (Pass By)
Tempio di Vesta (Pass By)
Piazza del Colosseo (Pass By)
Foro di Cesare (Pass By)
Via dei Fori Imperiali (Pass By)
3
Palatine Hill
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with mobility issues or those using a wheelchair
- Please provide the full names of all travelers when booking. Failure to present a voucher with all travelers' full names at the ticket office prior to entry may result in denied entry to the Colosseum and Roman Forum.
- Please be aware that to enter the Colosseum it is necessary to pass a metal detector security check
- Large bags and backpacks are not allowed
- Be prepared to climb uneven steps and explore an archaeological site - wear good shoes. Anticipate Rome's intense heat in the summer - you may want to bring a small umbrella to block the sun as well as unexpected, sudden rainfall
- Each traveler must present a valid passport or photo ID document that matches the name provided at the time of booking for successful entry to the Colosseum and Roman Forum.
- Closed-toe, non-slip shoes are required for safety. Access to the Colosseum may be denied without proper footwear.
- To ensure the safety and well-being of all our guests, every reservation that includes minors (under 18) must be accompanied by at least one adult. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept bookings made exclusively by unaccompanied minors.
- Colosseum and Roman Forum entrance with arena access (valued at €24 per person)
- Colosseum reservation fee (valued at €2 per person)
- Colosseum and Roman Forum entrance(valued at €18 per person)
- Please note: Colosseum fees as above. The remaining cost of the experience...
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.9
based on 752 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Elaine_P, Jul 2026
Our travel guide was excellent in giving us details about what we were seeing. She was also very friendly.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for choosing CityEyes. We appreciate your words and hope to welcome you again soon.
Grazie!
The CityEyes Team
Meghann_A, Jul 2026
Great tour! Our guide was the best. He had so much information and spoke great English. Best tour in Rome
Response from Host, Jul 2026
“Best tour in Rome” is a compliment we will gladly take. Thank you for choosing CityEyes.
Grazie!
The CityEyes Team
Amy_C, Jul 2026
Great experience in the colosseum and the Roman forum. Guide was super knowledgeable and did a wonderful job keeping us all engaged
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Keeping everyone engaged is a real compliment. Thank you for choosing CityEyes and for sharing your experience.
Grazie!
The CityEyes Team
Philip_P, Jun 2026
Where do we begin with Mauricio?
We took the private Colosseum tour with our family of four including a 9-year-old who was battling jet lag and the Roman summer heat. Mauricio didn’t just manage the situation… he thrived in it. He kept our daughter engaged, made ancient history accessible and fun for her, while simultaneously delivering university-level depth for my wife who wanted every detail. The ability to calibrate that range simultaneously, without either person feeling shortchanged, is a rare gift.
Mauricio is an archaeologist who teaches at the university level and also works with middle schoolers, and you feel both sides of that in the best possible way. He is a scholar with knowledge to go deep on anything you ask, and the human touch to read his audience and bring the history to life rather than recite it.
Standing on the arena floor of the Colosseum with someone who has dedicated his life to understanding that place is something else entirely. This wasn’t a tour. It was an experience. The private tour side of it was incredible. Wife really wanted to see the circus Maximus. Mauricio turned around and made a 5 minute detour to go view what she wanted to see.
Exceeding expectations doesn’t come close to describing what Mauricio delivered. If you are visiting Rome and considering a private Colosseum tour, stop considering and book Mauricio and this private tour. We cannot recommend him highly enough.
Thank you Mauricio — the Parr family won’t forget this.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
“The Parr family won’t forget this” is a compliment we will treasure. Thank you for choosing CityEyes and for writing about Maurizio with such care; this is exactly what a private experience should feel like.
Grazie, e arrivederci!
Maurizio, and the CityEyes Team
Michael_g, Jun 2026
Tour was fabulous. Driver arrived right on time. Guide was knowledgeable. Highly recommend this tour.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for recommending the tour. A smooth pickup and a knowledgeable guide make all the difference, and we appreciate you choosing CityEyes.
Grazie!
The CityEyes Team
Kevin_B, Jun 2026
This was the final day of our family "bucket list" vacation, and my wife and I (both of whom had previously toured the Forum and Colosseum 10 years ago) wanted our 19 and 22 year old daughters to experience this wonder and be impacted the way we were.
As you know -- the tour guide makes or breaks the experience. And we hit the lottery with Manny. He was personable, very easy to understand, a master storyteller, able to answer all of our questions (with legitimate expertise), and felt like part of the family by the time we concluded. We started with the Forum, which was perfect, and was like a trip through a time machine -- complete with visuals and renderings that Manny brought. so we could understand what was present and missing, and then toured the Colosseum. Our guide was familiar enough with the entrance options that we were able to avoid crowded areas and any lines for entry. MUCH APPRECIATED!
There were times for questions, photos, and easy discussions as we hit so many highlights.
We paid extra for the small group experience, and for the Colosseum floor access, and it was totally worth it.
We wanted to give ourselves and our kids the gift of a lifetime experience of ancient awe and beauty, and this tour did it! Manny crushed it!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
What a wonderful way to end your family's trip. Thank you for choosing CityEyes for such a special occasion and for trusting us with those memories. We'll be sure Manny reads your review.
Grazie, e arrivederci!
Manny, and the CityEyes Team
Raluca_K, Jun 2026
Colosseum and the Forum can be overwhelming in itself. Azzura did a fantastic job at making it such a great experience for us. She was very knowledgeable and kept us and the kids engaged for 3 hours while walking.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Keeping both adults and kids engaged is no small feat! Thank you for sharing your experience, and for choosing CityEyes for your visit to Rome.
Azzurra, and the CityEyes Team
Susan_M, Jun 2026
We booked this tour for 3 hours with a private guide. We were notified the night before the tour guide could not do it... then they found another one... we were supposed to be picked up and dropped off... but that changed and we had to find another driver for that... we were shipped to be the first in the coliseum but the guide was late getting in... then we were told she could only do 2 hours instead! We were supposed to tour 3 places and only ended up touring the Colluseum and felt rushed the whole time! We wanted a refund... but only got a portion that was not fair... we are highly disappointed with Viator and will never book with them again!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
We are deeply sorry that your experience fell so far short of your expectations.
While unexpected situations can occasionally arise during the busiest periods of the year, this is not an excuse for what happened.
We were informed at very short notice that your original guide was no longer available, and from that moment onward our team did everything possible to reorganize the tour and provide the best alternative available under the circumstances.
We fully recognize that the experience you received was not the one you had booked. For this reason, we issued a partial refund intended to fairly reflect the difference between the tour originally purchased and the one we were ultimately able to provide.
That said, we are genuinely sorry to read your review. It is always disappointing when we are unable to deliver the standard reflected in the thousands of 5-star experiences our guests have shared over the years.
The CityEyes Team
Michael_T, Jun 2026
10/10. This was the highlight of our 10 days in Italy. There is an overwhelming amount of history to be shared and Rachelle did an amazing job of sharing the history in the short amount of time we were together. I would recommend this tour to everyone
Response from Host, Jun 2026
To hear that this was the highlight of your time in Italy is something we'll never forget. Thank you for your recommendation, and we hope your next trip brings you back to CityEyes.
This review deserves 10/10 stars!
Grazie, e arrivederci!
Rachele, and the CityEyes Team
Amelia_M, Jun 2026
We had an amazing guide, Rafella. She knew everything about the history of the Colosseum. There is a lot of walking so wear comfortable shoes, sunglasses and a hat for hot days.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your lovely advice for future visitors, and for choosing CityEyes. We hope to welcome you back for another adventure in Italy.
Raffaella, and the CityEyes Team
Sharon_S, Jun 2026
I loved this tour! Simone was our guide and he taught us so much about gladiators, Roman history, the building and how it was constructed. He was very attentive, answered our questions, had pics to help us see how the ruins looked when they were originally standing.
Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your recommendation! We're so pleased you chose to explore with CityEyes, and we'll be sure to share your kind words with Simone.
Simone, and the CityEyes Team
Steven_R, Jun 2026
Thanks to Marley who told us about the history and myths of the coliseum
Kept us entertained even during the thunderstorm snd long queues
Prepare to queue for everything during summer months
Even with fast track or first entry tickets
Or visit in February when quiet
Response from Host, Jun 2026
A big thank you for your recommendation! We'll be sure to share your kind words with Marle. We hope to welcome you back for another CityEyes experience soon.
Marle, and the CityEyes Team
Juliette_B, May 2026
Katie was an incredible guide. She was very knowledgeable and engaging. Our family got so much out of this tour.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Knowing your family enjoyed the experience together is wonderful to hear. Thank you for choosing CityEyes and for your recommendation.
Katie, and the CityEyes Team
Sarah_S, May 2026
Elisa is a fantastic tour guide, making the history of the Colloseum and Forum come alive. She guided expertly through the area, giving tidbits and stories of Roman culture that has made me want to learn more! Highly recommend.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Your recommendation truly means a lot to us. Thank you for choosing CityEyes, and we're so pleased your visit sparked an even deeper interest in Rome's history.
Elisa, and the CityEyes Team
BruceNicholson, May 2026
We had the pleasure of taking this tour with Marina yesterday. Marina knows so much and was a wonderful tour guide. The Colosseum was of course fantastic, but she really made the Forum and Palantine hill come to life with historical perspective and stories that were fascinating. Her timing on what to do first to avoid Saturday in May crowds was a real timesaver. We recommend her wholeheartedly! - The Nicholson's
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Marina will be so happy to know her passion for history helped bring the Forum and Palatine Hill to life for you. We're especially pleased that her planning made your visit smoother, even on a busy Saturday. Grazie for your recommendation!
Marina, and the CityEyes Team
Gary_B, Apr 2026
Marina did an excellent job of recreating the use of the coliseum and its magnificence along with the history of the forum. Be sure you are in shape for a lot of walking!!
Jamie_W, Apr 2026
ZERO STARS. I booked three months in advance for this tour because it was important to us. I paid over $1,100 for 5 people for a colosseum arena tour. They charged my cc, we were confirmed, our family flew to Rome, and LESS THAN 15 hours before the tour - THEY CANCELLED. of course they refunded my money, that’s not the issue - they cancelled on us so late that we weren’t able to book anything else. Nothing is available 15 hours in advance. the only option I could find online was a private 5,000 euro tour for 5 people, and that’s just crazy. They were not apologetic, they did not offer any other solutions. Just cancelled, last minute, no explanation, and we didn’t get to tour the inside of the colosseum - a bummer for this spring break trip with our three kids who were so excited to see it.
Bethany_A, Mar 2026
A fabulous tour with Valeria! We were a mixed group--one of us had been to the Colosseum and Forum many times, one never, and the rest once or twice. We ALL learned a lot and had a great time. Three hours absolutely flew by, which is always a sign of an excellent tour. Valeria is very knowledgeable and friendly and fun. She was also really flexible and made sure to end the tour close to where we were meeting friends.
I would highly recommend this tour, and ask for Valeria!
Autumn_B, Mar 2026
Our private tour was perfect - at our pace and Manny was very knowledgeable and friendly. We learned a lot and loved it!
Jennifer_D, Jan 2026
Wonderful tour and our guide was well versed on the history and helping us navigate. Private tour is really the way to go!
Alton_R, Nov 2025
Ask for Simone Lanna. He was very personable, knowledgeable and made this tour a very memorable experience.
Kristi_W, Nov 2025
This was an amazing tour! Having our own guide for the four of us was incredible. Would highly recommend this as a to do when in Rome. The Coliseum and the Roman Forum are a great piece of history.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your private tour and that exploring the Colosseum and Roman Forum was such a memorable experience for your group.
We appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back to Rome again soon!
Warm regards,
The Eyes of Rome Team
Claire_S, Nov 2025
My husband and I had a great time visiting the Colosseum with Alex! He was very sweet and had so much knowledge that he shared with us. I have visited the Colosseum before when I was young, and still learned a lot that I didn’t know. Alex took so many pictures for us which we really appreciated as we were on our honeymoon and Rome has the best views! Thank you, Alex!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you for letting us be part of such a special trip! We're so glad Alex helped make your honeymoon visit to the Colosseum both meaningful and memorable.
Alex & The Eyes of Rome Team
Elsa_B, Nov 2025
Our private tour with Benjamin was absolutely excellent! He was knowledgeable, engaging, and passionate about the history of Rome. Benjamin brought the Colosseum and Roman Forum to life with fascinating stories, detailed explanations, and a great sense of humor that kept us interested the entire time.
We really appreciated how he tailored the experience to our pace and questions, making sure we got the most out of every stop. His enthusiasm and depth of knowledge made us see these ancient sites in a whole new way.
This was one of the best tours we took in Rome. We highly recommended for anyone who wants a deeper, more personal understanding of the city’s incredible history!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you for such a thoughtful and generous message. We're so glad Benjamin helped you connect with the history of Rome in such a vivid and personal way—what a pleasure to have shared that experience with you.
Benjamin & The Eyes of Rome Team
shannon_h, Oct 2025
This was the very best way to learn about the history at the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Our guide Lena was so knowledgeable and personal. Since it was just the two of us with her, we could ask more details. Getting in first thing in the morning is so helpful because there are less people.
Our drivers there and back were fantastic! Maximo picked us up and was able to get us there in time despite the fact that roads were closed due to the Pope arriving. Same for Giovanni was an absolute blast! Again we had a lot of traffic to contend with and he managed us beautifully. I would totally book this again because I’m sure I didn’t get nearly enough photos!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
We're truly glad the experience—from Lina’s thoughtful guidance to the care from Massimo and Giovanni—made your visit smooth, rich, and memorable. Sounds like a morning well spent in every way.
Lina, Massimo, Giovanni & The Eyes of Rome Team
Tina_S, Oct 2025
Eva was wonderful!!! She made our first day in Rome together fun and engaging. We learned so much about the history of the Colosseum and forum. We would highly recommend her for your tours!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for the kind words! We're so glad Eva made your first day in Rome memorable and full of meaning.
Eva & The Eyes of Rome Team
Michelle_D, Oct 2025
Eleonara was fantastic! We did a private tour and she took time to tailor our coliseum and Roman forum experience. She is incredibly knowledgeable and a great storyteller. We thoroughly enjoyed our tour and highly recommend this guide and company.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for such a thoughtful message. We're so glad Eleonora’s storytelling and care made your visit to the Colosseum and Forum truly stand out.
Eleonora & The Eyes of Rome Team
Brooke_T, Oct 2025
Extremely rich in history but completely over run with tourists. Way too crowded to enjoy. Not sure there are off times but it was exhausting dealing with the amount of people. Couldn't really get that insider feeling.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for sharing your honest feedback. We're glad to hear you appreciated the rich history of the site.
That said, we completely understand your frustration with the crowds. Many of these iconic landmarks attract large numbers of visitors year-round, and despite our best efforts to create an immersive and insightful experience, the volume of tourists can sometimes impact the overall enjoyment.
While there are quieter times during the year or early morning slots, we know it can still feel overwhelming, especially if you're hoping for a more personal or "insider" experience. Your comments are valuable, and we’ll certainly keep them in mind as we continue to refine our offerings.
Thank you again for taking the time to share your thoughts.
Warm regards,
The Eyes of Rome Team
German_O, Oct 2025
We had an absolutely fantastic experience with our tour guide during our visit to the Roman Colosseum and Roman Forum. From the start, they were professional, warm, and incredibly friendly, which immediately made us feel comfortable and welcomed. As an archaeologist, their depth of knowledge and passion for the history and culture of Rome was truly remarkable, and they explained everything in such an engaging and easy-to-understand way.
What really stood out was how our guide brought the sites to life — weaving together historical facts, little-known details, and vivid storytelling that made us feel like we were stepping back in time. Beyond the tour itself, they also gave us excellent tips and recommendations for exploring the city, from hidden gems to practical advice that really enhanced the rest of our stay in Rome.
We couldn’t have asked for a better guide. Professional, insightful, and personable, they truly made our visit an unforgettable experience. Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review! We're absolutely delighted to hear that your experience at the Colosseum and Roman Forum was not only enjoyable but also memorable.
We’re also happy to hear that the extra tips and recommendations added value to the rest of your stay.
Thank you again for your heartfelt recommendation. It was a pleasure to host you, and we hope to welcome you back to Rome someday!
Warm regards,
The Eyes of Rome Team
lori_m, Oct 2025
The guy was friendly and knowledgeable and was able to Taylor tear our tour to meet our physical needs. The driver was pumped and delivered us to our location. However, did not find out until the night before that there was no return trip to our hotel. Unsatisfactory. I have never been on a trip where I was not dropped off where I was picked up at. However, the world tax is available that that required a lot of walking which I found very troublesome painful and would not book through this. Again. Very disappointed. Found out afterwards that I could have gotten taxis a lot cheaper.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re pleased to hear that you found your guide friendly and knowledgeable, and that the tour was adapted to meet your physical needs.
We’re sorry to hear about your disappointment regarding the return transfer. Please note that the drop-off at your hotel was not included in the tour you booked, as indicated in the tour details at the time of reservation. We understand this may have been unexpected and regret any inconvenience it caused.
We’d also like to mention that, although Arena access was not part of the tour package, we included it for you as a courtesy, hoping to enhance your experience.
We’re sorry to hear the amount of walking was challenging. We try to clearly outline the physical requirements of each tour in advance, and your feedback will help us continue improving how we communicate that to future guests.
Thank you again for your comments. We truly value your input and will take it into account to ensure a better experience for all our visitors.
Kind regards,
The Eyes of Rome Team
Likely to Sell Out
From $221.10
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Likely to Sell Out
Rome: Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Private Tour
752
3 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$221.10
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Explore Similar Things to Do
- Art Tours
- Half-day Tours
- Architecture Tours
- Walking Tours
- Cultural Tours
- Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises
- Private and Luxury
- On the Ground
- Private Sightseeing Tours
- Rome
- Art Tours - Vatican City
- Half-day Tours - Vatican City
- Architecture Tours - Vatican City
- Walking Tours - Vatican City
- Art Tours - Lake Bracciano
- Half-day Tours - Lake Bracciano
- Architecture Tours - Lake Bracciano
- Walking Tours - Lake Bracciano
- Half-day Tours - Isola d'Ischia
- Walking Tours - Isola d'Ischia
Attractions in Rome, Italy
- Hadrian's Villa (Villa Adriana) and Villa d'Este in Tivoli Tours & Tickets
- Piazza Venezia Tours & Tickets
- Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri Tours & Tickets
- Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci) Tours & Tickets
- Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem Tours & Tickets
- Basilica of Saint Mary in Cosmedin (Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin) Tours & Tickets
- Basilica di Santa Prassede Tours & Tickets
- Testaccio Market (Mercato Di Testaccio) Tours & Tickets
- Piazza della Bocca della Verità Tours & Tickets
- Trajan's Column (Colonna di Traiano) Tours & Tickets
- MagicLand Tours & Tickets
- Madama Palace (Palazzo Madama) Tours & Tickets
- St. Peter's Baldachin (Baldacchino di San Pietro) Tours & Tickets
- Barcaccia Fountain (Fontana della Barcaccia) Tours & Tickets
- Great Synagogue of Rome (Tempio Maggiore di Roma) Tours & Tickets
- Castel Romano Designer Outlet Tours & Tickets
More attractions near Rome, Italy