Rome: Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Private Tour
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Rome, Italy
- 3 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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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
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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 729 reviews
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
Karyn_M, Sep 2025
Great guide. So knowledgeable and friendly. Really taught us so much! Highly recommend! Very special experience !
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're absolutely delighted to hear that you had such a special experience and that your guide made a lasting impression with their knowledge and friendliness.
We truly appreciate the recommendation and hope to welcome you on another tour in the future!
Warm regards,
The Eyes of Rome Team
Robert_T, Sep 2025
Wonderful, professional, friendly, knowledgeable tour guide {Alessia). Made the day very educational and enjoyable.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear that Alessia made your day both enjoyable and educational. We’ll be sure to share your feedback with her, and we hope to welcome you again soon!
Kind regards,
The Eyes of Rome Team
Shruthi_T, Sep 2025
Our private tour was amazing. Our guide was very knowledgeable and accommodating of our family. I would high recommend this tour.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you for your lovely feedback! We’re so glad to hear that your private tour was such a great experience and that your guide’s knowledge and flexibility made it enjoyable for the whole family. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back on another tour soon!
Kind regards,
The Eyes of Rome Team
Kevin_T, Sep 2025
Great experience, highly recommended. Very enjoyable 3 hours. Colosseum was wonderful as was the Forum. Our tour guide Luigi was great, so knowledgeable and very enjoyable to spend the time with. Very worth it.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you for your kind review! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your three-hour tour of the Colosseum and the Forum. Luigi will be delighted to know that his knowledge and engaging style made the experience so enjoyable.
We greatly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another memorable tour soon!
Kind regards,
The Eyes of Rome Team
Janice_B, Sep 2025
Was very informative tour. Guide was fabulous . Made the best of a rain storm
Pick up and drop off were very prompt
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you for sharing your feedback! We’re so glad your guide made the tour engaging and informative, even with the rainy weather.
We truly appreciate your review and hope to welcome you on another tour soon!
Kind regards,
The Eyes of Rome Team
david_c, Sep 2025
Excellent, friendly, and very knowledgeable guide. Passionate about the subject and just a pleasure to be with
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you for your lovely feedback! We’re so glad to hear that your guide’s passion, knowledge, and friendliness made the tour such an enjoyable experience.
We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you back for another wonderful experience soon!
Kind regards,
The Eyes of Rome Team
Deborah_B, Sep 2025
Great tour. Our tour guide was great although she spoke really fast. It seemed she was very scripted which was fine. We had a great time.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour and had a great time with your guide. We also appreciate your comment about the pace and delivery — this kind of feedback is very valuable as it helps us ensure each guest feels comfortable and fully engaged throughout the experience.
We’ll make sure to share your observations with our team and guide, and we hope to welcome you again on another tour soon!
Kind regards,
The Eyes of Rome Team
Behnaz_H, Aug 2025
We had such a great time on our Colosseum tour! Our guide was friendly, super knowledgeable, and made everything really fun and easy to follow. She adjusted the tour so our kids stayed interested and even added little moments to keep them engaged. You could tell she really loves what she does, which made it even better. Highly recommend for families!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you for this lovely note! We're so happy the experience felt fun, smooth, and engaging for the whole family—especially the little ones.
The Eyes of Rome Team
Jennifer_D, Aug 2025
Lorenzo was an awesome tour guide! He is incredibly knowledgeable and did a great job catering the tour to our teenage kids.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you for this lovely note. We're glad Lorenzo struck the right balance and made the experience engaging for the whole family.
Lorenzo & The Eyes of Rome Team
Djon_B, Aug 2025
Luigi was a wonderful guide and very knowledgeable. His depth and experience showed and he was helpful to explain any aspect of Roman history...even for the youger ones.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Grazie for the kind note. Luigi’s ability to connect with all ages is something we truly value, and we’re glad the experience resonated across your group.
Luigi & The Eyes of Rome Team
Jodi_M, Aug 2025
Highly recommend booking a private tour! Our guide, Rashel, was amazing! So informative, didn’t rush the tour, answered all questions expertly! Wonderful guide to the Roman Foum and Colosseum!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you for sharing this! We're so pleased Rachele made your time at the Forum and Colosseum both insightful and relaxed.
Rachele & The Eyes of Rome Team
Christine_M, Aug 2025
Great tour! I don’t remember my tour guides name. Orleana?? She was amazing!! It was a very hot day and I ended up getting a little over heated. Sue took good care of me!! And she really knows the city!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
We’re so glad you felt cared for, especially on such a hot day. Sounds like you were in good hands—grazie for being with us, and we hope to welcome you again soon!
The Eyes of Rome Team
Stephanie_L, Jul 2025
With a scooter this was a perfect and convenient was to experience Sagrada. I’d been before but 1st visit for hubby, he really enjoyed it. Cant remember guides name but he was kind and informative.
Alice_A, Jul 2025
Mind blowing spectacle brought to life by an amazing guide. It was a hot hot day but our guide was amazing so energetic and passionate but also patient with the teenagers and kept the tour moving nicely. Best way to get the information you need to get the most out of your visit. Would book again!
Response from Host, Aug 2025
That kind of energy—especially on a hot Roman day—makes all the difference. We're really glad the experience struck the right balance for everyone in your group. Grazie for being with us!
The Eyes of Rome Team
Jenna_N, Jul 2025
Alessandro was so knowledgeable! Helped us navigate the Colosseum, and kept everything so engaging. Money well spent.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Delighted to hear Alessandro made your visit both smooth and engaging. When a place like the Colosseum is matched with the right guide, the experience truly shines.
Alessandro & The Eyes of Rome Team
Ace_B, Jul 2025
This was a fantastic private tour: our guide (Gina) was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. Well worth the expense.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you so much!
We hope to see you again soon!
Arrivederci!
Eyes of Rome
Matt_b, Jul 2025
Michaela was amazing! She was knowledgeable, engaging and captured our kids’ imagination. The tour was one our kids favorite part of our trip to Rome, largely thanks to Michaela. Thanks for bringing history to life!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Grazie for sharing this. We're so glad the kids had such a great time and connected with the stories. Michaela will be really happy to know it meant so much.
Michaela & The Eyes of Rome Team
From $251.28
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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