Private
Private Full Day Tour of Ancient Rome with Private Driver
Overview
Highlights Include:
- Colosseum
- Arch of Constantine
- Palatine Hill
- Roman Forum
- Baths of Caracalla (optional entrance)
- The Appian Way
- Catacombs
A driver will be picking you up from your hotel at a time of your choice to take you to meet your official local guide. There is no fixed order for the tour, as the guide will decide on what would be the best order for the day and time.
During the morning tour, you will get to go inside the Colosseum and learn everything about it - from why it was built, how it was named, and the role it played in the city's life. Your guide will take you through the history of the gladiators who came here from all over the empire, showing you where they trained and the various types of battles that used to be fought here. You might be surprised to learn many new things and discover that some of the things you thought you knew about the Romans were not true.
The walk through the Forum is a magical experience, regardless of your age. You will be transported through history, starting from the 4th-century Arch of Constantine, and then moving backward to the lower ground and the temples of the Roman Republic. You will learn all about these magnificent structures and the daily lives of the citizens who used to come here to vote, shop, attend trials, hear great speeches, celebrate victories, and honor the gods.
The final stop of the tour will take you to the Palatine Hill and the remains of the emperors' palaces and bath complexes. The first emperor, Augustus, decided to live here, where Romulus and Remus were supposedly raised by a wolf. From that time, all emperors built their palaces here, where they could look down on the people in the Forum, look across to the Temple of Jupiter on the nearby Capital Hill, and enjoy the chariot races in the Circus Maximus.
After a break for lunch, your driver will take you to see the Circus Maximus up close. If you feel like it, you can stop at the world's most famous drain cover and have your photo taken at the Mouth of Truth while admiring the Republican temples standing opposite. You will also drive past Rome's pyramid, a 1st-century BC tomb when Egypt was annexed to the empire, and the Baths of Caracalla before reaching the ancient Appian Way.
On the main road that connects Rome with the south and the port of Brindisi, you will see the remains of ancient tombs and the churches built over some of the many catacombs that lined the road on either side. You can stop and visit one of these, with an authorized tour that will take you far underground, where early Christians built multiple levels to bury their dead.
The tour will end back at your hotel.
Duration
8 hours
Starting From
EUR 560
Per person for two travelers
Tailored to your departure and group.
Spend a day exploring the ancient city, including the Colosseum, the Forum, the Palatine Hill, the Baths of Caracalla and the Appian Way.
- Tour Style
- Private
Gallery
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's Included
- Skip the line Entrance tickets included
- English-speaking tour guide
- Hotel pick-up
What's Not Included
- Food and beverages not mentioned in the program
- Gratuities of any type
Traveler Reviews
Emily and David DavisonMy husband and I just took a two week trip to Italy that was planned for us by Eleanor Kinchin-Smith. It was a fantastic trip and we could not have been more thrilled. We worked together with Ele to let her know about our interests and our style of travel. She planned the perfect trip with excellent private guides at all of our sites, professional drivers and lovely hotels. We arrived in Italy with all of our train and ferry reservations made by Ele, with tickets in hand. She was in touch with us daily throughout our trip to make sure that things were going smoothly. She was able to make a few changes to our itinerary as needed. We look forward to working with Ele again on our next trip and have put her in touch with another family member to help plan their trip as well.
Ron and Deb CrosbyDear Guiseppe and Jesse,
We just returned from our most wonderful vacation to Italy and wanted to first thank you for putting together such a wonderful trip, and second to provide some feedback for the future.
Hotels
1. Hotel Sovestro in San Gimignano was wonderful. The staff were very friendly and helpful and made the first portion of our journey very stress free. They made us feel like we were part of their family. I would recommend it to anyone and would specifically ask for it if we were to make a return visit.
2. Hotel La Baia in Monterosso was nice and it's location was very good especially for us older folks humping luggage from/to the train station.
3. Hotel Lucchesi in Florence- what can I say expect FANTASTIC. The rooftop view at sunset is well worth it. Again very friendly and helpful staff. Would recommend it to everyone.
Wine Tour
Money well spent. We had a great time overall. The driver Mario was OUTSTANDING. He had lots of local knowledge as well as about winemaking. USE HIM AGAIN!!!
The various wineries we visited on tour:
Altesino- fantastic and they were not cheap on their pouring. Great experience.
Azienda Agricola Patrizia Cencion Sloaria- Again a great tour by one of the owner's daughters. We felt like we were the only thing on their mind although there were other customers there. A great way to complete the day.
Again we had a fantastic time and are very appreciative of everything you booked for us. We wish you continued success and if our travels should bring us back to Italy, we know who to call.
Leon and MicheleThe trip was great we appreciate all the hard work you and your team invested to make our experience a once in a lifetime trip. We appreciate all the attention to the details in particular Giuseppe spending the time and the focus with us on the road and as we were exploring your great country.
Bob & SandyJesse & Giuseppe,
Sandy and I have been looking through my slides of our trip to Southern Italy. We had such a good time with you and Giuseppe that we wanted to let you know again. You were the best guides ever.
Location
Italy Rome
Rome and beyond
8 hours through Italy, with every stop chosen by the people who live here.
This exclusive journey focuses on a singular region, offering deep immersion in local culture and traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a private tour, or will we join a group?
Private. You travel with your own guide and driver, and the only people on the itinerary are the ones you bring with you. Nothing is shared with strangers, and the pace of each day is yours to set.
Can the itinerary be changed to suit us?
Yes. What you see here is a starting point, not a fixed departure. Tell us how long you have, what you love and what you would rather skip, and we will reshape it around you. A slower morning, an extra night somewhere you fell for, a different region entirely.
How do we start planning?
Send us a note using the form on this page, or call us on 1-866-779-2565. A travel specialist replies within one business day, usually with a few questions of their own. There is no cost and no obligation in asking.
When should we book?
The earlier the better, particularly for travel between May and September, when the guides worth having are taken first. That said, we have put together beautiful trips at short notice, so ask and we will tell you honestly what is still possible for your dates.
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