Small Group · Rome
Essential Colosseum & Ancient Rome
Overview
Ancient Rome is best understood by seeing the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill together, and this 3.5-hour small-group tour is designed around exactly that idea. Rather than treating each monument as a separate attraction, the experience follows the story of Rome from its legendary beginnings to the height of the Roman Empire.
At the Colosseum, your guide sets the scene with the people and events that defined Rome’s most famous amphitheatre — from gladiatorial contests and public spectacles to the role these events played in Roman society. Just outside stands the Arch of Constantine, one of the city’s great surviving triumphal monuments and a natural link between the Colosseum and the ancient centre beyond.
The tour then moves into the Roman Forum, once the heart of political, religious and public life. Walking among its temples, arches and civic buildings gives a much clearer sense of how ancient Rome actually functioned, from government and commerce to ceremonies, speeches and daily public life.
From there, continue to Palatine Hill, the legendary birthplace of Rome and later the preferred address of its emperors. The remains of imperial residences and the views across the Forum help bring the different parts of the ancient city together, giving the tour a strong sense of place and historical continuity.
Duration
3 hours
30 minutes
Pricing
On request
Tailored to your dates and group.
A well-paced small-group introduction to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, designed for travelers who want to experience Ancient Rome’s essential sites.
- Tour Style
- Small Group
- Departs From
- Rome
Gallery
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's Included
- Skip the line Entrance tickets included
- English-speaking tour guide
- Optional 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.
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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