.jpeg){kind=spacer}
Classic Colosseum Tour
Enjoy three of the most prominent locations in Roman history, icons of Roman culture, and sites of world-historical significance.
The Colosseum, the world’s largest standing amphitheater, is a breathtaking monument to the heart of ancient Roman culture. Construction was originally begun in 72 CE by the emperor Vespasian, who chose to build the public stadium upon a drained lake that was once private property—taken from the Roman people—by the tyrant Nero. The arena’s construction was completed in 80 CE by the emperor Titus. It was used for hundreds of years for the height of entertainment for Roman civilians, hosting shows and events such as gladiatorial fights, combat between men and animals, reenactments of famous battles, and public executions, and it was even filled with water for mock naval battles. Over millennia, the great structure has sustained heavy damage due to natural disasters, vandalism, and neglect. For a time, it was even used as a quarry for building materials. The Colosseum has since been restored to the best of modern ability, and it is once again a beloved attraction for all who come to Rome.
The Ancient Roman Forum, the Forum Romanum, was the center of Roman commerce and politics. The Forum is home to the Senate House and a great number of stunning basilicas, which were multipurpose buildings for public events. Like the Colosseum, the structures in the Forum Romanum were also pillaged for stone for other buildings, including Saint Peter’s Basilica in the 1500s. Since the very late 1800s, excavation and restoration efforts have been made to preserve this ancient heart of Rome.
The Palatine stands as the center of the Seven Hills of Rome, a place of profound significance in the founding of Rome itself. It is such an important site in history and legend that it has been called “the first nucleus of the Roman Empire”. The Palatine is such a majestic and iconic political location for the Empire that it is where we get the word “palace” today.
This 3-hour guided experience in Rome is available daily except first sunday of the month in English, Italian, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Arabic, Russian. Book your spot today with Exploro Tours and let our expert local guides bring history, art and culture to life before your eyes.
Skip the long queues and step inside the world's most famous amphitheater. Your guide brings ancient Rome to life, recounting tales of gladiatorial combat, wild animal hunts and the 50,000 spectators who once filled these tiers. Explore the ground and first levels of this 2,000-year-old marvel of Roman engineering.
Walk through the political and commercial heart of ancient Rome. Your guide reveals the stories behind the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Titus, the Senate House and the very spot where Julius Caesar was cremated. Every column and stone tells a chapter of the Empire's rise and fall.
Ascend Palatine Hill, the legendary birthplace of Rome and home to emperors for centuries. Marvel at the remains of imperial palaces while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views over the Forum and the Colosseum below.
Pause before the magnificent Arch of Constantine, one of the best-preserved triumphal arches in Rome. Your guide explains how this imposing monument celebrated Constantine's victory at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 AD and its significance in Roman imperial history.
The meeting point with the guide is at Hotel Forum, Via Tor de' Conti 25-30, 00184 Rome, Italy. At check-out, before your purchase is confirmed, you will be kindly asked to confirm this meeting point.
