Colosseum and Roman Forum - Private tour
Description
Enjoy the Forum and Ancient Rome through a relaxing and entertaining private tour with priority access tickets. You'll explore the first and second levels of the Colosseum, one of the largest structures of the ancient world, where Romans once gathered to watch the gladiator games, battles with wild beasts. Discover how the Colosseum, a massive stone amphitheater that seated an estimated 60,000 spectators. Your guide will unlock fascinating stories of the design and construction, the political benefit, the fighters, and the eventual end of the games at the Colosseum. On this tour your English-speaking guide will explain the history of early Roman life and bring the ruins back to life. Than you will entry at the Roman Forum, where you'll get a crash course in day-to-day life in the historic heart of the city; this spot was the center of western civilization. Although the ruins can be hard to decipher, your guide will bring the old stones to life with thrilling stories.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Stretching elegantly between "Piazza Venezia" and the "Colosseum", Via dei Fori Imperiali is a majestic avenue carved through the heart of ancient Rome. Lined with the ruins of the Imperial Fora — Caesar’s, Augustus’, Nerva’s, and Trajan’s — it offers a breathtaking walk through millennia of history. Originally built under Mussolini between 1924 and 1932, the road both reveals and bisects key archaeological zones, making it a dramatic ribbon of civilization where past and present intersect.
The Roman Forum, also known by its Latin name Forum Romanum, is a rectangular forum surrounded by the ruins of several important ancient government buildings at the center of the city of Rome.The political and business centre of ancient Rome, the warn away paths are covered in history. This is where the citizens came to listen to speeches, to meet the senators or to see people like Julius Caesar or Cicero. The ruins tell a story, and it is the story of Rome and its politics, with the likes of the ancient Curia (the Senate) that is still visible, but also with the impressive marble columns of temples which were erected for the first time in V century BC.
The Curia Julia, commissioned by Julius Caesar and completed under Augustus in 29 BC, served as the meeting place of the Roman Senate. Located in the Roman Forum, its imposing rectangular structure symbolized the political heart of ancient Rome. Remarkably well preserved, it still conveys the power and authority of the Senate that once shaped the destiny of the Empire.
Erected in the Roman Forum by Augustus in 29 BC, the Temple of Divus Julius honored the deified Julius Caesar after his assassination. Standing on the site of Caesar’s cremation, the temple became a place of cult and political symbolism, where citizens could pay homage to Rome’s first deified leader. Today, only ruins remain, yet the site continues to embody the turning point from Republic to Empire.
One of the most sacred sites of ancient Rome, the Temple of Vesta was dedicated to the goddess of the hearth. Its circular design symbolized eternity and the continuity of the Roman state, while within burned the eternal flame, tended by the Vestal Virgins. Though only fragments remain today, the temple still evokes the deep spiritual life of the Roman Forum.
The Arch of Titus, built in 81 AD by Emperor Domitian, commemorates the victories of his brother Titus, including the conquest of Jerusalem. Standing at the entrance to the Roman Forum along the Via Sacra, the triumphal arch is decorated with detailed reliefs depicting the spoils of war and the emperor’s triumphal procession. It remains a powerful symbol of Rome’s imperial glory and architectural mastery.
The Arch of Constantine, erected in 315 AD near the Colosseum, celebrates Emperor Constantine’s victory over Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge. Adorned with reliefs and sculptures reused from earlier monuments, it symbolizes both the grandeur of imperial Rome and the transition to a new era under Constantine’s rule. Today, it stands as one of the most iconic triumphal arches of the ancient world.
Enjoy a private tour with your personal storyteller by entering the Colosseum, a true blessing especially during hot and crowded summer days! Your private guide will help your imagination with visual aids and reconstructions of ancient buildings and you will experience how Roman history comes to life thanks to an expert storyteller. Retrace the same sites you got to know in your favorite Ancient Rome movies like “the Gladiator”, “Spartacus”, “Ben-Hur”. The Colosseum or Coliseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is an oval amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome. Built of travertine limestone, tuff, and brick-faced concrete, it was the largest amphitheatre ever built at the time and held aprox 60,000 spectators.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
You will meet your private driver speaking English in the lobby of your hotel or in front of your AirBnB and you'll go to meet your private guide (ONLY with Pick Up option / Transfer selected)
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Dress code is casual
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- A bottle of water will be always helpful
- Important Information for Your Visit To ensure a smooth entry, please remember that all members of your group must present a valid, government-issued photo ID (a photo of your passport is also acceptable). Tickets are strictly personal, and the names provided at the time of booking must match exactly the names shown on your passport. Please note that only the person listed on the ticket will be admitted; unfortunately, last-minute substitutions are not allowed. The Colosseum Archaeological Park requires that the full official name and surname shown on your ID match the information on your entry ticket. For this reason, we kindly ask you to provide your complete legal names at the time of booking; nicknames or variations cannot be accepted.
Reviews(184)
First up, they pick us up from our hotel and took us back after the tour which was fabulous! The drivers were friendly and contacted our tour guide so the pick up and drop off was seamless. Next the tour was guided by the wonderful Maria Serena Lanfranca. She was patient with our many questions and very well versed on the history. She had a visual guide for many of the ruins showing us the before and current looks. It was so helpful. I cannot stress enough to book with Maria Serena! She was fantastic! Best tour we had in Rome!
Dear Amy, Thank you so much for your wonderful 5-star review. We are truly delighted to hear that you enjoyed every part of your experience, from the seamless hotel pick-up and drop-off service to the guided tour itself. It is especially lovely to know that Maria Serena Lanfranca made such a positive impression. Her patience, deep knowledge of Roman history, and use of visual materials to bring the ruins to life are exactly what we strive to offer our guests. We will certainly share your kind words with her, and we are sure she will be very happy to read your feedback. Thank you again for your recommendation and for choosing Kai Travel. We are thrilled to hear this was your best tour in Rome, and we would be honored to welcome you again in the future. Warm regards, Ruth Kai Travel
Wonderful private tour with Alberto! He was able to accommodate the tour for our specific needs. We had 2 mobile limited adults on the tour and he made sure they got through the tour safely and comfortably. Sincere and kind demeanor with lots of knowledge. Would highly recommend and book again.
Dear Francesca, Thank you so much for your wonderful 5-star review. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your private tour with Alberto and that he was able to accommodate your group's specific needs. Providing a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for all our guests is extremely important to us, and we are pleased to know that Alberto's kindness, professionalism, and extensive knowledge helped make your visit memorable. Your kind words will certainly be shared with Alberto, who will be thrilled to know that his efforts were so appreciated. Thank you again for choosing Kai Travel. We truly appreciate your recommendation and would be honored to welcome you back to Rome in the future. Warm regards, Ruth
So very knowledgeable, kind & attentive to our handicap needs
Thank you so much for your wonderful 5-star review. We are delighted to hear that you found your guide knowledgeable, kind, and attentive to your needs. Ensuring that every guest enjoys a comfortable and memorable experience is always our priority, and it means a great deal to know that we were able to accommodate your accessibility requirements. Thank you for choosing Kai Travel. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back to Rome again in the future. Warm regards, Ruth by Kai Travel
The guide was amazing prepared and engaging available. We discovered not only the places but also many curiosities. MR KAITRAVEL FOREVER
Grazie di cuore per questa splendida recensione! Siamo davvero felici di sapere che la vostra guida sia riuscita a rendere il tour così coinvolgente, interessante e ricco di curiosità. Per noi non è importante solo mostrare i luoghi, ma far vivere ai nostri ospiti un’esperienza autentica e memorabile. Il vostro “KAI TRAVEL FOREVER” ci riempie il cuore di gioia. Speriamo di potervi accogliere nuovamente presto a Roma. Un caro saluto, Ruth by Kai Travel
Professionalism and sympathy made this tour an unforgettable experience
Grazie di cuore per le sue splendide parole. Siamo davvero felici di sapere che la professionalità e la simpatia del nostro team abbiano reso il vostro tour un’esperienza indimenticabile. È stato un vero piacere avervi come nostri ospiti e speriamo di potervi accogliere nuovamente presto a Roma. Un caro saluto, Ruth by Kai Travel
A tour worth experiencing of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum with our guide Denis and his charming Italian accent. His knowledge and enthusiasm brought the days of the gladiators back to life! Grazie mille.
Dear Katherine, Thank you so much for your beautiful review!!! We are truly delighted to hear that you enjoyed your experience with Denis at the Colosseum and Roman Forum. His passion for Roman history and storytelling is something he loves to share with every guest, and we are so happy that he helped bring the world of the gladiators back to life for you. Grazie mille for your kind words — it was a pleasure to have you as our guests in Rome. Warm regards, Ruth by Kai Travel
Denis is fantastic! The best! Very comprehensive!
Dear Karen, Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We are truly happy to hear that you enjoyed your experience with Denis. Your kind words mean a lot to us, and we will be sure to share them with him. It was a real pleasure to have you as our guests in Rome, and we hope to welcome you again in the future it. Warm regards, Ruth by Kai Travel
We had an excellent tour with Denis! He kept it fun and interesting. We had a toddler and a senior citizen in our group, and Denis was flexible and accommodating of our group. Fabio, our driver, was also kind and helpful. Ruth with the travel agency communicated well and accommodated a last minute change in our pickup location. I would definitely recommend this tour.
Dear Abigail, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It was truly a pleasure for us to have you and your family as our guests. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your tour with Denis and that both Denis and Fabio helped make the experience comfortable and enjoyable for everyone in your group. Thank you as well for your kind words about me and our communication—we always do our very best to accommodate our guests’ needs and create a smooth, memorable experience in Rome. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again in Italy in the future 🇮🇹 Warm regards, Ruth, by Kai Travel Team
Fantastic visit. Nice and prepared guide. Not to be missed
Grazie di cuore per la sua splendida recensione! Siamo davvero felici che abbia trovato la visita fantastica e che abbia apprezzato la simpatia e la preparazione della guida: è proprio questo che cerchiamo di offrire in ogni esperienza. Le sue parole “da non perdere” significano molto per noi e ci motivano a continuare a creare momenti speciali per i nostri ospiti. Speriamo di avere presto il piacere di accoglierla nuovamente! Un caro saluto, Ruth
If you are looking for a trained, friendly and really professional tour guide, Denis is for you! The tour he led was impeccable: rich in content, punctuated by a pleasant rhythm and enriched with supporting materials that made it all the more interesting. If you are lucky to have him as your guide, you can rest assured that you will have a truly memorable experience!
Gentile Katia, la ringraziamo di cuore per le sue splendide parole — è davvero un piacere leggerle. Siamo felici che abbia apprezzato l’esperienza e che il tour con Denis sia stato all’altezza delle aspettative, sia nei contenuti che nel ritmo e nell’attenzione ai dettagli. Il suo entusiasmo è per noi la soddisfazione più grande. Speriamo di poterla accogliere nuovamente presto per un’altra esperienza memorabile nella Città Eterna. Un caro saluto, Ruth by Kai Travel
