Take a small group walking tour (maximum 25 people) of Ancient Rome's major sights and skip the queues for the Colosseum and Palatine Hill. Perfect for first-time visitors, this guided morning tour is the ideal introduction to Ancient Rome, leaving you with the afternoon free to explore Rome at your leisure. Several major sites are covered in just three hours, and you'll receive enlightening insights into Rome's millennia of history as you stroll, without wasting time waiting in line.
Your tour begins atop the Colle Oppio with a panoramic view of the Colosseum, Rome's most recognizable landmark. Next, you will skip the long lines and gain special access to the Colosseum. Once inside, your expert official guide will take you through the bloody past of the amphitheater as you listen to tales of gladiators, mock sea-battles and executions.
Highlights

• Soak up the atmosphere on a walking tour
• Led by a local guide
• Skip the line
• All entrance fees included
• Great overview and orientation of the city

After a brief rest at the Arch of Constantine, you will arrive at the Palatine Hill, the most famous of the seven hills of Rome. From here you can admire the views of the Roman Forum and Nero's Circus Maximus where chariot races were held. Romulus and Remus were said to have been found on the Palatine Hill by the she-wolf who nursed and raised them. The last stop on your tour is a walk along the Via Sacra or 'Sacred Way', the main path through the Roman Forum that was used for triumphal processions. The tour ends at the temple which houses the altar where Julius Caesar was cremated.
Do you want special access to the Colosseum Third Level & Underground?
May 2011 will mark the opening of the exclusive ‘third ring’ of the Colosseum – not open since the 1970’s and the never-before-seen underground of the Colosseum. Upgrade to the 8:30am tour and not only will you skip the long lines (which can last up to two hours!) to enter the Colosseum but beat the crowds and enjoy the Colosseum in the calmer hours of the morning. Tours are arranged exclusively for our guests and groups never exceed 10 people plus you’ll get a whole extra 30 minutes inside the Colosseum (3.5 hours).
Prepare to see Ancient Rome as it hasn’t ever been seen before! For the first time in history, the Colosseum is opening its underground level to visitors. You can explore the tunnels where gladiators once prepared for fights and lions and tigers were caged. This special access tour will visits the newly opened underground as well at the highest level of the Colosseum – the third tier – which has also just been opened for the first time since the 1970s! The views from the 3rd level of the Colosseum over the inside of this spectacular amphitheater as well as the surrounding Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are not to be missed. These areas can only be visited with a guided tour and must be booked in advance.