VIP Caesar's Palace & Colosseum Morning Tour: Semi Private

From USD $91.00
  • Duration: 210 Minutes (approx.)
  • Product code: WOI_Rome_Caesar
About the Tour:  

The Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill were once the cornerstones of ancient Roman life; together, they comprised the seat of the city’s government and market, its main hub for entertainment, and the residential area where its most important citizens—including the emperor Augustus and his wife Livia—lived. On this small-group tour (with a maximum of 15 people), your expert, English-speaking guide will lead you on a thorough exploration through these remarkable ancient sites, delving deep into the stories behind them.

What We Love About This Tour:

  • Getting exclusive access to the rarely visited ancient villas of Augustus Caesar and his wife, Livia
  • Delving into the fascinating—and bloody—history of The Colosseum, the iconic amphitheater of ancient Rome
  • Discovering the hub of the ancient city, the Roman Forum—once home to bustling markets, festivals, temples, and senatorial debates
  • Skipping entry lines to spend more time on historical exploration

Testimonial:

This was an unbelievable tour in every way: our guide was very knowledgeable and knew how to "maneuver" to get into and out of crowded situations. The best was visiting Caesar's Palace and Livia's Palace completely by ourselves! You must have a reserved guide to do this and it was well worth it!”

-Barbara, June 2016


Tour Itinerary:

Stop 1: Casa di Livia and Casa di Augusto 

After meeting with your group near the Colosseo metro stop, you’ll first head to the ancient ruined villa that once belonged to Augustus Caesar (or Octavian)—who became the first ruler of the Roman Empire after Julius Caesar’s death—and the adjacent home of his wife Livia. Despite being more than 2,000 years old, both these structures still contain grand architectural elements and beautiful wall and ceiling frescoes.

Stop 2: The Colosseum

Next, you’ll visit the extraordinary amphitheater that was ancient Rome’s center of public entertainment. Gladiatorial clashes, wild-animal fights, and mock-naval battles were once staged here; today, you can still see remnants of the seating arcades that once fit 50,000 spectators, and the staging areas where the brutal spectacles took place. 

Stop 3: The Roman Forum

At the onetime cultural, economic, and political center of ancient Rome, you’ll walk along the Via Sacra, a path once lined with bustling market stalls, and trace the paths of ancient military processions and political rallies. You’ll also see important sites like the Temple of Julius Caesar (which still contains the altar where the emperor’s body was ceremonially burned), and the Curia Julia—the still-intact Senate House where Cicero and Mark Antony once orated.

Stop 4: Palatine Hill

According to legend,the twins Romulus and Remus first decided to begin building the city of Rome atop this impressive hill (the most famous of the city’s Seven Hills). Here,you’ll get to walk among ruined emperors’ palaces, and the still-verdant plantings of the Farnese Garden (one of Europe’s first botanical gardens). You’ll also enjoy the hill’s sweeping views over the nearby Forum, Colosseum, and Circus Maximus (a grand sporting arena where chariot races were held).

Stop 5: Arch of Titus

Your tour ends with a stop at this soaring, elaborately carved stone arch, which was erected in the 1st century to commemorate the emperor Titus’s capture of Jerusalem.

What’s Included:

  • All entry fees 
  • Special Skip-the-Line access to The Colosseum, Roman Forum, Casa di Livia and Casa di Augusto
  • Small groups of 15 people or fewer
  • Headsets so you can always hear your guide

Not Included:

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • Gratuities

Important to Know:

  • Please be sure to arrive at the tour departure point 15 minutes before the starting time. Guests arriving after departure cannot be accommodated, and missed tours or tickets will not be refunded.
  • Unfortunately, wheelchairs and strollers cannot be accommodated on this tour.
  • Please note that one or more sites on this tour may occasionally experience last-minute, unforeseen closures. If this occurs, your group will instead be treated to alternate arrangements. Tour refunds or discounts will not be provided.

Important to Bring: 

  • small purse or camera bag only (no backpacks or large shoulder bags). Security checks at some sites restrict the size of bags that can be brought inside.
  • Good walking shoes. The tour includes both hillside paths and stairs.
  • A hat, sunscreen, and bottled water. Many parts of the itinerary are not shaded.