Skip the Line: Ancient Rome and Colosseum Half-Day Walking Tour

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.

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. Legend also holds that Romulus went on to found Rome.

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. Visitors from around the world still leave flowers and candles at this site to this day.