Ancient Rome Full Day Tour: Colosseum and Exclusive SUPER Sites

Exploring Rome’s most iconic ancient sites becomes both easier and more enriching with the Ancient Rome Full Day Tour offered by LivTours. Priced at $770.79 per person, this 7.5-hour private experience combines the grandeur of the Colosseum with lesser-known treasures like the Mamertine Prison and San Clemente Basilica. The tour is designed to cover a comprehensive range of famous and hidden sites, making it ideal for those who want an in-depth look at Rome’s ancient history without the hassle of navigating alone.

What truly sets this tour apart is the expert guidance and all-inclusive tickets to major archaeological sites. It’s suitable for most travelers, including families, thanks to the private format that offers personal attention. While the price is premium, the length of the tour and access to exclusive sites make it a valuable experience for history enthusiasts eager to see more than just the usual highlights.

Key Points

• Private guided tour lasting approximately 7.5 hours in Rome.
• Includes tickets and access to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, San Clemente Basilica, and other super sites.
• Focuses on both popular highlights and lesser-known gems like Mamertine Prison.
• Expert guide provides detailed stories and context throughout the tour.
• All tickets included, no need to worry about booking separately.
• Lunch is not included, but there is ample time for a break during the day.

Starting Point and Tour Duration in Rome

The tour begins at the Piazza del Colosseo, located right next to the Colosseum at 10:00 am. From this prime location, the guide takes you through Rome’s ancient heart, ensuring you start your day in the most convenient spot.

The tour lasts around 7 hours and 30 minutes, making it a full-day experience. It ends back at the starting point, giving you flexibility afterward to explore more or enjoy a meal in the vicinity.

Exploring the Mamertine Prison: The First Stop

The adventure kicks off at the Mamertine Prison, an admission ticket free stop lasting 45 minutes. This site is famous as a historic prison where legendary prisoners like St. Peter are believed to have been held.

Here, the guide explains the significance of this underground site, which has a mysterious atmosphere and offers a glimpse into Rome’s early penal system. The location’s free admission allows you to appreciate its historical importance without extra cost.

Walking Through the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Next, a 2 hours and 20 minutes visit takes you through the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, both admission free. The Super Sites include Trajan’s Column and the Palatine Museum, offering rich insights into Rome’s political and social life during antiquity.

The guide highlights key ruins and shares intriguing stories behind Roman governance and daily life. The walk is designed to cover major landmarks efficiently, giving a thorough understanding of how Rome’s ancient city was structured.

The Forma Urbis and Ancient Map

At the 40-minute stop at the Forma Urbis, you’ll see a detailed marble map of ancient Rome. This free attraction provides a visual reference to help understand the layout of the city during the Empire.

The Forma Urbis serves as a fascinating snapshot of Rome’s urban planning, complementing the earlier site visits. It’s an opportunity to visualize how the city once looked and understand the scale of Roman architecture.

Lunch Break and Walk to Celio Hill

The tour includes 1 hour and 15 minutes for a lunch break and a walk to Celio Hill. While lunch is not included, this break allows you to relax and enjoy the vibrant Rome streets.

Afterward, the guide leads you up to Celio Hill, which offers stunning city views and a quieter atmosphere away from the crowds. This pause provides a break in pacing and a chance to appreciate Rome’s landscape.

Descending into San Clemente Basilica

One of the tour’s highlights is the San Clemente Basilica, where a 1-hour visit reveals layers of history through its 13th-century church, subterranean 4th-century ruins, and a pagan Mithras temple.

The guide explores these stratified archaeological layers with vivid stories, showing how Rome evolved over centuries. Admission is included, enabling access to the underground chambers, frescoes from the 9th century, and the ancient temple, making it an archaeological adventure.

The Colosseum: Gladiators and Spectacles

The Grand Finale is the 1 hour and 30 minutes spent inside the Colosseum. Here, you stand in the arena where gladiators once fought before over 80,000 spectators.

The guide shares thrilling tales of gladiatorial battles, beast hunts, and theatrical shows, bringing to life the excitement and brutality of ancient entertainment. Access is prearranged with tickets included, skipping long lines and ensuring a smooth experience.

Additional Sites and Museum Access

Throughout the day, the tour also incorporates visits to the House of Augustus or Livia, Santa Maria Antiqua, Domus Tiberiana, Aula Isiaca, and Loggia Mattei. The Palatine Museum offers further context on Rome’s imperial rulers.

These extra sites deepen the understanding of Rome’s imperial history and architectural grandeur, with access included in the ticket package.

Practicalities: Booking, Group Size, and Accessibility

This private tour offers the advantage of personalized attention, with the guide tailoring the experience to your interests. It includes group discounts and uses a mobile ticket system for convenience.

The tour departs from Piazza del Colosseo at 10:00 am and is suitable for most travelers, though comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to the extensive walking involved. Most travelers can participate, but places of worship require shoulders and knees covered.

Why Choose This Tour Over Others?

Compared to other options, this tour emphasizes both main highlights and hidden gems, such as Mamertine Prison and San Clemente Basilica, which are often skipped in standard tours. The private format ensures less crowding and more personalized storytelling from knowledgeable guides like Giovanni, Valentina, or Marco.

The full access to sites like the Palatine Hill, Trajan’s Column, and the Form Urbis makes this a comprehensive exploration of Rome’s ancient landscape. Plus, the flexibility for lunch and site choices keeps it adaptable to your preferences.

Final Thoughts on the Ancient Rome Full Day Tour

This 7.5-hour private experience offers a rich, detailed look into Rome’s ancient marvels with expert guides and all tickets included. It’s best suited for visitors who want a full, immersive day with personalized attention and the opportunity to see both popular and lesser-known sites.

While the price is higher than some group tours, the quality of access and guidance can make it worth the investment, especially for those eager to maximize their time and deepen their understanding of ancient Rome.

The guides’ knowledge and enthusiasm shine through, and reviews consistently praise their ability to answer questions, show details, and make the history come alive. This tour is a solid choice for anyone wanting a comprehensive, curated exploration of Rome’s ancient past.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour price includes private guide, tickets to all venues such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, San Clemente Basilica, and Mamertine Prison.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes, ending back at the original meeting point in Rome.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, but there is ample time for a break during the day.

Do I need to bring any documents?
Yes, photo ID or passports are required for all participants to gain entry to the Colosseum and other sites.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, and shoulders and knees must be covered when visiting places of worship like San Clemente Basilica.

Can children participate?
Most travelers can participate, and reviews note that even teenagers find the experience engaging, especially with an informative guide.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
While detailed accessibility information isn’t provided, the extensive walking and site terrain suggest it’s best suited for visitors comfortable with moderate walking.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins and ends at Piazza del Colosseo in Rome.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, providing flexibility for your schedule.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, this tour is booked 43 days in advance, indicating high demand for this comprehensive experience.