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Circus Maximus Culture & history

Our most recommended Circus Maximus Culture & history

Rome: Colosseum Arena Guided Tour, Forum & Palatine Option

1. Rome: Colosseum Arena Guided Tour, Forum & Palatine Option

Enjoy a full immersion in Ancient Rome’s history with an expert live guide during a walk through the ruins of the archeological area of the Roman Forum and Palatine hill and marvel at the largest amphitheater built during the Roman Empire — the Colosseum. Learn about the culture, religion, and everyday life of the Romans while walking through what the Romans called the Sacred Road inside the Roman Forum, the street where the temples were standing, and see the ruins of the temple of Cesare and of the temple of Saturn, as well as many others. Have your tour guide bring to life the Roman Forum as you stroll through its ruins such as basilicas, arches, and statues, as it's believed that it was a marketplace for everyday shopping and then developed to be the setting for many public events. Climb on top of the Palatine Hill and see with your own eyes the ruins of the Imperial Palaces and let your guide take you to the terrace with one of the most breathtaking views of the Roman Forum. Visit the first and second level of one of the oldest stadiums still standing and let your guide make you feel like one of the spectators of the ancient fights that took place in the Colosseum. Get the exclusive chance to walk through the Gladiator’s entrance and feel like a gladiator yourself while standing on the reconstructed stage of the Arena as the guide tells you all about the Lions, fights, and games that took place almost 2000 years ago. While on the Arena enjoy the overview of the underground and have your tour guide tell you everything about the inner workings of the Colosseum and its games.

Rome: Skip-the-Line Tour to Colosseum, Forum, Palatine Hill

2. Rome: Skip-the-Line Tour to Colosseum, Forum, Palatine Hill

Skip the line with a guide on this highlights tour of the Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill. Enter the Colosseum through a dedicated group entrance. Follow in the footsteps of gladiators and see the monument from a 360° panoramic vantage point. Imagine what it was like to see 50,000 blood-thirsty spectators with help of your guide. Visit the Forum and walk around several important ancient Roman government buildings. Take a step into the past at the Forum Magnum, which was once a bustling marketplace. Learn more about the ancient Roman culture and picture how they lived. Go up Palatine Hill, one of the seven hills of Rome. Experience the most ancient place in the city, situated 40 meters above the Roman Forum. Marvel at the view of the Circus Maximus.

Rome: Skip the Line Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill Tour

3. Rome: Skip the Line Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill Tour

Discover Rome's Colosseum, the Forum, and Palatine Hill and learn fascinating insights about the city's history. Get skip-the-line access, and tour the first and second levels of the Colosseum. See the Arch of Titus and the site where Julius Caesar was buried. Begin your tour of Rome's Ancient City with skip-the-line access to the Colosseum. Hear an introduction to the Colosseum and learn about the building's incredible construction and why it is considered an engineering marvel to this day. Notice the Roman numerals above each archway as you enter. Explore the Colosseum’s first and second levels as your guide shares stories of the emperors, gladiators, and famous battles that make the Colosseum Rome's most celebrated ancient monument. With your newly acquired expertise of ancient Romans, walk through the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Pass by the triumphal Arch of Constantine as you learn the story of Rome's birth and its legendary twins, Romulus and Remus. Once inside the Roman Forum, pass by the Arch of Titus, the House of the Vestal Virgins, and the burial site of Julius Caesar — all standing on what was once a vast swampland. Continue to the Palatine Hill where you will see the ruins of the Imperial Palaces, the extensive grounds from which the Emperors would rule the city.

Rome: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill Fast-Track Tour

4. Rome: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill Fast-Track Tour

Avoid the long lines outside of some of Rome’s most popular ancient attractions with skip-the-line entry to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Follow your guide who will explain the history of Rome and introduce you to some of the most notorious emperors. Visit one of the most famous monuments in the world, the Colosseum, the immense amphitheater that was the largest ever built by the Roman Empire. Imagine the gladiatorial fights and public spectacles that took place in the arena. Go to Palatine Hill, site of the foundation of Rome and settlement of the most important houses of emperors and kings. Located just feet from the Roman Forum and Circus Maximus, it is the centermost of the 7 hills of Rome. Hear about the legends and history of Eternal Rome and stop on the Via Sacra to learn how everyday Roman citizens used to live. Enter the Temple of the emperor Julius Caesar, and explore the ruins of the Roman Forum, the center of all Roman government and public life. Hear your guide's facinating commentary better with the headsets that are included with your priority entrance. 

Rome: Colosseum Arena Access and Ancient Rome Guided Tour

5. Rome: Colosseum Arena Access and Ancient Rome Guided Tour

Walk in the footsteps of gladiators and stand on the Arena Floor of the Colosseum. Follow your guide to enter the ancient stadium of the Colosseum. Go ont to the restricted access area where you can walk through the gladiator gates and stand on the reconstructed arena floor. See the scene of the famous games and gladiator battles which is open to you for a whole new viewpoint in the Colosseum. Your incredible guide will tell you all about the styles of gladiators, the famous battles, and the other games and entertainment that took place in this magnificent stadium. Head to the vantage point from where the spectators would have sat and cheered for their favorites to win. Learn from your guide not only the amazing history of this monument, but also where to get the best photo opportunities for you and your family. Follow your guide into the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill to see the very heart of Ancient Rome. Ascend Palatine Hill to see the ruins of the palaces. View Circus Maximus and the Stadium of Domitian before heading over to the Farnese Aviaries to see the Forum laid out below. Descend into the Forum. Walk in the footsteps of Romans and emperors as your guide takes you past the Temple of Romulus, the Temple and House of the Vestals, and Julius Caesar’s Temple. See the Senate House, and learn about how the Forum functioned in the Romans’ day-to-day life.

Rome: Private City Tour by Electric Tuk Tuk with Transfer

6. Rome: Private City Tour by Electric Tuk Tuk with Transfer

Take a trip back in time and discover what ancient Rome was like, visit the Colosseum, the Circus Maximus and the Pantheon. Enjoy the beauties of the Eternal City, its squares, its alleys and its statues. Admire the city from the top of its terraces and discover Rome in all its grandeur. Discover the charm of the Vatican City, with St. Peter's Basilica and its majestic square. Enjoy a good ice cream or an excellent coffee.

Rome Segway Tour

7. Rome Segway Tour

Relive the days of Ancient Rome on a guided Segway tour. You’ll glide past the most spectacular sights of the Eternal City on the coolest ride of the 21st century. Your experience is enriched by your live guide who will share historical and up-to-date information on Rome, plus loads of enchanting anecdotes. Get to know Rome's hidden treasures and hear the legends that continue to resonate throughout the city. Learn about the structure of Roman society and the beliefs of the citizens, as well as their social and political life. On your Segway, pass by the Circus Maximus and the Roman Forum; continue past the Colosseum before you scale Capitoline Hill. See Santa Maria Church with its Bocca della Verità sculpture and then soak up the breathtaking views over Rome. Touring in a small group guarantees an intimate and unique experience. Soak up Rome’s history as you whiz among the famous sites on your Segway.

Rome: Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill Guided Tour

8. Rome: Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill Guided Tour

Explore the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill on a guided tour. Enter the Colosseum, admire the vast building from every angle, notice where the building has crumbled from past earthquakes, and tread in the footsteps of ancient Romans. Walk up to Palatine Hill and take in breathtaking views of the ruins from the top. Upon entering Palatine Hill, you'll see the House of Augustus and witness a vast collection of frescoes that would give you a deeper insight into Ancient Rome and its rulers. Visit the Roman Forum, a place that used to be the site of triumphal processions and elections and the venue for public speeches in ancient Rome. See the Temple of Romulus, an architectural wonder located within the Roman Forum. Hear fascinating stories about these sites from your tour guide.

Rome: Colosseum Underground, Arena & Forum Tour

9. Rome: Colosseum Underground, Arena & Forum Tour

Explore the world's most famous amphitheater with an official guide and journey back to the days of the Roman Empire at the monumental Colosseum. Get access to areas not available to regular ticket holders, including the underground level where the wild animals were kept before they went into battle with the gladiators. Enter the arena through the Porta Libitinaria and go up to the first level.  Learn about the innovative techniques the engineers used to build the monument and hear how it has survived for hundreds of years. Be amazed as history is brought to life as you discuss the political and social reasons for the games and events. Enjoy a short break and then enter the Roman Forum on your own to get a better appreciation about what everyday life was like in Ancient Rome. Get breathtaking views over the Colosseum and Circus Maximus from Palatine Hill and stay as long as you wish at the end of your official tour.

Rome: Golf Cart Catacombs & City Sightseeing Guided Tour

10. Rome: Golf Cart Catacombs & City Sightseeing Guided Tour

See the highlights of Rome without breaking a sweat as you zip around the city in a golf cart on a private tour. Marvel at Trajan's Column, Piazza Venezia, and many more of Rome's top attractions. Meet your guide on one of the city's quieter side streets and get ready to discover Rome's most iconic sights. You'll also be provided with a headset to make sure you can hear your guide the whole time. Stop at important landmarks, including Trajan's Column, Piazza Bocca della Verità, Circus Maximus, Piazza Venezia, Circus of Maxentius, the Colosseum, and more. Spend between 5 and 10 minutes at each of these sites and learn about each location from your guide. Then, go underground to see Rome's ancient catacombs and crypts. Discover this immense underground cemetery and learn about its origin and decline. Your tour ends back in the quiet side road where it began.

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Other Sightseeing Options in Circus Maximus

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What people are saying about Circus Maximus

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 4,561 reviews

The tour guide radu was absolutely amazing I can’t speak highly enough of the guy. Never judge a book by its cover. He looks like a rock type crazy hair leather jacket ever so slightly looks like he came from a night out but honestly he was amazing. Insightful. Full of history can speak multiple languages was funny helpful witty. I could go on . Make sure to tip him because I swear his brilliant.

The tour was around 2.5 hours total which was more than enough. We took the guided tour in February and it was still quite sunny, so make sure to take a hat and sunglasses and water. Our tour guide Georgio was really helpful and we really enjoyed listening to the fascinating history. Google maps took us straight to the vicinity of the meeting place, so all good there.

If you are in Italy you have to ask for Radu for your guide in Rome . Not only was he supper funny and engaging with not only the adults but also the kids . He was so informative, he really did make the day supper fun. He kept us all laughing the entire time and we learned so much.

Our guide was excellent, unfortunately I can't remember his name other than he was Americian. He was very knowledgeable and made the trip informative and entertaining. He provided lots of opportunities to take photos and I would highly recommend booking this trip.

It was a wonderful experience. Couldn't have understood the significance and the history without detailed explanation from the guide. Highly recommend to take the guided tour for the best experience.