7.5 hr | from €905

Rome is an archaeological maze that can take months to unpick. Sometimes, time is not our best friend. We’ve carefully designed an itinerary that offers an in-depth peak into this majestic Italian city, in one day only, with a spotlight on the Colosseum. In the morning, we will tour the Colosseum with an archaeologist or expert guide before making our way to the Centro Storico (historic center), to view sites such as the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and the Spanish Steps as well as other lesser-known sites. This is a fitting itinerary for anyone with a desire to delve into history and archaeology of this immense city and visit some notable sites in the historical center. It’s for travelers with limited time yet unlimited curiosity, keen to see Rome with a knowledgeable expert. Rome In A Day Tour with Colosseum Access Full-day private tour of Rome Expert local guide or scholar Visit the Colosseum with skip-the-line tickets See the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps (For those wishing to see the Vatican instead, please take a look at our 'Rome in a Day, the Vatican' tour.) The Colosseum and Beyond For the history and archaeology buff, eager to explore the home of the Roman gladiator and view ancient Roman ruins firsthand. Includes skip-the-line tickets to the Colosseum, as well as an exploration of the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum. Also includes a historic city center tour of sites such as the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and the Pantheon. Local lunch (at own expense). Our tour begins near the Colosseum with an introduction to how our day will unfold and what awaits us at this formidable structure. We’ll skip the line as we head inside to discuss topics ranging from Roman public decadence, ancient Roman engineering, and Gladiatorial fights, and all the pomp, circumstance, (and wild beasts) that went with them. Leaving this commanding amphitheater behind, we may head in the direction of the Palatine Hill to explore the legend of Rome’s founding in 753 B.C. by Romulus. We’ll imagine the remains of imperial palaces that once covered the hill, using our experts’ descriptions to help us mentally recreate the splendor of these dwellings. From here, we will descend to the Roman Forum, strolling past the major sites that crowded ancient Rome, such as the Senate House (the Curia) and the basilicas, temples, and triumphal arches around the Forum Square. From the Colosseum to Rome's Historical Core We’ll stop for a local lunch and a (brief) rest from the ruins of Rome. Our expert may give us some tips on how to spend our remaining time in Rome or share their thoughts on anything from gastronomy to education or taxation. Refuelled after lunch, we will head to the historic center of the city, referred to as the ‘Centro Storico’. We will take in a number of sites during our afternoon together, all of which offer a fantastic introduction to the history, architecture, and traditions associated with Rome. Sites will include the poetic Piazza del Campidoglio, the awe-inspiring dome of the Pantheon, and the legendary Trevi Fountain. Our route will take us to a number of other notable Roman locations that will add even more layers to our tour. As we finish our time together in the historic center, we will emerge with an in-depth understanding of this almighty city and all the gems there that remain today. Takeaways At the end of this 'In a Day' itinerary, we will leave one another with a better understanding of how Rome has evolved over the centuries. We’ll have ventured across the city to the Colosseum and other archaeological sites relevant to the historic, cultural, and artistic fabric of the Romans. Hopefully, our ‘Rome in a Day’ tour will set us up for the remainder of our travel in Italy and beyond.