Where to Start: the 4 Best Private History Tours in Rome

1.Ancient Ostia Antica Semi-Private Day Trip from Rome by Train with Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 579 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $59Our pick

Travel by train from Piramide to Ostia Antica with an English-speaking guide and a group of no more than 12. Spend about 2.5 hours among the port city’s baths, mosaics, shops, apartments, temples, and amphitheater. Guides such as Alberto, Laura, Cat, and Rob have earned especially warm praise.

“Great tour. Always amazed at how these cities were built so long ago and wonderful they are being restored for all to see. Our guide Alberto was very informative.”

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2.Colosseum & Ancient Rome Semi-Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 208 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $133Top rated

Explore the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Arch of Constantine, and Palatine Hill in a group of no more than eight. English-speaking guides such as Sara, Vincenzo, and Marta bring the ruins to life, while included tickets and reserved entry simplify a busy Rome visit.

“I would highly recommend this tour! It made navigating everything so much less stressful and our guide was incredibly knowledgeable (also personable and polite).”

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3.Colosseum & Ancient Rome for Kids Private Family Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 190 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $296

Take a 2.5-hour private English tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum with a family guide such as Big Mama, Marta, or Francesco. Children ages 5 to 10 receive an interactive archaeologist booklet, while your group explores the arena floor, second tier, temples, ruins, and ancient fountains.

“Had a great private family tour with Julia S! While the Colosseum and Roman Forum are visually stunning on their own, Julia added a layer of color and detail that really brought the history to life. She talked about who went to the places, why, when, what they wore, what they did, what they ate, what it smelled like, things that really helped paint a clear picture for life in Ancient Rome and had us talking has a family all day about how much has changed and also how much has stayed the same. She was wonderfully engaging for the whole family.”

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4.Private Rome Food Tour in the Historic Centre with 8+Tastings

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 135 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $405

Spend about three and a half hours tasting eight or more Roman specialties with a private English-speaking guide. Walk from Piazza Navona through Campo de’ Fiori, the Jewish Ghetto, and Largo di Torre Argentina while trying pizza, supplì, pasta, cheese, cold cuts, cannoli, gelato, and a secret dish.

“Rocio could not have been a better guide. With excellent English sense of humour and wonderful knowledge it was a pleasure to spend the time with her and a bonus to be the only one on the tour.”

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