Best of · ROME HISTORY TOURS

15 Rome History Tours to Book First

36 tours  ·  from $32 a head

Good rome history tours fill up weeks ahead and the best ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and where they differ.

Colosseum: Underground and Ancient Rome Tour - Starting at the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Ancient History Tours, Ancient History Tours in Italy, Ancient History Tours in Rome, Ancient Rome & Colosseum Tours, History Tours, Italy History Tours, Rome History Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Colosseum: Underground and Ancient Rome Tour

1.Colosseum: Underground and Ancient Rome Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 12,691 reviews · 3 hours · from $160Our pick

Spend three hours with licensed guides such as Carmelo, Teddy, Maya, or Enza exploring the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Colosseum arena, underground chambers, and upper levels. Expect lots of walking, headsets, restricted underground access, and strong historical storytelling.

“our guide did a fantastic job! we are so glad we did the tour. if you are on the fence, do it! you will get so much more out of the experience!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Rome: Colosseum with Arena, Roman Forum and Palatine Guided Tour - Entering the Colosseum by the arena floor
Ancient Rome & Colosseum Tours, Guided, History Tours, Italy History Tours, Rome History Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Rome: Colosseum with Arena, Roman Forum and Palatine Guided Tour

2.Rome: Colosseum with Arena, Roman Forum and Palatine Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 5,598 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $60

Enter the Colosseum by its arena floor, then walk through Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum with a professional guide such as Paola, Francesca, Hillary, or Laura. Expect headsets, uneven ground, strict ID checks, and no access to the underground or third level.

“We had a really great time! Our tour guide- Laura Antonucci was knowledgeable and funny! It’s a good amount of walking but well worth it!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Colosseum with Arena, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Guided Tour - The Roman Forum, ancient Rome’s public center
Ancient Rome & Colosseum Tours, Guided, History Tours, Italy History Tours, Rome History Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Colosseum with Arena, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Guided Tour

3.Colosseum with Arena, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,526 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $36

Enter the Colosseum through the Gladiator’s entrance, walk onto the Arena floor, then explore Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum. Choose a live English guide or an audio guide. Guides such as Paola, Massimo, Tanya, and Andrei have earned praise for lively, clear storytelling.

“The time you book is only the time to meet the ticket broker. Our timed entry to the colosseum was two hours and 15 minutes later. This was not explained when we looked at booking nor was it explained after we booked. We only learned of the later entry time when we picked up the tickets. There was no flexibility at all regarding entry time. As a result we could not enter the colosseum as we had to be back at the bus to go back to our ship. We had given ourselves plenty of time to see everything including the Forum and Palatine Hill if we could have entered…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Colosseum & Ancient Rome with Arena Floor Option I Max 6 People - Entering the Colosseum through the gladiator route
Ancient History Tours, Ancient History Tours in Italy, Ancient History Tours in Rome, Ancient Rome & Colosseum Tours, History Tours, Italy History Tours, Rome History Tours, Tour Reviews

Colosseum & Ancient Rome with Arena Floor Option I Max 6 People

4.Colosseum & Ancient Rome with Arena Floor Option I Max 6 People

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,306 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $180Top rated

Join a guide such as Dennis, Caterina, or Fabio for a three-hour tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Groups are capped at six, with an optional Arena Floor and Gladiator’s Gate visit. Expect history, stairs, outdoor walking, and a fast look at ancient Rome’s greatest sites.

“our guide a was fantastic. he was knowledgleable and asnswered every question thoroughly. he also le us set the pace.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Rome: Colosseum, Ancient Rome Tour or AudioGuided Tour - Meeting near Piazza di San Clemente
Ancient History Tours, Ancient History Tours in Italy, Ancient History Tours in Rome, Ancient Rome & Colosseum Tours, History Tours, Italy History Tours, Rome History Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Rome: Colosseum, Ancient Rome Tour or AudioGuided Tour

5.Rome: Colosseum, Ancient Rome Tour or AudioGuided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 2,879 reviews · 2h 30m · from $54

Choose an English-led Colosseum visit with guides such as Fabrizio or Fleur, or explore with a smartphone audio guide in seven languages. Your timed ticket covers the Colosseum’s first and second tiers, plus the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill for 24 hours.

“Very informative guide given enough time to look around, our guide was amazing!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Colosseum Underground & Ancient Rome Guided Tour - Choosing underground access or arena-only entry
Ancient History Tours, Ancient History Tours in Italy, Ancient History Tours in Rome, Ancient Rome & Colosseum Tours, Guided, History Tours, Italy History Tours, Rome History Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Colosseum Underground & Ancient Rome Guided Tour

6.Colosseum Underground & Ancient Rome Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,590 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $74

Join an English-speaking guide such as Carmelo, Soloman, or Mirta for a three-hour visit to the Colosseum arena and underground, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Choose underground access or an arena-only option, use provided headsets, and finish with views over ancient Rome.

“Definitely worth booking!! With this tour you get so much history of the Roman Forum, the Coliseum inclunding the underground with a walking tour through it! It is a absolute must while visiting Rome!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Rome: Colosseum Arena, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Tour - Palatine Hill and the views across ancient Rome
Ancient Rome & Colosseum Tours, History Tours, Italy History Tours, Rome History Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Rome: Colosseum Arena, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Tour

7.Rome: Colosseum Arena, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,874 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $71

Walk through the Gladiator’s Gate onto the Colosseum Arena Floor, then visit the first two tiers, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum. Live English guides such as Patricia, Nancy, Ian, and Amir have led this tour, while an audio option is also available. Expect steep steps, uneven ground, crowds, and plenty of walking.

“Our guide was informative and entertaining. Providing an insight into what live in ancient Rome would have been like.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Guided Tour - Walking the Roman Forum and Via Sacra
Ancient Rome & Colosseum Tours, Guided, History Tours, Italy History Tours, Rome History Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Guided Tour

8.Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,568 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $60

Spend about three hours exploring the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum with a licensed historian guide. Expect headphones, reserved admission, plenty of walking, and stories about gladiators, emperors, politics, and daily Roman life. The arena floor is available only with selected options.

“Great guided tour to learn more about the history of the Coliseum and the Forum shops. Our tour Kopal was E X C E L L E N T”

Check availability →Read our full review

Pantheon Elite Guided Tour - Rome's Iconic Ancient Temple - The first 40 minutes inside the Pantheon
Ancient History Tours, Ancient History Tours in Italy, Ancient History Tours in Rome, Ancient Rome & Colosseum Tours, Guided, History Tours, Italy History Tours, Rome History Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Pantheon Elite Guided Tour – Rome’s Iconic Ancient Temple

9.Pantheon Elite Guided Tour – Rome’s Iconic Ancient Temple

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,447 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $41

Spend about an hour exploring the Pantheon with a licensed English-speaking guide. Expect a 40-minute interior visit and a 15-minute look at the exterior, including the dome, oculus, columns, tombs, and the building’s shift from pagan temple to Christian basilica. Groups can reach 20 people.

“Amanda was an awesome guide. We loved the small tour and ability to engage and ask questions --- she really gave us great insights on the Pantheon. I'm so glad we didn't try to do this on our own - we would've missed so much!!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Ancient Rome: Colosseum Underground Group Tour - Meeting near the Colosseo metro station
Ancient History Tours, Ancient History Tours in Italy, Ancient History Tours in Rome, Ancient Rome & Colosseum Tours, History Tours, Italy History Tours, Rome History Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Ancient Rome: Colosseum Underground Group Tour

10.Ancient Rome: Colosseum Underground Group Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,059 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $66

Enter the Colosseum’s underground chambers, follow the passages once used by gladiators, and stand on the arena floor with a guide. Your ticket also covers the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, which you explore independently. Groups can reach 24 people, and full passport names are required.

“I decided to book an underground tour about a week before our visit and this was the only tour I could find with availability. I would plan ahead and book directly with the attractions next time, but I had no issues and did appreciate getting some guidance about where to go from the tour organizer before we entered the colosseum for the actual tour.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Rome in a Day Tour with Vatican, Colosseum and Historic Center - The Pantheon rewards a careful look upward
Ancient Rome & Colosseum Tours, History Tours, Italy History Tours, Old Town & Historic Centre Walks, Old Town and Historic Centre Walks in Italy, Rome History Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Rome in a Day Tour with Vatican, Colosseum and Historic Center

11.Rome in a Day Tour with Vatican, Colosseum and Historic Center

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,042 reviews · 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $192

This 7.5-hour English tour links Rome’s historic center, Colosseum and Vatican Museums for up to 18 people. Guides such as Sev, Marco, Vita and Kylie bring the monuments to life, while a private transfer saves time between the Colosseum and Vatican.

“21,000 steps. If you can’t walk that then book the golf cart tour. Wonderful tour, our guide was very knowledgeable and I felt like I saw everything.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Colosseum Express Guided Tour and Ancient Rome Admission Included - Stories that make the arena easier to understand
Ancient History Tours, Ancient History Tours in Italy, Ancient History Tours in Rome, Ancient Rome & Colosseum Tours, Guided, History Tours, Italy History Tours, Rome History Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Colosseum Express Guided Tour and Ancient Rome Admission Included

12.Colosseum Express Guided Tour and Ancient Rome Admission Included

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,008 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $54

This 2 to 3 hour English tour combines timed Colosseum entry with the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Expect a group of up to 24, guides such as Katerina, Sam, or Andrea, and stories about gladiators, engineering, politics, and imperial Rome. The lower underground level is not included.

“The guide was an archeologist and she explained everything with passion and knowledge. Great experience!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Rome Food Tour in the Historic Centre with 8+ Food Tastings - Piazza Navona begins with fountains and food
Food, Food & Drink, Food & History Tours, Food and History Tours in Italy, Food and History Tours in Rome, History Tours, Italy History Tours, Old Town & Historic Centre Walks, Old Town and Historic Centre Walks in Italy, Rome History Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Rome Food Tour in the Historic Centre with 8+ Food Tastings

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,000 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $118

Join a small English-speaking group of up to 12 for three hours of Roman food and history. Guides such as Massimiliano, Rocio, Luda, and Federico lead tastings of pizza, pasta, supplì, cheeses, cannoli, gelato, and a secret dish between Piazza Navona and Largo di Torre Argentina.

“We had such a wonderful experience . Our guide was so knowledgeable about our surroundings and gave us such great information about the historical buildinggs. He also took us to the yummiest little eateries. We would never know about the meats and cheeses and wine that is offered. Also excellent pizza and breads to homemade pasta at the oldest Restaurant. We sat and ate with a great group of people. We also had espresso and Gelato to die for. We loved our guide. A young man with a lot of passion for what he does.Viator has amazing staff and great adventures. Thank you❤️❤️❤️🍋🍋”

Check availability →Read our full review

Colosseum & Ancient Rome Tour with Optional Arena Upgrade - Meeting near the Colosseum
Ancient History Tours, Ancient History Tours in Italy, Ancient History Tours in Rome, Ancient Rome & Colosseum Tours, History Tours, Italy History Tours, Rome History Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Colosseum & Ancient Rome Tour with Optional Arena Upgrade

14.Colosseum & Ancient Rome Tour with Optional Arena Upgrade

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 900 reviews · 2.5 - 3 hours · from $34

Walk through the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill in 2.5 to 3 hours with a live guide in English, Italian, French, Spanish, or German. Add Arena Floor access for a closer look at the gladiator stage, or choose a small-group option for more time with your guide.

“Our tour guide was brilliant and very informative! Conducted the tour at a good pace and provided us with opportunities to stop and have a look around at different things. Definitely worth upgrading to the tour guide option! It cost an extra 20 euros on top of the ticket price but we very much felt as though it was worth it.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Colosseum Underground All-Access Experience w/ Ancient Rome - Meeting above the Colosseum Metro station
Ancient History Tours, Ancient History Tours in Italy, Ancient History Tours in Rome, Ancient Rome & Colosseum Tours, History Tours, Italy History Tours, Rome History Tours, Tour Reviews

Colosseum Underground All-Access Experience w/ Ancient Rome

15.Colosseum Underground All-Access Experience w/ Ancient Rome

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 850 reviews · 2.5 - 3 hours · from $49

Explore the Colosseum dungeons, tunnels, arena floor, upper levels, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum in a small English-speaking group. Guides such as Francesca, Giovanni, Andrea, and Manuela bring the sites to life, while skip-the-line entry helps you make the most of your 2.5 to 3 hours.

“The tour was perfect. Plenty of time at all of the locations and was bolstered by Francesca’s combination of knowledge and entertainment. This was our second time to these locations, opting to spend the extra money for the underground experience. Definitely recommend it.”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Rome History Tours

★ 5.0Colosseum & Ancient Rome for Kids Private Family TourFrom $296190 reviews
★ 5.0Colosseum & Ancient Rome Semi-Private TourFrom $133208 reviews
★ 4.5Roman countryside Food & Wine Tasting in a medieval wineryFrom $115220 reviews
★ 5.0Ancient Rome at Twilight Walking TourFrom $37276 reviews
★ 5.0Colosseum & Ancient Rome Guided Walking TourFrom $65332 reviews
★ 5.0Rome: Trastevere street food and history tour – small groupFrom $6658 reviews
★ 5.0Private Rome Food Tour in the Historic Centre with 8+TastingsFrom $405135 reviews
★ 5.0Rome: Ultimate Street Food Tour in the Old Town by Do Eat BetterFrom $6073 reviews
★ 5.0Rome: Vespa Photo Tour with Historic City HighlightsFrom $33395 reviews
★ 4.9Rome: Guided Bar Crawl with Drinks & Dark HistoryFrom $77444 reviews
★ 4.5Ancient Rome Guided Walking Tour: Colosseum, Forum and PalatineFrom $71455 reviews
★ 5.0Ancient Rome Guided Tour: Colosseum, Forum and PalatineFrom $71478 reviews
★ 4.5Ancient Rome Guided Tour: Colosseum, Forum and Palatine & Pick UpFrom $98540 reviews
★ 4.0Rome: Colosseum Arena Floor, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill TourFrom $82543 reviews
★ 4.5Ancient Ostia Antica Semi-Private Day Trip from Rome by Train with GuideFrom $59579 reviews

Keep browsing

Ancient History ToursMedieval History ToursWWII & D-Day ToursHistory Walking ToursDark History & Haunted ToursOld Town & Historic Centre Walks
Scroll to Top

Explore by period

Pick an era, or a kind of day.

The ancient world

Ancient HistoryColosseum & ForumArchaeological SitesWorld HeritageAncient Italy

The Middle Ages

Medieval HistoryOld Town WalksDark HistoryJewish HeritageColonial History

The twentieth century

WWII & D-DayCold WarVietnam WarBattlefieldsD-Day in France

How you see it

Walking ToursPrivate GuidesSmall GroupsBy Bike & Tuk-TukFood & History