Alexander Meddings
Verified Writer4.912527 reviews
Verified Writer
5(910)
20 Guests Max
2 hrs
Flexible TravelRome reverberates with ghosts of its past, scattered throughout its cobbled streets and lurking among its ancient ruins. If its stones could speak they would tell stories of grandeur and glory, betrayal and tragedy, but no tale could chill the bones like that of Beatrice Cenci.
According to legend, each year on the night of September 10th Beatrice Cenci’s ghost appears on Sant’Angelo Bridge, dressed in white and carrying her bloody head in her hands. But who was Beatrice Cenci, and why has her story captivated generations?
Beatrice Cenci's story is one of injustice and betrayal. Although born into an influential Roman family in 1577, she lived a life that was anything but privileged. Her family’s magnificent palace, Palazzo Cenci, would have evoked envy from passers-by. But its owner and Beatrice’s father, Count Francesco Cenci, was cruel and abusive in equal measure.
Walking past its weathered façade on our Rome Ghost Tour, you can feel the weight of history bearing down on you. Within these palace walls, Count Francesco Cenci’s degeneracy knew no bounds.
Palazzo Cenci (on the left) in a photograph from Wikimedia Commons
Francesco played a part in many vile murders, even ordering a hitman to kill a young girl who had spurned his sexual advances. Twice he was jailed for his “heinous crimes”, but his prominence within the Roman aristocracy ensured an immediate release. At home, he abused and beat his family. It is also said that he sexually abused his daughter Beatrice, with whom he had become infatuated.
Beatrice tried to report her father to the Roman authorities, but word of her betrayal soon got back to him. Beatrice was banished to the family’s castle in Petrella Salto, a small village in the mountains northeast of Rome. Here, Beatrice, her stepmother Lucrezia, and her brothers, Giacomo and Bernardo, resolved to finally put an end to Francesco’s unspeakable abuse.
What transpired in the Cenci family’s castle in 1598 was a desperate act of self-preservation that spiralled into a chaotic series of gruesome events. Firstly, Francesco was drugged when two vassals (one of whom was said to be Beatrice’s lover) poured poison in his wine. Once Francesco was incapacitated, the family bludgeoned him to death with a hammer, throwing his body off a balcony to make it seem like an accident.
The authorities grew concerned when Francesco did not return to Rome and sent the papal police to investigate. Unconvinced by the accidental nature of his death, they subjected Beatrice's lover to torture, killing him before he betrayed the truth. Afraid that the other vassal might break under torture, a friend of the Cenci family had the other vassal killed.
With both vassals dead, all attention turned to his family. Beatrice was subjected to the Strappado, a most heinous form of torture. Her hands were bound behind her back, a rope was attached to her wrists, and a pulley mechanism slowly raised her off the ground, dislocating her shoulders and causing unspeakable pain. The twenty-two-year-old broke under such torture, as did her stepmother and her two brothers (who can honestly say they would not?). From this moment, their fate was sealed.
While the Pope and the Roman nobility bayed for her blood, the people were sympathetic towards the young girl’s plight. Many knew of her father's monstrous nature; horrible rumours of incest spread through the city. But Pope Clement VIII, fearful of a spate of high-profile assassinations, had resolved to make an example of her.
On September 11th, 1599, Beatrice Cenci was led to the scaffold on Sant'Angelo Bridge. It was already slick with the blood of her brother Giacomo, whose head had been smashed in with a mallet before his corpse was quartered, and of her stepmother Lucrezia, whose headless body was being dragged away. Beatrice placed her head over the executioner’s block and uttered the words: “Lord, you call me, and I gladly follow, for I know I deserve your mercy.” Her life was then ended by the swing of an axe.
She was just 22 years old.
On the left, a painting by Vittore Carpaccio (15th-16th century) depicting pilgrims meeting the Pope outside Castel Sant’Angelo. On the right, a print from 1895 depicting the execution of Beatrice Cenci.
The scene around her execution was pure pandemonium. The summer of 1599 was swelteringly hot, and a crush broke out among the crowds that had gathered. Many people fainted, and a lot of blood was spilled. Several people fell into the River Tiber and drowned.
Many believe that the artist Caravaggio was among the crowds at Beatrice Cenci’s execution. It is indeed no coincidence that his painting of Judith Beheading Holofernes dates from this time, and while it may not capture Beatrice Cenci’s final moment, it is undoubtedly infused with memories of others.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Beatrice Cenci's story is how deeply it is tied to real locations throughout Rome. Palazzo Cenci and Sant'Angelo Bridge are the most obvious sites, but look a little closer and you will be rewarded.
In 1999, the city of Rome placed a plaque in memory of Beatrice on Via Monserrato, the ancient site of the Corte Savella prison where the young girl was held before her execution. Situated just steps away from Piazza Farnese, home to the magnificent French Embassy, the plaque reads: “From here, where the Corte Savella prison once stood, on September 11, 1599, Beatrice Cenci marched toward the scaffold, an exemplary victim of unjust justice. S.p.q.r. 1999.”
Unlike other cities where ghost stories feel disconnected from their surroundings, Rome’s historic fabric is so well-preserved that walking through it feels like stepping back in time. There is something haunting about the way places like Palazzo Cenci and Sant’Angelo Bridge remain largely untouched by modernity. While the city around them has transformed, these locations remain frozen in time, like silent sentinels guarding the secrets of the past.
This sense of preservation adds to the eerie atmosphere of our Rome Ghost Tour since you’re not just hearing a story, you’re standing in the spots where those stories unfolded.
As the night deepens, Rome takes on a different air, where the glow of streetlamps casts eerie shadows, and the distant rush of the River Tiber seems to carry with it the whispers of the past. There is a tangible heaviness in the air around Castel Sant'Angelo, where Beatrice’s ghost is most often spotted. Some say the bridge itself seems to tremble beneath the weight of her sorrow.
Beatrice Cenci's story resonates both as a cautionary tale and as a symbol of resistance against oppression and the arrogance of aristocracy. Her life may have been cut tragically short, but her memory endures—kept alive by the ghosts of history and the stories that continue to be told.
Her story stands apart from the usual cast of spectral characters. She is often compared to figures like Anne Boleyn, another woman executed for reasons beyond her control, who is said to haunt the Tower of London. Yet, while Boleyn's ghost is portrayed as a tragic royal, Beatrice’s tale feels more personal. More visceral.
Both women were victims of political power plays, but Beatrice’s story feels grounded in the brutality of everyday life. Her haunting is not one of royal intrigue but of domestic horror, making it all the more relatable. Where Boleyn's ghost walks the halls of a royal fortress, Beatrice’s spirit lingers in the more humble surroundings of the Roman streets—an enduring reminder that injustice knows no social boundaries.
As you take our ghost tour, you won’t just hear the tale of Beatrice Cenci—you’ll feel it. From the chill in the air as you cross Sant’Angelo Bridge to the haunting quiet of Palazzo Cenci, the story of her life and death envelops you like the Roman night itself.
Impossible to escape, and even harder to forget.
Are you brave enough to seek out the ghost of Beatrice Cenci? Join our Ghost Tour and step into the shadowy world where history and legend collide, where the ghosts of Rome are very much alive.
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Explore the wonders of the Eternal City on our best of Rome walking tour. As you get your bearings around Rome’s cobbled historic centre, your expert storyteller will bring Rome’s most must-see sites to life, including the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Navona. Take photos, make memories, and most importantly, get the most out of your time in the Italian capital!
Your private guide will share the city’s secrets and narrate its story in a way that will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time – from explaining how the stunningly intricate churches and palaces were erected, to how the grand fountains were used to channel water throughout the city.
We will start at Trajan’s Column, which portrays the bloody victory of the emperor during the Dacian wars in Eastern Europe. We’ll then head to the Piazza Venezia, the crossroads between the ancient city and the modern capital and one of the most scenic squares in Italy!
After taking a moment to marvel at the imposing Altar of the Fatherland, we’ll make our way to the iconic Trevi Fountain. Toss a coin into the fountain, spend a moment soaking in its sounds and scenery (metaphorically, not literally!), and uncover the fascinating stories behind the fountain’s statues and symbols.
After discovering the incredible frescoes within the church of Sant Ignazio, we’ll make our way to the Pantheon where the spectacle of the 2000-year-old dome will blow you away. Marvel at one of the best-preserved buildings of the ancient world, hear the story behind the man who built it, and discover the shocking architectural secret behind how the dome is (or isn’t) supported!
Your private walking tour of Rome finishes at Piazza Navona. The square is situated near some of Rome’s best and most vibrant bars and restaurants and your guide will be happy to recommend where to go.
This tour is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. You can expect this memorable experience to last about two hours, which leaves you with more than enough time to explore the city beyond.
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The best way to understand Rome is to take a look beneath it. Our Rome Catacombs Tour is perfect for travellers who want to get off the beaten track, unearth underground passageways, and discover the secrets of the largest catacombs in Rome.
Prepare to discover the deeper, darker, and more mysterious parts of Roman history with a small group of like-minded adventurers. By digging downwards into the ancient labyrinth of tunnels, we’ll uncover all the secrets and dark tales of the catacombs of Domitilla.
Your friendly expert guide will meet you outside and give you a quick overview of the tour before we make our descent. With our close guidance, you’ll have the chance to explore and discover ancient passageways in the largest, most famous catacombs in Rome. These tunnels are sacred and an integral part of the Christian and Roman faiths. Learn how ancient Christian rites and rituals were held underneath the bustling city streets.
These tunnels were not only a place of ritual, but are still a sacred place of rest for more than 150,000 bodies. These catacombs and the bodies they hold stretch for almost 20 km underground, some of which is yet to be seen by the public eye.
With a maximum of ten travellers per tour group, you’ll have the opportunity to ask plenty of questions. The price of the tour includes the tickets. If you’d like to join us on our Rome Catacombs Tour of the darkest, largest catacombs in Rome, book your spot now to make sure you don’t miss out!
5(235)
Channel your inner-Maximus as you step out onto the Colosseum Arena floor and access this recently reopened area of the world famous amphitheatre. Then, explore the rest of the heart of ancient Rome, with a friendly, expert guide and a small group of like-minded travellers!
Unlike regular tours of the Colosseum, our Colosseum Arena Tour gets you straight inside the ancient amphitheatre and out onto the arena floor through the Gladiator’s Gate. This is the route the gladiators themselves took almost 2,000 years ago. Imagine the moment they left the gates, and were greeted by the cheers and jeers of 50,000 bloodthirsty spectators.
Your expert guide will transport you back in time to the height of the Roman Empire when the Colosseum was constructed. These were times when Rome was ruled by all-powerful emperors (sometimes wise, sometimes wacky), the city was flooded with exotic riches from around the world, and the Colosseum acted as the city’s main stage for showing off the animals and people that Rome had conquered and captured.
After a short 30-minute break, we’ll head off on the next part of the tour…
Next, we’ll climb the Palatine Hill, where the ancient city was founded. The Palatine Hill is a real archaeological wonder, home to settlements from the Iron Age to the 16th century. Gaze upon such sites as the Hut of Romulus, Rome’s legendary founder, and the Imperial Palace, where the emperors in their family engaged in ruling, politicking, and scheming. Get your camera at the ready – you really can’t beat these views!
The final destination on our Colosseum Arena Tour is the Roman Forum. As the beating heart of ancient Rome, the Roman Forum was once a bustling hub of markets, law courts, temples, and more. It was here that Julius Caesar was cremated, where victorious triumphs paraded with the spoils of Roman conquests, here where two disgraced emperors were murdered in 69 AD, and here where Cicero delivered the speeches that shaped western culture for centuries.
When our tour is over, feel free to stay and explore the Roman Forum at your own pace.
Book the complete ancient Roman experience today with our Colosseum Arena Tour!
5(1839)
Join our expert guide in an adventure through ancient Rome. No Rome trip would be complete without exploring the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum — the three most immersive sites of the world’s mightiest ancient empire. So what can you expect from our Colosseum guided tour?
Our most complete three-hour tour of ancient Rome starts at the Colosseum, which you’ll step straight inside with your timed entry tickets. Your expert guide will help you uncover the mysteries and histories of the Colosseum and follow in the footsteps of the ancients. Any question you can think of, they’ve got the answer – so ask away!
What are the holes that pockmark the ancient amphitheatre? Why is one side shorter than the other? And how much do we really know about the gladiators—and even emperors—who battled on the arena sands? (We promise the answers will surprise you!)
After exploring the Colosseum, we’ll climb the Palatine Hill to discover the birthplace of the ancient city. Here, your storyteller guide will recount the mythical foundation of Rome, the legend of Romulus and Remus, and the stories of the emperors who resided on the Palatine, like Augustus, Tiberius, and Caligula. Next, we’ll explore the ruins of some of the most luxurious palaces in Roman history, the emperor’s residences on the Palatine Hill, from which we get our word ‘palace.’
Last but not least, we’ll head into the Roman Forum, the heart of the ancient city. Discover what life was really like for everyday Romans as we explore the social, religious, and political hub of the Roman Empire. Marvel at the remains of towering temples, triumphal arches, sprawling basilicas, and the ancient senate house as you walk on the very same stones that the likes of Caesar and Cicero once did.
This is one of our most popular tours, so be sure to book your slot ASAP!
4.96(2727)Rome may well be the world’s most beautiful city, but after dark a more sinister side emerges. The ghosts of popes, emperors, and artists lurk on every corner, their lives claimed by tragedy and conspiracy across more than 2,000 years of history. Our Rome Ghost Tour is not for the faint hearted — you’ll hear the ghastly tales of beheadings and murder that are sure to keep you up late at night.
Your Rome Ghost Tour starts at Campo de’ Fiori, a central square, where you’ll be treated to the tale of Giordano Bruno, one of Rome’s greatest minds who got on the wrong side of the church. After learning about his grisly end, you’ll begin to explore the city. Venture through medieval backstreets; visit an ancient church adorned with skulls; and step inside the home to a mysterious order of monks. Discover the childhood home of one of Rome’s most infamous executioners; see the site of one of Rome’s most infamous prisons; and pass by a poisonous perfumery where cosmetics killed.
Your tour ends at the imposing Castel Sant’Angelo, where your guide will reveal the horror of Rome’s most disturbing executions. If you’re (un)lucky, you might even encounter a ghost or two.
No matter what, you’ll never see Rome the same way again.
5(910)
Why is Rome home to the country’s most tight-knit and deep-rooted Jewish community? What’s so special about Trastevere, and why does everyone recommend visiting? Seize the day with Carpe Diem, and we’ll answer all your questions on this exclusive tour of the Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere.
Rome’s Jewish community has been rooted here for thousands of years, even pre-dating the time of Julius Caesar. Through its ancient, medieval, and modern wonders – from the Theatre of Marcellus to the Great Synagogue – Rome’s Jewish Ghetto tells a fascinating story of segregation, persecution and resilience. To truly understand the city of Rome, you need to know how its various communities intersected with each other and how the City of the Caesars became the Rome of the Popes and then the Italian capital.
This tour fully immerses you in the history of the Jewish Ghetto. Discover the 1st-century remains of the Theatre of Marcellus and Portico of Octavia, the sister of the emperor Augustus. Experience the tight-knit community of Rome’s Jewish population, all centred around Ghetto’s Great Synagogue, Tempio Maggiore. And trace the outlines of the Ghetto’s medieval walls, which kept thousands of Jews in inhuman conditions until the Ghetto’s abolition in the 19th century.
After uncovering the secrets of Rome’s Jewish Ghetto, your expert, fluent guide will lead you across the River Tiber and into the artisan district of Trastevere. Your journey across the river takes you across the city’s oldest bridge, the Ponte Fabricio, which has connected the eastern bank of the city to Tiber Island since 62 BC.
As we explore Trastevere, your guide will lead you through the picture-perfect cobbled streets of this traditional medieval neighbourhood. Snap your photos and take your time to admire the unique architecture of this authentic neighbourhood (and hub of Roman nightlife).
Our final stop in Trastevere is Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of the oldest churches still standing in Rome. Incorporating columns retrieved from the nearby imperial Baths of Caracalla, this church is a masterpiece in Roman ingenuity and recycling. Here, you will have more than enough time to ask your expert guide everything you’d like to know about this ancient work of architectural and historical beauty.
5(75)
Channel your inner-Maximus as you emerge onto the Colosseum arena floor, enjoying exclusive access to this newly reopened section of the world most famous amphitheatre. Don’t settle for half-measures on your Roman holiday. Seize the moment—carpe diem—and treat yourself to an immersive tour of ancient Rome with a private expert guide!
Unlike most other tours, this private tour gets you straight inside the Colosseum and out onto the arena floor through the Gladiator’s Gate. This is the route Rome’s gladiators took almost 2,000 years ago. Imagine the scene of them being greeted by the cheers and jeers of 50,000 spectators.
Your expert private guide will transport you back in time to the height of the Roman Empire when Nero’s Golden Palace fell and the Colosseum was constructed in its place. These were times when Rome was ruled by all-powerful emperors (sometimes wise, sometimes wacky), the city was flooded with exotic riches from around the world, and the Colosseum acted as the city’s main stage for showing off the animals and people that Rome had conquered and captured.
Next, we’ll climb the Palatine Hill, where Romulus founded the city. The Palatine Hill is a real archaeological wonder, home to settlements from the Iron Age to the 16th century. Gaze upon such sites as the Hut of Romulus, the houses of Augustus and Livia, and the Imperial Palace, where the emperors in their family engaged in ruling, politicking, and scheming.
The final destination on your private Colosseum arena tour is the Roman Forum. As the beating heart of ancient Rome, the Roman Forum was once a bustling hub of markets, law courts, temples, and more. It was here that Julius Caesar was cremated, here where two disgraced emperors were murdered in 69 AD, and here where Cicero delivered the speeches that shaped western culture for centuries.
At the end of your private tour, feel free to stay and explore the Forum at your own pace.
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Join us on a journey through Roman history on our immersive Rome by Night Walking Tour. Your expert guide will share the city’s secrets, history, and fascinating tales—from antiquity through to the modern day, and at a pace to suit you.
Our tour starts in Rome’s most picturesque square, Piazza Navona, where the ancient Romans used to watch athletic contests (agones). Today’s piazza sits above the ancient stadium and boasts Gian Lorenzo Bernini‘s stunning Fountain of the Four Rivers as its centrepiece.
A five-minute walk from Piazza Navona takes us to the world-famous Pantheon. Constructed more than two-thousand years ago by the eccentric emperor Hadrian, the Pantheon was consecrated as a monument to all the pagan gods (pan theos, in Greek meaning all the gods). This second-century temple is one of the best-preserved monuments in the Roman Empire and its unreinforced concrete dome still perplexes architects.
Our next stop is the iconic Trevi Fountain. Immortalised by Anita Ekberg wading through its water in Federico Fellini’s iconic film La Dolce Vita, the Trevi Fountain one of the most romantic spots in the Eternal City. Snap your photos of the monument in the moonlight, listen to your guide decipher its symbols, and toss a coin over your shoulder to guarantee your return to Rome.
We emerge from Rome’s winding backstreets onto Piazza Venezia. Stretching from the foot of the Capitoline Hill, against the backdrop of the Altar of the Fatherland, Piazza Venezia is Rome’s most recognisable square, and a repository of history involving figures from Napoleon to Mussolini.
Your guide will lead you down the Via dei Fori Imperiali, the boulevard that cuts through ancient Rome, past Trajan’s Column and alongside the forums of Trajan, Augustus and Nerva. Your guide will feed your curiosity and nourish you with knowledge about ancient Rome and its empire as you make your way towards the most famous monument of all: the Colosseum.
The Colosseum is one of the most awe-inspiring attractions that has survived from antiquity. As a colossal feat of architecture and engineering, its form has been replicated throughout the ages, manifested in stadiums and sports venues around the world. But while its form is familiar to us, the spectacles it accommodated are entirely alien, and remind us of the violent nature of Roman culture.
Group sizes are 15 people maximum.
Book your spot now to avoid missing out!
5(567)
Although our Rome Golf Cart tour follows a tried-and-tested itinerary, upon special request it can be 100% customisable—so you can hone in on the attractions that interest you most.
Forget the fatigue of traipsing around the Eternal City. This tour saves you time and energy as you see all the capital’s must-see sites in half the time. Jump aboard your horseless chariot and let us chauffeur you around Rome in comfort and convenience. Enjoy exclusive access to traffic-limited areas, and enjoy hopping on and off your golf cart straight at the foot of your attraction of choice.
Visit the stunning Trevi Fountain, immortalized in Fellini’s classic film La Dolce Vita, and throw a coin over your shoulder to ensure your return to Rome! Admire the tumbling terraces and balustrades of the famous Spanish Steps, and discover what exactly it is that makes the monument Spanish!
Gaze up in awe at the Pantheon, Rome’s best-preserved ancient temple, and learn the fascinating history of how it was founded and how it has fared. Drive to the foot of Piazza Navona, Italy’s most stunning square, which was built above an ancient structure your guide will bring to life.
Your Rome Golf Cart tour takes you up the Aventine Hill, where Romulus’ brother Remus tried—but failed—to found his city. Pass by the Orange Garden, stopping off to enjoy its views, and check out the famous Keyhole View over Saint Peter’s Basilica and the Territory of the Order of the Knights of Malta.
Stop off at the famous Mouth of Truth situated right by the River Tiber in the area where Rome was founded. This stunning stretch of road around the most ancient part of the Eternal City also takes us past the Theatre of Marcellus (a building started by Julius Caesar and finished by the emperor Augustus) and the impressive Capitoline Hill.
You can choose where your tour finishes: in Rome’s centre, at your hotel, or wherever you want to explore next! If you’d like to visit the Colosseum, Castel Sant’Angelo or the Vatican on your Golf Cart Tour of Rome, we can also arrange for this, depending the time and location of your departure or finish point.
For all special requests, please contact us directly.
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People made a pilgrimage from all over the world to visit the spiritual home of Catholicism. Unfortunately, this means that getting into the Vatican is by no means easy. With our priority entrance, you’ll be able to skip the hours of waiting in line and walk right into one of the most historically rich places in the world.
Your private tour starts with the Vatican Museums. Don’t be overwhelmed by the never-ending rooms or twisting corridors – we’ll guide you through some of the thousands of rooms without missing their deepest secrets. Our route includes the Hall of Maps, the Gallery of Tapestries, the Gallery of Candelabra, The Raphael Rooms and much more. Your friendly expert guide will be happy to answer any questions you might have.
After our trip through the museums, you’ll make your way into the Sistine Chapel, one of the most fabled historical sites in the world. The Sistine Chapel houses the timeless masterpiece crafted by none other than Michelangelo himself. Marvel at the Last Judgement in all its glory.
The pace of this private tour is comfortable and can be adapted to suit you. It also includes all ticket prices for the areas that we’ll be visiting during our trip. Book your spot now to make sure you don’t miss out on the chance to visit one of the most sacred spaces on Earth!
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Home to Rome’s most impressive collection of Renaissance and Baroque paintings and sculpture, the Borghese Gallery is a must-visit for all art lovers. The 17th-century villa is an artwork in itself, furnished with frescoes by the Florentine-trained artist Ludovico Cigoli and situated in the midst of a vast landscaped garden. But the artworks it contains are unrivalled in Rome, featuring sculptures and paintings by the likes of Bernini, Caravaggio, Raphael, and Canova.
Tickets to the Borghese Gallery are had to find – and for good reason. Everyone wants to step inside, but few get the chance. Book your tour of the Borghese Gallery today and you can be among the lucky few. Simply turn up on time, and we’ll take care of the rest.
After meeting the rest of the tour group in the lush surroundings of Villa Borghese park, you and your expert art-historian guide will make your way into the gallery. This 17th-century villa is home to countless works of priceless art and is named after a passionate and wealthy cardinal, Scipione Borghese.
As an art enthusiast and nephew to the Pope himself, Borghese was known for going above and beyond to make sure he could own and display the masterpieces that caught his eye. You’ll have the chance to learn everything there is to know about the Cardinal, from how he hosted extravagant parties to the infamous threats he made to artists worldwide in an attempt to take their art for his own.
Unlike some of the other museums in Rome, the Borghese Gallery only allows a certain number of visitors at a time. Not only does that make for a more exclusive experience, but it also gives you the peace and quiet you need to really absorb the sheer beauty of its art.
Bernini’s sculpture of Apollo and Daphne and Raphael’s sensual depiction of La Fornarina are just a few of the masterpieces you’ll have the honour of seeing during this leisurely, private tour.
Book your spot now to avoid disappointment, skip the lines, and immerse in Roman history with Carpe Diem.
5(270)
Descend into the depths of the Colosseum Underground and follow in the footsteps of gladiators and emperors. The area beneath the Colosseum is closed to the general public. But our Colosseum underground tour can get you exclusive access.
Step straight inside the amphitheatre, onto its arena floor, and down into the dark underbelly of the Colosseum. What’s more, as well as touring the Colosseum, we’ll be visiting the Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum to discover where Rome’s history began.
Your storyteller guide will walk you and a small group of like-minded travellers through the rich history of the world’s most iconic amphitheatre. Discover which animals the Romans caged beneath the Colosseum and how they winched them up onto the arena sands. Recreate the architectural ingenuity of the Colosseum’s hypogeum (underground chamber) and retractable arena floor.
Emerging from the Colosseum Underground, we’ll climb the amphitheatre’s original steps, following in the footsteps of its ancient spectators as we make our way up to the Colosseum’s upper-tiers. Here you’ll hear all about the social status of its spectators, discover the gory details of ancient entertainment, and geek out on the gladiatorial fights and performances that thrilled the Colosseum’s crowds.
Once outside the Colosseum, we’ll cross the ancient cobbles, passing the triumphal Arch of Constantine and climbing the Palatine Hill. Home to the sprawling ruins of Rome’s imperial palaces, the Palatine is the most picturesque of Rome’s Seven Hills.
It was here where Romulus founded the city in the 8th century BC and here where Rome’s rich and famous settled throughout the Republic and Empire. Take in the Palatine’s sweeping views of the Circus Maximus, Roman Forum, and Colosseum as we explore the ruins of the emperors’ luxurious palaces.
At the end of the tour, we’ll make our way down the Palatine Hill into the Roman Forum. Starting off as swampland between the Palatine and Capitoline hills, this area was drained by Rome’s Etruscan kings, becoming the bustling hub of the ancient city.
Its temples, basilicas, military monuments, and residences were Rome’s main areas of activity (as most ancient Romans spent as little time at home as possible!) Your expert guide will be at hand the whole time to answer all your questions to make sure you get the most out of this exclusive tour of ancient Rome.
Our pace is comfortable and leisurely, which means that our Colosseum Underground Tour is appropriate for guests of all ages and fitness levels. The tour lasts about 3 hours, giving you more than enough time to explore.
Spaces fill up fast, so be sure to book as soon as you can!
5(635)
Take your Roman adventure to the next level with our semi-private tour of the Ancient City! With a small group of just 6 people, you’ll enjoy more personal attention from your guide as you explore the legendary Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum. This means more chances to ask questions, deeper dives into history, and the opportunity to truly engage with both your guide and your fellow explorers.
What are the holes that pockmark the ancient amphitheatre? Why is one side shorter than the other? And how much do we really know about the gladiators—and even emperors—who battled on the arena sands? (We promise the answers will surprise you!)
After exploring the Colosseum, we’ll climb the Palatine Hill to discover the birthplace of the ancient city. Here, your storyteller guide will recount the mythical foundation of Rome, the legend of Romulus and Remus, and the stories of the emperors who resided on the Palatine, like Augustus, Tiberius, and Caligula. Next, we’ll explore the ruins of some of the most luxurious palaces in Roman history, the emperor’s residences on the Palatine Hill, from which we get our word ‘palace.’
Last but not least, we’ll head into the Roman Forum, the heart of the ancient city. Discover what life was really like for everyday Romans as we explore the social, religious, and political hub of the Roman Empire. Marvel at the remains of towering temples, triumphal arches, sprawling basilicas, and the ancient senate house as you walk on the very same stones that the likes of Caesar and Cicero once did.
Prepare for a unique, unforgettable journey through Rome’s most famous landmarks with a small, friendly group that lets you explore at your own pace.
5(452)