Revel in exquisite antiquity as your guide dazzles you with tales from the Roman Empire on this afternoon tour of the Colosseum. This carefully crafted itinerary also covers the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill – without waiting in any lines - to give you a complete perspective on one of the most important civilizations in history. If you truly want to immerse yourself into the Eternal City’s 2500+ years of intriguing history, there is no better place to start than the Colosseum. The most spectacular edifice of Ancient Rome still in existence, this immortal amphitheater has a past filled with equal parts gore and glory – just like the Roman Empire itself. Over time, the boundary of history and legend may have been blurred out, but your guide will help you debunk the myths and shock you with stories even more jaw-dropping the ones you’ve seen played out on the silver screen. From wicked emperors to gruesome gladiator fights, we’ll delve right into the excitement from the get go!

Every inch of this massive triumphal arch is covered by carvings and sculptures, making it a veritable billboard, made to advertise the achievements of Constantine in the Battle of the Milvian Bridge. Curiously, much of its decoration was cobbled together from monuments built by earlier emperors, more specifically those of Trajan, Hadrian and Marcus Aurelius. These were all men that Constantine considered to have been the great rulers of the 2nd century AD and with whom he most wanted to be associated. This triumphal landmark also acts as an everlasting testimony of the victory of Constantine and the end of persecutions against Christians.

This was once the central hub of the sprawling empire, where the early Romans would mix and mingle throughout its glory days. As you gaze upon towering triumphal arches and the imposing remnants of senate houses and hallowed temples, you’ll be mesmerized by the stories that have transpired on this very ground. Get the inside scoop on Marc Antony and Cleopatra’s epic love story and hear the thrilling tale of the conspiracy that cost Julius Caesar his life – but also learn how the great Roman Empire slowly began to crumble towards its dramatic demise in 500 AD.

According to Roman mythology, the Palatine Hill was the birthplace of Romulus and Remus, the twin-brothers who were suckled by a she-wolf and later became the founders of Rome. Literary sources imply that the city Romulus founded was confined primarily to this hill, where Romulus dwelt in a hut in the south-west corner, which was continually restored in his honor. This was also where very famous and rich Romans lived and where ultimately also where the Emporers chose to move their gigantic residences. Embrace the mesmerizing panoramic views and architectural remnants of this once mystical site now overtaken with lush vegetation, and take a journey through the vestiges of history to imagine the splendor and vivacity of this ancient settlement