Rome’s Hidden Depths: Colosseum, Ancient City Tour & Underground Tunnels

Tour Overview

Discover Ancient Rome at Your Own Pace: Explore the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and the underground excavations of San Clemente with skip-the-line tickets and multilingual audio guides. A self-guided journey through history—above and below grou

Uncover the secrets of Rome—above and below the surface—at your own pace.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Eternal City’s most legendary landmarks, where epic tales, imperial power, and sacred silence meet. This curated self-guided experience blends the drama of ancient arenas with the mystery of Rome’s underground world, offering you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Walk through history at the Colosseum, where the roar of 80,000 spectators once echoed through the massive amphitheater. Stand where gladiators once fought for glory, and feel the weight of centuries beneath your feet.

Explore the Roman Forum, once the bustling heart of Roman politics, religion, and daily life. Among the majestic ruins, imagine senators debating laws, merchants trading goods, and emperors addressing their citizens.

Climb the Palatine Hill, the mythical birthplace of Rome, and take in breathtaking views of the Forum and Circus Maximus. Wander through the crumbling remains of ancient palaces that once housed Rome’s most powerful figures.

Then, descend into the underground world of San Clemente, a hidden treasure buried beneath the city streets. Wander through a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers, from a medieval basilica down to 1st-century Roman homes and even older pagan temples. Discover how layers of faith and civilization were built, one atop the other—offering a rare and intimate view of Rome’s evolution.

The order in which the sites included in your experience (Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, etc.) are visited may differ from what is shown in the itinerary or brochure, depending on ticket availability and operational conditions.

What's Included

• Fast-track Colosseum entrance tickets
• Roman Forum & Palatine Hill access (valid for 24 hours)
• Entry to the Underground Excavations of San Clemente
• Multilingual Audio Guide App for Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine in:
English, Italian, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Chinese
• Multilingual Audio Guide App for San Clemente in:
English, Italian, Spanish, French, German

What's Not Included

Guided tours (this is a self-guided experience)Transportation between sitesSmartphone and HeadphonesFood and beveragesGratuitiesEntry to areas of the Colosseum not included in the standard ticket Live assistance during your visit (unless otherwise specified)

Your Itinerary

1

Starting/Meeting point

Before starting your tour, please come to our travel agency to collect your tickets and download the audio guide.

2

Basilica di San Clemente and Escavations

Basilica di San Clemente and the Underground Excavations Discover one of Rome’s most fascinating hidden gems—the Basilica di San Clemente, a unique site where layers of history come to life. Located just steps away from the Colosseum, this remarkable church is not just a single structure, but a journey through centuries. What you see at street level is a beautiful 12th-century basilica, filled with stunning mosaics, frescoes, and sacred art. But the real magic lies beneath. Descend underground to explore two deeper levels: A 4th-century basilica, rich with early Christian frescoes. A 1st-century Roman building, once a private home and later a pagan temple dedicated to Mithras, featuring a perfectly preserved altar and ancient Roman alleyways.The site offers a vivid and rare glimpse into Rome’s complex layering of faith, architecture, and culture—all in one place. This is not just a visit, but a walk back through time, from medieval Christianity to ancient Roman religion—an immersive experience for history lovers, archaeology enthusiasts, and curious travelers alike.

3

Colosseum Heart of Ancient Rome

The Colosseum: Icon of Ancient Rome Step into the grandeur of ancient Rome at the Colosseum, the world’s most famous amphitheater. Built in the 1st century AD, this monumental structure once held up to 80,000 spectators, who gathered to witness epic gladiator battles, wild animal hunts, and dramatic public spectacles. A masterpiece of Roman engineering, the Colosseum stands as a powerful symbol of the Empire’s architectural brilliance and cultural might. As you walk through its vast corridors and towering arches, you’ll uncover stories of heroism, power, and entertainment that shaped history.

4

Roman Forum

The Roman Forum: Walk Through the Heart of Ancient Rome Step back in time as you explore the Roman Forum, the beating heart of public life in ancient Rome. Once the center of politics, commerce, and religion, this sprawling plaza was where emperors gave speeches, senators debated laws, and citizens gathered for daily affairs. Surrounded by majestic ruins, the Forum features iconic landmarks such as the Senate House (Curia Julia), the Temple of Saturn, and the Arch of Titus—all standing as powerful reminders of Rome’s imperial legacy. Walking through its ancient streets, you'll discover the remains of temples, basilicas, and public spaces, offering an unforgettable glimpse into the power, architecture, and daily life of the Roman Empire.

5

Palatine Hill: The Birthplace of Rome

Palatine Hill: The Birthplace of Rome Discover Palatine Hill, one of the most ancient and legendary areas of the Eternal City. According to Roman mythology, this is where Romulus founded Rome in 753 BC, making it the very cradle of Roman civilization. Set high above the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill offers stunning views and a peaceful escape from the busy city below. In ancient times, it became the home of emperors and aristocrats, who built lavish palaces overlooking the heart of Rome. As you explore its ruins, you'll walk among the remnants of imperial residences like the Domus Augustana and Domus Flavia, surrounded by gardens, courtyards, and centuries of history. A visit to Palatine Hill is a step into the origins of Rome—rich in myth, power, and breathtaking beauty.

Meeting Point

96 Via Labicana, 00184 RM Roma

Get directions →

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation up to 72 hours before the experience starts.

Additional Info

Experience type Cultural & Historical
Logistics & comfort Skip-the-line / Reserved Access
Book in advance 1 day before
Difficulty Easy
Starts 09:00, 09:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30, 12:00, 12:30, 13:00, 13:30, 14:00, 14:30, 15:00, 15:30, 16:00
Language English, German, Italian, French, Spanish
Group size Up to 15 people
Operated by Tour in The City