• Private Tour
• Instantly Confirmed
• Carbon Neutral

Can you imagine walking the same paths as the rulers of ancient Rome, amidst the grandeur of the Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum? Discover the cradle of civilization as we peel back the layers of history, revealing the epicenter of power, politics, and culture in the ancient world.

Destination

Rome, Italy

Category

Skip The Line Tours

Duration

2.5 hours

Transport mode

Walking tour

Available languages

English, Italiano, Español, Deutsch

Included

• Private Licensed Guide
• All Withlocals tours are Carbon Neutral

Excluded

• Tickets

What you can expect

Choose your local

Get to know these 9 passionate locals, each bringing unique perspectives and talents. Choose your favorite, check their availability, and book to create an unforgettable adventure tailored to you.

This is the plan

Check out the plan below to see what you'll get up to with your local host. Feel free to personalize this offer with the host of your choice.

1. Meeting point

   Meet at On the left side of the ticket office, close to the lamp post - Rome to start your journey

   View on Maps

2. Itinerary

   This is what our experience could look like, but it’s not set in stone! Once you book, you can chat directly with your host to make small tweaks to suit your preferences.

3. Journey's Start

   Our exploration begins at the entrance to the Palatine Hill, ready to uncover the stories of Rome's legendary origins and its rulers' lives.

4. Imperial Residences

   Discover the personal and public spaces of Rome's emperors, marveling at the art and architecture that defined an era.

5. Heart of the Empire

   Enter the Forum, walking through the center of Roman public life, where politics, religion, and society intersected.

6. Curia Julia and the Temple of Saturn

   Centers of Power and Faith: Visit the core institutions of Roman governance and religion, understanding their role in shaping the empire's destiny.

7. Via Sacra and the Arch of Titus

   Concluding with Triumph: Conclude our tour along the Via Sacra, beneath the Arch of Titus, reflecting on the legacy of Rome and its lasting impact on the world.

8. Discover the House of Augustus

   Emperor's Private World: Explore the intimate quarters of Augustus, adorned with remarkable frescoes, offering insights into the personal life of Rome's first emperor.

9. Make it yours

   Want to tweak the itinerary? Book directly & chat afterwards with your host to adjust highlights, skip stops, or make small changes to fit your preferences.

   Book risk-free: Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund.

   Need something special? Personalize your experience for more time, alternative locations or a completely tailored plan.

Flexible cancellation policy

• Feel confident booking

  Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund. Even up to 7 days before your experience, you’ll receive a refund, minus the service fee.

• Change of plans?

  Reschedule your experience to a date and time that works best for you.

• Loved by travelers worldwide

  Simple and flexible – your plans, your way.

Reviews from guests

Bernadette🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Pietro Paolo)

27 May 2025

Pietro Paolo hat für uns das Leben auf dem Forum und dem Palatin wieder auferstehen lassen. Er ist begeistert von der Geschichte und kann begeistern. Die Bilder auf seinem Tablet haben unserer Phantasie prima nachgeholfen. War toll!Großartige und spannende Zeitreise

Kristofer🇸🇪 Sweden

(About local Max)

13 May 2025

We had a very good tour of the Forum Romanaum with Max who was the perfect guide - knowledgeable, courteous and patient. My father - 85 years old - took his time and Max adapted his spiel with plenty of rest (in shadowy spots) and with guidance at the right level. When we were done my father said ”Max, you are the best guide I ever met and I’m an old man who have travelled quite a bit” (all true).”Best guide I ever had”

charley🇺🇸 United States

(About local Federico)

7 May 2025

A talented and knowledgeable guide that enjoys what he does and it really shows Federico is excellent!

Anshuman🇺🇸 United States

(About local Pietro Paolo)

29 March 2025

My family (wife, 5 year old daughter, cousin, mom, and dad) all thoroughly enjoyed our guided tour with Pietro. Pietro made the site come to life and helped us understand the amazing history on display. He was highly accommodating of my family's needs, in terms of timing, location, and content. I would strongly recommend him to anyone looking to make the most of their time in Rome.Great tour of Roman Forum & Palatine Hill!

Karen

(About local Pietro Paolo)

22 February 2025

Pietro was very knowledgeable about the Forum and Roman history and was full of fascinating stories that made the Forum visit both entertaining and interesting. Informative and fun

Bob

(About local Cecilia)

12 February 2025

Cecilia was very knowledgeable and very pleasant. She really tried to help us conceptualize what we were looking at.VERY THOROUGH TOUR

David🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Sara)

26 January 2025

Sara was a wonderful tour guide who brought all the history to life in a very engaging way. She is an expert historian who is super friendly and an amazing source of knowledge and stories. We came away so much more informed about the history and life of ancient Rome and cannot recommend this tour more highly. Top Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Forum Tour!

Lucija

(About local Eleonora)

13 December 2024

We loved it!

Jakob

(About local Pietro Paolo)

8 December 2024

Super knowledgeable and fun guy. Definitely worth it.Great tour

Tina🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Pietro Paolo)

17 October 2024

Pietro's in-depth and informed narrative, great humour and passion for Rome brought the Forum and Palatine Hill to life! Not only hugely knowledgeable but with a great sense of humour and tremendous wit, he kept us spellbound for 2 1/2 hours while he took us on a journey through the history of this famous and much loved Roman Antiquity. He is to be thoroughly recommended. Thanks Pietro!Pietro - Rome Guide par excellence!

Gregory🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Pietro Paolo)

13 September 2024

Paolo was an amazing tour guide. The way he wove in historical and mythological stories along with information about construction and architecture was so well done. We could have stayed at the forum all day with him to learn more! We can’t recommend him enough. Best Possible Forum Tour

Karen🇺🇸 United States

(About local Max)

3 June 2025

We enjoyed an informative and lively tour of Rome with many sites and stories we would have otherwise missed , had Max not been our guide. Moreover, his humor and laid back approach made questions and dialogue easy and fun!Max is the best!

Jacqueline

(About local Carlo)

2 June 2025

WOW we absolutely loved Carlo. So engaging and knowledgeable. He was very patient with our group as we had a member with difficulty walking and even spent extra time with us to make up for the slow pace. He was the best tour we did in Italy of the Vatican and we would absolutely book him again when we go back. Carlo is the best!!

Kirsten

(About local Pietro Paolo)

2 June 2025

Paolo organised a phenomenal tour of the Forum and the Colosseum for one adult, a history-buff 12 year old, and a superhero-fan 9 year old. He managed to keep us all entranced for 3 hours, in high heat and big crowds. Paolo had put a great deal of thought into how to run the tour, and adapted along the way as the kids asked him for story after story of Rome. He was personable and patient, and very understanding about the kids need for toilet stops and shade. I would recommend Paolo's tours without reservation. He could answer every question we had about Roman history and made the experience really fun as well as educational. Incredible tour - couldn't be happier

Vidhya🇸🇬 Singapore

(About local Max)

2 June 2025

My family and I did our first walking tour of Rome with Max. Max wss super communicative from the start, chill and very easy to talk to . He’s funny, kind and very accommodating . We had 2 kids who weren’t always the best behaved through the 3 hour tour ( some tantrums and fights along the way) but he was super patient and went with the flow. He took us to this amazing gelato place too :) Max had lots of stories to tell which made all the history so fascinating - his depth of knowledge and all those details that he knows are clearly impressive . We had an amazing tour - and would highly recommend him to anyone ! Great walking tour !

Carolyn🇺🇸 United States

(About local Pietro Paolo)

1 June 2025

This was our second tour using WithLocals and we had another wonderful experience. Our guide was Pietro Paolo and his tour was fantastic. Pietro has extensive knowledge of the history of the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Italy and kept us engaged throughout the entire tour . I highly recommend Pietro - you won’t be disappointed. Colosseum and Roman Forum Tour

Miranda🇳🇿 New Zealand

(About local Bado)

30 May 2025

Bado met us on time and was prepared for an informative tour. He knew how to get us into the colosseum quickly and he knew when to share information with us. He didn't overwhelm us with facts and he answered our questions clearly. Bado has lots of knowledge and a skill for sharing it. We had a great time.Humour and information combined

Mari

(About local Cecilia)

30 May 2025

Cecilia was communicative, worked with us on our schedule, and very informative. She made an overwhelming site visit to the Colosseum and Forum grounds more approachable and really brought the history alive for us. We really enjoyed her company, and the time she took with us. Highly recommend her!! Wonderful!

Rachael🇺🇸 United States

(About local Bado)

29 May 2025

I booked Bado sort of last minute (2 days beforehand) and I’m so glad I did! He is such an interesting man, speaks 5 languages, is extremely knowledgeable and informative. We had a wonderful tour of the Coliseum that was just the 3 of us which felt so much more personalized and so reasonably priced in comparison. I highly recommend him as a guide. Good luck on your Masters Thesis Bado! Bado is the best

Gordon

(About local Federico)

28 May 2025

Federico was an amazing tour guide. He has great knowledge of Roman history and shared it with passion. We learned lots on our tour and Federico made it a really interesting and enjoyable time. He also gave us lots of great tips for the rest of our time in Rome. We would thoroughly recommend Federico to anyone looking for a tour guide in RomeRoman Forum and Colloseum tour

FORTYLOVE🇸🇰 Slovakia

(About local Cecilia)

28 May 2025

We absolutely enjoyed our private tour with Cecilia. She is very knowledge and pleasant to listen. Thank you.Great Tour!

Amanda

(About local Carlo)

27 May 2025

We had a fabulous tour with Carlo at the Colosseum recently. He was incredibly knowledgeable, engaging and very attentive. Thank you Carlo so much. Carlo tour at the Colossuem

Debra🇺🇸 United States

(About local Eleonora)

26 May 2025

Eleonora is hands down the best tour guide you will ever have! She is a local that is knowledgeable, enthusiastic and has such a wonderful pleasant manner. I wish all my tours were booked with her! You won’t be disappointed she is the absolute best and worth every penny! Thank you Eleonora for a wonderful tour to the Vatican museum, Debra & family ❤️Excellent tour with a local expert!

Charlene

(About local Cecilia)

26 May 2025

We got off an airplane from Chicago and went straight to the Colosseum to meet Cecilia. We had no idea what to expect and she made it a fun, informative, delightful tour through history! She was knowledgeable and made a long journey very delightful! We would recommend her services Highly. We were a group of seven and she related to each and every one of us. Thanks Cecilia!Wonderful experience!

Unknown

(About local Max)

26 May 2025

Our Hidden Gems tour in Rome was truly one of the best tour experiences my husband and I have ever experienced- and we are frequent travelers. The depth of his knowledge is vast and he delivers information in a passionate and fascinating manner. He also has a good sense of humor and is very engaging. We HIGHLY recommend booking a tour with Max- you will be thankful that you did!Max is AWESOME

Clive🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Max)

25 May 2025

Max was a very knowledgeable and pleasant guide and his explanations of the “hidden gems” was detailed and delivered in a very easy to understand way. We spent a very enjoyable 3 hours in his company.A good experience

Meredith🇺🇸 United States

(About local Max)

24 May 2025

Max was very knowledgeable about all things Rome. He shared interesting unknown facts about each place he showed us. We were a slow moving group and he adjusted his timeline and details to accommodate our group. I would select Max as my guide every time! Knowledgeable and Friendly

Mike🇺🇸 United States

(About local Sara)

23 May 2025

If you are considering booking Sara for a tour in Rome, stop and book immediately. Sara is unbelievably knowledgeable. She knows everything about the Vatican museums and the history behind the Vatican state. We had two young kids and a stroller in our group, and Sara helped us find ways to navigate the many steps in the buildings. We had an incredible tour of an incredible place with Sara.Sara is the best!

Unknown

(About local Federico)

22 May 2025

Federico is an awesome guide. Despite the very heavy rainfall (the heavens opened up during the tour, delivering ‘buckets’ full of water) Federico kept us all engaged with his knowledge of Roman history, by relating it to our contemporary understanding of things like politics, sports and society in general. Each member of our group (from Australia) would happily recommend Federico as a guide. Thank you!Informative and Engaging

Tori🇺🇸 United States

(About local Alessandra)

21 May 2025

Such a good tour. Our favorite of our trip. Wish we had longer with her. So informative and fun. Would highly recommend using Alessandra for any tour. Alessandra is the best!

Kelly🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Pietro Paolo)

20 May 2025

We (my partner and I) had the most incredible private and personalised version of this tour with Paolo. Not only did he spend longer than originally planned to ensure we saw everything and answered our many questions, but Paolo was a true font of all knowledge. He brought the history of Rome to life, and we could not recommend him more. A tour-de-force of Ancient Roman history

Patti🇺🇸 United States

(About local Carlo)

20 May 2025

When my husband and I decided to come to Italy, we did our own thing due to my physical limitations. We decided to see both the Vatican and Colosseum. We liked the looks of Carlo; he smiled with his eyes as well as his whole face. We booked him for both experiences. He allowed this religion teacher to go down rabbit holes in the Vatican. Walked at our pace in both places. He was very knowledgeable about both places and very passionate about history. If we ever come back to Rome and want to take a tour, Carlo is our go to guy!!BEST GUIDE EVER!!!

Tracy

(About local Pietro Paolo)

20 May 2025

Paolo was an awesome tour guide. My family of 4 learned so much new information. Both my husband and I had already been to the colosseum several years ago and I was amazed at how much new knowledge I left with. I would highly recommend Paolo as your guide in Rome. He does not rush your experience!:) Thank you Paolo!Amazing morning!

Jerry🇺🇸 United States

(About local Eleonora)

19 May 2025

It was a delight for us to spend time with Eleonora on our food tour. We had some amazing food and tasted some items never experienced that were delicious And of course to top off the night some amazing gelato😊 Eleonora is fun, informative annd a pleasure to be with. We had a terrific time walking around and taking in the sights and tastings of Rome!! Delicious

Paul🇺🇸 United States

(About local Pietro Paolo)

18 May 2025

we met Pietro exactly where and when he said he would be. The tour gave us access to parts of the colosseum that we would not have been able to view and also allowed us easy entry and to skip the long lines. Of particular interest was the training of the gladiators and the lives that they lived, albeit short for many. Very knowledgeable, prompt and polite.

Unknown

(About local Bado)

18 May 2025

Bado is very knowledgeable and we had a great time on this tour. We learned many new things although most of us had already been to Rome. We highly recommend Bado ! Thank youRoma

Uwe

(About local Eleonora)

17 May 2025

Eleonora ist eine positive, sehr empathische junge Frau mit exzellentem Wissen und besten Deutschkenntnissen. Sie hat uns eine sehr lebendige, anschauliche private Tour für 2 Personen gegeben. Sie ist exakt auf unsere Wünsche eingegangen und wir konnten uns aufgrund ihrer Erklärungen und Hintergrundinformationen ein tolles Bild von allem Gesehenen machen. Wirklich sehr empfehlenswert! a very polite and empathetic young lady with excellant know how who has given us a very vivid and well personalised private tourgreat!!! einfach toll

BRUCE

(About local Pietro Paolo)

17 May 2025

The tour was outstanding. Great Tour

Tony🇺🇸 United States

(About local Sara)

16 May 2025

We could not have been happier with our guide Sara. Clearly Sara is passionate about sharing her knowledge with guests to Rome. This was our third tour of the Vatican and even thought there were disruptions due to Jubilee and of coarse the passing if Pope Francis just days before our visit Sara created an amazing experience for us. I highly recommend Sara and certainly hope to tour with her again in the future.Simply Fabulous

Ian, Sue and Neil🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Pietro Paolo)

15 May 2025

Nothing was too much trouble. We learned so much and he brought everything to life. Outstanding. Paulo absolutely brilliant.

Christian🇨🇭 Switzerland

(About local Federico)

15 May 2025

If you’re seeking to experience Rome not just as a tourist, but as a time traveler through the marble veins of the ancient empire, Federico the patrician guide of Rome is an absolute gem. He brings a rare blend of erudition, elegance, and storytelling that elevates the city’s classical splendor into vivid life. Led by a true patrician in both knowledge and demeanor, he doesn’t simply point out ruins or recount textbook facts. Instead, you’re invited to inhabit the world of Cicero, Augustus, and Livia. The Forum is no longer a pile of stones, but a beating civic heart. The baths of Caracalla aren’t just remnants, but stages for political intrigue and lavish spectacle.The patrician guide you are looking for!

Susan🇺🇸 United States

(About local Max)

14 May 2025

Max was AMAZING!!!!!!! He had so much knowledge about the history of Rome, and wove that knowledge into memorable stories. We were mesmerized! I have been on a lot of tours with locals, this was by far my favorite. We learned a lot, laughed a lot and came away with a deeper appreciation for Rome and found some hidden secrets all thanks to Max! Grazie Mille!Hands down the best tour!

Joan and Kent🇺🇸 United States

(About local Sara)

12 May 2025

We had the absolute pleasure of touring the Colosseum with Sara, and it truly was the highlight of our visit to Rome. In just an hour and a half she made the ancient world of Rome come alive in a way we will never forget. My husband, a lifelong lover of history, was captivated, and as someone who always loved learning, but never found history classes engaging, I was completely drawn by the way Sara told the story of the Colosseum and Ancient Rome. Her ability to weave together the grand history with vivid, personal details made every stone and corridor feel alive. We feel so fortunate to have had Sara as our guide. Her passion, knowledge, and storytelling made this tour not just informative but truly magical. Thank you, Sara, for an unforgettable journey through history!Sara, Our Unforgettable Roman Storyteller

Tom

(About local Pietro Paolo)

11 May 2025

Pietro provided an excellent tour of the Forum and Coliseum in Rome this past week. Pietro communicated well before and during the tour. Our heads are still spinning with all the historical facts and details Pietro shared with us. Pietro offered to go over the time allotted if we were interested, of course we agreed and the history was incredible. We highly recommend you chose Pietro for a tour while you are visiting Rome!!Wonderful tour of the Forum and Coliseum

Anne🇺🇸 United States

(About local Pietro Paolo)

11 May 2025

Our guide was fantastic, both in providing interesting information and making the your confortable for my 91-year-old mother. Would highly recommend.Great!

D&K

(About local chiara)

10 May 2025

Our guide, Chiara, was very friendly and had the right pace for the day. She answered our questions and kept us moving, but did not feel rushed. We liked that she focuses on local establishments (not chains) and has relationships with local vendors. The market was great to explore (Clare gave us time to shop, too!) and we loved seeing the restaurant's wine cellar. I liked that this tour spent more quality time in a particular area, rather than running around trying to see all the attractions. I would recommend this tour to others as a great way to get to know a neighborhood that is a bit off the beaten tourist track in Romegood way to explore the Testaccio area

Brad🇺🇸 United States

(About local Alessandra)

10 May 2025

Alessandra was a fantastic guide for my son and me at the Colosseum and Roman Forum! More than just an expert, she had an incredible ability to tailor her explanations to our level of historical knowledge. But what really set her apart was her gift for storytelling—she brought Ancient Rome to life with captivating and entertaining tales. We’d definitely want her as our guide again for any future tours. She’s truly one of a kind!A Wonderful, Unique Tour Guide!

Alessandra

(About local chiara)

10 May 2025

Chiara was a wonderful guide - personable, knowledgable, and allowed us to experience the food authentically and completely without judgement. She is clearly very passionate about the food, but at the same time had a very unbiased and objective perspective about italian culture and history, which I appreciated. This isn't my first trip to Italy, so I wasn't sure how much new information I would learn, but I actually learned a lot of new and interesting tidbits as part of the tour, while also trying some of the highest quality, carefully curated foods around Rome. I'm so glad to have kicked off my trip with this tour, because now I can continue the rest of my trip with valuable recommendations and learningsChiara was a wonderful guide

Beth

(About local chiara)

9 May 2025

I took a tour with Chiara, and what can I say: five stars and above! Not only did she create a custom tour for me, but she really went out of her way to make sure I had not just an experience but a quality time with a friend. Her knowledge of history and food (she is a food archaeologist!) is outstanding! She made me see Rome with new eyes, and made me live like a true Roman. I've fallen so in love with the culture, I'm going to take Italian and Italian culture classes with her! I cannot recommend Chiara enough. I look forward to more adventures with her. Definitely now I have a new friend in town :) thank you Chiara! The food archaeologist to have as a friend

Amanda🇺🇸 United States

(About local Eleonora)

7 May 2025

I got a guide to the Vatican for my dad, brother & sister in law and Elenora was fantastic from the start. She reached out to me immediately so I could give her the details of the booking and most importantly, that I would not be apart of it. This tour was originally booked for a week after the pope passed away, and as soon as the news released that the pope had passed, she reached out to me to start figuring out a solve & seeing if the tour was still a possibility. Elenora was focused on still making this experience all it could be and we ultimately were able to change the day of the tour so they would have full access to the Vatican. They had an excellent time and I couldn’t be more grateful to Elenora for being proactive and committed to making this tour happen. The tour was ultimately a highlight of their trip! Excellent communicator & guide!