This three-hour walking tour offers a chronological start to your stay in Rome, by introducing you to its oldest sites. You’ll stroll through the Roman Forum, center of political and social activity under the emperors. The Forum was the marketplace of Rome and also its business district and civic center. It was expanded to include temples, a senate house and law courts. When the Roman Empire fell, the Forum became forgotten and was used as a cattle pasture during the Middle Ages. It was not uncovered again until the early 20th century, and you’ll find out why.

At the far end of the Forum stands Rome’s most famous monument, the Coliseum. You will skip the ticket lines and enter the amphitheater, which Emperor Vespasian began around 70 AD in a low-lying area surrounded by the hills where Rome’s patricians had their lavish villas. Previously, all amphitheaters had been constructed of wood. These structures were vulnerable to fire and occasionally collapsed under the weight of the spectators. Thus the Roman Coliseum was both a technical innovation and an enormous gift to the public. Vespasian's son, Emperor Titus, oversaw the final construction of the Coliseum and, in 80 AD, celebrated its opening with 100 days of games. Ancient historians estimate that as many as 9,000 animals were killed in those games; thousands of gladiators also fought to entertain the masses. From his private "box seat" the emperor decided the fate of those gladiators defeated in battle. You may sit in that very area as your guide explains what went on for centuries in this, probably the most famous stage ever built in the world.

This tour is available on request every day except December 25 and lasts three hours.

Entrance tickets to the Coliseum cost 11 Euro/person extra, paid in cash during the tour (ticket prices may vary slightly without notice). If your group includes at least two adults plus children, up to two of the children under 12 years old pay nothing for the tour except 11 Euro each, for tickets. Children under 6 years old pay nothing. If you have more than two children, all the others pay the adult price for the tour no matter their age. If your group numbers more than 9, you will hear the guide better if you purchase audio headsets at the door for 2 Euro/person. There are subway and bus stops in front of the meeting point, but if you prefer, you may be picked up at your hotel (please add the extra charges that appear in the price chart below). The tour is available in English or Spanish.

2009	Prices for the Tour
1 person	228.00 Euro/group
2 people	228.00 Euro/group
3 people	239.00 Euro/group
4 people	239.00 Euro/group
5 people	250.00 Euro/group
6 people	261.00 Euro/group
7 people	272.00 Euro/group
8 people	272.00 Euro/group
9 people	293.00 Euro/group
10 people	315.00 Euro/group
11 people	315.00 Euro/group
12 people	337.00 Euro/group
13 people	337.00 Euro/group
14 people	359.00 Euro/group
15 people	359.00 Euro/group
2009	Prices for the Tour including One-Way Transportation From your Hotel
1 person	250.00 Euro/group
2 people	250.00 Euro/group
3 people	272.00 Euro/group
4 people	272.00 Euro/group
5 people	293.00 Euro/group
6 people	304.00 Euro/group
7 people	315.00 Euro/group
8 people	315.00 Euro/group
9 people	359.00 Euro/group
10 people	380.00 Euro/group
11 people	380.00 Euro/group
12 people	413.00 Euro/group
13 people	424.00 Euro/group
14 people	435.00 Euro/group
15 people	446.00 Euro/group