Things to do in Palatine Hill

I'd like to share my personal experience from a trip I took in June. It was incredibly difficult to book tickets for the Colosseum through the official website, so I spent a long time searching on a platform before I found this tour. Initially, I wanted a tour with a live guide, but the group fees were too expensive. So, I opted for a package that included an app-based audio guide instead (because my trip was planned at the last minute). This tour doesn't have a live guide. When you arrive at the site, you scan a QR code, and a Chinese-language tour guide (you need to download the POP guide app beforehand) will be available on your phone. The process involves arriving early at a shop near the Colosseum to exchange your voucher with a staff member. They will give you a physical ticket and the QR code for the audio guide. Once you have your ticket, you can head to the Colosseum. Since there's a scheduled entry time, you can arrive 15 minutes early, which is roughly your admission time. Look for staff members wearing yellow vests at the entrance, and after entering, you'll go through a security check. Although the platform mentioned skip-the-line access, I visited on a weekday and didn't have to wait long in line, only for the security check. (Customer service confirmed that this package does include skip-the-line service after the security check). After exploring the Colosseum, you can take a break outside before re-entering the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. (These have different entrances; there are three entrances to choose from here). It took me about 4-5 hours to walk through all three areas; they are truly vast. Overall, I think it was a good experience, and the customer service from the official platform was quite responsive when I communicated with them previously. Additionally, I've included my previous conversation with customer service below, where I had questions about this package. I didn't understand what "does not include the arena floor" meant at first, and customer service clarified it for me. You might find it helpful: "Does not include the arena floor" means you cannot walk to the very center of the arena, the ground level where gladiators used to fight. The main difference between the two options is the "viewing location": Your package (without the arena floor): You stand in the spectator stands (1st-2nd levels) and get a bird's-eye view of the entire interior of the arena and the underground area. This offers the most magnificent photo angles. Package with the arena floor: You can also walk onto the central wooden stage. So, even though my package didn't include walking onto the central stage (it was cheaper...), I could still see the entire Colosseum, which I thought was great. Just wanted to share that for your reference.

Very knowledgeable guide who show us more than I would see on my own. Recommend way to go. Thanks!

The Colosseum was a magnificent experience. The entry process itself was seamless (remember to bring ID—I had to identify myself with my passport). A huge bonus with the ticket I chose was that it also included access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. If you’re going to see the Colosseum, you absolutely cannot skip these parts! ​The Roman Forum: Walking through what was once the heart of the Roman Empire, with all its temples and triumphal arches, felt like walking through a living museum. ​Palatine Hill: From here, I got a breathtaking view of the entire city and the impressive ruins of the emperors' palaces. This is also where the story of Romulus and Remus began, which gives the site an extra mystical atmosphere.

Despite the severe heat, our guide was extremely good in providing us a great experience! It started with a courtesy call to confirm our arrival at the designated area, followed by a tour with a plethora of knowledge sharing and information to make our experience a memorable. I feel terrible about not being sure of his name, but I’ve included a photo of him… and to him I say thank you!

This was so worth the amount paid. I got the three attractions pass and was able to book the Vatican Museums, Colosseum, and the Castel Sant'Angelo with this pass. It was extremely convenient and easy to use.

Great tour guide which helped us through the entrance to the colosseum then towards palantine hill. He held up pictures to fill up some context in different parts of the colosseum and roman forum which really helped learning the history.

I was suspicious at how cheap this was at first compared to all the other tours on Viator and Get Your Guide, but this tour saved me and my friend as a last minute booking! Amazing tour partner Towns of Italy with a hilarious but very knowledgeable tour guide Daniela leading our pack. Highly recommend as the Vatican Museums + St Peters Basilica are beast of history and art in itself.

The guide was very engaging and gave us time to explore and see things at our pace. I would highly recommend this tour.

we really enjoyed the tour, the guide Aiko was very very knowledgeable and passionate about the history. the tour covered the areas mentioned as per the description. would have been nice to spend some extra time at the colosseum but we understand there is time limits. Aiko was trying to include everyone during the tour, really encourage to book this tour.