Tour Itinerary Stops

Imperial Rome Walking Tour The Colosseum

1.  Colosseum (outside view) – Admire the iconic amphitheater’s grandeur, learn its history, and take photos. Stop: about 20 minutes.

Imperial Rome Walking Tour Moses

2. Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli – Michelangelo’s Moses – View Michelangelo’s masterpiece and Saint Peter’s chains. Stop: about 15 minutes.

Imperial Rome Walking Tour Via Fori Imperiali Rome Roman Forum

3. Via dei Fori Imperiali (Roman Forum) – Walk along this grand avenue lined with ruins of ancient forums. Stop: about 20 minutes.

Basilica Santi Cosma e Damiano

4. Basilica Santi Cosma e Damiano – See stunning Byzantine mosaics inside this ancient Roman basilica. Stop: about 10 minutes.

Roman wolf Capitoline Hill

5. Capitoline Hill (Campidoglio) – Enjoy Renaissance architecture and breathtaking views over the Roman Forum. Stop: about 15 minutes.

Roman wolf Capitoline Hill

6. Church of Santa Maria in Aracoeli – overlooking Piazza Venezia – Climb the steps to this church with rich interiors. Stop: about 15 minutes.

Roman Marcellus Theatre

7. Theatre of Marcellus – Explore the exterior of Rome’s ancient open-air theater. Stop: about 10 minutes.

Rome Mouth of Truth

8. Bocca della Verità (Mouth of Truth) – Take photos with the legendary marble mask. Stop: about 10 minutes.

Roman Circus Maximum

9. Circus Maximus – view of the Palatine Hill – See the ancient chariot racing track and hillside ruins.

CURIOSITY

Roman Colosseum Infrared

Behind the Scenes

Curious to see Rome from a different perspective? Take a look at our Rome in Infrared gallery, where monuments reveal their secrets through thermal imaging.

Cover of the Fantasy Rome Book The Fate of Rome

Read a Fantasy Book

If you are courious of Roman History and you want to read it trought a Fantasy book, check The Fate of Rome

Roma pubblic free water fountain

Roman “Nasone”

The image represent an example of Roman free water public fountain, here is showed the one in the Campidoglio Hill

Imperial Rome Walking Tour – Ancient City Highlights in 3 Hours

Discover the Heart of Ancient Rome – in 3 Hours

Step back in time and explore the wonders of Imperial Rome Walking Tour with a passionate storyteller.
Our walking tour combines iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and fascinating stories you won’t find in guidebooks.

Languages: English & Italian
Duration: 3 hours
Group Size: Small groups (max 12 people) for a personal experience Imperial Rome Walking Tour Book Now
Reservation: Required at least 24 hours in advance
Meeting Point: Metro station Circo Massimo, in front of the FAO building

SEE BELOW FOR DISCOUNTS POLICY

Day Tour (Imperial Rome Walking Tour) Price: €15 adults – €7.50 under 13

Start

Time

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

5 p.m.

9 a.m.

5 p.m.

5 p.m.

5 p.m.

9 a.m.

9 a.m.

Experience Rome bathed in warm afternoon light. Perfect for photos and a relaxed pace before sunset.

Night Tour (Imperial Rome Walking Tour) Price: €20 adults – €10 under 13

20:30 Start

See Imperial Rome under the magic of night lights. A truly unforgettable experience with illuminated ruins and quieter streets.

Itinerary: Same as Day Tour, with the added charm of evening atmosphere and night photography opportunities. During the Night Tour, the Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli – home to Michelangelo’s Moses – and the Basilica Santi Cosma e Damiano are usually closed. In their place, we will take a charming detour to the picturesque Tiber Island, offering unique views of the Tiber River and the surrounding historic bridges.

Tour Discounts

We believe exploring Rome should be affordable for everyone, whether you are traveling as a family or in a group of friends. That’s why we created simple discounts that make your experience even more enjoyable.

  • Standard price: €15 per person
  • Children under 13: 50% off → only €7.50
  • Family Special (2 adults + children):
    • Adults pay only €12 each (€3 off, a small gift for families)
    • Teenagers (13–17) just €10 each
    • Children under 13 always half price
  • Group Discount (4–6 people): €12 each
  • Large Groups (7+ people): €10 each → More than one ticket free of charge compared to standard rates!

Example Costs

  • Family of 2 adults + 1 child under 13 + 1 child over 13 → €41.50 total (one ticket almost free of charge)
  • Group of 5 adults → €60 total instead of €75 (€15 saved, the equivalent of one complimentary ticket)
  • Group of 8 friends → €80 total instead of €120 (you get 3 “gift” tickets in savings!)

Imperial Rome Walking Tour Highlights

Colosseum

The Colosseum towers over Rome as an eternal icon of the ancient world. Nearly 2,000 years old, this colossal amphitheater still impresses every visitor with its sheer scale and storied past. In its heyday, as many as 80,000 spectators packed the stands to watch gladiator contests and other grand spectacles. You can almost hear the roar of the crowds and the clash of swords when you stand before its weathered arches. Even viewed only from the outside, the Flavian Amphitheater’s grandeur is breathtaking – it remains the largest ancient amphitheater ever built, still the largest standing in the world. As you walk around its circumference, each stone and archway whispers tales of emperors, gladiators, and roaring lions.

Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli (St. Peter in Chains) ONLY FOR DAY TOUR

Quietly tucked away in the Monti neighborhood near the Colosseum, this unassuming 5th-century church holds astonishing treasures inside. Under its altar lie the chains that once bound Saint Peter, a relic presented to Pope Leo I in the 400s. According to legend, when the pope compared them to another set of Peter’s chains from Rome, the two chains miraculously fused together, inspiring the church’s evocative name. But the basilica’s fame also comes from a masterpiece of Renaissance art: Michelangelo’s Moses. Carved in 1515, the imposing marble statue of the biblical lawgiver gazes intensely from his seat. The sculpture’s lifelike detail is so striking that it’s said Michelangelo himself exclaimed, “Why don’t you speak?” to his creation. Standing before this magnificent statue, you can appreciate every muscle and vein Michelangelo chiseled in stone.

Via dei Fori Imperiali (Roman Forum)

Strolling down Via dei Fori Imperiali (Roman Forum) is like walking through a living museum of Ancient Rome. This broad, majestic avenue runs in a straight line from Piazza Venezia to the Colosseum, cutting directly across the former Imperial Forums. On each side of the road, you’re flanked by the weathered remains of ancient temples, arches, and columns from the forums of Trajan, Augustus, and Nerva – remnants of the Empire’s political heart. As you walk, you pass sights like Trajan’s Column, the crumbled marketplace of Trajan, and other ruins peeking out from history. Originally built in the 20th century to celebrate Italy’s heritage, today the road is often partly pedestrianized, making it perfect for a leisurely promenade. Street musicians and vendors add modern energy, but the atmosphere remains steeped in antiquity.

Basilica Santi Cosma e Damiano ONLY FOR DAY TOUR

The Basilica of Santi Cosma e Damiano, on the edge of the Roman Forum, is a peaceful retreat into early Christian Rome. Founded in the 6th century by Pope Felix IV, it transformed the former Temple of Romulus into a church dedicated to the twin healer saints, Cosmas and Damian. Crossing from the bustle of Via dei Fori Imperiali, visitors step into a dim, tranquil space that seems untouched by time. The highlight is its breathtaking 6th-century Byzantine mosaic in the apse: Christ in glory, radiant in gold and blue, flanked by saints Peter, Paul, Cosmas, Damian, and Pope Felix holding a model of the church. The shimmering tesserae still inspire awe, ranking among Rome’s greatest early Christian mosaics.

Capitoline Hill (Campidoglio)

Capitoline Hill, once home to the mighty Temple of Jupiter and the political heart of ancient Rome, remains one of the city’s most iconic sites. Redesigned in the 16th century by Michelangelo, its elegant piazza features a striking star-shaped pavement, Renaissance palaces that now house the Capitoline Museums, and the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius. From this hilltop, visitors enjoy breathtaking views of the Roman Forum and the rooftops of Rome, a perfect vantage point to grasp the city’s layered history. The Campidoglio has seen senators, medieval fortresses, and today’s city hall, embodying centuries of triumphs and transformations. Inside the museums, treasures like the famous Capitoline Wolf recall Rome’s legendary origins.

Santa Maria in Aracoeli

Santa Maria in Aracoeli crowns the Capitoline Hill beside the Victor Emmanuel Monument, reached by climbing 124 steep marble steps built in 1348 after a plague. Known as the “people’s church,” it offers both history and serenity above the bustle of Piazza Venezia. Inside, visitors find a richly decorated interior: a gilded wooden ceiling commemorating the Battle of Lepanto, medieval frescoes, marble tombs, and ancient Roman columns repurposed for Christian worship. According to legend, Emperor Augustus had a vision of the Virgin Mary here, inspiring the name “Altar of Heaven.” The church also houses the Santo Bambino, a revered wooden statue once believed to heal the sick. Locals still come to light candles and pray, preserving its intimate atmosphere.

Theatre of Marcellus

Often called the Colosseum’s little brother, the Theatre of Marcellus is one of Rome’s most fascinating ancient landmarks. Commissioned by Julius Caesar and completed by Emperor Augustus in 13 BC, it was once the largest open-air theater in Rome, holding up to 20,000 spectators. Here, Romans gathered to watch comedies, tragedies, and musical performances under the open sky. Today, you can admire its striking exterior: grand arches built of white travertine rising in graceful tiers. Remarkably, the structure has been partially incorporated into Renaissance palaces above, blending antiquity with medieval and modern life. Standing here, you’ll see how Rome layers its past and present in a single view. A quick stop at the Theatre of Marcellus offers a perfect chance to take photos and imagine the applause echoing through its arches two millennia ago.

Bocca della Verità (Mouth of Truth)

Step up to one of Rome’s most legendary curiosities – the Bocca della Verità, or “Mouth of Truth.” This enormous marble mask, carved in the 1st century, once served as a drain cover, but medieval legends gave it a thrilling reputation. According to tradition, if you place your hand inside the open mouth and tell a lie, the stone face will bite it off. Millions of visitors have tested their luck here, following in the footsteps of Hollywood icons like Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck in Roman Holiday. The mask’s weathered features – wide eyes, flowing beard, and gaping mouth – make it an unforgettable photo stop. Whether you believe the myth or not, it’s a fun and quirky way to connect with Rome’s colorful folklore.

Circus Maximus – View of the Palatine Hill

Once the largest stadium in the ancient world, the Circus Maximus was Rome’s premier arena for chariot races. Stretching over 600 meters long, it could hold more than 150,000 cheering spectators. Imagine the thunder of horses’ hooves, the roar of the crowd, and the drama of high-speed competition as teams raced for glory and fortune. Today, the vast field remains, a grassy expanse where locals jog or picnic. Standing here, you can look across to the Palatine Hill, dotted with ruins of imperial palaces that once overlooked the races. The contrast between the quiet park and the spectacle it once hosted makes this stop especially evocative. Even without the grandstands, you can feel the energy of history echoing through the space.

Why Choose This Tour?

  • Bilingual guide: English & Italian, clear and engaging explanations

  • Small groups: More interaction and time for questions

  • Iconic & hidden gems: The best of Ancient Rome in one route

  • Affordable price: High-quality experience without breaking your budget

How to Book Imperial Rome Walking Tour Book Now

  • Step 1: Send your booking request via [info@biofotonica.it] or [+39 3920301676].

  • Step 2: Receive confirmation within 12 hours.

  • Step 3: Pay at the meeting point.

⚠️ Reservation required at least 24 hours in advance

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE USE THE CONTACT MODULE or

Write to info@biofotonica.it / whatsapp to: +39 3920301676 (request for “Imperial Rome Walking Tour”)

Other Services

Rome Tour Tips – Useful Information for the Walking Tour

To help you enjoy our Imperial Rome Walking Tour to the fullest, here are some practical tips:

  1. Carry a reusable water bottle

    You don’t need to buy bottled water: Rome is full of public drinking fountains—called nasoni—that offer free, fresh, and safe water. There are around 2,500 of them across the city, and they’re part of the same aqueduct system that serves homes in Rome.

  2. Free restroom access

    During the daytime tour, about halfway through the route, we’ll make a short stop at a partner venue where you can use the toilet free of charge, with no need to make a purchase.

  3. Panoramic coffee break

    Near the Capitoline Hill, we’ll pause at a scenic café where you can enjoy one of Rome’s finest espressos for around €1.50.

  4. Wear comfortable shoes

    The cobblestone streets and historic paving can be tough on your feet—opt for sturdy, comfortable footwear rather than thin-soled sandals.

  5. Beware of pickpockets in crowded areas

    Tourist hotspots and public transit can attract pickpockets. Keep your belongings secure—use closed pockets or wear a crossbody bag in front to stay safe.

Imperial Rome Walking Tour FAQ

The tour runs rain or shine. We recommend bringing an umbrella or a light raincoat during wet weather. In case of extreme conditions that may affect safety, you will be contacted for rescheduling.

No tickets are required. All stops are exterior visits, and the tour is designed to be enjoyed without waiting in entrance lines. You will still see the main landmarks and hear their fascinating stories.

Parts of the route are accessible, but please note that some ancient streets and steps may be challenging. If you or a member of your group has reduced mobility, please let us know in advance so we can suggest adaptations.

Absolutely! Photography is encouraged. The guide will even suggest the best spots for panoramic shots, especially at the Capitoline Hill and Circus Maximus viewpoints.

For Informations concerning the Tour: +39 3920301676 / info@biofotonica.it or contact us via the following form: