Colosseum, Palatine Hill, & Roman Forum with Open Bus Tour

The best of Rome by the bus

Explore Rome's landmarks at your own pace and convenience, as you tick off all the must-see sights from the comfort of your open-air bus. Whizz past famous attractions like the Santa Maria Maggiore basilica, the massive stadium of Circus Maximus, the squares of Piazza Venezia and Piazza Barberini to name a few.

Schedule

• First bus: 8:30am from Termini Station

• Last bus: 6:40pm from Termini Station (5:40pm from Nov to Mar 14)

• Frequency: every 15-20 mins

• Popular stops: Colosseum, Piazza Barberini, and Trevi Fountain

Please note: From 23rd Dec, STOP 6 will be at LUNGOTEVERE TOR DI NONA 7 (Between via Panico and Via Mastro).

Please click here for the route map and boarding points.

Discover the wonders of ancient Rome

Once your tour is complete, delve deeper into the city's history by visiting the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum. These iconic landmarks offer a glimpse into ancient Rome's grandeur and power. Climb Palatine Hill to admire the panoramic views of the city. Wander through the Roman Forum, once the heart of ancient Rome, and envision the bustling marketplace and political activities that once occurred here.

Colosseum, Palatine Hill, & Roman Forum with Open Bus Tour

Discover Rome's landmarks on this sightseeing tour that includes the Colosseum Archaeological Area, Vatican Museums, Trevi Fountain, Circus Maximus, and Roman Forum. The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and offers onboard audio commentary in multiple languages including English, Italian, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, and Portuguese. The open bus allows you to hop on and off at various locations with ease, providing access to all major sites without the need for reservations or long lines. With this tour, you can explore Rome's most iconic landmarks in a single day.

Explore the Colosseum

Your tour stops at the Colosseum where guests can admire its grandeur as one of the largest amphitheaters ever built, measuring 189 meters long and 156 meters wide. Constructed between AD 70 and AD 80 under Emperor Vespasian, it could accommodate up to 80,000 spectators who would gather for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. Visitors can see the underground chambers where gladiators prepared before entering the arena, as well as the intricate tiered seating arrangement that allowed all attendees a clear view of the action. The Colosseum's unique design, featuring four stories with different architectural styles, sets it apart from other ancient Roman structures and highlights its importance in understanding Roman engineering and entertainment.

Discover Palatine Hill

The tour continues at Palatine Hill where guests can explore the site of Rome’s founding according to legend. This 49-acre hill was home to many important buildings such as the Palace of Augustus, built in 62 BC, and the Flavian Palace constructed around AD 80. Visitors will see the remains of these structures along with other significant sites like the House of Livia and the Temple of Apollo Palatinus. The hill’s strategic location made it a central hub for Roman emperors and nobility, making it an essential stop on any tour of ancient Rome.

Explore the Roman Forum

The tour concludes at the Roman Forum where guests can delve into the heart of ancient Rome that once transformed from a swampy valley to a bustling center of politics, commerce, and religion. Spanning approximately 240,000 square meters, this area was home to numerous temples, basilicas, and public spaces including the Temple of Saturn built in 497 BC and the Basilica Aemilia constructed around 179 BC. The Forum’s significance lies not only in its historical structures but also in its role as a stage for critical events such as Julius Caesar's assassination on March 15, 44 BC. Visitors can spend about an hour exploring these ruins to understand how Rome shaped Western civilization.

Tour Highlights

• Explore landmarks at your convenience
• Whizz past attractions like the Colosseum Archaeological Area and Circus Maximus
• Head straight to the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum after bus tour
• Audio commentary narrates brief history of each sight you pass by
• Discover the Roman Forum once a swampy valley before becoming heart of ancient Rome

Perfect for travelers, history enthusiasts, and first-time visitors to Rome, this sightseeing tour provides an in-depth look at some of Italy’s most iconic landmarks. The 2-hour format allows you to hop on and off at various locations with ease, giving you the flexibility to explore the Colosseum Archaeological Area, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum while enjoying the convenience of a guided audio tour.