Hi, I just got confirmation of our Scavi reservation, which I am really excited about. However, this now conflicts with our Colosseum tour that we were going to take with Through Eternity. Does anyone know of any other good Ancient Rome tour that will take you inside the Colosseum? Enjoy Rome only walks by there. I can't remember if Context Rome goes in or not. Any other suggestion?

My impression, based on two visits to the Colosseum - - 1998 and 2001, the first with a "tour" guide, the second without - - is that "tours", offered by individual guides (part of a larger organization or not) form on an ad hoc basis almost every hour or so.

That's not to say that a guided tour of "more" (Forum plus colosseum, for example) is inherently a bad, nor unnecessary idea. I have never had a guided tour of the Forum, and I am sure they fill you with all kinds of stuff (info? legends? trivia, half-truths?) that bring it more "to life" for you.

Best wishes,

Rex

Our family just got back from Italy, and had a wonderful Ancient Rome tour with a private guide, Francesa Caruso. It was 40 euros per hour, (with a family of 4, the price isn't that much different from a large-group tour) and being private we got just what we wanted, when we wanted it, for as long as we wanted, 3 1/2 hours. We started at the Pantheon (since we stayed at the Del Senato, right next door - I think she usually starts at the Forum or the Coliseum), walking/talking on the way to the Forum, then the Coliseum. She did a wonderful job educating us yet always keeping our interest. I know she also does Vatican tours, and we had that booked with her too, but with the Pope's death it was closed while we were in Rome.

Pat

Pat -- how do you get in touch with Francesa?

thanks,
Amy

I think her e-mail is [email protected]. Good luck.

Pat

Hi, Mitmap. Context Rome's Roma Antica tour does include the interior of the Colosseo.It begins at the Palatine Hill,where you buy your tickets,so there is no need to wait in line when you reach the Colosseo.Have fun!

I have taken the 45-60 minute tour of the Coloseum with Roman Promenades twice, in 2002 and 2004. It is about 18€ per person which covers your entrance fee, and you don't have to wait in line. Stefano in the name of the guide who most often does the Coloseum tour. He speaks excellent English and the tidbits of history and legend are mixed with humor. It is very entertaining and a good way to breeze past the long lines and get an overivew of the Coloseum as well.