Find out what life was like for the VIPs of ancient Rome and discover some of the Eternal City’s best-preserved monuments on our special tour of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hills super sites, including the Houses of Augustus and Livia.
Highlights
- The House of Augustus
- The House of Livia
- The Roman Forum
- The Palatine Hill
- The Farnese Gardens
Hidden Gems
- The Cryptoporticus of Nero
- Santa Maria in Antiqua
- The Imperial Ramp
- The Temple of Romulus
- Loggia Mattei
Tour Includes
- Skip the line ticket
- Expert, fluent English-speaking guide
- Headsets for groups of six or more
Create Your Custom Journey
Our dedicated team is here to help you design the perfect trip. We’re happy to assist every step of the way.
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Can’t make your trip? Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, minus any ticket costs.
ITINERARY
What To Expect On Your Tour
House of Augustus
Step into the private residence of Rome’s first emperor
The Palatine Hill was where the story of Rome began with the mythical founding legend of Romulus and Remus, and it was only natural that the man who would be emperor chose to follow in their footsteps by taking up residence here. Incredibly, the humble house he purchased on the leafy slopes is still standing, and visiting its succession of beautifully painted rooms today offers a vivid window into the splendid world of the ancient empire. Wandering through the refined halls of Augustus’ understated domus, we’ll come face to face with some of the best surviving examples of ancient Roman painting, gracing the same walls Augustus gazed on 2 millennia ago. Delve deep into the mind of the man who made an empire as we explore Augustus’ study, decorated with unforgettable frescoes of plants and fantastical creatures.
House of Livia
Explore the jewel of the Palatine
Next door to the House of Augustus is perhaps the jewel of the Palatine Hill: the House of Livia, identified as the dwelling of the emperor’s wife thanks to an inscription discovered on a lead pipe in the 19th century. Here, fabulous mythological frescoes light up the House of Livia’s walls and original marbles gleam underfoot; protected underground for thousands of years, the remarkably preserved frescoes are a real delight for the senses.
Palatine Hill & Roman Forum
Walk in the footsteps of emperors and citizens
Our tour of ancient Rome doesn’t end there: in addition to visiting the houses of Augustus and Livia, we’ll also have the opportunity to explore the remainder of the Palatine hill, including the ruins of the emperor Domitian’s luxurious palace and the site where the insane Caligula was assassinated. In the sprawling remains of the Roman Forum below, you’ll learn about daily life in the ancient empire and follow in the footsteps of antiquity’s greatest figures, from Julius Caesar to Cicero. We’ll even get to climb the monumental ramp that led the emperors from the Palatine into the Forum below, and visit the ancient church of Santa Maria in Antiqua, hewn from the remains of the Imperial palaces.
So prepare yourself for a crash course in the intrigues and power plays of antiquity and join us on a unique journey into some of Rome’s most exclusive and fascinating ancient sites!
Create Your Custom Journey
Our dedicated team is here to help you design the perfect trip. We’re happy to assist every step of the way.
What Our Guests Are Saying
Guests Reviews
Best tour ever in rome
marta , out guide was amazing !! Best tour you can do while in rome. Highly recommended!!
Impressive places and very informative tour.
Bandon from canada was a spectacular guide. He brought the history and ruins alive and in a context we could
understand. His knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject was evident. I would definitely request him as a guide
again.
Our tour guide, brandon the canadian, was excellent. Very friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely loved roman
history.
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