Via Sacra Tours and Activities
6,109 Reviews

Leading from the Capitoline Hill to the Colosseum via the first-century AD Arch of Titus as it traverses the Forum from west to east, the Via Sacra (Sacred Way) was once the main thoroughfare of Ancient Rome. With its origins stretching back to at least the fifth century BC, it was later paved and later still, in the times of Nero, lined with colonnades. The street was backed by Ancient Rome’s temples, civic buildings and the palaces of the wealthy; it was here that festivals were held, where prostitutes came to solicit clients and where crowds gathered to gossip and gamble along its route. Via Sacra was also scene of triumphal processions to celebrate military victories, when slaves and prisoners were dragged to market. Today the road forms part of the open-air museum that is the Forum; over the centuries this has been ravaged by fire, plundered for its stone and used as cow pasture but still retains something of its ancient majesty among scattered boulders, shattered arches and broken columns.
Practical Info
Via Dei Fori Imperiali, Campitelli, Rome. Admission to the Forum complex: adults €12; students €7.50; free for over 65 and under 18. Open daily 8.30am–one hour before sunset. Much of this area of Ancient Rome is
pedestrianized, so Via Sacra is best approached on foot; the entrance to the Forum is at the junction of Via Dei Fori Imperiali with Via Cavour. Taxis stop outside the Colosseum, where there is also a metro station.
Address: Via Dei Fori Imperiali, Campitelli, Rome, Lazio 00186, Italy
Hours: Daily 8.30am–one hour before sunset
Admission: Adults €12; Students €7.50; free for over 65 and under 18
14 Tours and Activities to Experience Via Sacra
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All in One Tour: Belvedere, Colosseum Underground, Ancient City
49
Explore several landmarks of ancient Rome during this combination, half-day walking tour. Priority access tickets offer skip-the-line entry at the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and the Colosseum where you explore the underground chambers, arena floor, and up to the third floor for views of the monument and Rome. This small-group tour is limited to 12 people.
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From
$168.19
From
$168.19

Skip the Line Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Tour
380
See the best of ancient Rome with this skip-the-line tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Avoid waiting in long lines and enjoy the informative commentary of a professional guide. Marvel at the size and history of the Colosseum, admire the Arch of Constantine and the former palaces on Palatine Hill.
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From
$94.38
From
$94.38
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Nero's Golden Palace: with Colosseum and Ancient City
19
Explore Rome’s ancient sites on a half-day, small-group tour of Domus Aurea, or Nero’s ‘Golden House,’ the Colosseum, and the Roman Forum. Step into buried history with archeologist guides and use 3D glasses to see Nero’s palace as it once was, then hear stories about Rome's golden age as you walk through the heart of the ancient Roman Republic and Empire. This small-group tour includes all entrance fees and skip-the-line access.
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From
$119.79
From
$119.79

Skip-the-line Colosseum Forum Titus Arch & Caesar Altar Small Group Tour
Join us on a 2.5 hour guided tour led by a top-rated local expert. Our tour starts at 8.20am to beat the queues and to avoid the hottest hours of the day during summer. It will be a travel back to the days of Roman Empire, with a tour inside the Colosseum, Palatine Hill for panoramic views and Roman Forums, through palaces, monuments and gardens of ancient Rome, birthplace of civilization and capital of the Roman Empire.
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From
$107.69
From
$107.69
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Kids friendly | Colosseum Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Private Tour |Fast Track
Designed especially for children ages 5–12, this private tour of the Roman Colosseum is both entertaining and educational. Learn about the gladiator battles fought here and the impressive engineering features of the structure, which is one of the New 7 Owners of the World. You will also visit the temple where Julius Caesar was cremated, the Arch of Titus, House of the Vestal Virgins, Senate House, Basilica of Maxentius, Palantine Hill, and more.
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From
$203.35
Price varies by group size
From
$203.35
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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360 Virtual tour of Ancient Rome
This virtual tour lets you explore the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, Emperors and palaces of the ancient city in 360°. Compare and contrast Roman ruins and monuments with how they looked in their glory days.
Your journey will take you from the magnificent Colossus to a ringside seat in the Colosseum where you will witness a naval battle. Stand next to The Arch of Constantine and see the decorative panels. Take a rest on the steps of the Circus Maximus before traveling through the Roman Forum to marvel at the Temple of Julius Caesar and Trajan's Forum.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, water, sunscreen and a hat. Walking around in Ancient Rome is great exercise, it's no wonder the Romans were so fit!
* 18 historically accurate 360° reconstructions
* 3.5 km walking route
* 1-hour of engaging narration
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From
$14.53
From
$14.53
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
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Self-guided Virtual Tour of Roman Forum: The Beating Heart of The Empire
Experience the Roman Forum from the comfort of your home with an engaging self-guided virtual tour, narrated in English from your PC or smartphone browser. It’s so simple! You'll receive an email with the tour link with instructions and in a couple of minutes, you will travel back in time and enjoy a virtual journey from the comfort of your couch!
Through the power of storytelling combined with street and satellite views, you will learn not only about historical facts but also discover unknown stories and tales of ancient and modern times that will amaze your family and friends. The tour’s content is the result of in-depth research, squeezed into brief intriguing stories that will make your virtual visit both engaging and informative. The tour is only available online and you can access it repeatedly and anytime.
This is an unmissable opportunity to gain valuable insights into the pulsating heart of Ancient Rome and immerse yourself in the surroundings in an entirely innovative way.
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From
$21.77
From
$21.77
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Half-Day Guided Historical Tour of Colosseum and Ancient Rome
Small group tour (maximum 12 people) of Imperial Rome at the world’s most famous arena; the Colosseum, once able to seat up to 50,000 spectators. The building of the Colosseum began in 72 A.D. and was finished 8 years later. Close to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, considered the real political – commercial – social –religious center of Rome at the time of the Monarchy and the Republican period. At the center of the Forum, even after 20 centuries, it is possible to walk on the same cobble-stones of the “Via Sacra” (Sacred Way) leading to the Capitol Hill and admiring the remaining of with its ancient basilicas, triumphal arches, honorary columns, ancient markets.
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From
$115.49
Price varies by group size
From
$115.49
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Colosseum Underground Private Tour with Palatine Hill and Roman Forum
18
Enjoy the undivided attention of your expert guide and discover secrets of Ancient Rome, on this private Colosseum tour. Skip-the-line at the Roman Forum and go behind the scenes to restricted-access areas at the Colosseum including underground and the arena floor. Travel at your own pace as your guide provides fascinating facts of these Eternal City highlights.
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From
$338.20
Price varies by group size
From
$338.20
Price varies by group size

The Complete Colosseum: Private Tour with Underground, Arena & Belvedere
Benefit from the undivided attention of your expert, local guide, as you discover all the wonders of the world's most iconic amphitheater, on this Colosseum tour.
Waltz past the line and enjoy exclusive access to areas of the Colosseum normally restricted to the public, including the Underground and Belvedere.
You'll see all the highlights of Rome's ancient city on this remarkable Colosseum tour: including the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Your private guide will customize the itinerary to any of your specific interests — a big benefit of a private tour.
Visit Julius Caesar final restingplace in the Forum, then look down upon Rome — and all its ancient wonders — from the Palatine Hill.
On to the Colosseum! Experience the dark underground, where beasts were kept for battle, and step out on the arena like a gladiator. Ascend the dizzy heights of the Belvedere on the Colosseum's third floor and experience all the beauty of Rome's astonishing archaeological sites from above!
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From
$338.20
Price varies by group size
From
$338.20
Price varies by group size

Gladiator's Arena & Colosseum Underground Tour
112
Visit a lesser-known part of Rome’s Colosseum on a walking tour of ancient Roman sites that includes access to the underground Colosseum. Learn about life in the ancient city as you walk through the below-ground area where gladiators waited for battle, then continue to the arena and third tier for views across the enormous structure. Keep exploring Roman history in the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, where you see temples, arches, and landmarks from the Roman Republic and Empire.
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From
$119.79
From
$119.79

The Secrets of Ancient Rome: Private Full-Day Walking Tour
Unlock the secrets of the ancient Roman Empire with the help of a private guide on this full-day walking tour. Travel back in time at Rome’s most important ancient monuments including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon and Theatre of Marcellus, where you’ll learn about daily life and legends from Rome’s imperial past. Beat the long queues with skip-the-line access to the most popular sites, and feel free to ask all the questions you like on this customizable tour. Stop to rest your feet midday with leisure time for lunch.
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From
$366.03
Price varies by group size
From
$366.03
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Skip the Line: Glory of Ancient Rome and Colosseum small group
Dig into the history of ancient Rome with this 3-hour small-group tour of Imperial Rome, including the monumental Colosseum. Get an in-depth look at the enormous stadium, completed in only 8 years. Explore the political epicenter of ancient Rome in the nearby Forum. Visit the Capitoline Hill in a square designed by Michelangelo.
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From
$111.32
Price varies by group size
From
$111.32
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Small Group Tour: Ancient Rome and Vatican Museums - Full Day lunch included
1
Avoid the crowds and skip the line at Rome's top attractions on this small-group walking tour limited to 12 people. As well as visits to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, and Basilica of San Pietro, this tour includes lunch in a local restaurant.
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From
$232.33
Price varies by group size
From
$232.33
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More
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