Ancient Rome Walking Tour

Your day in Rome begins at Circus Maximus, the ancient Roman chariot-racing stadium and mass entertainment venue. Located in the valley between the Aventine and Palatine Hills, it was the first and largest stadium in Rome — and is still the largest in the world today. 

As you walk through the remains of this ancient site, you can almost hear the echoes of the roaring crowd and thundering hooves of the chariots. Your guide will help bring to life the extravagant spectacle of the games once held here.

From there, we’ll check out two of Rome’s most iconic structures: the Arch of Constantine and the Colosseum. Viewing these from the outside, you’ll learn about their history and significance for the Roman Empire.

Our journey back in time continues with a visit to the Foro Romano, or Roman Forum. Here, among the ruins, once stood the heart of the Roman Republic, where important public speeches, criminal trials, and gladiatorial matches all took place. As you wander through the remains of these ancient buildings, your guide will tell you the stories of the places you’re passing and the people who once gathered here.

Next, we’re off to the Trajan’s Markets. Known as the world’s first shopping mall, these arcades are now believed by many to be administrative offices for Emperor Trajan. As you admire the shops and apartments built in levels, you’ll marvel at the ingenuity of ancient Rome.

Finally, your day ends with visits to the Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II and Largo di Torre Argentina. The neoclassical monument, built of shining white marble, was a tribute to Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of a unified Italy. Largo di Torre Argentina, on the other hand, is a scenic square where you’ll find four Republican Roman temples and the ruins of Pompey’s Theatre. This theater is infamous as the site of Julius Caesar’s assassination. Now, it’s a sanctuary for hundreds of Rome’s stray cats, adding a touch of charm to the place. 

Your day has been steeped in history, in the rise and fall of empires, in the lives of ordinary people and extraordinary leaders. Rome is not just a city — it’s a time machine if you know how to unlock it. Your guide will lead the way!