Decipher the ruins of Ancient Rome with an expert historian, discovering the origins of an empire at Palatine Hill, the growth of democracy at the Roman Forum, and the gore of the gladiator games in the Colosseum. In a small group, you can engage and interact with your expert guide easily. Your tour starts at the Colosseum, where you bypass ticket lines with pre-reserved skip-the-line passes. Your guide will lead you inside, up a set of stairs, and through the arches for your first glimpse of the world's most iconic sporting ground. Explore the first and second levels, hearing stories of the gladiators that fought here by choice (or otherwise), of the emperors who decided their fate, and of the captive audience whose graffiti still marks the walls today. The Colosseum had more uses as well, some of which you’ll hardly believe—your guide has all the details. The adventure continues at the Roman Forum. You’ll appreciate having a historian as a guide here. As you wander the streets, they can make sense of the ruins for you, pointing out the subtle differences that reveal whether the structure is a moneylender’s shop, public bath, or any number of common ancient structures. Learn what life was like in the days of Caesar, Nero, and Hadrian, and how Roman society functioned. Finally, climb the hill to see the palaces of Palatine Hill, built on the grounds where Romulus and Remus were discovered by the she-wolf in the legend of Rome’s founding. After an incredible day of making ancient history come to life, you’ll part from your group feeling more in touch with the beautiful ruins of Rome.