Colosseum, Roman Forum & Trastevere Lunch Shore Excursion
Enjoy private transfers, get pre-reserved access to the ancient arena, and savor a Roman lunch
Cruise passengers often miss out on authentic Roman life due to chaotic commutes and limited time. Our private shore excursion solves this by providing easy transfers and pre-reserved entry tickets. Start your day with a knowledgeable guide at the Colosseum and Roman Forum, learning about the amphitheater's gruesome history. Then transfer to the Trastevere neighborhood to enjoy a classic Roman lunch and a walk to Basilica di Santa Maria before your private transfer returns you back to the port.
What You Get With This Tour
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Explore ancient Rome, then taste it!
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Expert English-speaking guide (3 hours at the Colosseum)
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Dedicated tour leader (2 hours in Trastevere)
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Round-trip private transfers from Civitavecchia
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Guided tour of the Colosseum's 1st & 2nd tiers and Roman Forum
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Pre-reserved Colosseum and Roman Forum tickets
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Lunch & gelato in Trastevere
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Private group experience
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Guide tips
Tour Itinerary
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1
Meet your private driver at Civitavecchia Port
Meet your private driver at your specified cruise port and board a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Settle in for the 90-minute transfer to Rome, where your guide is waiting to bring the ancient world to life. -
2
Tour the Colosseum's ancient tiers
Use pre-reserved entry tickets to enter the Colosseum and follow your guide into Rome's 2,000-year-old amphitheater. Listen as your guide describes the gladiatorial combat and imperial spectacle as you explore the first and second tiers; levels once reserved for the city's most powerful citizens. -
3
Walk the Roman Forum
Next, cross into the Roman Forum, the political and civic heart of the ancient world. Walk the original paving stones past the Arch of Titus and the Temple of Julius Caesar as your guide reveals the streets that once powered an empire. -
4
Transfer to Trastevere
Your private vehicle moves you from the ancient ruins to the medieval streets of Trastevere. Arriving at Piazza Trilussa, you trade marble columns for cobblestone alleys and the unhurried rhythm of a true Roman neighborhood. -
5
Savor lunch and gelato in Trastevere
Sit down at a local restaurant for a classic Roman meal in the heart of the neighborhood. A gelato stop rounds out the break before you continue your afternoon in one of Rome's most storied quarters. -
6
Explore the Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere
After lunch, step inside one of Rome's oldest churches and take in its glittering Byzantine mosaics and candlelit entry. Enjoy free time to wander the sun-warmed piazza and surrounding cobblestone streets at your own pace. -
7
Your tour ends at Civitavecchia Port
Finally, board your private vehicle for the comfortable 90-minute return journey to the coast. You'll arrive at Civitavecchia Port well ahead of your ship's departure with a full day of Roman history and culture behind you.
Additional Information
Discover what to expect, what's included, and everything you need to know before booking.
Good to know:
Dress Code: Comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes are recommended for walking on uneven terrain. To enter Basilica di Santa Maria, shoulders and knees must be covered, so please plan your outfit accordingly or bring a light scarf.
Accessibility: As this is a private tour, the itinerary can be adapted for wheelchair or mobility needs. Please contact us after booking to arrange this. A soft baby carrier is recommended over a stroller, and if you’ll need elevator access at the Colosseum, let us know in advance so your guide can prepare.
ID Requirement: A valid government-issued ID is required to enter the Colosseum. The name on your ticket must match your ID or entry may be denied.
Tour Changes: Depending on the assigned entry time for the Colosseum, your tour might enter the Roman Forum first and end in the Colosseum. Either way, you’ll enjoy the full experience with your guide.
Children: All visitors, regardless of age, need a ticket for the Colosseum. Each child’s ticket must match their government-issued ID. Passports are recommended.
Disability certification: Visitors with valid disability certification are eligible for a reduced €2 entry ticket to the Colosseum, which also applies to one companion. Contact us after booking to arrange this. This applies to the ticket cost only, not the tour price.
Bag Policy: For quicker entry, please leave large backpacks and wheeled bags at your accommodation as they aren’t permitted inside the Colosseum. All bags will be screened at security.
Dietary Restrictions: Please contact us in advance with any special dietary restrictions or allergies, so we can do our best to accommodate you.
Please note: The itinerary of a private tour can be adjusted to your needs. Please reach out if you do not see a start time that fits for your party. We would be happy to check with our ticketing team to see if we can accommodate you.
Reverse Itinerary: Please note that 9:00 AM departures will operate with a reverse itinerary (Trastevere first, then the ancient sites). Either way, you’ll enjoy the full experience with your guide.
Your 8-hour private tour includes:
Expert licensed, English-speaking guide (3 hours at the Colosseum)
Dedicated tour leader (2 hours in Trastevere)
Exclusive round-trip private transfers from Civitavecchia Port to Rome
Pre-reserved entrance tickets for the Colosseum (1st & 2nd tiers) and Roman Forum
Guided tour of the Colosseum 1st & 2nd tiers and Roman Forum
Lunch at Casa Mia restaurant in Trastevere
Dedicated gelato stop
Private group experience
What to bring:
Government-issued ID
Comfortable sneakers
Sunscreen (during the hot summer months)
Water bottle (during the hot summer months)
Covering for knees and shoulders
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the benefit of this being a private tour?
This tour is exclusively for your party, allowing your private guide to tailor the pace to your interests. You'll benefit from dedicated vehicle transfers, pre-reserved ticket access, and personalized service throughout the 8 hour tour.
Are the Colosseum tickets guaranteed?
Yes, pre-reserved entry tickets for both the Colosseum and Roman Forum are guaranteed and included in your tour price.
What is the difference between the Guide and the Tour Leader?
The licensed guide (3 hours) provides the in-depth historical narrative at the Colosseum and Forum. The dedicated Tour Leader (2 hours) manages the group logistics, the Trastevere walking portion, and the private transfers, ensuring a smooth, stress-free day.
Is lunch included in the price?
Yes, an authentic Roman lunch at Casa Mia restaurant in Trastevere and a gelato stop are both included in the tour price.





