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Basilica Julia

Basilica Julia: Our most recommended tours and activities

Rome: Roman Forum, Palatine, and Circus Maximus Tour

1. Rome: Roman Forum, Palatine, and Circus Maximus Tour

Chart a course through the archaeological tribal beginnings of Rome and its evolution into one of the most powerful empires of all time. Start your journey by exploring one of the largest triumphal arches in Roman history: the Arch of Constantine the Great, before meandering through the sites of the Roman Forum. Walk the paths of the Roman citizens and emperors, and visit the hill where the legend of Romulus and Remus established the foundation of the city: Palatine Hill. Learn how it later became one of the most exclusive areas of Ancient Rome. Take a closer look at the archaeological ruins in the very heart of the empire. Hear about the Vestal Virgins and see their gardens and the pagan temple of the Goddess Vesta they served. Learn about the Basilica Julia and the penal system of Rome and it’s effects on Christianity. See the temple of Castor and Pollux and the Arch of Titus and learn about the sacking of Jerusalem. Later, discover the Senate House, where senators met to decide the fate of the Roman Republic and how that climaxed with the murder and cremation of Julius Caesar. Enjoy breathtaking views over the Colosseum and Circus Maximus and stay in the Roman Forums as long as you wish at the end of your official tour. During your booking, you may choose the option to extend your Ancient Rome experience by adding an extra 30-minute tour of the Circus Maximus, overseeing it from the scenic terrace of the Palatine Hill.

Colosseum, Ancient Rome, Small Group Tour, Virtual Reality

2. Colosseum, Ancient Rome, Small Group Tour, Virtual Reality

This 3-hour adventure begins at the Victor Emanuel Monument for a spectacular view overlooking the heart of Ancient Rome. With things in perspective, proceed down to the excavation site of the Roman Forum to admire the remarkably intact remains of temples, basilicas, government buildings, and entertainment centers. Stroll along the same cobblestone roads where heated discussions between toga-clad senators of the Curia took place, and view the altar where Julius Caesar was cremated. Visit the underground prison where Saints Peter and Paul were interned, and see the magnificent Arch of Constantine, site of colorful victory parades by Roman soldiers. Next, go to the Colosseum and skip the long lines to get an up-close look at a triumph of ancient engineering. Your guide will paint a vivid picture of the blood and carnage of the gladiatorial fights that took place within imperial Rome’s greatest arena.

Private Colosseum & Ancient City Tour

3. Private Colosseum & Ancient City Tour

Begin the day at the impressive Victor Emanuel monument and step back in time to ancient Rome. As you tour the Roman Forum, learn about the daily lives of ancient Romans. Walk down its cobblestone streets to visit the site's ancient temples, theaters and government buildings. As you make your way to the Colosseum, learn about the underground prison where Saints Peter and Paul were interned, and visualize the colorful victory parades of Roman soldiers as they passed under the magnificent Arch of Constantine. Once at the famed site, skip the long queues with your special Skip-the-Line pass and head directly into the Colosseum to get an up-close and personal look at this amazing triumph of ancient engineering.

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Other Sightseeing Options in Basilica Julia

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What people are saying about Basilica Julia

Overall rating

4.9 / 5

based on 31 reviews

My wife and I were lucky enough to be traveling with Laura, a retired archaeologist. There were no other participants and so we were able to enjoy a private tour of 2.5 hours. Laura is very knowledgeable (she had worked as an archaeologist in the Roman Forum herself) and, as fans of Roman antiquity, gave us a lot of valuable information and entertaining stories. Thank you for this great experience.

Mario was an amazing guide. He was very knowledgeable and really shared an insight into what life in the forum was like. Definitely worth getting a smaller group tour with a good guide -we’ve done the forum tour with headsets before and this was a much more informative tour.

My sister and myself were very happy that the German Group did not have so many people within the group compared to the english Groups. This way I was able to hear the guide as I have problems to hear properly. Additionally, I could admire the things he takkes about.

The guide Arturo was able to impart a lot of knowledge to me and always had comprehensive answers to my questions. His easygoing nature made the tour relaxed.

We booked and met at the meeting place to be advised we were the 9n of ones on the tour. So effectively had 1 guide to 2 people. No need for headsets…