Explore the historic core of Rome to deepen your understanding of the city’s historical, geographic, and cultural foundations. Gain insight into Rome’s transition from republic to empire.

Plan to spend some time exploring the Colosseum, while the other stops are designed to be experienced from the outside. Book tickets for the Colosseum, Forum, and Palantine Hill ahead of time to facilitate entry.

Use the associated audioguides as you visit the following locations:

• Colosseum, a massive amphitheatre for gladiatorial games and public spectacles
• Arch of Constantine, a monument commemorating Constantine’s victory
• Roman Forum, which is a complex of temples, basilicas, and political buildings including the Temple of Saturn, Temple of Dioscuri, House of Vestal Virgins, Temple of Vesta, Curia Julia, Rostra, Basilica Maxentius, Arch of Titus, Temple of Julius Caesar, Temple of Saturn
• Palatine Hill, the site of imperial palaces and early Roman settlement
• Imperial Fora: Forum Nerva, Forum Augustus, Forum Caesar once served as hubs for law, commerce, and religion, and can now be seen from Via dei Fori Imperiali while walking
• Trajan’s Column, a monument with spiral reliefs of military campaigns
• Optional add-on: Mercati di Traiano, a multi-level complex of shops and administrative spaces
• Piazza Venezia, city square with a large national monument to Italian unification, Altare della Patria
• Piazza dei Campidoglio, Michelangelo-designed square atop the Capitoline Hill
• Forum Boarium, Rome’s ancient cattle market area
• Teatro di Marcello, a predecessor to the Colosseum used for drama and musical performances
• Bocca della Verità, a mask famed for the legend that it bites the hand of liars
• Circus Maximus, an ancient chariot-racing stadium