Rome: Lesser Known Ancient Rome Walking Tour

Uncover the hidden gems of ancient Rome on this captivating walking tour. Explore the city’s rich history as you explore remarkable sites often overlooked by visitors, from the impressive Capitoline Hill to the iconic Mouth of Truth. With an expert guide leading the way, you’ll gain a unique perspective on Rome’s past and discover remarkable wonders that many miss. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or first-time visitor, this tour promises to reveal the city’s secrets and leave you eager to explore further.

Key Points

• This walking tour explores lesser-known ancient sites in Rome, providing an intimate experience away from the typical tourist crowds.
• Key stops include the Capitoline Hill, Theatre of Marcellus, and the iconic Mouth of Truth, offering insights into the history and culture of ancient Rome.
• The tour is approximately 2-2.5 hours long, led by a live English-speaking guide, and is wheelchair accessible with private group options available.
• Pricing starts from Kč 624 per person, with flexible booking options and full refunds for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
• The tour focuses on discovering Rome’s hidden ancient marvels, providing a unique and immersive perspective on the city’s rich history.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The "Lesser Known Ancient Rome Walking Tour" is priced from Kč 624 per person and lasts approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.

Priced from Kč 624 per person, the "Lesser Known Ancient Rome Walking Tour" lasts approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.

It’s led by a live tour guide and offered in English. The tour is wheelchair accessible, and private groups are available.

Customers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Booking is flexible – customers can reserve now and pay later.

The tour starts at either Piazza Venezia or Largo di Torre Argentina and visits lesser-known ancient sites, offering an intimate experience in small groups of up to 15 people.

Itinerary Highlights

Embarking on this lesser-known ancient Rome walking tour, visitors can expect to uncover a treasure trove of hidden gems.

The tour starts at iconic locations like Piazza Venezia and Largo di Torre Argentina, before delving into the city’s rich history.

Key stops include the majestic Capitoline Hill, the impressive Theatre of Marcellus, and the mysterious Mouth of Truth.

Exploring the Palatine Hill, the birthplace of Rome, and the Circus Maximus, the tour offers a unique glimpse into the daily life of ancient Romans.

Throughout, the focus is on discovering the lesser-known ancient sites and marvels that often escape the typical tourist trail.

Exploring the Capitoline Hill

As visitors ascend the impressive Capitoline Hill, they’re immediately struck by the grandeur of its ancient monuments and structures.

This legendary hilltop was the religious and political center of ancient Rome, home to the revered Temple of Jupiter.

Highlights include:

• The imposing Cordonata staircase, leading up to the Piazza del Campidoglio, designed by Michelangelo

• The stunning Palazzo dei Conservatori and Palazzo Nuovo, housing the renowned Capitoline Museums

• The iconic equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, one of the few Roman bronze sculptures to survive antiquity

• The remains of the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus, once the largest temple in the Roman world.

Discovering the Theatre of Marcellus

From the Capitoline Hill, the tour next leads visitors to the impressive Theatre of Marcellus.

This ancient Roman amphitheater dates back to 13 BC and was once one of the largest in the city. Guests will marvel at its striking stone arches and learn how it served as a venue for theatrical performances and gladiatorial events.

The guide will share insights into the theater’s history and architectural design, noting how it influenced the development of later Roman amphitheaters.

Visitors can envision the lively spectacles that once filled this historic site, now a haunting remnant of Rome’s storied past.

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Uncovering the Mouth of Truth

Where does the tour next lead visitors? To the iconic Mouth of Truth, an ancient Roman marble mask that has long captivated the imagination.

Visitors eagerly await their turn to place their hand inside the gaping mouth, testing an age-old legend that the mask will bite off the hand of anyone who tells a lie.

Visitors bravely test their honesty by placing their hand inside the Mouth of Truth, risking losing a limb to the legendary lie detector.

The guide recounts tales of this mysterious relic, including:

• Its possible origins as a pagan deity or sewer grate

• Legends that it could detect liars and thieves

• Its cameo in the classic film "Roman Holiday"

• The tradition of posing for photos with the famous Bocca della Verità.

Visiting the Palatine Hill

After exploring the captivating Mouth of Truth, the tour next leads visitors to the iconic Palatine Hill, considered the birthplace of ancient Rome.

Ascending the hill, they’ll marvel at the ruins of imperial palaces, temples, and homes that once housed Rome’s elite. The guide shares insights into the hill’s rich history, from Romulus and Remus to the Caesars.

Visitors can envision the grandeur of the ancient city, sprawling across the seven hills. With its stunning views over the Roman Forum, the Palatine Hill offers a unique glimpse into the origins and evolution of the Eternal City.

Marveling at the Circus Maximus

The tour then takes visitors to the iconic Circus Maximus, once the largest chariot racing stadium in ancient Rome.

This massive oval-shaped arena could seat up to 250,000 spectators, who’d witness the thrilling races.

Visitors can visualize the grandeur of the site, with:

• The starting gates where chariots would line up for the start

• The spina, a long, thin barrier down the center of the track

• The turning posts at each end where chariots would narrowly navigate

• The ancient underground tunnels that provided access for participants and animals

Standing in this historic location, guests gain a deeper appreciation for the spectacle and excitement that captivated ancient Roman audiences.

Encountering the Hidden Wonders of Ancient Rome

What hidden gems and forgotten marvels await visitors on this tour of Ancient Rome?

Guests will encounter the world’s oldest sewers, discover the birthplace of Rome, and explore ancient Roman apartments.

Discover the world’s oldest sewers, the birthplace of Rome, and ancient Roman apartments on this immersive tour.

They’ll marvel at the Bocca della Verità, a mysterious ancient Roman sculpture with a legendary past.

The tour also showcases lesser-known sites like the Theatre of Marcellus and Palatine Hill, unveiling the daily lives of ancient Romans.

With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, guests can expect an intimate, immersive experience that goes beyond the usual tourist hotspots, uncovering Rome’s hidden wonders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Participants Take Breaks During the Tour?

Yes, the tour allows for optional breaks during the experience so participants can rest, get food and drinks if desired. The tour operates rain or shine, so weather-appropriate attire is recommended.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is suitable for children, with a wheelchair-accessible option. However, the focus on lesser-known ancient sites and daily life in Rome may not appeal to all younger participants. It’s best to consider the child’s interests and attention span.

Are Audio Guides Available for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t provide audio guides, but instead offers a live, knowledgeable guide who leads the small group and provides engaging narratives about the hidden wonders and forgotten marvels of Ancient Rome throughout the experience.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?

Yes, the tour can be customized for private groups. According to the tour details, private group tours are available, allowing for a more intimate experience tailored to the group’s needs and interests.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy?

Customers can cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This flexible cancellation policy allows for easy planning changes without financial penalty.

The Wrap Up

This intimate walking tour offers a unique opportunity to discover the lesser-known wonders of ancient Rome. From the iconic Mouth of Truth to the remarkable Capitoline Hill, travelers can explore the city’s rich history with a knowledgeable guide. With flexible booking and a generous cancellation policy, this wheelchair-accessible experience is perfect for those seeking a more authentic glimpse into Rome’s hidden gems.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby