Skip the line to escape the touristy crowds and experience the Roman Forum and wander through the world's largest amphitheater, when you book this cultural excursion in Civitavecchia. Your scenic 6.5 hour, small group tour includes complimentary transportation to and from your port with an expert licensed tour guide and professional driver for your convenience. You'll also no more than 10 people in your group for an intimate experience, audio headsets to hear your guide, the option for a fixed menu lunch at a local restaurant upon request, and "skip the line" tickets to the Roman Forum and Colosseum, where you'll get direct access to the metal detectors and the chance to walk through the very amphitheater Roman gladiators once battled. While the cost of lunch and gratuity are not included in your tour, you'll get the chance to learn about the deadly gladiator games and see iconic landmarks like the Arch of Constantine, making this scenic tour perfect for culture enthusiasts and history buffs alike!

Begin your epic excursion by boarding your comfortable transfer vehicle from your hotel accommodations or port and heading to the rendezvous point, where you'll meet your tour guide for a short introduction to the itinerary. Next, you'll follow your guide straight to the metal detectors and make your way to the Colosseum, the largest amphitheater in the world. Please note some waiting may be required, even with Skip the Line tickets. Here, ancient Romans witnessed gladiators participate in deadly games and celebrated public events. Your tour guide will share the stories of these highly celebrated public spectacles and the roaring animals that participated in the games as well as show you the Colosseum's architectural excellence, including how this iconic structure depicts the Romans' forward thinking engineering expertise.

Next, follow your guide past the Arch of Constantine and take a stroll through the archeological site of the Roman Forum. The Roman Forum represents over two millennia of history that depicts the political and commercial importance of Rome with its civic buildings, temples, and monuments. Here, you'll take in the stunning sights of iconic landmarks that marked Rome's Imperial Age, including the ancient ruins of the Roman Senate, the Temple of Antonio and Faustina, and Julius Caesar's original mausoleum.

Wrap up your excursion with free time to explore the Imperial and Roman Forums on your own, including exploring Palatine Hill, a majestic hill that stands over 131 feet tall. Ancient Rome's history and mythology intertwine with this iconic landmark as legend has it Palatine Hill is where Rome started and where the Roman hero and god Hercules defeated the fire breathing giant Cacus. Conclude your tour with a climb up Capitoline Hill or dine on delicious Italian cuisine from a local restaurant for lunch for the perfect end to your tour.

If you're looking for an experience that gives you the chance to explore ancient Roman landmarks first hand, then this is the tour for you. Book your spot on this history infused excursion today for an unforgettable time in Civitavecchia.

Please Note: All guests' full names and passport numbers MUST be provided above in the appropriate field at the time of booking, due to the Colosseum entrance policy. Bookings placed without the required information will not be confirmed.

Exclusive Ancient Ephesus

Meet your professionally trained guide and drive to Ephesus, approximately 30 minutes from Kusadasi. Famous in antiquity for its Temple of Artemus during the years of the Roman Empire, the Greek port of Ephesus became the greatest city in Asia Minor. You will start your 90 minute Ephesus tour at the upper Magnesia Gate, and work your way down through the city, ending near the ancient Harbor.

Along the way, you will see the Forum, the Odeon, the Library of Celsus, Temple of Artemis, the Thermal Baths of Scolastika, and the Great Theater, built in the Greek era and reconstructed in the Roman period. With your skip-the-line access, you can fully enjoy these sites, which have played host to events as varied as Paul and his sermons to the Ephesians, to concerts by Sting, in part due to their remarkable acoustics.

You will walk along the Arcadian Way, where once Mark Antony and Cleopatra rode in procession. You will hear stories of Alexander the Great, the Virgin Mary, and many other famous visitors who walked the same marble streets that you are walking. As you depart the Ephesus site, you will be able to view the hilltop ruins of the Basilica of St. John in the distance, which was erected over his grave in the 6th century A.D. by Emperor Justinian.

Returning to the town of Kusadasi, guests will have the option to end their Ephesus tour in the shopping area, where they can attend a Turkish carpet explanation and explore the shops filled with jewelry, carpets, leatherware, and copper goods, or both. Turkish salespeople expect you to haggle and quite often you can get 10-15% off the listed price. Treat it as an adventure. The cruise pier is a 5-10 minute walk from the main shopping area.

Guests not wishing to attend the optional carpet shopping should stay on the bus and they will be taken directly back to the pier.