Private tour in Rome Giovanni V

Underground Colosseum and Arena Tour with an Archaeologist!

5.0

(12) reviews

-
Hours icon 3 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 3 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Giovanni V.

4.9

Guide rating

81

Reviews

Tours delivered

39 hrs

Avg. response time

My name is Giovanni and I'm an archaeologist and a passionate tour guide in Rome. Archaeology has always been my greatest passion, and that's why I decided to study it in college for 8 years (1st level degree, 2nd level degree, and post-graduate School of Specialization). At the end of each course of studies, I had to write a thesis: two about the Eastern religions in Rome, and one about Roman and Etruscan architecture. After completing my education, I found out that I loved sharing what I had learned, and so I became a tour guide. I always try to make my tours entertaining and informative, because I truly believe that history, architecture, and archaeology are a lot of fun! I dug in many sites, including the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill (Colosseum Area) and I love to take my clients to places where I've dug, so I can share with them my direct experience of the sites and my dig stories. I'm still involved in the "Campo della Fiera project", a large excavation of an extremely interesting Etruscan sanctuary in Orvieto. As a tour guide, I love to create tailored tours and treat my clients as individuals, offering the best service I can. In my tours, I always include pick up service at the hotel, and I try to design an itinerary that matches the clients' needs and expectations. I try to help the people discover the hidden gems of Rome and Italy, but I never forget about the highlights. That's why many of the itineraries I designed include both famous and off-the-beaten-path sights. I lead tours in Rome and also outside of the city, and I provide day trips to Pompeii, Florence, Tivoli, Ostia Antica, Orvieto, and many other famous beautiful locations in Italy. I can't wait to meet you and to share my love for ancient history! - Licenced Official tour guide (Rome district); - 1st and 2d level degrees in Archaeology (University of Salerno) and a School of Specialization (post-graduate); - Diploma in Archaeology (University of Rome - La Sapienza). 8 years of study total; - During my studies I wrote three thesis: "L'Egitto a Benevento" - "I culti orientali in Campania" - "Il tempio A di Campo della Fiera" Papers I wrote: - Article entitled "Il culto di Mithra in Campania", in Salternum, review of the Gruppo Archeologico Salernitano, n. 28-29. - Article entitled "Il tempio di Iside a Benevento: l'architettura e gli arredi, l'architettura attraverso gli arredi" in Proceedings of JIA 2010: Jóvenes en investigation Arqueológica, convention at Winter 2010. - Article entitled "L'Egitto in Campania" in "Salternum," review of the Gruppo Archeologico Salernitano, n. 24-25. - Article entitled "L'Egitto a Benevento" in "Salternum", review of the Gruppo Archeologico Salernitano, n. 18-19, pg. 83-93. None.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Giovanni V.

Overview of your Rome tour

What's the best way to explore an archaeological site? With an archaeologist like me, of course! Plus, we'll have access to two very special areas of the Colosseum: the underground and the Arena! Then, we'll also see the Roman Forum and the Palatine hill, and I'll show you all the hidden secrets of those fascinating sites, where I dug when I was a student. The Colosseum is the most impressive and the biggest amphitheater in the world, but the Forum and the Palatine are even more fascinating! The Forum was the most important public square, where Julius Caesar, Mark Anthony, and Cicero gave their speeches, and where some of the most impressive temples are. The Palatine hill, instead, is "chapter 1" of Roman history, since it's where Romulus founded Rome more than 2700 years ago. It also hosts the gargantuan ruins of the imperial palaces, and it offers some of the best views of the Forum.

Recent Reviews

Michael T.United States
April 2026

Giovanni was a wonderful guide. He was very accommodating and knowledgeable. We had done and early tour in the morning so my daughters were a bit tired. I was concerned they would not enjoy the tour. However, Giovanni kept us all interested as he led us through the Colosseum and St Clement’s Church. A great experience for my family.

Todd N.United States
April 2026

Giovanni was excellent

Joe G.United States
February 2026

Giovanni was incredible, had detailed knowledge of all 3 sites we visited, was entertaining and the whole family loved him. Was a great time and a wonderful afternoon.

Susette I.United States
May 2025

Giovanni was very personable &knowledgeable. Driver arrived promptly & was very good, despite her limited English & our poor Italian. G. offered good insight & many excellent details/info. Candid yet professional. We really enjoyed our time spent w him.

JoAnn T.United States
March 2025

We had a great time on our tour with Giovanni. He mad it enjoyable for all 5 of us! He was very knowledgable about all. He kept us moving, answered our questions and made the tour enjoyable. Our first day in Italy would not have been the same without him. As luck would have it, we get to tour museums together today! Thanks Govannii

Mary Frances B.United States
September 2024

Giovanni provided a comprehensive tour of St. Clement's, the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and the Forum during our tour on September 24. He was prepared and gave some very interesting facts about these historic places that made the tour very educational without the "glitchy" or dramatic way some guides use. We enjoyed the tour and the way that Giovanni was able to effortlessly make changes as needed when timeframes became a challenge. He also recommended a restaurant for our lunch following the tour and it was perfect! Away from the crowds and in a great location.

Your Rome tour itinerary

- Colosseum (Underground, Arena, first and second floor) - Roman forum (inside) - Palatine hill (inside) IT'S MANDATORY to bring an ID, a passport or a driver's license to enter the Colosseum No knives, glass water bottles, sprays (like perfumes or deodorants) allowed in the Colosseum. Those items will have to be thrown away before entering. No carry-on bags (there's no luggage store in the building)

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Walking

walking tour

What's included
Other: Pick up service at your hotel (if it's in Rome city center), cab ride at the Colosseum, skip-the-line tickets; special tour with an archaeologist who dug in the Forum/Palatine hill area.
Private Guide
Private Transportation
Tickets: Underground and arena of the Colosseum tickets
What's not included
Other: food, drinks.
Meeting location

Rome, Lazio, Italy

Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: Meeting location: Pick up at your hotel (if in Rome city center). If it's not, the meeting point will be in front of the "Colosseo" metro station. I'll meet you under the tree that's near the green kiosk on the right of the train station entrance. I'll have a sign with your name on it.

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
History
Architecture
City Highlights
Tour reference number
1248405
Languages
English
Italian
Activity level
Light

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Rome best suited for?

This private tour in Rome is perfect for history enthusiasts and those interested in archaeology. With Giovanni V., an archaeologist who has personally dug in the Forum and Palatine Hill areas, you'll gain unique insights into these ancient sites. It's also ideal for travellers who prefer a personalized experience and want to explore the Colosseum's underground and arena, as well as the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

What should I bring or wear?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 3 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 3 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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