Timeless Rome: Two-Day Tour for Seniors, also with Limited Mobility

Let yourself be guided by an experienced historian on this Rome in two days tour for seniors, with their needs in mind yet eager to venture into the Rome’s wonders and history. This Rome tour at a leisurely pace, avoids stairs as much as possible using elevators, and follows accessible routes in case of seniors with limited mobility or using wheelchairs.

Colosseum Tour: Imperial Rome's violent entertainment

Overpopulated and chaotic. This was Imperial Rome when a devastating fire broke out on a scorching July day in 64 AD. The flames raged for nine days, spreading across various districts and severely damaging 10 out of the city’s 14 regions. The city, heavily overpopulated with more than a million inhabitants, was particularly vulnerable. The fire, driven by strong, hot southern winds and fueled by the widespread use of wood as a building material in Roman homes, claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands.

It was not Nero, of course, who set Rome ablaze, and he was outside the city at the time. However, the accusation, fueled by the anger of Romans who felt the emperor had not provided enough financial aid for the rebuilding of their homes, has persisted through the centuries. Transformed into legend by Christian accounts, this narrative gained traction following Nero's persecution of Christians, whom he scapegoated as the culprits of the disaster, using them as a convenient target to deflect blame and appease public anger.

With no escape for Nero, his downfall was inevitable. When even the army turned against him, his fate was sealed. He died in 68 AD, just four years after the fire, before the construction of the Domus Aurea, initiated through the confiscation of private lands destroyed in the blaze, could be completed.

This two-day tour of Rome designed especially for senior travelers, offers the perfect introduction to Ancient Rome’s historical dynamics,  providing the ideal way to begin exploring the city by delving into the early centuries of its millennia-long history.

The new emperor, Vespasian Flavius, sought to provide tangible signs of his determination to rebuild Rome. What could symbolize this better than the Colosseum, an imposing structure of unprecedented proportions made of fire-resistant travertine and bricks? What better way to win public favor than to entertain the romans with gladiator games, a popular spectacle for over a century? The romans enthusiastically participated, enchanted by the exotic animals and subtly blinded by the escalating violence presented in the arena throughout a long day, from morning until evening, at the Colosseum.

Our expert guide will bring the historical context of Rome to life during your personalized private senior-friendly tour tailored to your needs. Te tour guide will showcase the customs, traditions, and even the typical objects of the Romans who frequented the Colosseum, before introducing you to the world of gladiators. You will learn about their origins, combat tactics, social role, and how a few of them, despite being slaves, managed to gain their freedom and join the ranks of the Roman elite. Though these cases were rare, they were heavily promoted by imperial propaganda to distract Romans from more pressing daily issues.

With a dedicated guide, you will have the freedom to take breaks whenever needed, accommodating your pace and preferences. You will also enjoy the benefits of a senior-friendly Colosseum tour, designed along the most suitable path with exclusive use of the elevator to reach the first level of the Colosseum from the ground floor. This makes the tour equally ideal for seniors with mobility challenges or those in wheelchairs.

Roman Forum tour at your own pace

The Roman Forum is a timeless treasure, encompassing the foundations of our society through its history, laws, and monumental architecture. On our Ancient Rome tour the guide will follow a special itinerary designed for seniors, ensuring a relaxed pace throughout the visit. The journey will include all the necessary stops to rest, take a breath, and fully appreciate the Forum’s wonders. For elderly visitors with limited mobility, the tour will follow a wheelchair-accessible route.

Every step will bring you closer to iconic landmarks like the Senate, the Temple of Saturn, the Garden and House of the Vestal Virgins, with time to reflect on their significance and marvel at their enduring beauty. This experience is not just a tour, but a gentle immersion into the heart of ancient Rome, accomodating the needs and comfort of seniors in mind. 

A visit to the Palatine Hill: a small challenge for seniors

Unfortunately, there's a climb, not steep, but not exactly short, to reach it. Although once you arrive, the experience is definitely worth the effort. There are many shaded spots where our guide will accompany you to rest as needed, according to your fatigue or the heat. Moreover, the Palatine Hill is a vast and exclusive site, beloved by history and archaeology buffs. In any case, you will be free to decide whether to visit it or not after the Roman Forum tour. On-site, you can assess the path to climb the hill with our guide and make your decision based on your current condition.

The stadium of Emperor Domitian, the second son of Vespasian, the architect of the Colosseum, is an imposing structure, of great dimensions, with a perimeter portico and an immense central area probably intended for the emperor's horseback riding. Rather paranoid, and obsessed with the fear of being killed by some palace conspiracy, which indeed happened.

With a short walk, you can reach what remains of the many rooms in which the palace developed, giving you an idea of ​​its original vastness. A relevant aspect, which allows us to understand how, a century after its establishment, the imperial power, whose legitimacy is now undisputed, allowed itself luxuries unimaginable to the first emperor, Octavian Augustus, at the end of the 1st century BC.

Despite its modest size, the House of Augustus, adorned with exquisitely refined frescoes, is a treasure trove of ancient art. You can visit this remarkable dwelling—advance notice is required for ticket arrangements—and marvel at the exquisite painting style of the era. Moreover, our expert guide, an archaeologist or historian specializing in this period, will delve into the political life of Augustus, a cultured and shrewd statesman who was also a master of imperial propaganda.

Capitoline Hill of Rome Tour: Accessible for seniors with a gentle slope

The Capitoline Hill, one of Rome’s legendary seven hills, is a must-see destination for its rich history, stunning architecture, and breathtaking views. At its heart lies the Piazza del Campidoglio, designed by Michelangelo, featuring a striking geometric pattern and framed by the harmonious facades of the Palazzo dei Conservatori and Palazzo Nuovo. At the center stands the iconic bronze statue of Marcus Aurelius, a masterpiece of ancient art and engineering.

While the hill’s moderate incline may pose a small challenge for seniors, our tailored tours ensure a comfortable pace, with breaks and assistance available for those who need it. The Capitoline Hill blends ancient history, art, and culture, making it an unforgettable experience at every step.

Time for lunch break

Taking a break to enjoy a delicious meal and savor traditional Roman dishes at a relaxed pace will be both necessary and a true delight at this point. Our guide will recommend a selection of authentic, non-touristy restaurants nearby, just a short taxi ride away.