Learn the story of the Roman Republic and its most important monuments on a half-day tour of Ancient Rome. Enjoy skip-the-line privileges at the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman (Imperial) Forum. Meet your guide at the local tour partner's office and enjoy panoramic views of the best preserved part of the Colosseum. Get a detailed description of the Colosseum from the outside, before skipping the long lines to step inside. Once inside, learn about the spectacular entertainments put on during the Roman Republic. Discover the construction techniques invented by the Romans. Hear about the great feats of the gladiators and their battles with wild animals. Marvel at the technological advancements of the Roman engineers to build the Colosseum. Learn about the trapdoors and all the mechanisms used to animate the games. Your guide will entertain you with tales of sea-battles and tell you about the cages where the lions were kept. Imagine the roar of the crowd as their blood-lust was met. Continue to the 2nd tiers for the best views of the Colosseum, inside and out. Next, go to Palatine Hill to see where the elite emperors took residence. Admire the views of the Circus Maximus on one side and the Roman Forum on the other. See the ruins of the Temple of Julius Caesar, built in the same spot where his body was cremated. Look at the Arch of Titus, House of the Vestal Virgins, Senate House, Basilica of Maxentius and much more.