Today marked the true beginning of our Roman adventure. Our itinerary was packed with history: the Forum, Palatine Hill, and the mighty Colosseum. To make it even more special, we joined the Roman Guides tour group for an underground exploration of the Colosseum’s lower levels—a chance to step into the hidden world beneath the arena floor.
Getting there from our apartment was quick and easy, but of course we couldn’t resist a stop for coffee and pastries along the way. Instead of standing at the bar like most Italians do (a cheaper option, we’ve learned), we chose to sit and savor the moment. The atmosphere was welcoming, and the staff at the café were as friendly as ever. One local even recommended a few pastries we might not have tried otherwise—delicious surprises that made the morning feel even more authentic.
The kindness of the Italian people continues to impress us. We do our best to show respect in return, greeting people properly and using the few phrases we’ve picked up. In fact, I spent months before the trip listening to an Italian language podcast. While I can’t claim fluency, I’ve found that I can catch the limited gist of everyday basic conversations, which makes each interaction feel more rewarding. ( Last night that basic skill failed us in the heat of the exchange at the supermarket.)
With caffeine, sugar, and a bit of confidence in our Italian, we set off toward the Colosseum—ready to dive into the layers of history waiting for us.
As we explored the bustling tourist hotspots near the Colosseum, we quickly learned to sidestep the usual vendors hawking charger packs and selfie sticks—most backed off with a firm “No, thanks.” But a more persistent group approached with a different tactic: striking up friendly conversation with “Where are you from?” Often, this was followed by the offer of a colourful string bracelet, presented as a token of friendship.
It’s a clever setup. If you accept the bracelet, payment is immediately demanded—sometimes aggressively. We watched several unsuspecting visitors fall for the trap. In our case, a couple of these individuals even followed us, and one threw a bracelet at us when we didn’t engage.
The best strategy? Ignore them completely. Eye contact or conversation only encourages further interaction. Even stating ‘no’ when the inevitable ‘are you from …’ is engagement. We’ve encountered similar schemes in major Mediterranean cruise ports, so it seems to be a recurring theme in high-traffic tourist areas.
Our Roman adventure began with a deep dive into history at the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. From the moment we stepped through the gates, we were awestruck by the sheer scale and grandeur of the ruins—an open-air museum where every stone whispers stories of emperors, senators, and ancient citizens.
Thanks to our all-inclusive tickets from Roman Guides, we had seamless access to the entire archaeological complex. For any history enthusiast, this site is an absolute must. Wandering through the remnants of temples, basilicas, and imperial palaces felt like walking through the pages of a living textbook.
The real highlight? Climbing to the high points of Palatine Hill, where we were rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of Rome’s timeless skyline. From this vantage, the city unfolds in layers—ancient, Renaissance, and modern—all coexisting in one breathtaking vista.
We dedicated a good two hours wandering through the Forum and the surrounding hills, yet it quickly became clear that double that time would have been needed to truly appreciate the scale and history of the site. Thanks to our ticket from Roman Guides, we had seamless access to every corner—including the fascinating on-site museums. Their ticket service made the experience effortless and enriching, and I can wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone planning a visit.
Our Colosseum adventure began just outside the Roma Café, where the staff generally greeted us with warmth and helpfulness. A practical bonus—there are customer restrooms, which is always appreciated before a long tour. What really impressed us was their hospitality: after finishing our coffee and bagels, they kindly let us stay inside while we waited for our tour to begin.
We booked our tour through Roman Guides, with all communication handled seamlessly via WhatsApp. Mada, the organiser, was fantastic—patient with our endless questions, professional, and incredibly helpful throughout the process.
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| Photo kindly take by Eni of Roman Guides |
The highlight of the day was stepping inside the Colosseum itself, including the underground chambers beneath this iconic site. Our guide, Eni from Roman Guides, was outstanding. He shared detailed insights into the history and architecture without ever overwhelming or talking down to us. We had plenty of time to take photos, absorb the atmosphere, and truly enjoy the personalized experience.
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