Imagine having exclusive access to Augustus Caesar’s home. Yup, just you, an expert guide and a few other curious travellers (a max of 15) exploring the 1st century BC home of Rome’s first emperor. No big deal… Um, huge deal. A once-in-a-lifetime experience offered by Walks of Italy. Security gates that were previously only opened for archaeologists and historians are unlocked on their VIP Caesar’s Palace Tour so you can wander around the historic complex and admire the 2000-year-old frescos that line the walls…
Is this for real?! A question I repeatedly asked myself as I walked through Augustus Caesar’s home (Casa di Augusto) and the home he built for his beloved wife, Empress Livia (Casa di Livia). The original colours, decorative figures, floor tiles — all still intact and absolutely marvelous.
Led by our guide, Elisa, we went from room to room and listened attentively as she brought history to life by sharing fascinating stories. A trained archaeologist herself, I was amazed by her in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm about the site. A rare gem in a sea of tour guides…
Elisa from Walks of Italy showing us some historical renderings.
There’s something so special about touring an ancient site with only a handful of people. It really allows you to transport yourself back in time. Walking down the dimly lit corridors I could sense a strong energy pulse throughout the space. No crowds blocked my views and it was so tranquil I could hear a pin drop. There I stood, inside one of the most important discoveries in the Eternal City gazing out at a view suited for an Emperor…
I was awestruck and could’ve stood there forever. Alas, as part of our journey through ancient Rome, we were also granted access to the first and second tiers of the Colosseum so off we went to learn about the games…
I’d been to the Colosseum before, but this was an entirely elevated experience since the pre-reserved tickets allowed us to skip the regular line. Woot! More importantly, I learned tons of interesting facts from Elisa during the tour — everything from the executions and gladiatorial combats to what they used to eat at the games (chicken wings and oysters anyone?) and the exotic plants that grow there (most of which got there via seeds from animal droppings in the past). The most fascinating fact? I had no clue the original marble floor of the Colosseum was stripped and taken to the Vatican…
We also had a chance to explore Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum with Elisa — a sprawl of ruins and an area where many of the Empire’s most sacred temples once stood. A guide is definitely needed to navigate and truly understand the historical significance of the area. Fortunately for us, ours worked on the archeological site for almost a decade so she knew it like the back of her hand!
I can’t say enough about how spectacular our Walks of Italy tour was. The pace was perfect, the information shared was interesting, the group was small so we could ask tons of questions and we were all given headsets so we could hear and follow our incredible guide. It really doesn’t get better than this when it comes to tours. Oh, and the VIP Caesar’s Palace Tour (3.5 hrs) is so unique — something I think everyone should experience when visiting Rome.
Huge thanks to Walks of Italy for hosting us on the VIP Caesar’s Palace Tour. As always, all reviews and opinions are entirely my own.
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