Colosseum & Roman Forum Tour: A Dutch Guide Review

Visiting Rome, too, it’s almost like stepping back in time, and seeing the Colosseum and Roman Forum is certainly high on pretty much everyone’s list. You could definitely wander around yourself, sure, but having someone really knowledgeable to explain what you’re looking at, so it tends to be super helpful, and that is especially helpful, very, very helpful if they actually speak your language. We, for instance, went on a tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum, and it was actually guided in Dutch, of all languages, and I figured I could share my thoughts with you.

First Impressions and Meeting Up

Right, so booking the tour was easy, I have to say. Loads of sites actually offer tours, so too it’s a matter of finding one that matches your language needs, or maybe any date. This one actually promised a Dutch-speaking guide, so it tends to be key for us, given that my parents were traveling with us, and, let’s say, they aren’t history experts or something. Meeting up was alright too; they told us to meet near the Colosseum at a little café, and then the guide came to find us. She definitely had a little sign and everything, very official!

The Colosseum: A Gladiator’s Story

The Colosseum is simply a sight, but I mean, you likely knew that already, anyway. Hearing about the gladiators and the shows that actually took place there really made it feel real. Our guide, she really brought the past to life in a way, you know? She explained so too, like, how they moved animals and people up to the arena floor, things you would never actually think about if you are wandering on your own, I would say. You, too it’s like she had tons of old stories and things like that about emperors, which made it feel much more than just a pile of old rocks, you know?

Exploring the Roman Forum: A Walk Through History

Right after the Colosseum, we headed to the Roman Forum, which, you know, actually is located just a short walk away. Seeing it without someone to tell you about it, is that it’s basically, anyway, like a bunch of ruins, to be honest. Our guide walked us through the main spots, like for example, the old Senate building, and she even pointed out where they, like, think Julius Caesar got cremated. Learning about daily life back then really brought the place alive. She too told some funny stories, which actually helped my parents a ton; my dad definitely likes stories!

The Dutch Guide: Language and Expertise

Obviously, one of the huge pros was, clearly, that the tour was in Dutch. My parents totally loved being able to understand everything completely. She, similarly to other very competent guides, also actually seemed super into the history, so that actually made the whole experience better, you know? She was alright at answering questions and didn’t rush us at all, very important! It’s actually pretty nice to have someone who speaks your native language while overseas, anyway; you miss so much stuff when you actually have to translate everything constantly.

Skip-the-Line Access: Worth the Extra Cost?

I, honestly, don’t know what it is about this place, so that it always tends to be really busy, or something! So, this tour also included “skip-the-line” access, so too it’s another thing to consider when you are actually booking, given the fact that wait times can be really, really long. We basically walked right in while tons of people waited. That actually was worth the extra cost alone, I’d say; being able to walk straight past the lines is certainly great when it’s hot and crowded. In other words, if you actually can, always pay the extra money to skip lines, always!

Things to Consider

If you actually are going on this tour, keep in mind that it’s pretty long, as a matter of fact. Bring comfortable shoes, always, that tends to be super important! It can get quite hot, so remember sunscreen and definitely water. Likewise, be ready to deal with lots of people. Even with the “skip-the-line” pass, it will likely be crowded inside. Still, don’t actually let that scare you off; it’s an experience that, too, it’s certainly well worth it.

Final Thoughts

Seeing the Colosseum and the Roman Forum with a Dutch guide was such a cool experience! Having someone who loves to share the information in your native language, it tends to really make the history come alive. The skip-the-line access alone actually makes it a must-do, I think. If you actually get the chance, do it! You certainly won’t regret it.