Have you visited Domus Aurea in Rome?

Being an active site, only the archaeologists working there are allowed to take tourists down. That company is just re-selling you the official tour at an higher price. I'd call it a rip-off.

The archaeologists are volunteering when they give those tours, even the company that manages the official website to buy tickets does not make any money from the Domus Aurea. Maybe It's not just a rip-off, it's a major - and mean - one.

The Domus Aurea has been opened and closed for tours for several years. I took a tour prior to 2015 (don't remember exactly what year), but I tought it was very interesting and worthwhile. Much more of it has likely now been excavated. I would definitely do the tour, as who knows when they might close it again. While I can't speak to this round of tours, I can tell you that I did the upper/lower level Colosseum tour the first year it was available with one of the archaeologists who worked on the excavation and she was fantastic. If it's the same at the Domus Aurea, jump on the opportunity! Don't waste extra money on the Eternity tour as you'll probably get nothing more than a grossly marked-up ticket.

I loved it! I’m pretty sure I booked directly through the website. It was a great experience and if you enjoy archaeology, you will love it!

We did Domus Aurea with Through Eternity tours last May and, while I will agree that there is no need to book with them from a cost perspective, the TE guide was much better than the archeologists guide in describing the background of Roman rulers.. The TE guide can’t guide once you’re in the site, so if you can get the ticket through the official website, that’s the best way to go.

As far as the site itself, we loved it. It kind of gives you chills thinking that you are standing where ancient Romans stood, because the excavation is ongoing. It also gave us a context for what used to comprise that area and how vast it was. The number of guests per tour is limited, so there is no crowding. I would absolutely recommend it.

We went in October 2015, on the regular tour, and enjoyed it very much. Be sure to allow extra time to find the assembly point, S it was not well-signed then. But perhaps that has improved. Bring a jacket as it is quite cold inside!

If you are interested in Ancient Rome and/or archaeology, it's fascinating. I did their own tour, and thought the guide was quite informative. And, to add to others--take a jacket, it's darn cold in there!

We just went last month and it was amazing. We booked tickets through Eternity Tours. Their guide gives a short talk before you go in and after you come out. Inside, the archeology staff person does the narration. There’s some comfort in booking with ET as you have quick, reliable answers to any questions and some recourse if your plans change but is it worth the extra cost? Made sense for us. The virtual reality presentation at the end of the tour is absolutely magical!

Sure, who wouldn't pay three times for the pleasure of listening to something written in all history books?

It's definitely worth seeing, but not through a third-party vendor. As for the virtual 3d presentation, that's also done through the official site. They started doing that right after we went, and now I want to go back.

And, yes, unlike the underground Scavi tour, the Domus Aurea is quite chilly inside, although since you'll be there in April, you'll likely have a jacket with you.

Happy travels.