Colosseum Gladiators Arena Floor, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Group Tour
Step Into History – Colosseum Arena Tour with Optional Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Walk through the Gladiator’s Gate and step straight onto the Colosseum’s Arena floor, just like the warriors of ancient Rome. Avoid the crowds and the heat with direct access to the heart of the amphitheater, where the roar of the crowd once echoed and emperors watched blood-stirring battles unfold.
Led by a professional, passionate guide, you’ll dive deep into the secrets of the Colosseum. Hear thrilling tales of gladiator combat, the extravagant games, and even the mad emperors who fought wild beasts for sport. From the Arena, enjoy a striking view over the Underground chambers and then continue through the first and second tiers, where you’ll marvel at the ingenuity and architectural brilliance of Roman engineering.
You can choose between two unforgettable experiences:
- Colosseum & Arena Floor Tour (Approx. 1.5 hrs)
Explore the Colosseum with Arena access, learning all about its brutal glory, structure, and history. - Full Ancient Rome Experience (Approx. 3 hrs)
After the Colosseum, continue with your guide to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Walk the ruins of temples, markets, and imperial palaces, where Rome’s greatest dramas played out. Discover the birthplace of the city and take in panoramic views across the Eternal City.
Whether you choose the essential or the full journey, this tour promises an intense emotional experience, rich storytelling, and a once-in-a-lifetime walk through history.
What’s included?
Colosseum/Arena Tour Only
- Skip-the-line entry to the Colosseum through the Gladiators’ Gate
- Access to the Arena floor, first and second levels of the Colosseum
- Professional licensed guide
- Headsets to hear your guide during the tour
- Small group experience for a more personal and immersive visit
Full Experience Option Also Includes:
- Guided tour of the Roman Forum
- Guided visit to Palatine Hill
- Entry tickets to all sites (Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine)
Exclusions
- Tip or gratuity
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
- Roman Forum and Palatine Hill guided tour if only the Colosseum Option is chosen
Please note
- Public transportation nearby
Important Information and Accessibility
This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, stroller users, or guests with walkers. It is also not recommended for individuals with motor difficulties. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Pets are not allowed.
If you have any disability (visual, hearing, or other) or a medical condition that may affect your participation, please inform our staff in advance so we can assess the feasibility of your participation.
Meeting Time and Attendance
Please arrive at the meeting point at least 20 minutes before the scheduled tour time. Guests arriving more than 5 minutes after departure will not be admitted, and no refund will be issued.
Meeting point:
Piazza di San Clemente, in front of the basilica. Look for our staff with a “Tour in the City” sign. There is no need to collect tickets in advance—your name will be on our list.
Tickets and Entry Requirements
Colosseum tickets are dated, timed, and non-refundable. Entry is managed with a single group ticket; we cannot issue individual tickets to late arrivals. A valid ID (passport, driver’s license, or student ID) is required for entry. The name and date of birth must match your reservation. Child discounts apply only with a valid ID.
Security and Site Access
For safety reasons, all visitors and bags will be screened at security checkpoints. The Colosseum has a maximum capacity of 3,000 people at a time. Even with skip-the-line access, delays may occur due to crowd control and security measures.
Only small and medium-sized backpacks are allowed. All bags must pass through X-ray inspection. Prohibited items include: glass containers, alcoholic beverages, aerosols, knives, sharp objects, large bags, luggage, and trolleys.
Delays, Changes, and Cancellations
Minor time adjustments (approximately 20-30 minutes) may be made due to organizational needs. In the event of strikes, closures, or adverse weather, the itinerary or order of visits may be modified. The tour operator may offer a partial refund or an alternative solution when appropriate.
Access delays or site closures beyond our control (such as national holidays, security alerts, or capacity restrictions) are not eligible for refunds.
No changes to bookings are permitted after confirmation has been made. For urgent matters, please get in touch with us at +39 328 001 0018.
What do I need to bring?
- Valid ID (passport, driver’s license, or student ID) Required for Colosseum entry. The name and date of birth on file must match the information in your reservation.
- Booking confirmation Either digital or printed, check in with the staff at the meeting point.
- Comfortable walking shoes The tour includes uneven surfaces, stairs, and archaeological areas.
- Weather-appropriate clothing Light clothing and sun protection in summer; warm layers in cooler months.
- Reusable water bottle Especially advised during warmer months, as the tour includes walking and outdoor areas.
Cancellation policy
- Bookings are non-refundable. All sales are final.
Meeting/Starting Point
For both options – Full Experience and Colosseum Arena only – the meeting/starting point is located at Piazza di San Clemente, in front of the entrance to the Basilica di San Clemente. The staff will have a signboard reporting “Tour in the City”.
Nearest metro station: Colosseo (LINE B) / MANZONI (LINE A).
Colosseum Arena
Explore the Colosseum with Arena Access – Step into the Heart of Ancient Rome
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Imperial Rome by visiting its most iconic monument: the Colosseum. With exclusive access to the Arena floor, you’ll stand where gladiators once battled for glory, surrounded by towering arches and the remarkable architecture of the largest amphitheater ever built by the Roman Empire.
Led by a professional guide, you’ll uncover the hidden stories and engineering marvels of this 1st-century masterpiece. Learn how it was designed to host grand public spectacles, witness the genius of Roman construction, and gain insight into the daily life and culture of one of history’s greatest civilizations.
Roman Forum/Palatine Hill
The Full Ancient Rome Experience – Discover the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (Accessible only to Full Experience guests)
After you visit the Colosseum and have exclusive access to the Arena floor, your exploration continues with two of Rome’s most fascinating archaeological treasures: the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill.
Together with your private guide, you’ll enter the Forum, once the vibrant beating heart of the Roman Empire. Here, among centuries-old ruins, you’ll hear stories of senators, orators, priests, and citizens whose lives shaped the course of history. Temples, basilicas, and monuments come to life through your guide’s narration, transforming ancient stones into vivid memories of the past.
Then ascend to the Palatine Hill, where myth and history intertwine. Believed to be the birthplace of Rome and later home to emperors, this hill offers not only extraordinary ruins of palatial complexes but also breathtaking views over the city’s oldest landmarks.
This deeper dive into Ancient Rome is reserved for guests who have chosen the Full Experience—an enriching, private journey through the heart of Roman civilization, far beyond the surface of a typical visit.
You can start this experience at the following places.
Via delle Terme di Tito, 72 (in front of Oppio Park)
72 Via delle Terme di Tito, 00184 RM Roma, IT
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25 years of experience
Tour in The City was founded in 1990 in response to the ever increasing demand for customized guided tours, in order to visit one of the most important art collections in the World, the eternal city Rome.
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Must-see attractions
Colosseum
The Colosseum, Rome’s legendary ancient arena, once echoed with gladiator battles and grand shows, and now stands as a powerful symbol of the city's eternal legacy.
Pantheon
The Pantheon is a masterpiece of Roman ingenuity, crowned by its iconic dome and central oculus, serving as a temple-turned-church for almost two millennia.
Roman Forum
Once the center of ancient Roman society, the Roman Forum is a vast archaeological park showcasing temples, civic buildings, and storied ruins.
Vatican City
Vatican City, the spiritual center of the Roman Catholic Church, holds a wealth of art, history, and faith, housing St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.
Palatine Hill
Palatine Hill, one of Rome’s famed seven hills, was the site of imperial palaces and offers breathtaking views over the city and its ancient ruins.
Galleria Borghese
The Galleria Borghese, set within the lush Villa Borghese gardens, showcases a stunning collection of sculptures and paintings by masters such as Bernini, Caravaggio, and Raphael.
St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica, the crown jewel of Vatican City, is a majestic architectural marvel housing Michelangelo’s Pietà and the soaring dome he masterfully designed.
Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel, famed for Michelangelo’s awe-inspiring ceiling frescoes, is both a masterpiece of Renaissance art and the sacred setting of the papal conclave.
Castel Sant’Angelo
Castel Sant’Angelo, once Emperor Hadrian’s grand mausoleum, now serves as a museum with sweeping views of Rome and a rich history as a fortress and papal stronghold.
Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain, Rome's largest and most iconic Baroque fountain, is famed for its stunning sculptures.
Testimonials
Hear From Our Happy Explorers!
Martin G
A hot visit to the Colosseum!
Had to collect tickets from a shop near to the Colosseum – lady there was most helpful in explaining where we needed to go and to download apps to our phones for the self audio guide (also gave us some free water with the heat!). Found the entrance easy and then enjoyed the tour – only issue was that the GPS signal wasnt great inside so it was difficult to sync the audio guide to what we were looking at. Took a break before doing the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum – we went on a very hot day and it was hard work walking around – make sure you have plenty of water!! Surfaces were very uneven – which is understandble considering its an ancient monument.
Martin G
FamilyOfFive
Amazing place to visit, weak audio guide
Such an amazing place to visit, it’s easy to understand why this is a must see! The sites were fantastic, but the audio tour was too generic. There were some interesting clips, but not enough about what we were looking at when we were at different points and too much generic history. In retrospect we would have got a lot more from a guide, but it was very nice to go at our own pace.
FamilyOfFive
Eva N
Unforgettable experience!
This tour was nothing short of amazing! From start to finish, everything was organized, engaging, and informative. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and brought the history of the Colosseum to life with fascinating stories, little-known facts, and a real passion for Ancient Rome.
The skip-the-line access was a huge plus—no waiting around in the hot sun! We also got upgraded for an Arena tour and got to explore areas that aren’t always open to the public, which made the experience feel exclusive and even more special.
Eva N
Poppy B
Very good customer service from Dolly
I was due to travel in August on this holiday however due to operational reasons, the tour may not have run and I was made aware straight away. I dealt with a women called Dolly and she offered me alternative options and we decided to refund the tour which was done promptly. Dolly gave me some brilliant advice and some useful insight to Rome.She was fab!
Poppy B
Tom P
Good day out
Really enjoyed the experience, can’t remember the tour guide’s name but he was very good. Very informative and detailed on the tour which kept me engaged about the history. It wasn’t as busy as usual which was also a pleasant experience. Highly enjoyable, many thanks.
Tom P
James C
Well worth it
Really well organised and our guide was great. Really informative and engaging. You wasn’t rushed and had a nice flow to it.
Would highly recommend this. Not sure you’d capture everything without the guide.
James C
Testimonials
Hear From Our Happy Explorers!
Martin G
A hot visit to the Colosseum!
Had to collect tickets from a shop near to the Colosseum – lady there was most helpful in explaining where we needed to go and to download apps to our phones for the self audio guide (also gave us some free water with the heat!). Found the entrance easy and then enjoyed the tour – only issue was that the GPS signal wasnt great inside so it was difficult to sync the audio guide to what we were looking at. Took a break before doing the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum – we went on a very hot day and it was hard work walking around – make sure you have plenty of water!! Surfaces were very uneven – which is understandble considering its an ancient monument.
Martin G
FamilyOfFive
Amazing place to visit, weak audio guide
Such an amazing place to visit, it’s easy to understand why this is a must see! The sites were fantastic, but the audio tour was too generic. There were some interesting clips, but not enough about what we were looking at when we were at different points and too much generic history. In retrospect we would have got a lot more from a guide, but it was very nice to go at our own pace.
FamilyOfFive
Eva N
Unforgettable experience!
This tour was nothing short of amazing! From start to finish, everything was organized, engaging, and informative. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and brought the history of the Colosseum to life with fascinating stories, little-known facts, and a real passion for Ancient Rome.
The skip-the-line access was a huge plus—no waiting around in the hot sun! We also got upgraded for an Arena tour and got to explore areas that aren’t always open to the public, which made the experience feel exclusive and even more special.
Eva N
Poppy B
Very good customer service from Dolly
I was due to travel in August on this holiday however due to operational reasons, the tour may not have run and I was made aware straight away. I dealt with a women called Dolly and she offered me alternative options and we decided to refund the tour which was done promptly. Dolly gave me some brilliant advice and some useful insight to Rome.She was fab!
Poppy B
Tom P
Good day out
Really enjoyed the experience, can’t remember the tour guide’s name but he was very good. Very informative and detailed on the tour which kept me engaged about the history. It wasn’t as busy as usual which was also a pleasant experience. Highly enjoyable, many thanks.
Tom P
James C
Well worth it
Really well organised and our guide was great. Really informative and engaging. You wasn’t rushed and had a nice flow to it.
Would highly recommend this. Not sure you’d capture everything without the guide.
James C
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