Colosseum Arena Small Group Tour with Palatine Hill & Forum
Active
3h
If you cancel at least 7 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 7 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
The Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill are the most important ancient sites in the city, but visiting on your own can be overwhelming. With this tour, you’ll explore all three with an expert guide in a small group of up to 15 guests. You’ll also enjoy special, limited access to the Colosseum’s arena floor, where you can stand at the center of history and relive the glory of the empire.
Next, explore Palatine Hill, where emperors built their palaces and Rome’s elite lived in opulent villas, the ruins of which still surround you. Then step into the Roman Forum, the heart of Ancient Rome, where politics, power, and public life.
This is the best way to discover Rome - intimate, insightful, and unforgettable. Places are limited to 15 per tour, so book today.
Please note: We may begin with either the Colosseum or the Roman Forum/Palatine Hill depending on ticket availability.
Colosseum admission is free on the first Sunday of each month. Tours are discounted on these dates.
Available options
Colosseum Arena – 6 Guests Max
Semi-Private Experience: Explore ancient Rome and the Colosseum Arena with just 6 guests for a more personalised experience with your expert guide.<br/>Starting point:<br/>Arch of Constantine, Piazza del Colosseo, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Small Group English Tour
Restricted Arena Floor Access<br/>Starting point:<br/>Arch of Constantine, Piazza del Colosseo, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
What's included
Passionate storytelling with headphones provided for clear audio
NO ENTRY is included if you select the Colosseum Dusk Walking Tour option
Colosseum entrance ticket with arena access (€24) + reservation fee (€2)
Expert-led guided tour of Ancient Rome with small-group experience
Please note: Colosseum fees as above. The remaining cost of the experience covers other services.
Priority entry to the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Unlike regular tours of the Colosseum, this tour gets you straight inside the ancient amphitheatre and out onto the arena floor through the Gladiator’s Gate. This is the route the gladiators themselves took almost 2,000 years ago. Imagine the scene of them being greeted by the cheers and jeers of 50,000 bloodthirsty spectators.
Your expert guide will transport you back in time to the height of the Roman Empire when the Colosseum was constructed. These were times when Rome was ruled by all-powerful emperors (sometimes wise, sometimes wacky), the city was flooded with exotic riches from around the world, and the Colosseum acted as the city’s main stage for showing off the animals and people that Rome had conquered and captured.
2
Stop 2
Next, we’ll climb the Palatine Hill, where the ancient city was founded. The Palatine Hill is a real archaeological wonder, home to settlements from the Iron Age to the 16th century. Gaze upon such sites as the Hut of Romulus, Rome’s legendary founder, and the Imperial Palace, where the emperors in their family engaged in ruling, politicking, and scheming.
3
Stop 3
The final destination on this tour is the Roman Forum. As the beating heart of ancient Rome, the Roman Forum was once a bustling hub of markets, law courts, temples, and more. It was here that Julius Caesar was cremated, here where two disgraced emperors were murdered in 69 AD, and here where Cicero delivered the speeches that shaped western culture for centuries.
What's not included
Choosing the Colosseum Dusk Walking Tour means access inside the Colosseum is not included.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.7
52 reviews
5★
44
4★
5
3★
1
2★
1
1★
1
Tripadvisor
4.9
107 reviews
5★
100
4★
3
3★
1
2★
1
1★
2
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please provide the full names of all travelers when booking. Failure to present a voucher with all travelers' full names at the ticket office prior to entry may result in denied entry to the Colosseum and Roman Forum.
Each traveler must present a valid passport or ID document that matches the name provided at the time of booking for successful entry to the Colosseum and Roman Forum.
Meeting point
Meet your guide at Largo Gaetana Agnesi, just a short walk from the Colosseum. Look for the yellow Carpe Diem Tours flag or sign. Please arrive 10 minutes early—late arrivals cannot be refunded.
Important notes
Please be at the Arch of Constantine 10 minutes before the start time of your tour. Here you will find one of team holding a Carpe Diem Rome sign.
Please remember to bring identification cards on the day of the experience. Customers accompanying children are required to demonstrate their parental or guardian status. Furthermore, we kindly request that customers bring identification for the children they are accompanying. This policy is in place to ensure the safety and welfare of all participants, particularly the minors involved.
Please provide the full names of all travelers in your group, including yourself and any co-travelers while booking your experience.
About Rome
Rome, the capital of Italy, is a city of ancient ruins, artistic masterpieces, and vibrant culture. Known as the Eternal City, it is a living museum where every corner tells a story of its rich history spanning over 2,500 years.
Top Attractions
Colosseum
The Colosseum is an iconic symbol of Rome and one of the most famous ancient amphitheaters in the world. It was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles.
Historical
1-2 hours
€16 (combined ticket with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill)
Vatican City
Vatican City is an independent city-state enclaved within Rome. It is the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church.
Religious
Half day
€17 (Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel), Free (St. Peter's Basilica)
Roman Forum
The Roman Forum was the political, commercial, and legal hub of the Roman Republic and Empire. It is a sprawling ruin of temples, basilicas, and arches.
Historical
1-2 hours
€16 (combined ticket with Colosseum and Palatine Hill)
Pantheon
The Pantheon is a former Roman temple, now a church, known for its large dome and oculus. It is one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in Rome.
Historical
30 minutes to 1 hour
Free
Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is a Baroque masterpiece and the largest fountain in Rome. It is a popular spot for visitors to throw coins and make wishes.
Architecture
15-30 minutes
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Cacio e Pepe
A simple yet delicious pasta dish made with Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper.
Pasta
Vegetarian
Carbonara
A rich pasta dish made with eggs, Pecorino Romano, guanciale (cured pork cheek), and black pepper.
Pasta
Contains pork and eggs
Supplì
Fried rice balls filled with mozzarella and tomato sauce.
Snack
Vegetarian (some variations may contain meat)
Carciofi alla Romana
Artichokes braised with garlic, mint, and olive oil.
Vegetable
Vegetarian
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Appian Way Regional Park
Biking along the Tiber River
Rock climbing in the nearby mountains
Picnicking in Villa Borghese Gardens
Boating on Lake Albano
Enjoying a spa day at a luxury hotel
Visiting the Vatican Museums
Attending an opera at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma
Best Time to Visit
April to June, September to October
Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer peak. Ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
15-30°C
59-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Italian
- Widely spoken: English, Spanish, French
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Rome is generally safe for tourists, but pickpocketing and scams can be a problem in crowded areas. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use official taxis or ride-sharing services
- • Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or bracelets
Getting there
By air
- Leonardo da Vinci International Airport • 35 km from city center
- Ciampino Airport • 15 km from city center
By train
Roma Termini, Roma Tiburtina
By bus
Tiburtina Bus Station, Roma Termini
Getting around
Public transport
The metro system is efficient and covers major tourist areas. It operates from 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Trastevere
Monti
Prancipio
Testaccio
Day trips
Ostia Antica
30 km from Rome • Half day
An ancient Roman port city with well-preserved ruins, including a theater, baths, and mosaics. It offers a glimpse into daily life in ancient Rome.
Tivoli
30 km from Rome • Full day
A picturesque town known for its stunning villas and gardens, including the famous Villa d'Este with its elaborate fountains and gardens.
Orvieto
120 km from Rome • Full day
A charming hilltop town known for its stunning cathedral, underground caves, and local wine. It offers a mix of history, culture, and scenic views.
Festivals
Natale di Roma • April 21
Festa de' Noantri • July
Rome Film Festival • October
Pro tips
- Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
- Use public transport or walk instead of taking taxis to save money and experience the city like a local
- Try local specialties and ask for recommendations from locals and restaurant staff
- Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and be respectful of local customs and traditions
- Be aware of pickpockets and scams, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
