Rome's Hidden Excavations: Underground Tunnels & Colosseum Tour

Rome , Italy

Rome's Hidden Excavations: Underground Tunnels & Colosseum Tour

Active

(7 reviews)

3h - 4h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Step back in time and discover the grandeur of ancient Rome through its most iconic sites: the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and underground tunnels.

The Colosseum, a symbol of Roman power, once held 80,000 spectators for gladiator battles. See the massive arena and feel the weight of history.

Nearby, the Roman Forum reveals the heart of ancient Rome’s political and social life. Explore the ruins of temples, basilicas, and government buildings that once shaped the empire’s might.

Ascend to the Palatine Hill, the legendary birthplace of Rome, offering stunning views of the Forum and Circus Maximus, with the ruins of imperial palaces once home to emperors.

Beneath the city, underground tunnels and excavations uncover hidden layers of history, from ancient Christian sanctuaries to 1st-century Roman homes. These fascinating underground sites offer a rare glimpse into Rome’s past, connecting its ancient roots with its monumental legacy.

Available options

Colosseum and Undergrounds

What's included

Palatine Hill and Roman Forum entry tickets valid for 24 hours

Audio guide San Clemente app available in: English - Spanish - French - German - Italian

Multilingual AudioGuide APP in English, Chinese, German, French, Portuguese, Italian, and Spanish

San clemente Undergrounds Excavations tickets

Colosseum tickets fast Track

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The Basilica of San Clemente is a unique historical site in Rome, with a 12th-century church built over earlier structures. It spans three levels, each revealing a different era of Rome’s history. Beneath the basilica, visitors can explore remarkable underground excavations, including a 4th-century Christian church and a 1st-century Roman house. The same spring waters that once flowed through the Colosseum also pass under this site. These layers feature ancient frescoes, mosaics, and remnants of early Christian worship, offering a fascinating glimpse into the city's rich evolution.

Stop 2

The Colosseum is one of Rome's most iconic landmarks, an ancient amphitheater that once hosted gladiatorial games and public spectacles. Built in the 1st century AD, it could hold up to 80,000 spectators. Known for its impressive architecture, it remains a symbol of Roman engineering and a testament to the grandeur of ancient entertainment. Visitors today can explore its vast interior, learn about its history, and marvel at the remains of its once-mighty structure.

Stop 3

The Roman Forum is an ancient plaza located at the heart of Rome, once the center of Roman public life. Surrounded by iconic ruins, it served as the hub for politics, commerce, and religious activities. Key structures, such as the Senate House, the Temple of Saturn, and the Arch of Titus, still stand as a testament to the grandeur of the Roman Empire. Visitors can walk through the Forum to witness the remains of temples, basilicas, and government buildings, offering a fascinating glimpse into the daily life and power of ancient Rome.

Stop 4

The Palatine Hill is one of the seven hills of Rome and holds great historical significance as the birthplace of the city. It is home to the ruins of imperial palaces, including those of Augustus and Tiberius, offering stunning views over the Roman Forum and Circus Maximus. The hill is steeped in legend, believed to be the site where Romulus founded Rome. Visitors can explore its ancient ruins, lush gardens, and learn about its importance as a symbol of power and wealth during the Roman Empire.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Hotel drop-off

Hotel pick-up

Smartphones and Headphones

Tour guide

Colosseum Undergrounds

Available languages

Audio guide

DE EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 2.0

6 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

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

Customers have a mandatory meeting time stated 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time due to managing and organizational reasons.

The Colosseum security checks the names and ID cards of each visitor, so the wait can be longer than expected. You can enter only with a valid ID card!

Important: please note that you cannot get into the Colosseum if you are carrying large bags/backpacks/suitcases. The Colosseum has no cloakroom service, so please only bring a small-size bag you can easily carry

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.

We kindly inform you that any kind of disability (mobility issues, wheelchair, visual impairment, hearing impairment, etc. ) or anything that might prevent you to join the tour regularly MUST BE communicate in advance to our staff. For people with disabilities, the tour route may be different from the one presented.

We can customize your tour. The start time of the tour is subject to the availability of entrance tickets.

You must have a valid photo ID to enter the Colosseum (student's ID, Driver License, Passport or State ID all work.) You will be asked to also provide your name, last name and date of birth (at the beginning of the tour, if not provided beforehand.) Security may prevent you from entering the site if the information provided is not accurate and/or don't match the one on your ID. Child discount is applied only with a valid ID card. If you have booked red

Please notice that the Colosseum Administration, which depends on the Ministry of Cultural Assets and Activities has the faculty to close the Colosseum, or parts of it, with or without notice, for events, strikes, heavy rain, or any other reason. In which case, we will offer an alternative itinerary as it seems fit and offer a partial refund

For the Sel Guided Tour Option Smartphones to download the app for the audioguide must be of the latest generation (No older than the year 2020)

Activity not recommended for people with motor lag

Dress code: To enter the basilica, shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women.

Meeting point

Meet our staff at our Travel Agency at Via Labicana, 96 (300 meters from the Colosseum entrance). Our staff will give you the Colosseum/Palatine Hill/Roman Forum tickets and the QR code to download the audioguide app on your SmartPhone.

Important notes

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
The starting point, ticket redemption point, and meeting point are in the same place. Meet our staff at our Travel Agency at Via Labicana, 96 (300 meters from the Colosseum entrance).
Our staff will give you the Colosseum/Palatine Hill/Roman Forum tickets and the QR code to download the audioguide app on your SmartPhone.
VERY IMPORTANT!
For the Self AudioGuided Tour, Smartphones to download the app for the audioguide must be of the latest generation (No older than the year 2020)
PLEASE NOTE: Customers are required to attend a mandatory meeting 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time due to management and organizational reasons.
Anyone who arrives later risks losing part of the experience.
Please be advised that the Colosseum’s capacity regulations and security may delay the tour departure.
This could also impact the smooth operation of the experience, especially on national holidays and special events.
To enter the Colosseum, you must have a valid photo ID (a student's ID, a Driver's License, a Passport, or a State ID all work).
Child discount is applied only with a valid ID card
We kindly inform you that any disability (visual impairment, hearing impairment,... ) or anything that might prevent you from regularly joining the tour MUST BE communicated to our staff in advance.
The order in which the sites are visited during the tour can vary.
Dress code: To enter the basilica, shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women.

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