Small Group Tour of Colosseum and Ancient Rome
Active
2h
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
Experience the Colosseum through the eyes of a gladiator when you tour the arena before walking the streets of the Roman Forum in the footsteps of senators and emperors. When you have a licensed and friendly guide you will be sure to make the most of your visit to Ancient Rome. You'll be led around the Colosseum to all of the best vantage points for views, photos and living historical explanations of the arena. You will also enter into the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, the oldest parts of Rome where the Republic and Empire were established. Walk on original ancient roads, as well as within temple complexes and emperors' palaces. When you have a small group you feel like you've expanded your family and friends to make this an even better experience. Plus you get to ask as many questions of your professional guide as you wish without being overlooked or lost in a massive group.
Available options
Colosseum & Ancient Rome
Mid-Size Group Tour : Maximum 20 people in the group
Colosseum Group Experience
Larger Group Savings: Maximum 30 people in the group.
VIP Extra Small Group Tour
VIP Extra Small Group Tour: With a maximum of 5 people on your tour, this option offers you the next best thing to a private tour at the Colosseum. <br/>Duration: 3 hours: You will not only go to the Colosseum, but also the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum with your extra small group<br/>Optimized for VIP's: We design the route of your tour to keep you as comfortable as possible in the heat of summer and the chill of winter.
Premier VIP Extended Tour
Colosseum and Ancient Rome: Take an extra small tour of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, Roman Forum and the Imperial Forums on the Via Fori Imperiali. <br/>Premier VIP Extra Small Group: With maximum 6 people in your group, you will have more access to your expert, friendly tour guide.<br/>Duration: 4 hours: The tour lasts 3.5 to 4 hours depending upon the pace of the group.<br/>Colosseum and Imperial Rome: See more than the average Colosseum and Ancient Rome tour when you go to more areas of the archaeological park.
Small Group Tour of Colosseum and Ancient Rome
VIP AM Direct to Colosseum
VIP Smaller Group Tour: This tour will have you in a group of up to 9 adults (plus any accompanying children), giving you an excellent experience<br/>VIP Direct to Colosseum: With this morning tour, you will go directly to the Colosseum followed by a visit to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill<br/>Beat the Roman Heat: With the morning tours, you will complete your visit to the Colosseum and Ancient Rome before the peak heat sets in.
What's included
Colosseum entrance ticket (valued at €18 per person)
Entry to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Headsets for groups when appropriate
Colosseum reservation fee (valued at €2 per person)
Please note: Colosseum fees as above. The remaining cost of the experience covers other services.
Expert Certified Guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Experience the Colosseum in Rome before walking the streets of the Roman Forum in the footsteps of senators and emperors. After meeting the rest of your group and your expert friendly guide, you will walk to the entry as you learn about the architecture of the stadium. Once inside, you will learn all about the amazing lives of the gladiators and the many different (and deadly) weapons they used, all while soaking in the incredible views from the best vantage points in the arena. We will then walk around the colossal structure where ancient Romans used to cheer on their heroes, gamble and marvel at the exotic animals from all parts of the enormous Roman Empire.
2
Stop 2
After walking around inside the building, seeing it from its many different and beautiful angles, the tour will begin a short walk toward the Roman Forum. The forum was the heart and soul of the ancient city with many of its most important temples and political buildings, and though most are in ruins it is still one of the most visually impressive archaeological parks in the world. In this incredible walk through history the tour will fully explore the most important and spectacular sites. Entering near the Senate House the group continues past the law courts, triumphal arches and beautiful Temples, including the famed temple of Julius Caesar where his ashes were laid to rest.
3
Stop 3
We will continue the tour by climbing up the gentle slopes of the Palatine Hill where rich Romans lived in their luxury villas, while being waited on hand and foot. Under the umbrella pines, which scatter the landscape, we will explore the palace of the emperors, home of the most powerful people in the ancient world. You will learn more about the lives of these great (and occasionally quite mad) men, visiting the stately dining rooms and serene gardens, getting an idea of the unbelievable luxury that they would have lived in. The last stop on our tour is Domitian’s hippodrome, attached to the imperial palace, where the group can bask in the surrounding view and feel the thousands of years of history and change that this unique city has gone through.
What's not included
Transport to/from meeting point.
Food and Drink
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.5
61 reviews
5★
50
4★
2
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4
2★
2
1★
3
Tripadvisor
4.8
56 reviews
5★
53
4★
0
3★
0
2★
2
1★
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
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 at the Roman Vacations office on Via dei Santi Quattro, 81 Roma RM 00184.. Look for the orange Roman Vacations sign with the lion head on it.
Important notes
You will show this ticket upon arrival to the meeting point. Once with your small group, your professional tour guide will have the official entry tickets for every person within the group and you will all enter together.
Please check-in at the meeting point 15 minutes prior to your scheduled tour time. Tours will depart promptly at the scheduled time, and no refunds will be given for late arrivals or missed tours.
**All participants must bring IDs that match the names provided during the checkout process. Please make sure that the names you submit match you ID.**
Tours will proceed in all weather conditions, unless the site is closed by authorities for safety reasons. It is highly recommended to bring bottled water, sunscreen, hat, and umbrella.
There will be a security check upon entering the Colosseum. Any weapons, sharp objects, glass or aerosol containers will be confiscated, so please do not bring these items to the tour.
All tours operate within the current COVID-19 regulations set by the Italian Government.
**Depending on the start time, the tour route may begin at the Forum/Palatine Hill.**
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
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