Expert Guided Tour of Colosseum Arena OR Underground, and Forum

Active

(5018 reviews)

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

Explore the world's most visited monument in the most comfortable and complete way. Visit areas of the Colosseum not accessible by regular-ticket holders. Step on the exclusive Arena floor OR descend into the Underground section (depending on the option you select during booking). Walk the steps of the Gladiators and find yourself in the backstage of the most famous games in Ancient Rome.

Then, take a journey back in time from the 10th century B.C. to the 5th century A.D. at the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Chart a course through the archaeological tribal beginnings of Rome and marvel at the beauty of ancient temples and ruins. Options available for small-group and private guided tours.

Available options

Portuguese Private UNDERGROUND

Private Tour in Portuguese: This option is for a private 3-hour guided tour of the Colosseum Underground and Arena, Forum & Palatine Hill.

Italian Private : UNDERGROUND

Private Tour in Italian: This option is for a private 3-hour guided tour of the Colosseum Underground and Arena, Forum & Palatine Hill.

Spanish Small Group : ARENA

NO access to Underground part: This option is for a tour in Spanish with access to the Gladiators' Arena (NO Underground) in a group of maximum 20 people

English Small Group : ARENA

NO access to Underground part: This option is for a tour in English with access to the Gladiators' Arena (NO Underground) in a group of maximum 25 people

German Private : UNDERGROUND

Private Tour in German: This option is for a private 3-hour guided tour of the Colosseum Underground and Arena, Forum & Palatine Hill.

Spanish Private : UNDERGROUND

Private Tour in Spanish: This option is for a private 3-hour guided tour of the Colosseum Underground and Arena, Forum & Palatine Hill.

German Small Group: ARENA

NO access to Underground part: This option is for a tour in German with access to the Gladiators' Arena (NO Underground) in a group of maximum 20 people

French Private : UNDERGROUND

Private Tour in French: This option is for a private 3-hour guided tour of the Colosseum Underground and Arena, Forum & Palatine Hill.

English Private : UNDERGROUND

Private Tour in English: This option is for a private 3-hour tour of the Colosseum Underground and Arena, Forum & Palatine Hill.

Evening group-tour in English

Special Evening access: In this tour you will visit the undergrounds and Arena of the Colosseum during an evening opening.<br/>Duration: 2 hours: This tour is split in 2 separate parts: 4:30pm Roman Forum tour (1 hr) + evening Colosseum tour (1 hr) <br/>Split tour: First meet us for the 4:30pm Roman Forum tour (1 hr) then meet us again for the evening Colosseum tour (1 hr)

French Group: UNDERGROUND

Group Tour in French: This option is for a tour with access to the Underground AND Arena in a shared group of a maximum of 20 people

Italian Small Group : ARENA

no access to UNDERGROUND part: This option is for a tour in Italian with access to the Gladiators' Arena (NO Underground) in a group of maximum 20 people

Portuguese Small Group: ARENA

NO access to Underground part: This option is for a tour in Portuguese with access to the Gladiators' Arena (NO Underground) in a group of maximum 20 people

French Small Group : ARENA

NO access to Underground part: This option is for a tour in French with access to the Gladiators' Arena (NO Underground) in a group of maximum 20 people

English Semi-Private (MAX. 8)

Small-Group tour in English: This option is for a tour with access to the Underground AND Arena in a small group of a maximum of 8 people.

English Group : UNDERGROUND

Group tour in English: This option is for a tour with access to the Underground AND Arena in a shared group of a maximum of 25 people

German Group : UNDERGROUND

Group tour in German: This option is for a tour with access to the Underground AND Arena in a shared group of a maximum of 20 people

Spanish Group : UNDERGROUND

Group tour in Spanish: This option is for a tour with access to the Underground AND Arena in a shared group of a maximum of 25 people

What's included

Live expert guide

Sterilized earphones to hear clearly your guide

Guided tour of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Dedicated entrance tickets and reservation fees

Full on-site assistance

Access to EITHER the Underground section OR the Arena floor /depends on option chosen during booking

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Explore the world's most visited monument in the most complete way. Visit areas of the Colosseum not accessible by regular-ticket holders, either step on the Gladiators' Arena floor or descend into the exclusive Underground section (depending on the option selected). Walk the steps of the Gladiators and find yourself in the stage of the most famous games in Ancient Rome.
Learn about the innovative building techniques used by the ancient Roman engineers. Travel back in time as you immerse yourself into the history of Ancient Rome and find out about the social and political function of this mighty amphitheater.

Stop 2

After the first part of your tour, head together towards the archeological area of the Roman Forums and Palatine Hill for another 1-hour guided tour.

Stop 3

Start the second part of your tour by exploring one of the largest triumphal arches in Roman history: the Arch of Constantine the Great, before meandering through the ruins of the Roman Forum.

Stop 4

Here, you will immerse yourself in the ruins of ancient temples and will walk the paths of Emperors and Senators. Learn how this beautiful area became the beating heart of Ancient Rome.

Hear about the Vestal Virgins and see their gardens and the pagan temple of the Goddess Vesta they served. Learn about the Basilica Julia and the penal system of Ancient Rome and its effects on Christianity. See the temple of Castor and Pollux and the Arch of Titus and learn about the sacking of Jerusalem. Discover the Senate House, where senators met to decide the fate of the Roman Republic and how that climaxed with the murder and cremation of Julius Caesar.

Stop 5

Walk the paths of the Roman Emperors while visiting the hill where the legend of Romulus and Remus places the foundation of the city: the Palatine Hill. Learn how it later became one of the most exclusive areas of Ancient Rome and enjoy breathtaking views over the Colosseum and Roman Forum.
From the heights of the Palatine Hill, enjoy a bird's eye view over what is considered to have been the largest structure for public games ever built by mankind, the Circus Maximus.

What's not included

The upper levels of the Colosseum are not part of this tour

Please note: The "Arena" options of this tour do not include access to the Underground section

Available languages

Guide guide

DE PT EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6

3,249 reviews

5★

2662

4★

270

3★

138

2★

1★

102

Tripadvisor 4.8

1,769 reviews

5★

1567

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

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.

Please note that the tickets for this tour are nominative. We will register on them the names you have provided during checkout. Please make sure to provide the names of the people attending the tour as they appear on their passport.

You will pass through strict security checks both at the Colosseum and at the Roman Forum entrance. Please be aware that security check lines are not skippable

Flying drones and knives of any kind are strictly forbidden. Neither trolleys and big backpacks nor animals are allowed into the Colosseum. Glass/metal containers and sprays of any kind are also not allowed

The order in which the sites are visited during the tour can vary; either the Colosseum or Forum and Palatine Hill will come first

The Belvedere is momentarily not part of this tour due to COVID-19 restrictions

A moderate amount of walking and steps are involved; wear comfortable walking shoes

Please note that the group will leave the meeting point 15 minutes before the starting time in order to pass the security check

This tour is subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund

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.

Please be at the meeting point 30 minutes before the tour starts in order to complete the signup. We might not be able to accommodate, refund or reschedule late arrivals

Meeting point

Meet us outside the ground floor exit of the metro (subway) station "Colosseo" by the green kiosk. Look for a yellow label with TOURIKS written on it. Please arrive 30 minutes before the starting time. Note that there is also an upper floor exit of the metro station; please meet us downstairs.

Important notes

-Meet us outside the ground floor exit of the metro (subway) station "Colosseo" by the green kiosk. Look for a yellow label with TOURIKS written on it. Please arrive 30 minutes before the starting time. Note that there is also an upper floor exit of the metro station; please meet us downstairs.
- Please note that the tickets for this tour are nominative. We will register on them the names you have provided during checkout. Please make sure to provide the names of the people attending the tour as they appear on their passport.
- Please be at the meeting point 30 minutes before the tour starts in order to complete the signup. We cannot accommodate, refund, or reschedule late arrivals
- Please note that the group will leave the meeting point 15 minutes before the starting time in order to pass the security check
- The order in which the sites are visited during the tour can vary; either the Colosseum or Forum and Palatine Hill will come first
- All travellers must present a proof of ID (passport/driver's licence) in order to be admitted in the Colosseum. Travellers without an identification document might be not allowed to visit.
- A moderate amount of walking and steps are involved; wear comfortable walking shoes
- This tour is subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or a full refund
- You will pass through strict security checks both at the Colosseum and at the Roman Forum entrance. Please be aware that security check lines are not skippable
- Flying drones and knives of any kind are strictly forbidden. Neither trolleys and big backpacks nor animals are allowed into the Colosseum. Glass/metal containers and sprays of any kind are also not allowed
- For environmental reasons, it is preferable that you bring your own earphones and do not print your voucher. We will provide earphones in case you forget yours

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