Exploring the wonders of ancient Rome is a captivating experience, and the Colosseum with Arena and Ancient Rome Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the city’s rich history. This comprehensive tour invites visitors to step onto the very arena floor where gladiators once fought, venture into the underground tunnels, and ascend the tiered seating to witness the sheer scale of this iconic amphitheater. But the journey doesn’t end there, as the tour also takes travelers to the legendary Palatine Hill and the awe-inspiring Roman Forum, providing a truly immersive glimpse into the heart of the ancient Roman Empire.
Key Points

- This comprehensive tour provides access to the Colosseum’s arena floor, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum, offering a firsthand experience of ancient Roman history.
- The tour includes skip-the-line entrance tickets to the Colosseum, as well as guided visits with headphones for an immersive experience.
- Highlights of the tour include exploring the Colosseum’s underground tunnels and chambers, ascending the tiered seating, and learning about the site’s role in Roman culture.
- Palatine Hill, the legendary birthplace of Rome, is also visited, showcasing the well-preserved ruins of imperial palaces and other structures.
- The tour also includes a visit to the Roman Forum, where visitors can explore the ruins of temples, basilicas, and administrative buildings that were central to ancient Roman life.
Overview of the Tour

The Rome: Colosseum with Arena and Ancient Rome Tour provides visitors with the opportunity to explore the iconic Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum.
With over 3,800 reviews, this comprehensive tour allows guests to enter the Colosseum through the arena floor and experience the grandeur of the amphitheater firsthand.
The tour also includes visits to the Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum, where travelers can learn about the rich history and architecture of ancient Rome.
Equipped with a tour guide and headphones, visitors can enjoy the sights and sounds of this legendary city.
The tour covers all the must-see attractions, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a comprehensive Roman adventure.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Rome.
Highlights of the Colosseum

Colosseum’s imposing façade and grand architectural design immediately captivate visitors, setting the stage for an immersive experience within this iconic Roman landmark.
Highlights of the Colosseum tour include:
- Stepping onto the arena floor, where ancient gladiators once fought, and exploring the intricate underground tunnels and chambers that housed wild animals and stage machinery.
- Ascending the tiered seating areas to witness the scale and grandeur of the amphitheater, which could accommodate up to 80,000 spectators.
- Admiring the intricate engineering and construction techniques that allowed for the Colosseum’s retractable awning, known as the velarium, to shield spectators from the sun.
- Gaining a deeper understanding of the Colosseum’s role in Roman culture and the spectacles that took place within its walls, from gladiatorial battles to public executions.
Exploring Palatine Hill

After exploring the grandeur of the Colosseum, visitors can venture to Palatine Hill, one of the most historically significant sites in ancient Rome.
Palatine Hill, situated at the heart of the city, offers a unique glimpse into the origins and development of the Roman Empire. As the legendary birthplace of Rome, the hill is home to the ruins of imperial palaces, temples, and other important structures.
Visitors can wander through the archaeological site, marveling at the well-preserved remains and imagining the vibrant life that once thrived here. With its stunning views and rich history, Palatine Hill is an essential stop on any tour of ancient Rome.
Visiting the Roman Forum

Next, visitors can explore the Roman Forum, the vibrant center of ancient Roman public life. This sprawling archaeological site features the ruins of temples, basilicas, and administrative buildings that were once the heart of the Roman Empire. As one wanders through the Forum, they can envision the bustling activity and political debates that once animated these hallowed grounds.
The tour guide will point out key landmarks, including:
- The Arch of Titus, a triumphal arch commemorating the Roman sack of Jerusalem.
- The Temple of Saturn, an important cult site and the location of the Roman treasury.
- The Curia Julia, the meeting place of the Roman Senate.
- The Basilica of Maxentius, a massive roofed hall for legal and commercial activities.
Tour Guide and Headphones

Equipped with headphones, visitors are able to hear the tour guide’s commentary and insights as they explore the ancient ruins.
The guide provides a wealth of information about the Colosseum’s history and architecture, bringing the site to life for participants. They share fascinating details about the Colosseum’s construction, the gladiatorial battles that took place here, and the significance of the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum.
The headphones ensure that everyone in the group can clearly hear the guide’s narration, even in the bustling environment. This allows visitors to fully enjoy the history and grandeur of ancient Rome without missing a word.
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Included and Excluded Items

The tour includes the Colosseum entrance ticket and reservation fee, as well as access to Palatine Hill.
However, it doesn’t cover gratuities, hotel pickup/drop-off, transportation to and from the attractions, or food and drinks.
The tour provides:
- Colosseum entrance ticket and reservation fee
- Access to Palatine Hill
The tour excludes:
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup/drop-off
- Transportation to/from attractions
- Food and drinks
Visitors are responsible for arranging their own transportation to the meeting point and covering any additional expenses not included in the tour package.
Meeting and Pickup Information

The meeting point for the tour is the Basilica of Santi Cosma and Damiano on Via dei Fori Imperiali.
Participants must check in at least 15 minutes before the tour begins, and they’ll need to provide valid identification for entry.
The tour ends at Via dei Fori Imperiali, so you will need to make their own arrangements for transportation from this location.
The tour guide and headphones are provided, ensuring that participants can easily hear and follow along with the information being shared throughout the experience.
Important Requirements for Entry

Presenting valid identification is a crucial requirement for entry to the Colosseum and other Ancient Rome sites on this tour. Visitors must check in at least 15 minutes prior to the tour’s start time and provide acceptable forms of ID to participate.
The tour’s meeting point is the Basilica of Santi Cosma and Damiano on Via dei Fori Imperiali, and the endpoint is Via dei Fori Imperiali.
Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time.
Bring a valid form of identification, such as a passport or government-issued ID.
Be prepared to present your ID for verification upon check-in.
Failure to meet these requirements may result in denied entry or inability to join the tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take Photos Inside the Colosseum?
Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photos inside the Colosseum, though flash photography may be restricted. Photography policies can vary, so it’s best to check with tour operators or on-site staff for the latest guidelines.
How Much Time Is Spent at Each Site?
The tour typically spends about an hour exploring the Colosseum, including the arena floor. Visitors then spend around 1-2 hours visiting the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum. The total tour duration is approximately 3 hours.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
There are no age restrictions for this tour. Children of all ages are welcome, though those under 5 may not find it engaging. The tour is suitable for families with young kids.
Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?
There’s no strict dress code for this tour, but visitors should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes. Light layers are recommended, as the tour includes outdoor areas with variable temperatures.
Can I Purchase Souvenirs During the Tour?
Visitors can typically purchase souvenirs during the tour at the Colosseum and Roman Forum gift shops. These shops offer a variety of items like t-shirts, postcards, and other Roman-themed merchandise for travelers to take home as mementos.
Recap
This comprehensive tour provides an immersive experience exploring the iconic Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum.
Visitors can step onto the Colosseum’s arena floor, venture into underground tunnels, and ascend the tiered seating.
The tour also includes visits to the birthplace of Rome and the ruins of ancient temples, basilicas, and administrative buildings, offering a deep dive into the history and culture of ancient Rome.
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