VIP Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum Guided Tour
Recommended by 92% of travelers
Rome, Italy
- 1 to 3 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Most tours of Ancient Roman ruins offer one sightseeing option or, at most, two. This tour option offers different packages to explore the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Choose the package that best suits your travel plans, whether it's the small-group option, access to the arena floor or underground dungeons, or an express-length exterior stroll around the Colosseum to capture photos.
- Learn far more than you would on your own by visiting with a guide
- Upgrade to Arena Floor access that is usually restricted
- Check off plenty in a matter of hours—without committing to a full-day of sightseeing
- Choose from different tour options and lengths to suit your schedule
Why Travelers Choose This Tour
A selection of upgrade options makes this far more flexible than standard Colosseum tours.
What's Included
- Admission to the Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum (if option selected)
- Admission to the Colosseum Arena Floor (if option selected)
- Colosseum entry ticket and reservation fee included (€18–€24 value)
- Expert storytelling from a licensed historian guide with headphones provided
- Personalised, group experience offering top-rated value and comfort
- Access to the arena floor (unless selected, available for an additional fee)
- Food and Beverages
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Arch of ConstantineP.za del Colosseo, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Please meet your guide in front of the Arch of Constantine. They will be holding a yellow Carpe Diem Tours flag or sign. Arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour start time. Late arrivals unfortunately cannot be refunded.
End point
- Roman Forum00186 Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy
The tour will either finish in the Roman Forum or the Colosseum, depending on which monument we start with, where you will be left to either leave or spend more time exploring the area.
Itinerary
1
Colosseum
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
2
Palatine Hill
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
3
Roman Forum
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- Please provide the full names of all travellers when booking. Tickets must match these names; failure to present a voucher with all travellers’ full names at the ticket office may result in denied entry to the Colosseum and Roman Forum.
- Each traveller must present a valid passport or ID matching the name provided at booking for entry to the Colosseum and Roman Forum.
- Tour order may vary: we will start with either the Colosseum or the Roman Forum/Palatine Hill depending on ticket times.
- Colosseum admission is free on the first Sunday of each month. Tours are discounted on these days.
- Want an upgrade? Check out these other options: VIP Colosseum Tour (12pax), Colosseum Express Arena Tour (24pax)
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 24 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 3 days in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.7
based on 1,718 reviews
Sort by: Most recent
William_M, Aug 2026
We had an absolutely amazing time, Polina was an exceptional tour guide and so very knowledgeable about the historical landmarks. She was incredibly friendly and thoughtful and made the experience so much more magical. Big thank you to her!
Jomy_Z, Aug 2026
We did this tour with the family including 2 kids. The guide was there on time and the skip the line tickets were definitely worth it. We went in mid August on a hot day and even with the heat the guide made sure we found shaded spots and took appropriate water breaks to ensure everyone was comfortable. She was very knowledgeable and explained everything thoroughly.
Carresa_T, Aug 2026
Polina was an amazing tour guide! It was a hot day but she made sure to accommodate us and look for shade so that we could be more comfortable. She was very engaging and made the tour fun!
Tania_D, Aug 2026
Great guide - so passionate and knowledgeable. It was a terribly hot day but it was so engaging we forgot about the heat and crowds. It was a truly wonderful experience.
Irina_S, Aug 2026
Our guide Polina was very kind, caring, funny and knowledgeable. We truly enjoyed the tour despite the hot weather. She most definitely made sure that everyone in the group is comfortable and get as much information as possible.
Carmela_P, Aug 2026
Andrea is a very knowledgeable tour guide, engaging young and old in her excellent storytelling. A very thorough tour, complete and well paced. Would definitely recommend for a must see of these ancient Roman sights.
Jamie_T, Aug 2026
Our guide was very hospitable, knowledgeable, funny and made the history relatable. Id highly recommend her to anyone. She was wearing heels and a dress with a bubbly personality.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you, Jamie! We’re thrilled you enjoyed the tour and found your guide knowledgeable, funny, and engaging. It’s wonderful to hear she made the history relatable and memorable. We truly appreciate your recommendation!
juliann_d, Aug 2026
Make sure you wear sturdy shoes and if weather is extreme like it’s been, have a fan, umbrella, sunglasses, and water!!
Extremely thorough, knowledgeable guide and great experience.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you, Juliann! We’re glad you had a great experience despite the intense heat. We appreciate your helpful tips for future guests and are delighted that our guide’s thorough knowledge made the tour enjoyable and informative!
Dimitri_A, Aug 2026
Xenia was an excellent guide. She was professional, knowledgable and very kind. She shared a lot of interesting information and made the tour very engaging and fun.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you, Dimitri! We’re delighted to hear Xenia made your Colosseum tour engaging, informative, and fun. We’re glad her professionalism, knowledge, and kindness made the experience so enjoyable!
Kathryn_M, Aug 2026
We were not able to use this particular experience. The Colosseum closed at that time. We were booked with a group called Carpe Diem with a small group. Our tour guide (Sushi) was AMAZING. She was informative and charming and we felt like we got all the best information. We were able to avoid lines and large crowds and we enjoyed every minute.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you, Kathryn! We’re glad to hear that, despite the unexpected closure, Sushi made the experience enjoyable with her knowledge, charm, and helpful insights. It’s wonderful that you were able to avoid the lines and crowds and make the most of your time with us. We truly appreciate your kind words!
Luca_R, Jul 2026
Ursus is an excellent guide! Extremely knowledgeable and he really did his research. He shared stories beyond the standard reading off of facts and made Rome come to life. Excellent work!
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you, Luca! We're thrilled you had such a fantastic tour with Ursus. We're glad his deep knowledge, research, and engaging stories brought Rome to life beyond the usual facts. We truly appreciate your kind words!
Nagina_B, Jul 2026
The tour started on time. Our guide Mariana made the tour interesting and interactive. She covered all 3 places in an efficient way, especially since it was a really hot day and we needed multiple water breaks. Enjoyed the tour.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you, Nagina! We're delighted you enjoyed the tour with Mariana. We're glad she made the experience interesting and interactive while efficiently covering all three sites, especially on such a hot day. We truly appreciate your kind words!
Elise_M, Jul 2026
Very knowledgeable tour guide with interesting and funny information. We did a lot in the three hours and it was a great pace.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you, Elise! We're delighted you had such a great experience. We're glad you enjoyed the guide's knowledge and entertaining stories, and that the pace allowed you to make the most of the three-hour tour. We truly appreciate your kind words!
BONNIE_T, Jul 2026
The tour was very informative and our guide was very pleasant and knowledgeable.
If it hadn’t been so hot, I could’ve listened for hours more.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you, Bonnie! We're delighted you enjoyed the tour and found your guide pleasant, knowledgeable, and informative. We're glad the stories kept you interested, even in the heat! We'd love to welcome you back for another experience in Rome. We truly appreciate your kind words!
Elizabeth_K, Jul 2026
The guide Paulina was very good and knowledgeable. She was also attentive to the group’s needs in the heat.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you, Elizabeth! We're delighted you had such a great experience with Paulina. We're glad her knowledge and attentiveness helped make the tour enjoyable, especially in the heat. We truly appreciate your kind words!
Gustavo_L, Jul 2026
A very passionate guide had a great walking flow to make this tour very complete. We got to know everything. And of course, the Colosseum by itself is worth it.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you, Gustavo! We're delighted you had such a complete and enjoyable experience. We're glad you appreciated the guide's passion and smooth pacing, and that you got to discover so much of Rome's history. We agree—the Colosseum is truly breathtaking! We appreciate your kind words.
Mavis_P, Jul 2026
Horrible the person doing the tour was rude and unhelpful. For 300 for that ridiculous. Will be disputing with bank I can’t stand that I paid 300 for something I never even received.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for sharing your feedback, Mavis. We’re sorry to hear about your frustration regarding the cancellation and refund policy.
Our tours are subject to specific cancellation terms, which are communicated at the time of booking, and unfortunately, we are not always able to provide refunds for cancellations made outside the applicable cancellation window. We understand that this can be disappointing, especially when plans change unexpectedly.
We understand your disappointment and regret that you were unable to experience the tour. We appreciate you taking the time to share your concerns.
victor_o, Jul 2026
Expect lots of stairs and queing standing for a long period of time, bring water not good if you have mobility problem.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you, Victor, for sharing your feedback. We appreciate you highlighting the physical demands of the tour. The Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill involve a fair amount of walking, stairs, and periods of standing, so we recommend guests come prepared with comfortable footwear and water, and consider their mobility needs when booking. We hope this information helps future guests plan accordingly.
Lea_M, Jul 2026
I highly recommend this tour! My family of 5 (with 3 kids ages 23, 16 and 15) really enjoyed every minute. Francesco was amazing - very informative, personable, and friendly. He shared so much information in a fun way, like a storyteller. Amazing experience!
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you, Lea! We're delighted your family had such an amazing time exploring the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill with Francesco. We're glad his informative, friendly, and storytelling approach made the experience fun and engaging for everyone. We truly appreciate your recommendation!
Rob_N, Jul 2026
We booked an VIP tour to see the Colosseum. We arrived 15m ahead of time at the exact location using the Google link they provided. However they were not in that location. I message them and never heard from them until well after the tour. On the positive side they then did email us access tickets to enter the colosseum (but without the VIP tour).
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you, Rob, for sharing your feedback. We sincerely apologize for the confusion regarding the meeting point and the delayed response to your messages. We understand how disappointing it must have been to arrive early and be unable to locate the tour representative, particularly for a VIP experience. While we are glad that the entrance tickets were ultimately provided, we regret that you were unable to receive the guided tour you had booked. We take your feedback seriously and will review this matter with our team to help prevent similar issues in the future.
Angie_G, Jul 2026
The tour guide was very knowledgeable and was excellent. Highly recommend this tour. Great way to see the coloseum
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you, Angie! We're delighted you enjoyed the Colosseum tour. We're glad your guide's knowledge and expertise made the experience so enjoyable. We truly appreciate your recommendation!
Hunter_W, Jul 2026
Excellent tour! The perfect length of time and Amy, our guide was incredible at explaining in a way that was insightful and educational. We would hihgly recommend this to others
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you, Hunter! We're delighted you enjoyed the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Guided Tour with Amy. We're glad her insightful and educational approach made the tour so enjoyable. We truly appreciate your recommendation!
Dayna_N, Jul 2026
The tour is about 2.5 hours long packed with plenty of information and great insight about the structure and history. Please be aware that depending on the time of year you visit, we went in July, it is very hot with limited shade. We are use to the heat so it didn't bother us as much but if you are not use to heat bring an umbrella, water and a mini fan. We jumped passed the long lines right into the Colleseum which was great. Plenty of walking with beautiful sights throughout the tour, wear comfortable shoes. The tour guide was so informative and had us engaged with all the details she provided about the landmarks. She was fantastic! Definitely recommend this tour.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you, Dayna! We're delighted you enjoyed the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Guided Tour. We're glad your guide's knowledge and engaging storytelling made the experience so enjoyable. We also appreciate your helpful tips for future guests and truly value your recommendation!
laura_r, Jul 2026
Fine handing of the right amount of details given during the tour. 100's .of facts given and shown. Really enjoyed the whole tour.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you, Laura! We're delighted you enjoyed the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Guided Tour. We're glad the balance of details and fascinating facts made the experience so enjoyable. We hope to welcome you back to Rome soon!
Kam_B, Jul 2026
We had no idea how much we didnt know about the Coliseum and Palatine Hill. Francesca was very passionate.
We would have given 5 stars but the tour was changed and didnt allow Coliseum floor access which is why we booked it
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you, Kam, for sharing your feedback. We're glad to hear you enjoyed learning from Francesca and appreciated her passion and knowledge. We’re sorry that the change to your tour meant you were unable to access the Colosseum floor as expected, and we understand your disappointment. We appreciate your comments and hope to have the opportunity to provide you with an even better experience in the future.
Laurie_K, Jul 2026
We had an awesome tour this morning with Kopal. She did a great job and was so knowledgeable! We definitely enjoyed the guided tour. Will recommend to friends
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you, Laurie! We're glad you enjoyed the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill tour with Kopal. It's wonderful to hear that her knowledge made the experience memorable. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back soon!
Jordan_E, Jul 2026
Our day at the Colessum with Carpe Diem Tours was great. Our guide Linnea was excellent! She made the 3+ hour tour in the very hot sun fun and exciting. She know so much information about Ancient Roman history. We walked through the Colessum, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum while Linnea told stories to captivate the group and keep us interested and entertained. She’s a great storyteller and it was pleasure to have her as our guide. We would highly recommend this tour and to request Linnea if possible.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you, Jordan! We're thrilled you enjoyed your Colosseum tour with Linnea. We're glad her storytelling and knowledge made the experience memorable, even in the heat. We'll be sure to share your kind words with her. We appreciate your recommendation!
Jason_S, Jul 2026
Our tour took place during the extreme heat wave in June so it was impossible to avoid the heat. There is a lot of history and stories to hear. Our teenagers were done after the first hour or so. Bring extra water.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you, Jason, for sharing your feedback. We understand that the extreme heat made the experience more challenging, especially for younger guests. We appreciate your helpful tips and hope to welcome you back to explore more of Rome in better conditions.
Chris_G, Jul 2026
Our tour company, Carpe Diem Tours, and tour guide Francesca were exceptional! From the time we walked up to the meeting spot until the time the tour was finished in the Roman Colosseum it was awesome.
Francesca was an archaeologist and a Rome native. She’s actually working on site restoring artifacts.
Can’t miss proposition, Carpe, Diem Tours, and Francesca!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for your exceptional review! We're thrilled to hear you had such a memorable experience with Francesca and our team. Her expertise as an archaeologist and passion for Rome truly make the history come alive. We greatly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another incredible experience in Rome soon!
Luanne_R, Jul 2026
We had an excellent experience. Our tour guide, Linea, was great and the company communications was timely and smooth.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear you had an excellent experience with Linea and appreciated the smooth communication. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with her. We hope to welcome you back for another memorable tour in Rome soon!
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