Rome: Colosseum, Forum & Palatine with Arena Access + Audio Guide
Rome, Italy
+8
- 1 to 3 hours (approx.)
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Don’t miss the big Rome attraction—the mighty Colosseum—because of budget constraints. Book this visit with an audio guide in advance, and gain access to the three main sites of the Colosseum—including the arena floor—Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill on your Rome vacation. Just remember to bring your headphones for the audio guide, switch on your Wi-Fi, and arrive in plenty of time to give the sites your full attention.
- Receive an instant booking confirmation for quick peace of mind
- Meet a host for entry assistance at Rome’s most popular attractions
- Listen to an audio guide to hear tales of the emperors and gladiators
- Admire ruined temples and basilicas at the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Why Travelers Choose This Tour
This self-guided Colosseum package includes arena access, an audio guide app—and a host to ensure entry.
What's Included
- Entry to the Colosseum with Arena access
- Entry to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
- Colosseum entrance ticket with Arena access (valued at €24 per person)
- Local assistance from a representative
- Audio guide app for Colosseum only (requires an internet connection)
- Children aged 0–17 can join free of charge.
- Transportation to/from the attraction
- Headphones (please bring your own)
- Live tour guide
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- VFQR+W7, Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy
Please proceed to the Arch of Constantine, located directly in front of the Colosseum.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
1
Colosseum
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
Roman Forum (Pass By)
Palatine Hill (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- You must follow the queue for security check although you have bought the priority access.
- Please provide the full names of all travelers when booking. Failure to present a voucher with all travelers' full names at the box office prior to entry may result in denied entry to the colosseum and roman forum.
- A valid photo ID is required for all guests at the entrance gate.
- Arrive at the entrance of colosseum 15 minutes before time. The entry pass will be invalid after 15 minutes of travel time.
- 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.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 24 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 10 days in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
3.9
based on 537 reviews
Sort by: Most recent
Steve_P, Aug 2026
You need to have internet access to use the app. My eSIM did not work, which is another issue, but this tour is a waste of money!
Response from Host, Aug 2026
We are sorry you could not access the audio guide. We sent your tickets and the official MyColosseum audio-guide app instructions seven days before the visit and contacted you to ensure that everything was downloaded before arrival. The app requires internet access, and unfortunately, the failure of your personal eSIM was outside our control. Your confirmed tickets, Arena access and entry assistance were provided successfully.
Michelle_K, Aug 2026
Our golf cart tour of Rome was truly one of the highlights of our entire vacation, and we owe so much of that to our wonderful guide, Suzanne!
Suzanne was absolutely fantastic. She was incredibly knowledgeable, detailed, friendly, and passionate about Rome. She took the time to explain the lstories behind everything we saw, making the experience so much more meaningful than simply sightseeing. We learned so much while also having a wonderful time!
She made us feel comfortable, welcomed, and truly immersed in the beauty of Rome. The tour was the perfect way to see so much of the city without feeling rushed, and Suzanne’s personality and knowledge made it extra special! If you are visiting Rome, I highly recommend booking a golf cart tour with Suzanne. She was exceptional, and this tour was honestly the highlight of our trip!
Amanda_C, Aug 2026
This was self guided but the communication leading up to our entry was excellent. We received our tickets via WhatsApp and were able to enter easily. For anyone debating between the different experiences, I don’t think the arena is necessarily worth it. You can still see the same views without the additional entry on the opposite side. The only difference is going thru Gladiators Gate. We loved how tickets were good for 24 hours so we broke the forum up for the following day.
F_D, Aug 2026
Our tour provider was Dream Tourism. I advise to stay away from this company. Our tour was a self-guided audio tour that costed more for nothing. We had to use our own internet connection that was purchased for our stay, we had to download an app to use the audio for the Colosseum tour, I thought we would be given headsets for our audio. At the time of booking nothing was mentioned about that. At meeting point we met the person who was supposed to give us the information...during my conversation with him he cut me off and said: "Mam, shhhhh (while putting his index finger on his nose giving me sign of silence)....listen, you have to go to...". He was an Indian guy, very unprofessional & impolite. I don't recommend this tour.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
We are sorry the experience did not meet your expectations. This was a self-guided tour using the official MyColosseum app provided by the Colosseum Authority, which requires a personal smartphone, internet connection and headphones. And it clearly mentioned at booking. Most importantly, the behaviour described from our host does not reflect our service standards, and we are addressing it with our team. Our hosts are there to provide information, protect the booking and assist guests with smooth entry—not to make anyone feel disrespected.
AlinaFlorentina_N, Aug 2026
An impressive tour to The Colosseum. The guide was very good, it ws simple to get to the entry because he explained all very well.
Kelly_P, Aug 2026
I don't recommend the self led audio tour. Access to the whole site (excluding underground, and attic) was good, but the audio tour was difficult to navigate, the map was hard to follow, and the numbers didn't make any sense to follow along. Also the audio kept cutting out, playing multiple audio files at once, or not playing anything at all even when I was in the corresponding area. If you want to know history and interesting facts then I would recommend a guided tour instead of the audio tour.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for your feedback. We are pleased that your tickets provided access to all the included areas. The navigation, map, numbering and audio playback are part of the official MyColosseum app operated by the Colosseum Authority and are outside our technical control. We are sorry these issues affected your self-guided experience and agree that travelers seeking detailed explanations may prefer a live-guided tour.
jim0220, Aug 2026
We were there at the Arch on time but could not find tour operator. Ended up going in through our own efforts. Recommend dealing direct with Colosseum (which is great).
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Dear Jim, we are sorry that you could not find our host. We had already provided the host’s phone number, our customer-support WhatsApp number and the Viator messaging option. Our host was at the meeting area, and one call or message would have allowed him to locate you within minutes and assist with your entry. Unfortunately, we did not receive any contact from you at the meeting point.
Daniel_E, Aug 2026
The app was terrible. Guy was not helpful. Over priced for what we got. Wasn’t really a tour but just walk around and read
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Dear Daniel, we are sorry you were disappointed. This was advertised as a self-guided experience, not a live-guided tour. The host’s role was to provide entry assistance, not to guide inside. As you booked through Viator, the price included their platform commission, along with booking operations, customer support and hosting costs. The audio guide is the official Colosseum Authority app, and its technical performance is outside our control.
Betty_S, Aug 2026
The audio guide was not working and we noticed others with same problem. Since we did this at the height of busy tourist season, it still gave us access to Colosseum. We were jealous of those with human guides; they had great experiences.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Dear Betty, we sincerely regret that the audio guide did not work during your visit. As you noticed, other visitors experienced the same issue because it was a technical problem with the official Colosseum Authority app, which is outside our control. We are glad that we secured your admission during the busy season and helped you enter the Colosseum successfully.
Shannon_W, Aug 2026
This Colsseum full access with audio is a total scam - DO NOT BOOK THIS
Firstly, the audio is available with your entrance fee, so you are not paying for something extra
Secondly, the entrance cost was 24 Euros each, total of 72 Euros and we were charged 184.67 Euros. (kids under 17 are free btw)
Thirdly, it is nearly impossible to find the tour guide rep at the Colosseum itself, they are hidden away at the very edge of the Colosseum property, it took us 30 mins to find them (in 38 C weather), and we only found them because we called them and explained where to find them. They are most definitely located so far away because they are unauthorized tour guides and their tour guide is a total scam. No sign, a small red flag - if you have been to the Colosseum you will know that there are many tour guides in the front with signs and red flags, so having a red flag is not helpful. It was clear to us that there location so far away and no sign meant this was an illegal tour guide operation.
Once we actually found the tour guide - Mr Zak - he was extremely rude. When we asked him if there were audio sets he laughed at us and said of course not, you use your own headphones / ipods. So what were we paying for exactly? NOTHING beyond the entrance fee.
All in all, a very unsatisfactory experience, it caused a ton of stress to start with trying to find the tour guide, and once we did he made it worse by being very rude.
I have tried repeatedly to get a refund - I was able to get a refund of 42.06 Euro, but we are still out of pocket for 70.61 Euro (deducting the 24 Euro each entrance fee).
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Dear Shannon, this was a valid booking and not a scam. You booked through Viator, so the amount paid was not only for the entrance tickets. It also included Viator’s platform commission of more than 30%, booking operations, customer support and host assistance. We provided valid tickets and helped you enter successfully. The audio guide is the official Colosseum Authority app, and its technical issues are outside our control.
Tom_N, Aug 2026
This was a self-guided tour with audio. We ended up not doing the audio part as we had been to the Colosseum before. This tour however gave us access to areas we had not been to before - like the floor level. We relived our tickets via WhatsApp and that went smoothly. Everyone in our party thoroughly enjoyed the excursion.
Tim_C, Aug 2026
Make sure you watch your email as that is where you receive your entry tickets. You can bring paper copy or habe them down loaded to your phone. Be sure to bring your photo id you wil need it. We used our drivers license. Plan to do alot of stairs, and if you go if August bring a fan and plenty of water. Wear good walking shoes and enjoy the history around it. Love every minute you are there. We certainly did.
Aaron_R, Aug 2026
Good communication, just costs more than face value. Easy to follow instructions and prompt messaging.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Dear Aaron, thank you for appreciating our communication, prompt support and clear instructions. As the booking was made through Viator, the price included their platform commission of more than 30%, as well as booking operations, customer support and host assistance—not only the ticket’s face value. We are glad that your entry process went smoothly.
Goviana_M, Aug 2026
It was just as described. Hassle free. Communication was great with prompt responses. Would do it again.
Lisa_K, Aug 2026
Experience was good , although the self guided audio was not very easy to follow. Check points and where to start was not explained very well.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Dear Lisa, thank you for your feedback. We are pleased that you enjoyed the overall experience. The audio guide is provided through the official Colosseum Authority app. This is also why we provide a host—to explain where to start, where to finish and how to follow the tour. We appreciate your comments and will work to make these instructions even clearer.
Lesley_B, Aug 2026
Tickets were sent on what’s app 15 mins ahead of our booked time as we arrived at the Coloseum. Just a short queue to go through ID check and security. Once inside the venue easy to follow route .
There was a lift available for upper floor for over 65s or with a need .
Audio was ok but you can’t always move to the next area straight away as was very busy.
The venue itself was well worth a visit
Jason_F, Aug 2026
The tour purports to be a guided experience, but I was only provided with entrance tickets via email, and a mobile app that did not have functioning audio. I texted and called the contact number for the tour vendor, but the vendor did not respond. We gained access to the Colosseum, but we were left to our own devices once inside.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
We are sorry for the misunderstanding. This product is clearly advertised as a self-guided experience with an audio guide, not a live-guided tour. Our host’s role is to provide the tickets, explain the process and assist with entry—not to guide guests inside. The audio guide is the official Colosseum Authority app, and its technical issue was outside our control. We also sincerely apologise that our team was unable to answer your calls and messages at that moment.
Ashley_C, Aug 2026
Tickets exactly as described. Communication and info about the ticket were clear. Great experience!!
Margo_T, Aug 2026
Could not find the meeting point per GPS coordinates and had to call the company and it was vastly different. Representative had no flag or identifying clothing and was very abrupt. As far as the audio, there were no helpful instructions on proceeding with the tour. Being that the Colosseum is mammoth, we didn't know where to start. Definitely, a guided tour would have been helpful. We were disappointed although the Colosseum is fascinating with so much history.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
We are sorry that the meeting point and host identification were unclear. Our support team assisted when you called, but we understand that clearer directions and visible identification would have made the meeting easier. This was a self-guided experience, not a live-guided tour, and the host’s role was to assist with entry and explain where to begin. We regret that the instructions for using the official Colosseum audio-guide app were not clear enough and will use your feedback to improve our service.
GrandelynJojo_A, Aug 2026
Full of information, such a great experience.
Pre booked tickets done, no issues at all.
Everyone was happy, awesome day for us
Sarah_M, Aug 2026
Experience ok but getting into Colloseum was hard and my son who is 15 got sworn at twice by the ticket people. Not impressed and it put a downer on the experience as my son was shaking for ages. The recordings were quite quiet and as there was a lot of people it was very noisy so couldnt hear alot.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
We are very sorry to hear how your son was treated. The entrance and security staff are employed by the Colosseum Authority and are not part of our team, but such behaviour is unacceptable and we understand how upsetting it must have been. The recordings are provided through the official Colosseum audio-guide app, so we recommend using personal headphones in crowded areas. Please contact us directly with your booking details so we can document the incident, raise it with the relevant authority, and discuss any appropriate assistance or resolution.
Amanda_C, Aug 2026
This tour (with audio) is exactly what is offered through the Colosseum directly with a price markup. It was unfortunate that the official site was so difficult to buy tickets directly.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for your feedback. As the booking was made through Viator, the price included their platform commission of more than 30%, as well as our booking operations, customer support and host assistance—not only the ticket’s face value. Our service also helped secure your admission when tickets were difficult to obtain directly from the official website.
Paul_C, Aug 2026
We were delayed for multiple days due to plane flights. Called to see if we could move to another time. Tour operator would not change. Had to buy tickets at collesium and eat the cost. Save your money and buy at the collesium
Response from Host, Aug 2026
We are sorry that flight delays affected your plans. Colosseum tickets are issued for a specific visitor, date and entry time and, once issued, cannot be changed or refunded under the Colosseum Authority’s rules. As your tickets had already been purchased and confirmed, we were unfortunately unable to move the booking without purchasing new tickets. We understand your frustration, but this restriction was outside our control.
Sophia_S, Aug 2026
Enjoyed this trip, everyone in the group enjoyed the visit. Lots of walking which was expected. Recommend going early
Janet_J, Aug 2026
I can’t understand why in this day and age the tickets have to be collected from someone sat in a corner outside the colosseum with a random flag. We walked up and down in the heat for ages trying to find this person. They had no sign showing the company name.
LISSETTE_C, Aug 2026
the meeting point was ridiculous. walked in the heat to an unknow place like 15 minutes and apparently our guide was not available due to an emergency and had sent my tix thru whats app but had no idea. they should just put meeting point at arch by colleesium. after i got in it was fine but ruined my morning and energy level. they had to get permission to let me in since it made me an hour late.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
We sincerely apologise for the confusion and inconvenience. Our host had an unexpected emergency, so your tickets were sent through WhatsApp to ensure you could still enter. Unfortunately, the change was not communicated clearly enough, which caused you to walk unnecessarily and arrive late. We understand how this affected your morning and energy, and we are reviewing our emergency communication process and meeting-point arrangements to prevent this from happening again.
Aimee_D, Aug 2026
I made an error when booking with my surname as accidentally put my married name , viator said it was fine and changed it but the tour provider rejected and wouldn’t send me an updated ticket !! Very unhelpful and would not recommend at all , other tour providers were so much better and nicer
Response from Host, Aug 2026
We are sorry for the frustration caused. Changes can be requested up to 10 days before the tour under our cancellation and amendment policy. We contacted you before this deadline and asked you to confirm all names, the date and the entry time, but unfortunately, we received no response. Colosseum tickets are nominative and cannot be changed or reissued once purchased. Although Viator updated its booking record, it could not change the official ticket already issued. This was a restriction of the Colosseum ticketing system, not an unwillingness to assist.
GARETH_G, Aug 2026
Very Very Very HOT when we travelled. Download Whatsapp and sign up befre you go. If doing self guided tour, download the coliseum app AND tour before you go. Guide was good, patient, helpful.
bklynchic49, Aug 2026
Easy access to get in. I’d suggest downloading the audio tour guide feature before entering the Colosseum because it was difficult to download the audio while there. Might be because of all the people there and the phone service being spotty. Overall, good tour.
Noel_A, Aug 2026
A really great experience visiting the Colosseum; it was on our bucket list. The audio guide was okay... a great family experience!
A good option if you can't get tickets on the official website—which is really difficult!
From $28.34
per personup to 10 days in advance
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