Colosseum Arena Floor & Ancient Rome Semi Private Tour Max 6 PPL
Recommended by 91% of travelers
Rome, Italy
- 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Offered in: English
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Overview
If large tours of Rome feel too crowded, this small-group experience is a great alternative. Join a guide and a capped number of other travelers to visit the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill—no need to worry about getting rushed along. As you explore, hear tales of gladiators and emperors, and snap photos of some of the city's best-preserved ancient ruins.
- A small group means more attention from your guide
- Access the arena floor—off limits to standard ticket holders
- Go beyond the guidebooks as a guide provides insight at real-life locations
- Check off three historic highlights in one tour—no need to juggle multiple bookings
What's Included
- Licensed- English speaking guide.
- Fully guided visit of the Colosseum
- Headsets to hear your guide clearly
- Access to the Colosseum Arena floor
- Colosseum entrance ticket with arena access (valued at €24 per person)
- Colosseum reservation fee (valued at €2 per person)
- Note: Colosseum fees are as above. The remaining cost of the experience covers other services
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Piazza del ColosseoP.za del Colosseo, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Please meet us at the (green souvenir kiosk) outside the lower-level exit of COLOSEEO Metro. Our staff will be holding an "Empire Tour" sign. Please arrive 15 minutes before, and remember to bring a valid ID. Thank you.
End point
- Palatine HillVia di S. Gregorio, 30, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Ticket Redemption Point
Piazza del Colosseo, P.za del Colosseo, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Itinerary
1
Colosseum
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
2
Palatine Hill
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
3
Roman Forum
30 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
- 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 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 arrive 15 minutes before the start time of the tour.
- Avoid bringing large purses, bags, or backpacks on your tour.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 7 days in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.8
based on 35 reviews
Michelle_M, Apr 2026
It was a good experience with a knowledgeable tour guide. E we enjoyed our day. It was very crowded.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for your kind words. We are truly delighted you had such a memorable
experience with us, and we look forward to welcoming you again soon.
Donald_S, Mar 2026
This was the best tour! Our tour guide Andréa was amazing and very knowledgeable. We learned so much about the history of Ancient Rome and saw the most important and exciting sights. Visiting the Coliseum arena floor and seeing it from that vantage point was awesome. And the whole time we avoided most of the crowds and our guide knew all of the secret entrances and unbusy restrooms. I would highly recommend!!!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for your kind words. We are truly delighted you had such a memorable experience with us, and we look forward to welcoming you again soon.
Kristen_P, Sep 2025
Andrea was amazing! Very friendly engaging and knowledgeable! Such a wonderful first tome experience of the Colleseum. Highly recommend Andrea as your tour guide!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you for your kind words! We’re glad you had a great experience. Hope to see you again. ...
Brent_B, Jul 2025
Guide was great and she paid special attention to all our kids questions. She ensures that as they overheated there were breaks and time for water
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you for your kind words! We’re glad you had a great experience. Hope to see you
again. ...
Linda_A, Jun 2025
Sandro was an excellent guide - knowledgeable, funny and attentive. The tour was appropriately long (just over 2 hours) and provided lots of fascinating information about the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Forum Romanum. Highly and warmly recommended!
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank you for your kind words! We’re glad you had a great experience. Hope to see you
again. ...
Todd_H, Jun 2025
Our guide Giulia was terrific. It was a hot day and she made sure we didn’t get too hot and guided us through everything and was extremely knowledgeable and could answer all our questions
Thanks Giulia !
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank you for your kind words! We’re glad you had a great experience. Hope to see you
again. ...
Vincent_S, Jun 2025
Julia was fantastic and provided us with all of the historical facts about the Colosseum. Ask her to show you the drawing 5 stones up from the bottom of the pillar!
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank you for your kind words! We’re glad you had a great experience. Hope to see you
again. ...
James_F, Jun 2025
Our tour was amazing! Would recommend to anyone! Weather hot but worth it! Would do it all over again!
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank you for your kind words! We’re glad you had a great experience. Hope to see you
again. ...
Angela_H, Jun 2025
Giovanni was such a great guide! He was fun and knowledgeable, our family really enjoyed his tour and would recommend it. The tour company provided good communication and was prompt with responses. This one gets 3 stars only for a bit of misrepresentation. We were looking for a tour of the full arena floor but this one only got you through the gladiators gate and onto the arena platform. If you are looking for the full floor experience (the tunnels under the area floor/platform) be sure to ask questions up front to confirm. I even asked up front before booking if this tour provided the arena floor and while technically it did, there should have been an explanation of the limitations.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank you so much for your feedback and kind words about Giovanni — we're thrilled to hear that you and your family enjoyed the tour and appreciated his fun and knowledgeable guidance. We're also glad to know you found our communication helpful and responsive.
We truly appreciate your comments regarding the arena floor access. To clarify, the tour you booked includes access through the Gladiators’ Gate and onto a section of the arena platform, which is what’s typically referred to as the “arena floor” in this type of tour. The underground area (hypogeum) is part of a separate tour with limited availability, and we understand how this distinction can sometimes be confusing.
We apologize if this wasn’t made entirely clear during the booking process and will take your feedback seriously to improve how we communicate the tour options. Thank you again for sharing your experience — it helps us grow and provide better service.
Warm regards,
sam
Jon_N, May 2025
Excellent private tour of the Coliseum and Ancient Rome with skip the line passes. Sandro (sp?) our tour guide was fantastic!
Response from Host, May 2025
Thank you for your kind words! We’re glad you had a great experience. Hope to see you
again. ...
Mark_S, May 2025
Thorough, knowledgeable, pleasant and friendly guide. By far the best tour we’ve had in our ten days thus far. Highly recommend.
Response from Host, May 2025
Thank you for your kind words! We’re glad you had a great experience. Hope to see you
again. ...
Nancy_P, Jan 2025
Tour guide was wonderful and knowledgeable, but we did not go on the arena floor which is what we paid for. Company should’ve offered money back.
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Hello, all our Arena tours include access to the Arena Floor. If, for any reason, we are unable to provide access, we will always issue a partial refund. Please provide us with more details about your booking so we can look into the situation. Thank you!
Cheryl_N, Dec 2024
Sarah was excellent! She was nearly as entertaining as the sights. She has an avid knowledge and desire for her job. It really showed. She went above and beyond to make sure the experience was interactive and paid homage where needed be. From music to videos to documents stowed away in her handbag, the whole experience was immersive. My husband and I would follow her about anywhere. 😁
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Thank you!
NatalieJ_H, Oct 2024
Showed up tour was canceled last minute not contacted prior, no other guides, given the ticket and had to go explore it on my own. Waiting for what it said to be half the refund ? So disappointing!! Even if it was because of unforeseen events as told. There should be a back up plan as I booked this months ahead with a tight schedule and no other time to rebook, and no advanced notice to choose another tour.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Hello, thanks for taking the time to review. We're sorry that not all members could join the Colosseum Arena portion of the tour. The Colosseum's management has new rules that we (tour operators and tour guides) must constantly navigate. These rules confuse all visitors to Rome (regardless of whether with a tour or not) and we're always doing our best to accommodate the change. Luckily the 3rd party company that manages the ticket office has been removed with a new company managing the ticket office in 2024. The change is very welcomed as we're always looking to improve guests’ experiences,
We value your feedback and would appreciate the opportunity to make it right. Thank you for choosing Empire Tours. We sincerely apologize once again for any inconvenience caused, and we hope to have the opportunity to serve you better in the future. Best regards,
EMPIRE TOURS
Thomas_E, Oct 2024
The guide was very knowledgeable and spoke perfect New Jersey English. She went above and beyond to meet was when we went to the wrong meeting location.
Going to the Colosseum floor was a great addition to the typical tour. No waiting in line did not waste time moving from one location to the next.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thank you!
Brian_R, Oct 2024
The guide for this group was very knowledgeable and courteous. She also helped us to attain some great photo ops. I would highly recommend if you want to know some history as to what you’re viewing.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thank you!
Lori_W, Jul 2024
Excellent tour! Our guide, a Polish woman, was great! She was so knowledgeable and took time to explain the history and culture. The tour company was organized and waited for everyone to arrive. I would highly recommend this tour!
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thank you!
Kristy_C, Jun 2024
Sarah was exceptional! We absolutely loved listening to her explain all of the history behind the Colosseum and Palatine Hill. This was the best tour we had in Rome.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thank you!
Crystal_L, Jun 2024
Sam and his team (our amazing guide was Sarah) were incredibly accommodating and went above and beyond to ensure we were able to tour despite some extenuating circumstances, 10/10!!
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thank you!
Janice_C, Mar 2024
I have trouble with stairs, but, never fear! Our wonderful ex-pat guide led us quickly to elevators, so we got to see every part of the Colosseum!
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thank you!
From $211.15
per personup to 7 days in advance
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Colosseum Arena Floor & Ancient Rome Semi Private Tour Max 6 PPL
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