Rome Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum Tour
Rome, Italy
- 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Offered in: English
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Overview
A visit to the Colosseum is a must-do for first-time, or even repeat, visitors to Rome. Embark on a group tour of the iconic arena as well as the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill in just a few hours. See the amphitheater where the gladiators once fought, learn about its construction, and hear stories about life in ancient Rome from an audio guide. Booking this tour means you don't have to worry about getting around this large and crowded site independently.
- Explore the Colosseum with an audio guide for a more efficient and relaxing experience
- Short tour doesn't take up much of your day
- Learn info about ancient Rome that you wouldn't get on your own
- Explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill with a guide
Why Travelers Choose This Tour
With a wide choice of languages and departure times, this is one of the most flexible Colosseum tours.
What's Included
- Professional tour guide for Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
- Colosseum Entrance with Audio Guide
- Headsets
- Colosseum entrance ticket (valued at €18 per person)
- Colosseum reservation fee (valued at €2 per person)
- Please note: Colosseum fees as above. The remaining cost of the experience covers other services.
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Santi Cosma e DamianoVia dei Fori Imperiali, 1, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Meet in front of the Basilica San Cosma and Damiano. Look for tour greeters in red Show Me Italy jackets/shirts. They will be waiting next to the large red pillar just in front of the church on the Via dei Fori Imperiali.
End point
- Colosseo00184 Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy
Itinerary
1
Roman Forum
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
2
Palatine Hill
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
3
Colosseum
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Please arrive 15 minutes before the starting time
- 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.
- Refunds will not be provided for no-shows or late arrivals. If you are late to arrive at the meeting point, you will not be able to join your tour.
- Tours will run rain or shine (unless the monument is closed by the official administration for safety reasons)
- The tour itinerary can start with either the Colosseum or the Palatine Hill/Roman.
- The meeting time can be subject to change. In this case, we will call/text you in advance to let you know.
- Aerosols, sharp objects and large backpacks will not be allowed
- There are mandatory security checks at all entry points to the sites. The time spent in the security line varies and this line cannot be ‘skipped.’ The wait time for the security check can be considerable during peak times/seasons and has nothing to do with the ticket line.
- When booking for children under 18 years, a government-issued ID/passport will be required when entering the monument. Failure to bring an ID with you can result in the security staff refusing you entrance to the monument.
- 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.
- The itinerary may vary, the tour may start at either the Colosseum or the Roman Forum.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 25 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 7 days in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.4
based on 614 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Sinead_P, Aug 2026
If I could give zero stars I would. Before the tour started they didn't reply to any questions via app or email.
We were at the meeting point early, and I was told I had booked an audio tour not an in person guide. Thought it was my mistake, asked for clarity and could not get it in person due to language barrier so I continued into the Roman forum. When I tried to open the audio tour, I couldn't get on as I did in fact book an in person tour! Rang the helpline with no answer, eventually got through to an office in GREECE! Who knew nothing about my tour in Rome (cant blame him for that!).
Eventually got a reply on WhatsApp and they said go enjoy the audio tour, the in person tour meeting point was outside the gate and if I left I would not be able to get back in as my tickets had been scanned. Except I still couldn't access the audio tour as that wasnt my package I bought. They never sent on a new code to access it. I asked multiple times when would the guide be leaving the meeting point around the corner (1min walk) and where in the Roman Forum could we meet him. Asked for anyways to sort the problem, gave some suggestions of where we could meeting the guide, etc, and I was ignored on all fronts. Eventually I sent so many messages and calls they offered me a refund and would just keep the price of the ticket entry to both sites, which I was happy with. I had to follow up twice before it was sent. The entry tickets are avilable online unguided for €18 each per person for both sites, so €36 for us from the €118 spend. Ive been refunded €66, so they have kept €16 for the fun of it apparently. I have asked for an itemised receipt to see where this money has gone and have received no replies to my queries. Messages marked as read and no reply. A bunch of cowboys profiting off people trying to understand the history of the Eternal city. Avoid Show me Italy. Had a fabulous time on other tours with City Wonders Tours during our stay. Have given 5 stars reviews to them, check them out instead 👍🏻
Monica_W, Aug 2026
Everything was great. Our guide was so knowledgeable, friendly, and funny. We did the tour in Spanish. I went with my parents, teenager, and 1.5 year old. The only thing is I wish someone was actively monitoring their WhatsApp chat. We were having such a difficult time finding the meeting point. We almost got left behind. Overall 100000/10 would recommend this tour guide.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're so glad you and your family enjoyed the tour and that your guide made it such a memorable experience. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again on another tour soon!
Cathy_B, Aug 2026
The tour was very informative. The guide, Francesca, was very knowledgeable. She also did her best to keep us in the shade as it was very hot. I was disappointed that the guide couldn't accompany us into the Colosseum because when we went in we saw other groups with their guides. Not sure what the issue was with the Viator tour guides.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for your feedback! We're glad to hear that you enjoyed the tour and that Francesca’s knowledge and care made the experience more comfortable, especially in the heat. We appreciate your comments and hope to welcome you again soon!
Keith_V, Jul 2026
This tour took us through the best parts of the Forum and Palatine Hill. We walked through the Colosseum at our own pace. Our guide, Tibero, was great. Super knowledgeable and very funny.
Axel_C, Jul 2026
The tour guides are not allowed inside the Colosseum.. We were told that we were going to get a refund and still ah e not received it.
Heidi_P, Jun 2026
The tour was great and so informative! Humi was a great tour guide. We enjoyed hearing about the colosseum and the Roman forum. The view from Palatine Hill was amazing!
Philip_R, Jun 2026
Very good and absorbing tour of Rome’s Roman past with wonderful guide Ilaria. Interesting facts about the Colosseum complete with audience participation
Wendi_Y, May 2026
Humi, our tour guide was amazing and kept us in the shaded areas as much as possible. She’s a great storyteller and kept our attention! Highly recommend this tour!
Stephane_L, May 2026
A real scam. I bought 2 tickets to see the Coliseum and its inside with a guide. The day before the visit, I receive an email stating that the guide won't be able to go inside with us and that we need to buy our ticket ourselves! They say we'll have a guide explainig the coliseum from the outside only. This is not what I paid for. We didn't accept this and ask for a refund. BUT the policy stipulate that refund is possible 7 days prior to the event, but they changed the service the day before!!! Again, what a scam. I asked for a refund but radio silence. I haven't heard from them since.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your feedback.
We are truly sorry to hear about the issues you experienced with the guide arrival and the lack of communication on the day of your tour. We understand how frustrating this must have been, especially when clear instructions and support are expected.
We also regret the confusion regarding timing changes and the inconvenience caused by limited on-site assistance at that moment.
Your comments are important to us and will be reviewed carefully to improve our communication and coordination with guests.
We sincerely regret the inconvenience and appreciate you sharing your experience.
Mona_P, May 2026
We were advised only the day before that the guided tour of the collesuem could no longer be offered, but we would still get the guided tour of roman forum.
We showed up at our designated tour time and waited 45 min just to be told that our tour guide did not show up. Would not recommend booking this through Viator or any 3rd party reseller. I recommend booking directly on the colleseum website so you can guarantee not to be dissappointed.
Ginoux_C, May 2026
I learned so much from this tour and yet I feel like I just scratched the surface. My tour guide was amazing, especially with his green folder that had illustrations of how the some of the ancient ruins used to look like. He made our tour personal by asking us questions and relating it back to our everything day lives.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your wonderful feedback 😊 We’re so happy you enjoyed the tour and learned so much! The green folder illustrations really do bring history to life 🌟
We’ll be sure to share your kind words with your guide 🙏
Linda_H, Mar 2026
Very informative, engaging tour guide named Max. Recommend a guided tour for this for sure. So much great info.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for your kind words! We’re glad Max made the tour so informative and engaging you’re right, a guided tour really brings the history to life 😊
Ronald_C, Mar 2026
Mama Norine was very informative - her training as an archeologist was very much in evidence and she answered all of our questions very thoughtfully - My son and I would recommend her to anyone wanting a guide for this site - small glitch - the battery on my receiver gave out just before the end of the tour.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you! 🌟 Glad Norine made your tour informative and enjoyable. 🙌
catherine_h, Nov 2025
Gina was fantastic! So enthusiastic and knowledgeable. We loved this tour!!!!!! Reminder you will need to show your ticket (from the guide) and your ID with matching name More than once and ticket will be scanned several times!!!!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that Gina made your tour memorable with her enthusiasm and knowledge. We hope to welcome you back again soon!
Sherry_K, Oct 2025
A very well rounded survery of all three areas. Beautiful sights with lovely botanicals and of course steeped in history - ambitious walking tour - wear comfy shoes!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! 🌿🏛️ We’re thrilled you enjoyed the full experience — from the breathtaking views and fascinating history to the beauty of the surroundings. Yes, comfy shoes are definitely a must for this adventure! 👟😊 We hope to welcome you back soon for more discoveries in Rome! ✨
Annelle_G, Oct 2025
Naomi, our tour guide, was very knowledgeable and was easily understood. She presented many interesting facts.
Thank you.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad Naomi could provide such an informative and clear experience. It’s wonderful to hear you enjoyed the interesting facts she shared. We truly appreciate your feedback!
Kelsey_B, Oct 2025
RADU WAS THE BEST TOUR GUIDE! we’ve been traveling 2 months in Europe and I can genuinely say he was the most entertaining, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic guide we have had, bringing to life the history of the Roman forum and colosseum. If we could give him alone a 1000/10 review we would, he is an icon, and to add the incredible scenery and history of this part of rome. A true gem.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Wow, thank you so much for this glowing review! Radu will be absolutely honored by your kind words—he truly loves bringing history to life with enthusiasm and passion. It’s wonderful to hear he made such a memorable impact during your travels. We’re so glad you enjoyed the stunning history and scenery of Rome with him. Truly a gem indeed!
Joyce_C, Sep 2025
Great Tour!! Easy to find with easy check in. Our tour guide (I do not remember his name) was fantastic!! We received exactly the amount of time we needed to see the Forum, Palatine Hill, and the Colosseum. Do not hesitate to book this tour!!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We're glad the tour was easy to find and that your guide made the experience memorable. It’s wonderful to hear you felt the timing was just right to enjoy the Forum, Palatine Hill, and Colosseum. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to see you again soon! 😊🧡
Ann_H, Sep 2025
It rained most of the time so come prepared!
Lots & lots & lots of walking. Steps to go up to higher levels within Colosseum are crazy steep!!! It was very hard for me. Wish I’d known I could have taken an elevator! I’m late 70’s & pretty good health but it was tough!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you for your feedback 💖. We are sorry to hear that the rain and steep steps made the visit more difficult. We understand how challenging it can be and appreciate your note about the elevator, which will be helpful for future guests 🙏. We are glad you were still able to experience the Colosseum and hope the memories of your visit remain special 🌷🙌.
Michael_S, Aug 2025
Very helpful and informed by our guide anita she was very sweet and we had a very good time touring the coliseum
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback! We're so happy to hear you had a great time exploring the Colosseum with Anita. She truly is a gem—kind, knowledgeable, and passionate about what she does. We're glad she helped make your tour special and memorable. We hope to see you again on another adventure soon!
Jaime_V, Jul 2025
Very informative and fun my tour guide was knowledgeable and patient and funny, I would recommend her to the people that I know.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you! We’re so happy you enjoyed the tour and appreciated your guide’s knowledge and humor. We truly appreciate your recommendation!
Tracy_H, Jul 2025
Great guide. Happy to answer questions. Good personality. Good English. Very knowledgeable. Arrived on time.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you for your kind feedback. We're delighted to hear that your guide was knowledgeable, approachable, and punctual.
Allison_D, Jul 2025
Long, not engaging. Couldn’t understand a word the tour guide was saying. Left less than half way through - complete waste of money and time
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re sorry to hear the experience didn’t meet your expectations. Your comments are appreciated as they help us continue to grow and evolve our offerings.
Barbara_N, Jul 2025
This tour was an incredible journey through ancient history! From the moment we met our guide, we knew we were in for a treat. They were engaging, knowledgeable, and brought the ruins to life with vivid stories and fascinating facts.
Walking through the Colosseum was awe-inspiring—standing where gladiators once fought and learning about the structure’s history was unforgettable. Palatine Hill offered stunning views and a deeper understanding of Rome’s imperial past, while the Roman Forum was like stepping back in time. Our guide’s explanations helped us visualize what life was like in ancient Rome, making the experience even more meaningful.
The tour was well-paced, organized, and full of insight. Highly recommend this to anyone wanting to explore Rome’s most iconic landmarks with a passionate and informative guide!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you for sharing such a glowing review! It’s fantastic to hear that your tour was an incredible journey through ancient history, brought to life by an engaging and knowledgeable guide. Exploring the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum with vivid stories and insightful explanations truly makes the experience unforgettable. We’re glad the tour was well-paced and organized, allowing you to fully appreciate Rome’s iconic landmarks. Your high recommendation means a lot, and we look forward to welcoming you back for more amazing adventures in the Eternal City!
Monika_K, Jun 2025
We had an exceptional time with this tour! Our guide was so knowledgeable and kind, and did an amazing job answering all of our questions! She had fantastic anecdotes to share and truly left us with a ton of new knowledge about all these fascinating sites. She kept my kids engaged the entire time - highly recommend!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that your guide’s knowledge, kindness, and engaging storytelling made the tour enjoyable for your whole family. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to host you again soon!
Nompumelelo_S, Jun 2025
Explored the interior, including the arena floor, where gladiators once fought and the underground chambers that housed animals and participants
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank you for your feedback! It’s great to hear you enjoyed exploring such iconic and historic parts of the Colosseum—those spaces really bring the past to life.
Molly_K, Jun 2025
The line to get into the colosseum was longer than any of us expected but that was no fault of anyone. Just a word of caution to those of you traveling in the high season that you may need to adjust to this and try to enjoy the experience. Our guide had so much knowledge (Alex-female)! It was truly impressive.
Lorraine_P, Jun 2025
Magda was so informative,and interesting.She spoke clearly and everyone could hear her .We didn't feel rushed at all.Thouroughly enjoyed the tour .Well worth the money.
Karen_M, May 2025
Our tour took us through amazing sites and we learned so much more about the history than we had known before. Our guide Ciara was entertaining, very personable and her knowledge of the Roman history of our sites was incredible. She is very passionate about Roman history. There is a lot of walking over uneven ground and some steep staircases so bear this in mind if you are not used to this kind of activity.
Brittany_M, May 2025
Unfortunately, I wouldn’t recommend this experience. We booked a 9:00 AM tour nearly a month in advance and arrived early at 8:40, only to be told our tour had been moved to 10:20 due to overbooking—without any prior notice.
This lack of communication threw off our entire day and impacted other scheduled activities. A simple heads-up would have allowed us to adjust our plans accordingly. Very frustrating and disappointing.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank you for sharing your experience. We sincerely apologize for the lack of communication but please note that it is stated at booking that times can be changed due to the overwhelming demand at the Colosseum. We understand how frustrating this must have been and appreciate your feedback.
From $52.96
per personup to 7 days in advance
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