Rome: Private Colosseum Tour with Exclusive Arena Access

Rome, Italy

2 hours 15 minutes (approx.)
Group discounts
Offered in: English

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Overview

If you’re short on time in Rome but don’t want to miss the highlights, optimize your day on this tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Customize the pace and tour itinerary to focus on the sights that interest you the most, beginning with the Colosseum and its restricted arena floor. Then cover the highlights of the Forum and Palatine Hill with your guide to gain a better understanding of these complex ruins.

Check off three top Rome attractions in just a couple of hours
A great introduction to ancient history for first-time visitors
Access the Colosseum's arena floor, off-limits to most tourists
Receive personalized attention on a private guided tour

Why Travelers Choose This Tour

A private guide lets you look beyond the crowds and discover the Colosseum on an itinerary tailored to you.

What's Included

Private live guide for an exclusive, personalized experience
Expert commentary and historical insights from your private guide
Breathtaking panoramic views from the second level of the Colosseum
Colosseum entrance ticket with arena access (valued at €24 per person)
Note: Colosseum fees are as above. The remaining cost of the experience covers other services

Food and drinks
Transportation to/from the meeting point
Gratuities for the guide
Roman Forum and Palatine hill Tour Guide

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Via del Colosseo, 31, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Please meet us in front of the main entrance of Caffè Roma at Via del Colosseo, 31, 00184 Roma, Italy. 15 Minutes before your Given Entrance by Message/Whatsapp.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Colosseum

1 hour 15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Roman Forum

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Palatine Hill

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Near public transportation
Infant seats available
Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with back problems

Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Most travelers can participate
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.
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 is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

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Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 7 days in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.0

based on 879 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

The tour and the tour guide were excellent!

ZenaidaG_C, Nov 2024

Our group of 29 were very happy with our tour guide, Very knowledgeable and passionate about telling stories about the history of the Colosseum. Everyone was happy with the our tour guide.

Response from Host, Dec 2024

Thank you so much for your kind review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your experience with us. It was a pleasure having you, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon!"

Perfect tour

Rebecca_E, Oct 2024

Absolutely brilliant tour, lots of information , lots to see and a great guide! Easy to find location and had plenty of time at each point!

Response from Host, Oct 2024

Thank you so much for your kind review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your experience with us. It was a pleasure having you, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon!"

Ali got us in last minute

David_K, Sep 2024

We had a previous tour cancelled by City Tours in error. That day I was able to book a tour with Viator for the next day at 5:00 pm at the Colosseum. Ali confirmed the reservation and meeting place and got us into the Colosseum on 9/16/24. The only issue I had was that the tour booked was last one and the Colosseum closed at 7:00 pm so we had little time to explore it on our own.

Response from Host, Sep 2024

"Thank you so much for your kind review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your experience with us. It was a pleasure having you, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon!"

Could not locate guide upon arrival. Disappointed.

Bethany_G, Sep 2024

We booked this experience looking forward to seeing these amazing sites. Unfortunately, we could not find the guide when we arrived, which was early to ensure we had enough time. I messaged the guide and asked where we could find them since we were having trouble and they replied saying where to go. We didn’t see the guide as described and I messaged again. He said to give him a call or to send my number, I sent my number since the only number listed was for Viator. He never called. Only 30 minutes after the tour began did he send his phone number, and it was too late. I reached out to viator and they were not helpful and said they could not offer a refund, which is despicable. Money wasted on something we did not get to do because the guide could not be found. Very disappointing experience with this company and the lack of organization.

Response from Host, Sep 2024

Thanks for your review . All people joined the meeting point on time . Anyway when people delay is not our fault . We are at the meeting point day long to accommodate everyone . Regards

Our tour guide was an...

Nancy_H, Sep 2024

Our tour guide was an archeologist and it showed!!! Fabulous tour and the company we booked they Viator found us and helped us enter with all the people.

Response from Host, Sep 2024

Thanks for your review wishing to see you soon

Slow tour but good info

Christine_S, Sep 2024

The representative seemed disorganized at the start - and took us time to get started. Once the tour started, it seemed to drag on when they should have us moving - at one spot we stayed in that same location for over 30 mins. The tour guide was knowledgeable but it would have been good to have us moving.

Response from Host, Sep 2024

Thanks for your review . Basically people book free Sunday and they are informed about long queues . We did our job to accommodate you in the best way .

Great tour guide

Coral_R, Sep 2024

The tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. The Colosseum and roman forum and palatine hill were amazing.

Response from Host, Sep 2024

Thanks for your review wishing to see you soon

Colosseum Tour

Jonathan_T, Aug 2024

The explanations of the building’s history were superb and very interesting. The guide we had was also very helpful with our family and accommodated our stroller.

Response from Host, Aug 2024

Thanks for your review wishing to see you soon

Amazing Colosseum

Martha_W, Aug 2024

Despite being a scorching hot day, the experience of the Colosseum was unbeatable. Unfortunately the guides English was not fantastic, and combined with a mediocre audio setup, it was hard to follow along in some places. The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill were just part of a walk through on the way to the Colosseum (so a bit overrated to put that on the tour title). Overall, a must do location to visit. Given the wait time for people without booked tours was between 2 and 5 hours (depending who you overheard), going on a free Sunday you must book this!

Response from Host, Aug 2024

Thanks for your review wishing to see you soon

Excellent guide and...

Matias_V, Aug 2024

Excellent guide and experience. Skip lines is fabulous, otherwise we would have been there for ages.

Response from Host, Aug 2024

Thank you so much for your review wishing to see you soon

Wonderful Guided Tour

Michael_T, Aug 2024

Wonderful tour guide who brought Rome to life. We enjoyed the experience so much. Please thank our tour guide Barbara.

Response from Host, Sep 2024

"Thank you so much for your kind review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your experience with us. It was a pleasure having you, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon!"

Amazing Tour Guide

Chantal_S, Aug 2024

This tour was fantastic! Tours are 95% about the tour guide because the scenery you can see without booking the tour. And this was totally worth the money. Our tour guide was interesting, knowledgeable, smart and captivating. I learned a lot and was entertained the whole time. I would definitely recommend this!

Response from Host, Aug 2024

Thank you so much for your review wishing to see you soon

Amazing

karen_G, Jul 2024

Something everyone should do once in their lifetime! It was absolutely awesome. My grandson loved it and so did I despite the 102 degree temperature !

Response from Host, Sep 2024

"Thank you so much for your kind review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your experience with us. It was a pleasure having you, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon!"

Hot Tour of Colosseum

Erin_L, Jul 2024

Guide was VERY knowledgeable. Super thorough and funny. It was hot and he was very cognizant of stopping in the shade and checking in with everybody.

Response from Host, Jul 2024

Thank you so much for your review wishing to see you soon

Excellent Tour

Dawn_S, Jul 2024

The tour guide Ami was excellent. Patient and precise with detailed explanations of the arena. The 9 of us were all together and had a wonderful tour. Thanks so much.. The older couple. John and Dawn

Lacking in Logistics

Miroslav_S, Jul 2024

The logistics of this operation are terrible. We arrived at 4:30 for our tour but were told to come back at 5:30. The actual tour didn’t start until 5:45 so we waited almost two hours in record 37 degree heat. No compensation offered. No cancellation allowed. Would not recommend this tour to anyone.

Excellent experience!

Darrah_C, Jul 2024

Barbara was a very knowledgeable tour guide. Lots of information learned! Highly recommended. Great time!

Response from Host, Jul 2024

Thanks For your Kind Review and hope you enjoyed the tour

Awesome afternoon in Rome

Pamala_Q, Jul 2024

Our tour guide, Barbara, was the best!! She was so informative and a pleasure to be with. We would give her 20 stars if we could!

Response from Host, Jul 2024

Thanks For your Kind Review and hope you enjoyed the tour

Great experience.

Melynda_W, Jul 2024

Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and wonderful to follow through the Colosseum. Would highly recommend.

Response from Host, Jul 2024

Thanks For your Kind Review and hope you enjoyed the tour

Amazing tour. Thanks to the guide

Roycelyn_M, Jul 2024

The Guide was amazing. Very, Very informative and knowledgeable. The first time on our tour we had a guide this good. 7 star rating for him. I think his name was AMAR, had an Irish accent.

Disappointing

Rhonda_B, Jun 2024

The first issue is that the day before the tour, our time was moved from 4:30 pm to 5:45 pm, which left us no time to explore the Colosseum on our own after the one hour guided tour. In fact, there were announcements on the PA about the Colosseum closing before we even completed the tour. At that time of day, we did not have the perk of skipping the line because there was no line. Apparently, nobody wants to enter that late in the day. But the most disappointing thing that happened is that the tour company purchased tickets under our names for the wrong day. We did not realize this until we tried to enter. When our family of four had our tickets scanned with the tour guide at the entrance, three of us were allowed entrance (presumably the Colosseum staff did not notice our dates) but my husband was denied entry. The Colosseum staff escorted him out and he had to wait outside while the rest of the family took the tour. The tour company tried to send him again with another ticket, but he was denied again because it was not his name on the ticket. The tour company refunded my husband’s fee, but he has missed the opportunity of a lifetime. We have been saving up for this trip for years, and I don't see us returning again.

Save your money

Desiree_E, Jun 2024

Save your money. Get to the Colosseum early, buy your ticket, and tour at your own pace. The tour guide was good, but not worth the cost. We didn't skip any lines, and had to buy our own tickets. Do not recommend.

Colosseum

Amy_h, Jun 2024

The colosseum was awesome. Everyone had trouble hearing guide. Had to ask numerous times for her to move mic closer to mouth so we could hear her. Tour lasted 45 minutes. Disappointing

Rushed, hurry burry,

Anupama_N, Jun 2024

the guide was good, for somereason, the 3:00 pm tour got postponed to 4:30 pm. the tour guy texted if we are okay with it, and we did go with it as we were going to vatican city the next day and leaving rome the day after. we did not get to see the colosseum to satisfaction as it was rushed, and then we were told the palatine hill and roman forum will be closed innan hr, but the ticket can be used next day, we had to run to every place, and could not enjoy anything. You have to walk a lot, as per me, it will take atleast 6 hrs to cover all 3. palatine hill is very beautiful, my family said nero's palace was excellent and the view was breathtaking. Do not miss it and take your time. if you book this tour, pls book before 11:00 am

START TIME IS A LIE- felt sketchy

John_S, Jun 2024

PLEASE READ: I am not the kind of person that gives reviews, but this one was so bad, I feel the need to so people don’t get ripped off. As you can see in a lot of comments, the tour starts 1.5 to 2 hours after the start time. We had to sit at a cafe in our 1 day in Rome to kill time. Once the tour finally started, the headsets hardly worked and nobody on the tour seemed to hear well. Our tour guide was fine but talked fast. You would be better off buying your own skip line ticket from the actual Colluseam website. Our tour was supposed to start at 3:00pm as advertised, but the tickets given to us said 4:45pm. Please please don’t use this company. We felt swindled.

Colosseum is a must!

Jeffrey_S, Jun 2024

We don’t love our guide although he was fine. The colosseum is amazing. A must see when in Rome. Go early.

Wait three hours for the worst experience of your life

Devon_N, Jun 2024

Wow I wish I could take back this day. We booked for 12:15 for 4. No one from the tour company showed up till 1:30. There was so much confusion and they took another tour and made us wait another 45 minutes before we could go. Once we got a tour guide they made us wait in line for tickets that they told us were free (why did we pay??). Once we finally went into the coliseum the tour guide said very little and went so fast we lost her four times in the crowd. One member of our group asked for her to wait for her family and she shrugged and kept going. After the last time of getting lost we gave up and just left. I doubt she even noticed.

No communication or help

Lucy_B, Jun 2024

Was not able to make it due to roads being closed as it was Italian republic day on Sunday. I messaged the guide multiple times and didn’t receive anything back. I then got in touch with Viator themselfs which they said they would try to get in touch with them and they couldn’t either. I asked for a refund and they rejected and still haven’t received anything like a message or anything. Really not happy and won’t be booking with them again.

Bad Communication. Two hour delay!

Trista_G, Jun 2024

Our tour guide was amazing and super informative - once we actually made it into the Colosseum. We had a 1230 meeting time for a 1 oclock start and got in after 230 pm. It was a national holiday so things were chaotic and delayed, but there was terrible communication by the organizers. We stood in the rain outside the metro for over an hour without anybody telling us anything. Then we went to a line to “skip the line” and waiting over 45 minutes there. Very frustrating. And we had a small child with us.

Disappointed with Viator Tours

MaryAnn_H, Jun 2024

This was our first tour booked through Viator and will definitely think twice before using them again. The tour they scheduled us with was due to start at the colosseum at 9:40am, that day the colosseum didn’t open until 2 pm. We had to hang around til then and instead of it being a small group there were hundreds of people on the tour

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