The Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill comprise a vast archaeological park in the heart of Rome. There are a multitude of options when planning your visit, and it can all get overwhelming. I've been giving tours of the Colosseum for 25 years, and I'm here to guide you through the best tours of the Colosseum, as well as why and how to choose the right tour for you.
Through Eternity offers seven different Colosseum tours, but which is best?
Well, obviously, like any good parent, we love all our tours equally. But different tours suit different travelers. Travelers who have already been to Rome on numerous occasions may want to see lesser-visited sites to gain a deeper insight. Those in Rome for a short period of time may want the quickest possible option. So which tour suits which traveler? Read on to find out.
The Best Tours of the Colosseum
Colosseum with Gladiator Arena Floor, Forum, and Palatine Hill Semi-Private Tour
On this intimate group tour, you'll walk through the original gladiators' gate onto the sandy arena and into the blinding sunlight to stare up at the crowds in the stands above. It's a genuinely spine-tingling adventure—one that most visitors don't get to experience.
The arena is off-limits to all but a handful of savvy travelers who know to book these limited tickets well in advance. The crowds above will definitely be staring at you with more than a hint of jealousy, wondering how you got this unique access.
Afterward, you'll join your guide on a whirlwind tour through the centuries as you stroll around the rest of the Colosseum. Then head to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, where you'll be regaled with tales of political intrigue and palace treachery in the beating heart of ancient Rome.
Who Is This Tour Perfect For? It is Perfect for those who have more than a passing interest in history and who love exclusive access.
Tour Duration: 3 hours at an easy pace
Group size: A maximum of just 10 (also available privately)
Private Colosseum Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Essential Experience
Here, you'll have reserved tickets to visit the Colosseum, the ancient Roman Forum, and the Palatine Hill.
Honestly, this is the essential ancient Rome experience, especially for a first-time visit. To understand this complex city, you must first understand its complex and layered past.
Navigating ancient Rome without a guide can be confusing and intimidating. Let us make it fun and illuminating. Learn about the Roman emperors' curious predilections and the interesting behind-the-scenes politics that shaped the ancient world.
Who Is This Tour Perfect For?: Great for time-strapped families who want to see as much of the ancient city in one day as possible
Tour Duration: 3 hours
Group Size: Private tour
Private Colosseum Underground Tour with Arena Floor & Ancient Rome: VIP Experience
This tour is not currently available. We hope to see it relaunched in 2025.
This is the ultimate access-all-areas experience at the Colosseum. On this private VIP tour, you will be among the few lucky people who will visit the Colosseum Underground or 'Hypogeum.'
This hidden world beneath the arena floor was the 'backstage' of the gladiatorial games, where ferocious animals lay waiting in cages before being dramatically released into the arena above via elaborate trap doors and lifts.
Tickets for this restricted area sell out fast, as only a limited number of guests are allowed beneath the arena to preserve the archaeology. If you have your heart set on this experience, I suggest you book your tour well in advance.
This tour will allow you to step through the hallowed gladiators' gate onto the arena floor, another experience off-limits to most visitors. Then, your expert guide will reveal hidden secrets around the rest of the Colosseum before taking you on a whirlwind tour through the golden age of ancient Rome in the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
Who Is This Tour Perfect For? This special experience is perfect for ancient history fans who want a full, in-depth glimpse into the glories of the Roman Empire.
Tour Duration: 3.5 hours
Group Size: Private tour
Rome in a Day Group Tour with Colosseum and the Vatican by Minivan
I'd always recommend spending more than one day in the Eternal City; however, I understand that many of us experience Rome on a much tighter schedule. If this is you, then I plead with you to plan ahead to maximize your short time in Rome.
This is the ideal whistle-stop tour for visitors with a limited schedule.
Take in the highlights of the Vatican museums, including the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, and the most beautiful piazzas of Rome, with an expert who knows the city, all its quirks, and the ins and outs. With one day in Rome, you need a personal concierge who knows the city intimately so you can make the most of your brief visit.
As an added bonus, your guide knows the best spot for a local lunch to complete your perfect Roman holiday.
Who Is This Tour Perfect For? If you only have one day in the city and want to make the most of your time, this excursion is for you.
Tour Duration: 6 hours plus a lunch break
Group Size: Maximum group size is 7
Piazzas of Rome Tour with Colosseum & Roman Forum
For lovers of art and history, this is a fantastic and truly unique experience. No other tour combines the majesty of ancient Rome with the splendor of the Renaissance and Baroque artists who were inspired by the city's infamous past.
On this unique excursion, you'll visit not just the Colosseum but also have the opportunity to explore how Roman artists saw its ancient past and drew from it to create a city of beauty and greatness that still inspires us today.
Who Is This Tour Perfect For? If you want the most holistic and artistic view of the city - this is the experience for you.
Tour Duration: 5 hours
Group Size: Private tour
House of Augustus Tour with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
For total Rome geeks, this is a fantastic experience. Visit some of the most exclusive sites in the Roman Forum in the company of an expert.
The Colosseum is amazing. However, if you've done an evening tour or have visited Rome before and want a deeper experience, this is the tour for you.
Explore the home of Rome's first emperor, Augustus, with intact frescoes dating to the first century AD. As beautiful as anything in Pompeii.
You'll also discover the secrets of the Vestal Virgins, the story of the funeral of Julius Caesar, and where the Romans used to gamble on the steps of the Basilica. If you want the inside story of Ro
Who Is This Tour Perfect For? Those who want to Visit some of Rome's best-kept secrets with a passionate local expert.
Tour Duration: 3 hours
Group Size: Private tour
Check Out More Great Rome Content on the Blog
- Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Rome
- Best Tours of Rome to Take This Year
- Everything You Need to Know About Visiting the Colosseum
- How To Visit the Vatican Museums
- 5 Fascinating Facts About the Colosseum's Arena Floor
- The Colosseum Underground: Backstage at the Ancient World's Deadliest Arena
- Rome's Ancient Icon: An Express Guide to the Colosseum
- Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My! Wild Animals in the Colosseum
- The Colosseum and the Desecration of Democracy
- Gladiators in the Roman Colosseum: An Introduction
