From Gladiators to Emperors: Colosseum & Ancient Rome Guided Tour
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 240 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
3.7/5
Based on 51 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is From Gladiators to Emperors: Colosseum & Ancient Rome Guided Tour worth booking?
From Gladiators to Emperors: Colosseum & Ancient Rome Guided Tour is a 3-hour experience in Rome, Italy, from $37 per person. It scores 54 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.7/5 rating across 51 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 240 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 54 / 100
- Rating
- 3.7/5 (51)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $37 per person
Welcome to an unforgettable journey through ancient Rome with our exclusive Colosseum tour, which also includes visits to Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum! Prepare to be transported back in time as you explore the iconi
What you get
- Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill entrance ticket (valued at €18 per person)
- Colosseum reservation fee (valued at €2 per person)
- Headset
- Please note: Colosseum fees as above. The remaining cost of the experience covers other services.
- Official local guide
About this experience
Welcome to an unforgettable journey through ancient Rome with our exclusive Colosseum tour, which also includes visits to Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum! Prepare to be transported back in time as you explore the iconic landmarks of the Eternal City with a knowledgeable guide who is either an archaeologist or a historical art expert. Dive straight into the heart of Roman history. As you stand before the mighty Colosseum, you'll learn about its fascinating past, from gladiatorial contests to dramatic events that shaped the destiny of the empire. Feel the echoes of ancient spectacles as your guide paints vivid pictures of the grandeur and brutality of life in ancient Rome.
What's included
Included
- Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill entrance ticket (valued at €18 per person)
- Colosseum reservation fee (valued at €2 per person)
- Headset
- Please note: Colosseum fees as above. The remaining cost of the experience covers other services.
- Official local guide
Not included
- Tips
- Hotel pick up
- Food and beverage
What you'll see and do
Colosseum
The Colosseum stands as an immortal sentinel amidst the whispers of time, a colossal testament to human ingenuity and grandeur. Its weathered stone, etched with the scars of history, rises defiantly against the azure Roman sky, a symphony of strength and elegance. In the embrace of its towering arches, echoes of ancient glories linger, dancing with the shadows cast by the sun's warm embrace. Each stone, hewn by skilled hands of yore, bears witness to the stories of valor and spectacle that once filled its heart. Within its weathered walls, the amphitheater breathes with the spirits of emperors and gladiators, a silent chorus of triumph and tragedy echoing through the ages. From the whispers of the wind to the hushed footsteps of visitors, every corner reverberates with the weight of history.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Roman Forum
The Roman Forum, also known as the Forum Romanum in Latin, was the central public space in ancient Rome. It served as the heart of political, religious, and social activities in the city and was the site of various important structures, ceremonies, and events throughout Roman history. Originally a marketplace, the Roman Forum evolved over time to become the focal point of Roman public life. It was surrounded by important government buildings, temples, and monuments, including the Senate House (Curia), the Temple of Saturn, the Temple of Vesta, the Basilica Julia, the Rostra (a platform for public speeches), and the Arch of Septimius Severus, among others. The Roman Forum was not only a place for commerce and governance but also a venue for public speeches, elections, religious ceremonies, and celebrations. It played a significant role in the social and political life of ancient Rome and remained central to the city's identity throughout the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Palatine Hill
The Palatine Hill is one of the Seven Hills of Rome and is considered one of the most ancient parts of the city. It stands about 40 meters above the Roman Forum, looking down upon it. The Palatine Hill is steeped in mythology and history, and it holds significant archaeological remains dating back to ancient Rome. According to Roman mythology, the Palatine Hill is where Romulus, the legendary founder of Rome, founded the city in 753 BCE. Today, the Palatine Hill is an important archaeological site, with excavations revealing various structures such as palaces, temples, and houses from different periods of Roman history. Visitors can explore the ruins of the imperial palaces, including the House of Augustus and the House of Livia, as well as enjoy panoramic views of the Roman Forum and Circus Maximus from the hilltop. It's a key destination for tourists interested in ancient Roman history and architecture.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Rome
Italy Pass Flag (blue and white)
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Options you can book
English
English language
GERMAN
German language
ITALIANO
lingua italiana
Spanish
Spanish language
French
French language
Before you book
- Cancellation
- If you cancel at least 10 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 10 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Italy Pass tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 51 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
51 verified traveler reviews for From Gladiators to Emperors: Colosseum & Ancient Rome Guided Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Lousy customer service
Buyer beware!!!! I will never book with them again. Don't waste your money. The first time I booked the tour guide never showed up. With this tour, we couldn't book 3 people at once, so my best friend had to buy her ticket separately. We booked for the same day, same time. When we got here, she had been placed in a different tour. We asked the guides if she could join our group, and they said no. They told us we should've specified when we booked that we wanted the same tour. But how were we to know there were two different tours at the same time???? And we certainly did not know. They were not accommodating at all. BUYER BEWARE
Response from the operator: We appreciate you booking with Italy Pass. We aim to ensure every tour is a smooth and enjoyable experience, leaving you with positive memories. To further investigate the details of your reservation, please contact our team. We need to confirm whether you have two distinct bookings with Italy Pass or if another company handled a portion of your reservation. Additionally, please note that limited group availability at the time of booking may have impacted the ability to book for three individuals simultaneously. We look forward to assisting you.
via Viator
Incredible Experience with a Knowledgeable Guide
Our guide brought ancient Rome to life with fascinating stories and historical facts. Skipping the line saved us hours. The underground access was a bonus—highly recommend!
Response from the operator: Thank you for booking with Italy Pass.
via Tripadvisor
Knowledgeable Guide
The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable about the history of Rome and around the three sites we visited.
via Viator
Italy Pass Tours, Rome - stay away from this company
Our family had booked four tickets to make the tour Colosseum guided tour with Palatine Hill, Roman Forum included. The agency that was supposed to make the tour, Italy Pass Tours, had the wrong ticket for one of the participants of the group who was then denied access to the main visit of the tour, the Colosseum. There was little help from the tour responsible to solve the problem and the person was left behind without any support. On top of it, the other members of the family, that finally went in, had to make the visit alone, without the assigned guide because the whole group did not wait for them. We have contacted Viator to obtain a refund and hopefully, we will obtain it because this situation had spoiled our visit to this iconic site in Rome.
via Viator
Could not find location. Did not respond when tried to contact. Did not give refund.
Could not find the tour. Tried contacting them on this app as well as by phone and never heard a response o that than “Ok” All phone numbers did not work. Did not give refund.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 240h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $37 to $63
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 18
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 54
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
From Gladiators to Emperors: Colosseum & Ancient Rome Guided Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Rome.
How much does From Gladiators to Emperors: Colosseum & Ancient Rome Guided Tour cost?
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Prices start at $37 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Rome usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does From Gladiators to Emperors: Colosseum & Ancient Rome Guided Tour take?
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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Rome is not rushed.
Is From Gladiators to Emperors: Colosseum & Ancient Rome Guided Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 54 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.7/5 across 51 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Rome, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule From Gladiators to Emperors: Colosseum & Ancient Rome Guided Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 240 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is From Gladiators to Emperors: Colosseum & Ancient Rome Guided Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book From Gladiators to Emperors: Colosseum & Ancient Rome Guided Tour?
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Around 18 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Rome can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Rome and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does From Gladiators to Emperors: Colosseum & Ancient Rome Guided Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Rome within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Rome?
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Rome runs on skip-the-line access. The Colosseum underground, the Vatican before opening, and the catacombs south of the walls all require a licensed operator, and the price gap between the good ones and the rest is smaller than you would expect. We rank by guide credentials, group size and how reliably the promised access actually materialises. On Outty we rank every Rome experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Rome Pasta and Tiramisu Class: Ravioli, Fettuccine & Fine Wine 5*, Pasta Making & Wine Tasting with Dinner in Frascati from Rome, Rome: Pizza & Tiramisu or Gelato Class with Flowing Fine Wine 5*. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Rome?
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April, May, September and October. August is hot and half the city is shut. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Rome?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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