
Gladiators & Saints: Colosseum Arena and St. Peter's Prison Tour
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Non-refundable booking. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 8 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Gladiators & Saints: Colosseum Arena and St. Peter's Prison Tour worth booking?
Gladiators & Saints: Colosseum Arena and St. Peter's Prison Tour is a 3.5-hour experience in Rome, Italy, from $119 per person. It scores 53 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 8 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 53 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (8)
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- From
- $119 per person
Begin your exclusive journey through ancient Rome by visiting one of its hidden gems, the 7th-century BC Mamertine Prison, located just next to the Roman Forum. Show your PDF ticket and walk into the Prison with an enlig
What you get
About this experience
Begin your exclusive journey through ancient Rome by visiting one of its hidden gems, the 7th-century BC Mamertine Prison, located just next to the Roman Forum. Show your PDF ticket and walk into the Prison with an enlightening audioguide. This historic site, according to early Christian tradition, is where Saints Peter and Paul were held before their executions. Afterwards, take a short break before meeting your guide near the Colosseum. Step through the legendary Gladiator's Gate onto the Arena floor. Feel the thrill as your guide vividly describes the gladiator contests, dispelling myths and highlighting the true stories behind these legendary battles. Your journey continues as you follow your guide into the Roman Forum, the vibrant heart of ancient Rome with structures dating back to the 7th century BC. This tour offers an exclusive glimpse into Rome's illustrious past, blending history, myth, and unparalleled access to some of the world's greatest ancient wonders.
What's included
Included
- Licensed English-speaking tour guide at the Colosseum and Roman Forum
- Colosseum reservation fee (valued at €2 per person)
- Entrance to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (value €24)
- Exclusive access to the Arena floor
- Entry tickets and video guide to the Mamertine Prison
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Carcer Tullianum
The ancient subterranean prison cells where it is believed St. Peter was incarcerated in antiquity. Note the inverted cross, what does it actually mean?
45 minutes here · Admission included
Arch of Constantine
The Arch of Constantine is located next to the Colosseum in Piazza del Colosseo to prepare for a fascinating trip back in the time to the realm of Emperors, Gladiators and beasts!
15 minutes here
Roman Forum
The heart and soul of ancient Rome.
55 minutes here · Admission included
Colosseum
Enter the Icon of Rome and understand what it really meant to kill or be killed as a gladiator in ancient Rome.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Rome
Meet 15 minutes before the start of the tour at the arch of Constantine. There will be a representative holding an ItaliaTours sign to greet you. An official form of ID will be required to enter the Colosseum.
Meeting point
Rome
The start time advertised is the start time for your guided Colosseum tour. Your visit to the Mamertine Prison will occur earlier in the day (approx. 1:30 PM, we'll send you a confirmation PDF voucher in advance of the tour).
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Your tour concludes beside the Roman Forum.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 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
- ItaliaTours
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- 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.
- Due to the route covered and/or transportation used, it is not possible to participate in this tour using a wheelchair, scooter, or other aid. Please contact us to inquire about customized tour options for guests with mobility challenges.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking; a hat and sunblock during summer months
- The start time advertised is the start time for your guided Colosseum tour. Your visit to the Mamertine Prison will occur earlier in the day (approx. 1:30pm)
- 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 note: This description is provided as a general example. Actual experiences may vary slightly depending on the season, local conditions, and other factors beyond our control
- Please note that essential travel documents and final itinerary details might be delivered electronically closer to the activity date.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 8 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
8 verified traveler reviews for Gladiators & Saints: Colosseum Arena and St. Peter's Prison Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Nadya was our guide- she was full of historical information and facts. She was very engaging.
We gained a lot of knowledge regarding the Colosseum and surrounding historic area
via Tripadvisor
Colosseum
This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience and one of the absolute highlights of our time in Rome. Entering the Colosseum through the Gladiator’s Gate felt incredibly powerful and immersive—exactly how the gladiators themselves once entered the arena. Antonio was an outstanding guide. His knowledge, passion, and storytelling brought ancient Rome vividly to life. He shared fascinating historical details while keeping the tour engaging, easy to follow, and perfectly paced. The small-group format made the experience better. BE SURE TO BRING IDENTIFICATION. A COUPLE WITH US WAS TURNED AWAY BECAUSE SHE DIDN’T have an id. If you want a deeper, more meaningful way to experience the Colosseum beyond the standard visit, this tour with Antonio is absolutely worth it. Highly recommended!
via Tripadvisor
Great Experience !
Great experience! Francesca was very knowledgeable. Looking forward to coming back someday. The only thing I didn’t appreciate was that I didn’t feel welcome by some of the locals.
via Viator
Will definitely come back!
Our tour guide was very informative, It was such a wonderful experience. Each detail of the colosseum was clearly expressed by our tour guide. Very knowledgeable, patient and understanding. The tour company was Italian tours and would definitely recommend this to anyone and will be coming back! One thing to note is the Prison part of our tour was self-guided, would've been nice to also have a tour guide there to detail the events that took place. Otherwise very satisfied with the service!
via Viator
Necessary skip the line tour
Excellent tour. Self guided on the prison portion. Difficult to find our start point but with some effort we did it. You must do a skip the line into the Colosseum or you’ll wait all day and not get any of the finer points.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 53
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Gladiators & Saints: Colosseum Arena and St. Peter's Prison Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Rome.
How much does Gladiators & Saints: Colosseum Arena and St. Peter's Prison Tour cost?
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Prices start at $119 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 Gladiators & Saints: Colosseum Arena and St. Peter's Prison Tour take?
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Plan for about 3.5 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 Gladiators & Saints: Colosseum Arena and St. Peter's Prison Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 53 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 8 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 Gladiators & Saints: Colosseum Arena and St. Peter's Prison Tour?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Gladiators & Saints: Colosseum Arena and St. Peter's Prison Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Gladiators & Saints: Colosseum Arena and St. Peter's Prison Tour?
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Around 3 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 3.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Gladiators & Saints: Colosseum Arena and St. Peter's Prison 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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