
Rome: Colosseum with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill + Arena Optional
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 1,544 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Rome: Colosseum with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill + Arena Optional worth booking?
Rome: Colosseum with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill + Arena Optional is a 3-hour experience in Rome, Italy, from $55 per person. It scores 77 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 1,544 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 77 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (1,544)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $55 per person
Looking to experience the Colosseum from a fresh perspective? This exclusive tour grants you access through the legendary gladiator's gate, granting you the opportunity to stand upon the meticulously reconstructed Arena Floor, once a battleground for fierce warriors. Delve deeper into the grandeur of the Colosseum as you explore three distinct areas of this impressive monument, relishing in privileges that surpass those with standard access. Following a comprehensive exploration of the Arena Floor and 1st & 2nd outer tier of the Colosseum, you'll embark on a journey to the Roman Forum, and ascend the picturesque Palatine Hill, offering you a glimpse into the captivating essence of downtown ancient Rome. This immersive journey allows you to immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Rome, tracing the footsteps of legends and unlocking the secrets of this extraordinary civilization.
What you get
About this experience
Looking to experience the Colosseum from a fresh perspective? This exclusive tour grants you access through the legendary gladiator's gate, granting you the opportunity to stand upon the meticulously reconstructed Arena Floor, once a battleground for fierce warriors. Delve deeper into the grandeur of the Colosseum as you explore three distinct areas of this impressive monument, relishing in privileges that surpass those with standard access. Following a comprehensive exploration of the Arena Floor and 1st & 2nd outer tier of the Colosseum, you'll embark on a journey to the Roman Forum, and ascend the picturesque Palatine Hill, offering you a glimpse into the captivating essence of downtown ancient Rome. This immersive journey allows you to immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Rome, tracing the footsteps of legends and unlocking the secrets of this extraordinary civilization.
What's included
Included
- Guided tour of the Colosseum's 1st & 2nd tiers
- Colosseum entrance ticket with arena access (valued at €24 per person)
- Colosseum reservation fee (valued at €2 per person)
- Guided tour of the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Please note: Colosseum fees as above. The remaining cost of the experience covers other services.
- Access and tour of the restricted Colosseum Arena Floor (if option selected)
Not included
- Guide tips
What you'll see and do
Colosseum
On the full tour, escape the masses and gain exclusive access to an extraordinary section of the Colosseum: the Arena Floor, a privilege reserved for select few. Relive history by treading the path of ancient warriors who once strode through the awe-inspiring Gate of Death, also known as the gladiator's gate. Listen attentively as your guide recounts tales of ferocious beasts and valiant fighters who once graced this hallowed ground, captivating the ancient Roman populace. This unparalleled opportunity allows you to immerse yourself in the same emotions of fear and adrenaline experienced by those formidable competitors back in the days. After experiencing the exclusive Arena Floor, climb to the first and second tiers of the Colosseum. See where Rome’s wealthiest citizens sat to watch the gladiator games.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Roman Forum
A short distance from the Colosseum lies the Roman Forum, a captivating collection of ancient ruins that you'll explore with a knowledgeable guide. Embark on a guided walking tour through this remarkable Roman archaeological site, once the bustling heart of ancient Rome's city center. Along the way, marvel at the iconic structures of the Temple of Julius Caesar, the Arch of Titus, the Roman Senate House, and other illustrious Roman Forum buildings, allowing yourself to relive the captivating stories of ancient times.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Palatine Hill
Departing from the ancient city center, your guide will accompany you to a remarkable location often referred to as the "Beverly Hills of Ancient Rome." Ascend the Palatine Hill, offering panoramic vistas of the sprawling Circus Maximus. Take a journey through the time-worn palaces that have stood for over two millennia, while indulging in captivating tales of Rome's illustrious and influential figures. Conclude the tour with a treasure trove of mesmerizing photographs and a wealth of knowledge about the vibrant life in ancient Rome.
20 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Rome
Please Arrive 10 Minutes Early. We meet between the 2 green souvenir kiosks in front of the “Colosseo” metro stop - located just outside the lower-level entrance/exit. A representative will be there holding a sign with ''The Tour Guy'' on it.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
This tour ends in the Colosseum Area. Depending on the entrance time of the Colosseum tickets we might visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill before heading to the Colosseum.
Options you can book
Colosseum Arena Group Tour
Group Tour: Max 24 guests Duration: 3 hours Includes: Guided tour with Arena Floor access through Gladiator's Gate, Colosseum 1st & 2nd tiers, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
Colosseum Arena Semi Private
Semi Private: Max 10 guests Duration: 3 hours Includes: Guided tour with Arena Floor access through Gladiator's Gate, Colosseum 1st & 2nd tiers, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
Basic Colosseum Group Tour (Arena Floor Not Included)
Group Tour: Max 25 guests Duration: 3 hours: Not Included: Arena floor, Gladiator's Gate
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 24 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- The Tour Guy
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- 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.
- We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any walking impairments that require special assistance on our group tours. We are also unable to accommodate strollers or baby carriages.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 1,532 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
1,532 verified traveler reviews for Rome: Colosseum with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill + Arena Optional. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Highly recommend
Excellent tour - our family of 5 (three teenage boys) really enjoyed it. We did the arena floor option and it was fantastic. Elinor was a great guide and took care of everyone in the group!
via Viator
Monika was an incredible...
Monika was an incredible guide! She knew so much and presented it all in a digestible way. The Colosseum and Roman Forum were both amazing historical sites.
via Viator
Colosseum, Palatine Hill, the Forum
Frederico is an exceptional, passionate guide! He was very historically informative, took his time with answering our questions. He ensured that everyone had the chance to take all the pictures that they wanted . Frederico is very engaging with the group telling humerous stories pertaining to what we were looking at as well as bringing the history alive…. No one was bored ! Wish we could have him for every your
via Viator
Amazing tour!
Omg amazing! So fortunate to get Sonia who was an archaeologist working currently at the Colosseum. Could not have been better and that was totally because of our wonderful guide who was engaging and super knowledgeable. She made sure everyone could hear and walked at a pace for everyone. By far 10 days into our Italy trip our best guide. We saw everything the tour detailed and more at an excellent pace.
via Viator
Colosseum Tour
Rita was our guide and she was fabulous! Jokingly, no one loves the rocks (travertine, marble and all things colosseum) more than Rita. Easy to find the meeting location and relatively small group tour through the Colosseum including the arena floor, which was hands down, the coolest part of the day. Palantine Hill was also interesting but waiting in the line to enter took a minute.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $55 to $259
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 540
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by The Tour Guy, who run 40 experiences we rank across 5 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 70.4 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything The Tour Guy runsWhy this scores 77
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Rome: Colosseum with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill + Arena Optional: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Rome.
How much does Rome: Colosseum with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill + Arena Optional cost?
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Prices start at $55 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 Rome: Colosseum with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill + Arena Optional 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 Rome: Colosseum with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill + Arena Optional worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 77 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 1,544 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Rome, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Rome: Colosseum with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill + Arena Optional?
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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 Rome: Colosseum with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill + Arena Optional 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 Rome: Colosseum with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill + Arena Optional?
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Around 540 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 Rome: Colosseum with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill + Arena Optional 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 Pizza & Gelato Class with Wine by Cooking Italy, Rome [4in1] Pasta Making_Tiramisù_Wine Tasting_Secret Cellar, Rome Pasta and Tiramisu Class: Ravioli, Fettuccine & 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.
What is included in Rome: Colosseum with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill + Arena Optional?
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Included: Guided tour of the Colosseum's 1st & 2nd tiers; Colosseum entrance ticket with arena access (valued at €24 per person); Colosseum reservation fee (valued at €2 per person); Guided tour of the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill; and Expert English-speaking guide. Not included: Guide tips. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Rome: Colosseum with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill + Arena Optional?
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Please Arrive 10 Minutes Early. We meet between the 2 green souvenir kiosks in front of the “Colosseo” metro stop - located just outside the lower-level entrance/exit. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Rome: Colosseum with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill + Arena Optional offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Rome: Colosseum with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill + Arena Optional?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Rome: Colosseum with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill + Arena Optional wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any walking impairm. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Rome: Colosseum with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill + Arena Optional if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Rome. Standard cancellation terms apply.
What do travelers say about Rome: Colosseum with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill + Arena Optional?
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Across 1,544 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
What booking options are available for Rome: Colosseum with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill + Arena Optional?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including Colosseum Arena Group Tour, Colosseum Arena Semi Private, Basic Colosseum Group Tour (Arena Floor Not Included). Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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