Undergrounds Areas Colosseum and Roman Forum Small Group Tour in Rome, Italy
Rome, Italy

Undergrounds Areas Colosseum and Roman Forum Small Group Tour

Outty Ranking 51 4.6 · 33 traveler reviews3 hoursFrom €180
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Outty Ranking

51/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.6/5

Based on 33 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Undergrounds Areas Colosseum and Roman Forum Small Group Tour worth booking?

Undergrounds Areas Colosseum and Roman Forum Small Group Tour is a 3-hour experience in Rome, Italy, from €180 per person. It scores 51 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 33 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
51 / 100
Rating
4.6/5 (33)
Duration
3 hours
From
€180 per person

Go beyond the usual Colosseum visit on a small-group guided tour with access to the Arena Floor and Underground passages—areas typically closed to most visitors. Stand where gladiators once fought on the Arena Floor, then venture into the Colosseum’s Underground passages to discover the spaces where gladiators and animals were prepared for the spectacles above. Your expert guide will bring ancient Rome to life with fascinating stories of gladiators, emperors, and the dramatic events that took place inside the amphitheater. With exclusive access, expert storytelling, and a small-group setting, this tour offers a deeper look at one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks—ideal for history enthusiasts and first-time visitors.

What you get

    About this experience

    Go beyond the usual Colosseum visit on a small-group guided tour with access to the Arena Floor and Underground passages—areas typically closed to most visitors. Stand where gladiators once fought on the Arena Floor, then venture into the Colosseum’s Underground passages to discover the spaces where gladiators and animals were prepared for the spectacles above. Your expert guide will bring ancient Rome to life with fascinating stories of gladiators, emperors, and the dramatic events that took place inside the amphitheater. With exclusive access, expert storytelling, and a small-group setting, this tour offers a deeper look at one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks—ideal for history enthusiasts and first-time visitors.

    What's included

    Included

    • In person tour guide
    • Colosseum reservation fee (valued at €2.88 per person)
    • Entrance to the Colosseum with Arena and Undergrounds (valued at €24 per person)
    • Headsets
    • Entrance to Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off

    What you'll see and do

    1. Colosseum

      Main attraction of the tour: Undergrounds, Arena floor, 1st and 2nd level of the Colosseum

      90 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Roman Forum

      Roman Forum: the ancient downtown where the public, commercial and political life were located. Tomb of Julius Caesar.

      45 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Palatine Hill

      Palatine Hill: Here you can find emperors' houses and a beautiful view on the city.

      45 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Rome

    The meeting point is in the square in front of the Santi Cosma and Damiano Basilica, in Via dei Fori Imperiali 1 (halfway, near the Roman Forum entrance). Our staff will be wearing a light blue vest with our logos. Please arrive 15 minutes early—late arrivals cannot join the tour.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    Options you can book

    • English Guided Tour

      English Guided Tour: Undergrounds with Arena floor Colosseum tour, with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill in English Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes Included attractions: Undergrounds, Arena floor, 1st and 2nd level of the Colosseum as well as the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

    • Spanish Guided Tour

      Spanish Guided Tour: Undergrounds with Arena floor Colosseum tour, with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill in Spanish Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes Included attractions: Undergrounds, Arena floor, 1st and 2nd level of the Colosseum as well as the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

    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, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 6 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Journey Tours

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Please note that THE NAMES YOU PROVIDE HAVE TO MATCH THE IDS OR PASSPORTS OF ALL PARTICIPANTS (including children), or the Colosseum will deny entry — and don’t forget to bring valid ID for everyone which is necessary to enter. No nick names nor missing or wrong name and/or last name are admitted by the Coloseum management. Don't hesitate to contact us if you need support with this matter.
    • For minors, the age must be 17 or younger on the day of the activity
    • The entrance tickets to the Colosseum cannot be changed or refunded
    • Each traveler must show a valid ID matching the booking name for entry. Without ID, entry is not guaranteed
    • Please show up at least 15 minutes before the tour to do the check in
    • Meeting time is subject to change; if this occurs, you will receive a call or message from the activity provider. Please provide your correct phone number and country code
    • Late arrivals will not be refunded
    • In July and August due to the heat the duration of the visit is 2 hours
    • All visitors must pass through a metal detector to enter the Colosseum. No exceptions
    • Not Allowed: Big backpacks, pets, weapons, sharp items, large bags, alcohol, drugs, sprays, glass.
    • By purchasing this tour, you agree to our Terms and Conditions
    • The Ancient Rome tour involves Steps and a lot of walking on un-even path especially in the Roman Forum . We highly suggest flat confortable shoes. This tour is not suitable for any person with recent surgeries, with disabilities and for people in wheelchairs due to the street level , up street level and steps.

    Photos

    Undergrounds Areas Colosseum and Roman Forum Small Group Tour in Rome, photo 2Undergrounds Areas Colosseum and Roman Forum Small Group Tour in Rome, photo 3Undergrounds Areas Colosseum and Roman Forum Small Group Tour in Rome, photo 4Undergrounds Areas Colosseum and Roman Forum Small Group Tour in Rome, photo 5Undergrounds Areas Colosseum and Roman Forum Small Group Tour in Rome, photo 6Undergrounds Areas Colosseum and Roman Forum Small Group Tour in Rome, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 33 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    9 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    5 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Good for families

    2 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Pace and timing

    2 mentions

    Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.

    Traveler reviews

    33 verified traveler reviews for Undergrounds Areas Colosseum and Roman Forum Small Group Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    27
    4 star
    2
    3 star
    3
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    Rhett_F · March 2024

    we got switched to a different (no underground areas) tour, but alternate tour was good

    I can't recommend this operator for underground areas tour as we didn't get to do that tour, but I also can't complain too much. I took a chance and booked last minute and they changed us on to a regular tour even more last minute. While that was disappointing, I am happy we stayed on the regular tour without underground - perhaps booking/switching process was a bit sketchy, but the tour we received (without underground) was good, they kept our original schedule the same, and Francesca was a very very good guide. It was a small communications hassle later with getting the booked price we paid adjusted to correct price for the tour we received (via a partial refund process), but Viator resolved everything quickly without any issues.

    via Viator

    Carlos_P · September 2023

    Disorganized but good tour

    My experience was very disorganized. I made reservations for a 3pm tour to receive a message 2 days prior to be at the meeting spot at 10:45 am? I got there at 10:45am and they didn’t have my reservation and told me they can put me in for 1pm tour. We had to wait at a restaurant across the street for 2 hours for a 1pm tour (I would have rather been catching up on some much needed rest in my hotel) After the 1pm colosseum tour we were told to meet back at the spot for a 3:30 tour to finish the rest of the Palatine Hill & Roman forum. Came back at 3:30 and once again schedule was all out of wack and they wanted us to come back even later for the rest. We were not OK with that and already extremely tired from all the walking and heat. The young lady tour worker at least did her best to accommodate us , gave us 2 waters for free and was able to have us join another English tour group (about 45 minutes later) that just finished the colosseum and was on their way to the rest of the tour (Palatine and the forum). The tour guides were informative but I think there is just sooo much history you can only get a glimpse and sometimes you hear other tours explaining other sites and the history of that particular object that you didn’t get to hear. . I don’t fault the guide for not giving us every piece of history because it’s just too much info for one tour to recite. A lot of walking, a lot of amazing history and amazing views. I only knocked off 2 stars because the organization was not good. What should have been a 3 hour tour ended up taking the entire day with all the waiting and rescheduling. I’m glad the tour organizers at least tried their best to fit us in but they need to be more organized their scheduling as I saw other tourists having the same issues with them. All in all I highly recommend the tour because this is once in lifetime things you will see and it’s amazing, just don’t make any other plans that day because you won’t know if you have to wait or get rescheduled. Plan for this as if it will be an all day thing. It was September when we did this tour and it is hot with lots of walking. Bring an electric fan, hat, dress comfortable and water with you if you can.

    via Viator

    329debbyt · May 2023

    Great Tour!

    Our guide Flavia was wonderful! She was so knowledgeable of the history of the Forum and Colosseum and made it entertaining as well as informative.

    via Tripadvisor

    Sheryl_C · January 2023

    Poor communication Skills and disappointment

    Our first guide for the Palenytine Hill and Forum was great . Then the next part of our tour was the underground tour at the Coliseum. We were handed off to a different guide that that did not introduce himself, gave us no information as to where to meet. 2 of us in our party asked him where to meet once we got inside and through security at the coliseum. His response to both us was “go through security and “She” will tell you where to meet”. We could not find him, asked several guides, and finally found someone. It was 15 minutes after our tour was suppose to start, and told us “sorry, you missed your tour. We are Sold Out for the day. Our tour guide left us behind…He had poor to no communication skills. Definitely would not recommend this company to anyone.

    Response from the operator: Dear Customer, we're sorry to hear about your bad experience. The Undergrounds part of the tour was with a CoopCulture Colosseum guide and, unfortunately, we don't have control over their organization. On our end, we tried our best to help you by explaining to you and the rest of the group where the meeting point was, with the help of the Colosseum staff. We apologize again for the inconvenience. Thank you for your feedback, we will do our best to get better. Best regards, Laura.

    via Viator

    Steven_M · January 2023

    Tale of Two Tours

    We arrived 30 minute early and where rushed to a tour already in process. While we didn't miss much at the beginning the entire Forum and Palatine Hill experience was highly rushed and a poor experience. Once we got to the Colosseum we were handed off to a different tour guide who was fantastic. She shared information and walked us through the underground really well and allowed us time for pictures and take in a 2000 year old facility. She saved the day for us.

    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
    €180 to €250
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    12
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Journey Tours, who run 58 experiences we rank across 10 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 50.2.

    See everything Journey Tours runs

    Why this scores 51

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)72
    Review evidence (18% weight)48
    Booking momentum (14% weight)41
    Value for money (12% weight)27
    Listing quality (10% weight)82
    Local standing (8% weight)47
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    Undergrounds Areas Colosseum and Roman Forum Small Group Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Rome.

    How much does Undergrounds Areas Colosseum and Roman Forum Small Group Tour cost?

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    Prices start at €180 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 Undergrounds Areas Colosseum and Roman Forum Small Group 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 Undergrounds Areas Colosseum and Roman Forum Small Group Tour worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 51 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 33 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 Undergrounds Areas Colosseum and Roman Forum Small Group 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 Undergrounds Areas Colosseum and Roman Forum Small Group 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 Undergrounds Areas Colosseum and Roman Forum Small Group Tour?

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    Around 12 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 Undergrounds Areas Colosseum and Roman Forum Small Group 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 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?

    +

    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 Undergrounds Areas Colosseum and Roman Forum Small Group Tour?

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    Included: In person tour guide; Colosseum reservation fee (valued at €2.88 per person); Entrance to the Colosseum with Arena and Undergrounds (valued at €24 per person); Headsets; and Entrance to Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Not included: Gratuities; and Hotel pickup and drop-off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Undergrounds Areas Colosseum and Roman Forum Small Group Tour?

    +

    The meeting point is in the square in front of the Santi Cosma and Damiano Basilica, in Via dei Fori Imperiali 1 (halfway, near the Roman Forum entrance). Our staff will be wearing a light blue vest with our logos. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Undergrounds Areas Colosseum and Roman Forum Small Group Tour offered in?

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    It is offered in English and Spanish. 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 Undergrounds Areas Colosseum and Roman Forum Small Group Tour?

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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 Undergrounds Areas Colosseum and Roman Forum Small Group Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: The Ancient Rome tour involves Steps and a lot of walking on un-even path especially in th. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Undergrounds Areas Colosseum and Roman Forum Small Group Tour 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 Undergrounds Areas Colosseum and Roman Forum Small Group Tour?

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    Across 33 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.

    What booking options are available for Undergrounds Areas Colosseum and Roman Forum Small Group Tour?

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    There are 2 options to choose from, including English Guided Tour, Spanish Guided Tour. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Undergrounds Areas Colosseum and Roman Forum Small Group Tour.

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