Gladiator’s Gate: Special Access Colosseum Tour with Arena Floor
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Get a gladiator’s view of the Colosseum, then explore the Roman Forum on a walking tour through the heart of ancient Rome. With special access ticket, you'll enter the arena via the Gladiator’s Gate, stand where gladiators once fought, hear tales of ruthless crowds and emperors, then explore the Colosseum’s first and second levels with your guide. Finish with a tour of Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum with even more stories that bring the ruins to life.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
3:30 PM only: Access to Roman Forum SUPER Site. Please note: this option DOES NOT include the Arena Floor.
This tour is fully refundable up to 7 days prior to the event. Within 7 days, this tour is 100% non-refundable.
The full names of all participants must be provided at the time of booking and must match the names on the ID/Passport. Name changes are not permitted.
A government-issued ID or passport is required for all participants. Without an ID, security may deny entry to the monument. All guests, including children, must bring ID on tour day.
The Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill may close occasionally. We'll notify you of any changes in advance if possible. For last-minute closures, updates will be given at the start of the tour.
Walks is an Official Parco Archeologico del Colosseo Operator approved to lead guided tours of the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 7 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 7 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
What‘s Included
Local English-speaking guide
Small group of 16 guests maximum
Colosseum entrance ticket with arena access (valued at €24 per person)
Time at leisure in the Roman Forum after the tour ends(unless taking the Super Sites guided tour)
Note: Colosseum fees are as above. The remaining cost of the experience covers other services
If VIP Caesar & Colosseum option selected: Visit the incredible Roman Forum SUPER Sites.
Gratuities
Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
What To Expect
Colosseum
Meet your guide near the formidable hulk of the Colosseum, the gigantic arena that drew Romans of all walks of life to watch violent fights between gladiators and beasts. Bypass the crowds and head straight inside, entering the Colosseum through a special gate once used by gladiators themselves. Walk right onto the arena floor—an area not usually accessible to the public—and learn about the harrowing events that took place here for entertainment's sake centuries ago. 9 AM tour only: Join a small group of maximum eight guests for an intimate and personalized journey through history.
The adventure continues at the Roman Forum. You’ll appreciate having a historian as a guide here. As you wander the streets, they can make sense of the ruins for you, pointing out the subtle differences that reveal whether the structure is a moneylender’s shop, public bath, or any number of common ancient structures. Learn what life was like in the days of Caesar, Nero, and Hadrian, and how Roman society functioned.
Options
Arena Express Tour
Duration: 2 hours
w/ Forum & Palatine Hill: Please note: This tour does not include the upper levels of the Colosseum.
Colosseum & Arena Tour
VIP Caesar Palace & Colosseum
With Colosseum & Roman Forum : Experience Ancient Rome like a VIP with the Colosseum SUPER Sites access. Pls note: this option DOES NOT include Arena Floor.
Private - Gladiator's Gate
Join a private Colosseum tour, exploring the Gladiator's Gate, amphitheater, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
Reviews
4,015 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great Guide
Ammy F,
Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide, Sabrina, was patient, considerate, and knowledgeable about all the areas we explored. She knew how to explain, not only to adults, but to children as well.
Great
Adele B,
Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Easy to book, small group meant could be tailored to us. Very knowledgeable and helpful. So much we would have missed if we tried to do on own. Skip queues all sorted by guide
Efficient way to visit major attractions
jeffcD1369IQ,
Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour of the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and the Colosseum was fantastic. Vincenzo was an excellent guide — knowledgeable, engaging, and great at bringing the history to life without ever feeling overwhelming. It was a smooth, informative experience and a perfect way to see Rome’s most iconic sites. Highly recommend.
This 3-in-1 experience...
Cristiano O,
Nov 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This 3-in-1 experience was absolutely outstanding from start to finish. Walking through the Gladiator’s Gate directly onto the Colosseum arena floor was the kind of moment that gives you chills — the perspective is unreal, and standing where gladiators once stood makes history feel almost physical. But what really elevates this tour is everything that comes after. Exploring the Palatine Hill was a highlight on its own: stunning views, ancient imperial palaces, and a real sense of the origins of Rome. It feels peaceful and grand at the same time, like stepping into the private world of the emperors. Finally, the Roman Forum tied everything together perfectly. Strolling through the heart of ancient political, commercial, and religious life — with the guide bringing each ruin to life with vivid detail — made the experience feel complete and deeply meaningful. The guide was exceptional throughout: knowledgeable, charismatic, and passionate, giving context that transformed ruins into stories and stones into memories. This is, without question, one of the best ways to explore Ancient Rome. The combination of special access, expert storytelling, and the depth of the itinerary makes it worth every minute and every dollar. Highly recommended for anyone who wants the real immersive experience.
Outstanding Half Day Tour
Laurie E,
Nov 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We have been to Rome several times and this was the first time we were able to visit the arena floor. Having a guide is absolutely necessary given the history of both the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palantine hill. It was an outstanding half day tour!
Great private experience
925gustavec,
Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Paolo was extremely knowledgeable and easy to follow. Enjoyed the private experience and ease of exploring the Colloseum and surroundings with a local guide.
Nicola era perfetto
J3096UHelizabethm,
Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nicola was an excellent and patient guide. He was extremely knowledgeable and we appreciated all the extra information and photos that he shared.
Were unable to do the tour
Mieke N,
Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00Check your spam because the starting time may change. Apparently our starting time was brought forward and I should have received an email, which was not the case and then we were too late. And now it's going to be a hassle to get your money back.
Great time
darmier2021,
Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great views and very knowledgeable about the area and structures. He answered all my kids questions and was very patient.
Super interesting!
Patrick B,
Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Our guide was very very knowledgeable, did a great job sharing not only info about the ruins but Rome in general. Would have liked to have a bit more time in the Coloseum since you cant come back in once you leave that part. Highly recommend!
From €79.00
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