Rome: Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Guided Tour
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
The ancient glory of Rome is reborn! Skip the Line at three of the most significant surviving remnants of the Eternal City: the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum. Your English-speaking expert historian tour guide will share anecdotes and history throughout the 3-hour tour, rebuilding the impressive ruins with tales of Ancient Rome’s heyday.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please note: All participant names are required at the time of booking in order to enter the Colosseum.
Every customer on this tour is required to present a valid government issued ID or Passport at the Colosseum, that matches their name on the reservation, or entry will be refused. Name changes are not permitted once the booking is confirmed
Please note that the itinerary for our tours may differ from the advertised order of destinations. We assure you that any changes made to the tour itinerary are carefully planned and intended to enhance your overall experience
On this tour, some of the venues or parts of the venue may be subject to last-minute, unpredictable closures. When this occurs, we are happy to offer customers an extended tour in keeping with the advertised total length of the tour
May experience delays in clearing security checks when entering the venue
Cancellation Policy
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.
What‘s Included
Access to the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Audio Guide directly on your mobile phone (If Option Selected)
Access to the Colosseum Arena Floor (if option selected)
Colosseum reservation fee (valued at €2 per person)
Fully guided visit of the Colosseum [if guided option selected]
Note: Colosseum fees are as above. The remaining cost of the experience covers other services
Professional Expert Licenced Guide [if guided option selected]
Colosseum entrance ticket (valued at €18 per person, or €24 per person if arena access is included)
Headsets to hear your guide clearly
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
What To Expect
Colosseum
Your journey into antiquity begins with the Colosseum, one of the world’s most iconic sights. Your guide will call on their historical and archaeological expertise to tell you all about the battles, both physical and political, that played out in this incredible amphitheater. You might be surprised to learn that ‘Gladiator’ didn’t get everything right and that feats of ancient engineering even allowed the Romans to re-enact naval battles here.
Palatine Hill
The next stop takes you back to the very beginning. The Palatine Hill is the spot Romulus chose to found the city that would become Rome in 753 BC – a decision that ended in tragedy for his brother Remus. Here, steeped in history, you’ll enjoy spectacular views overlooking your next destination: the Roman Forum.
Options
Audioguide Tickets
Tickets without Arena Access: Escorted entry to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, & Palatine Hill.
Access to the Arena Floor of the Colosseum is not included
Multilingual Audioguide: Explore Rome’s birthplace and uncover its history with a multilingual audio guide
Audioguide Tickets with Arena
Tickets with Arena Access: Escorted entry to the Colosseum, including access to the Gladiator’s Arena Floor level, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill
Multilingual Audioguide: Explore Rome’s birthplace and uncover its history with a multilingual audio guide
Small Group with Arena Access
Colosseum & Ancient Rome Small Group Guided Tour with Special Arena Access and ticket to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
Small Group with Arena Floor : Guided tour of the Colosseum, Arena Floor, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill in a group of no more than 15 people.
Colosseum Express Tour
1.5-hour guided tour of the Colosseum in a group of no more than 24 people.
The access to the Arena floor is not included.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Colosseum Express Tour: This option includes an entrance ticket to the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill, valid for 48 hours, to explore at your own pace
Colosseum Small Group
Colosseum Small Group Tour: Guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill in a group of no more than 15 people.
Colosseum Small Group Tour: Colosseum & Ancient Rome Small Group Guided Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill. Access to the Arena floor is not included.
Colosseum Semi-Private
Colosseum Semi-Private Tour: Guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill in a group of no more than 10 people.
Colosseum Semi-Private Tour: Colosseum & Ancient Rome Semi-Private Guided Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill. Access to the Arena floor is not included
Colosseum Group
Colosseum Group Tour: Guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill in a group of no more than 24 people.
Colosseum Group Tour: Colosseum & Ancient Rome Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill. The access to the Colosseum Arena floor is not included.
Semi Private with Arena Access
Colosseum & Ancient Rome Guided Tour with Special Arena Access and ticket to the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Semi Private with Arena Access: Guided tour of the Colosseum, Arena Floor, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill in a group of no more than 10 people.
Reviews
23,574 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience. Gives good history and context.
Christina M,
Oct 17, 2025
- Viator
5.00Sam was our guide and he was great. Very knowledgeable and passionate about history. He took us through at a good pace making it enjoyable considering the crowds. I highlight recommend this activity to get a much needed and robust history of the Colloseum ans palace.
We absolutely loved this...
Hannah M,
Oct 17, 2025
- Viator
5.00We absolutely loved this tour! Walking through the Colosseum and hearing the history behind it brought everything to life — our guide was so knowledgeable and passionate about Ancient Rome. The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill were stunning, and it was great having someone explain what we were actually looking at instead of just wandering on our own. The pace was perfect and we never felt rushed. Truly one of those “pinch me” moments seeing it all in person. Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Rome!
Archaeologists are the best tour guides
Paul C,
Oct 16, 2025
- Viator
5.00My tour was hosted by Maria Louisa, who was excellent. People suggest going to these places with an archaeologist, and they’re right. So much great information, expertly presented and explained well. Highly recommend.
The colosseum was great, but too much talking by the guide
Susan W,
Oct 16, 2025
- Viator
2.00Seeing Ancient Rome, the Colosseum and the Basilica was great. However, the tour guide talked much too much. Although she started off enthusiastic in the beginning, eventually, she was just droning on like she was reading from a continuous script. She never took a break or paused for questions and Some of us eventually started taking the audio device out of our ears because we needed a break from listening. There should be some quiet pauses where we could read some of the plaques posted in front of the sites. Also be prepared to walk for the first 2 1/2 hours throughout the city before you get to enter the Colosseum for the very last part.
Fabulous tour.
Samantha M,
Oct 16, 2025
- Viator
5.00So much history to take in! Amazing. The guide was a Roman and very informative and interesting with a great sense of humour.
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Operated by City Wonders Ltd