VIP, Small-Group Colosseum and Ancient City Tour
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Step back in time on our expertly guided tour of Ancient Rome’s most iconic sites: the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum. With shorter queues, the comfort of a small group, and the insights of an expert guide, this experience offers a deep dive into the Eternal City’s fascinating past in just 3 unforgettable hours.
Your adventure begins at the Colosseum, where you'll hear stories of gladiators, emperors, and ancient engineering marvels, plus enjoy sweeping views from above the arena.
Next, head up Palatine Hill, the mythical birthplace of Rome, before strolling through the Roman Forum, once the bustling heart of politics and daily life.
Please note that the Rome Colosseum Walking Tour includes exterior viewing only and does not enter the Colosseum or Roman Forum, making it a perfect choice for an atmospheric walk through Ancient Rome’s historic heart.
Spots are limited. Book now to experience Ancient Rome like never before.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
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.
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 we will either start with the Colosseum or the Roman Forum/Palatine Hill depending on the time of tickets we can purchase
Colosseum admission is free on the first Sunday of the month. Tours are discounted on these days.
Please be aware that we offer two Arena tour packages: The VIP Colosseum - Arena Access option grants entry to the Colosseum, Arena floor, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum. The Arena, Roman Forum & Palatine option provides access to the Arena floor via an exclusive entrance and continues with visits to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Arena, Roman Forum& Palatine option does not visit the Colosseum, it access to Arena floor only.
Due to the Jubilee, some monuments may be under restoration. Please pay attention to any messages we may send regarding potential changes.
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
Speedier admission to the Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum (if option selected)
Personalized, small-group experience offering top-rated value and comfort
Colosseum entry ticket and reservation fee included (€18–€24 value)
Admission to the Colosseum Arena Floor (if option selected)
Expert storytelling from a licensed historian guide with headphones provided
NO ENTRY is included if you select the Colosseum Sunset Walking Tour
Food and Beverages
Access to the arena floor (unless selected, available for an additional fee)
Colosseum Sunset Walking Tour option is exterior-viewing only; entry tickets not included.
What To Expect
Colosseum
Retrace the steps of the Gladiators, accompanied by exciting stories told by your expert guide. Learn all about the social status of its spectators, discover the gory norms of ancient entertainment, and geek out on the cult games and gladiatorial combat that thrilled its crowds. Your guide's stories will bring the ancient monument to life. *Please note we will start with the Colosseum or the Roman Forum/Palatine Hill, depending on the time of tickets we can purchase.*
Palatine Hill
The Palatine Hill is the most beautiful and important of Rome’s great seven hills and is a must-see on any city tour. Here, with your guide, discover the birthplace of one of the greatest civilisations in history and explore the ancient ruins of the Imperial Palace, surrounded by towering pine trees and spectacular views of the Circus Maximus and the Roman Forum below.
Options
VIP Colosseum - Arena Access
Small Group Arena Access Tour : Tour the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Forum with a small group, and gain exclusive access to the arena floor!
Starting point:
Arch of Constantine, Piazza del Colosseo, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Semi-Private Ancient City 6pax
Explore the Ancient City with a small group of 6 people for more dedicated attention from your guide. No arena access.
Starting point:
Arch of Constantine, Piazza del Colosseo, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Arena/Ancient City Small Group
Arena, Roman Forum& Palatine: The small group tour starts with exclusive access to the Arena floor and moves on to Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum.
Starting point:
Arch of Constantine, Piazza del Colosseo, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Sunset Walking Tour (No Entry)
NO ENTRY to the Colosseum: Join this 1.5-hour Night Walking Tour by the Colosseum to uncover Rome’s ruins, intrigue, and power under evening skies.
Starting point:
Largo Gaetana Agnesi, L.go Gaetana Agnesi, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
VIP Colosseum Tour
Small Group Colosseum Tour: Exclusive, small-group Colosseum tour. This tour also includes visits to the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum.
Starting point:
Arch of Constantine, Piazza del Colosseo, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
VIP Undergound Tour
Starting point:
Arch of Constantine, Piazza del Colosseo, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Colosseum Arena - Max 6 People
Semi-Private: A tour of ancient Rome and the Colosseum Arena with only 6 guests and dedicated attention from your expert guide.
Starting point:
Arch of Constantine, Piazza del Colosseo, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Reviews
1,549 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Viator Rip Off
Craig F,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00Viator partnered and assigned the tour to another company, Carpe Diem Tours. Carpe Diem sent a guide who was not credentialed to enter the Colosseum and therefor the tour was without a guide in the arena. I contacted Viator and they issued a 25% refund which I thought was too low. I exlained that the Colosseum was the primary purpose of the tour but they failed to respond to further emails on the issue or change their position. Viator should be honest to do better when the tour guide was stopped at the gate for lack of credentials and not allowed to enter the Colosseum.
DO NOT BOOK - Guide’s License was expired
Mark R,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00DO NOT BOOK. Our group was denied entry to the Colosseum because our guide’s license was expired. This was after she arrived 5 min late to the tour start time, despite me receiving an annoying amount of emails and messages to be at least 15 min early to tour start time. How a tour guide allows her license to expire I don’t know. To make matters worse, the company is refusing to refund my money. Don’t waste your time or your money. If you come all the way to Rome to see the sights, book with an operator that actually provides the services advertised and takes responsibility should something go wrong. (We booked 7 other tours through Viator over our ten day trip. All were excellent except this one). AVOID!
The perfect way to visit the Colosseum
Kristina M,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00I highly recommend this tour. No wait times, a good amount of history made interesting with good story telling. Ivana was a wonderful guide. Do it!
Colloseum
Melanie J,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Was very helpful to have a guide for this tour as there is a lot to take in and learn and our guide was very informative we would not have had this experience if we had gone alone
Kopal was an amazing...
John R,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Kopal was an amazing guide. It felt like she truly loved Rome and it's history and it came through throughout the entire tour
Colosseum Tour
William D,
Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide was fantastic and made us feel like we were back in 74 AD. The depth of his knowledge was incredible and he was so excited to teach us about this wonderful history.
This tour was...
Jasmine D,
Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was exceptional! Kopal was an amazing tour guide who knew what she was talking about. In 3 hours, I learned so much history that I won’t forget. We had a smaller group size which was worth it to me. Allows you to really immerse in the experience with your guide. Would recommend 100%!
Great tour with a superb guide
Isabel B,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience with a very professional, knowledgeable and engaging Guide. Andy was a great asset and the cooperation of the company (Carpe Diem) and Andy with our delay due to terrible morning traffic is truly appreciated.
Pay the money. Take the tour.
Jim C,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great guided tour to learn more about the history of the Coliseum and the Forum shops. Our tour Kopal was E X C E L L E N T
Great tour
Frances Z,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Andy was a great tour guide. He answered all our questions. Learned some history and had a great time.
From €25.00
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Operated by Carpe Diem Tours