VIP Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum Guided Tour
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Step back in time on our expertly guided tour of Ancient Rome’s iconic sites: the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum. With faster access, the comfort of a small group, and insights from an expert guide, this best-value experience offers a deep dive into the Eternal City’s past, all in just 3 unforgettable hours.
Your adventure begins inside the Colosseum, where you'll hear stories of gladiators, emperors, and ancient engineering marvels. You’ll get answers to your questions, plus enjoy sweeping views from above the arena that most visitors miss.
Next, we’ll head up Palatine Hill, the mythical birthplace of Rome and home to its grandest imperial palaces. Then descend into the Roman Forum, once the bustling heart of Roman politics and daily life.
With a streamlined itinerary and small group size, this tour offers comfort, insight, and unbeatable value. 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 travellers when booking. Tickets must match these names; failure to present a voucher with all travellers’ full names at the ticket office may result in denied entry to the Colosseum and Roman Forum.
Each traveller must present a valid passport or ID matching the name provided at booking for entry to the Colosseum and Roman Forum.
Tour order may vary: we will start with either the Colosseum or the Roman Forum/Palatine Hill depending on ticket times.
Colosseum admission is free on the first Sunday of each month. Tours are discounted on these days.
Want an upgrade? Check out these other options: VIP Colosseum Tour (12pax), Colosseum Express Arena Tour (24pax)
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 To Expect
Colosseum
Retrace the steps of the gladiators, accompanied by engaging stories from your expert guide. Learn about the social status of spectators, the norms of ancient entertainment, and the gladiatorial games that captivated audiences. Your guide’s storytelling will bring the monument to life. Please note: we may begin with the Colosseum or the Roman Forum/Palatine Hill, depending on ticket availability.
Palatine Hill
The Palatine Hill is one of Rome’s most important and beautiful hills and is a highlight of any city tour. With your guide, explore the birthplace of one of history’s greatest civilizations and the ancient ruins of the Imperial Palace, surrounded by pine trees and views of the Circus Maximus and the Roman Forum below.
What‘s Included
Colosseum entry ticket and reservation fee included (€18–€24 value)
Admission to the Colosseum Arena Floor (if option selected)
Personalised, group experience offering top-rated value and comfort
Expert storytelling from a licensed historian guide with headphones provided
Admission to the Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum (if option selected)
Access to the arena floor (unless selected, available for an additional fee)
Food and Beverages
Options
Colosseum Express Arena 1,5h
Discover the Colosseum arena floor and Roman Forum in 1.5 hours with an expert guide, perfect for a quick Rome adventure.
Duration: 1 hour
VIP Colosseum Tour
Small Group Colosseum tour with a maximum of 12 people and visits to the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum.
Colosseum Arena Tour
Colosseum tour with Arena Floor access, expert guide, and visits to the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum.
Colosseum Tour
Colosseum tour with an expert guide. Includes the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum.
Reviews
1,596 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour
JoAnne K,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide, Polina, was fantastic. We really enjoyed our Colosseum Tour with visits to Palatine Hill & Roman Forum. Polina shared so many wonderful bits of history and was really engaging.
Excellent, well organised tour.
Trevor N,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very good tour with clear audio so we could hear our excellent guide Paulette. Be prepared for steep steps, heat and lots of crowds.
Usue
Travel38090696928,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Usue was very nice, we learned a lot, have a lot of fun and it was very interesting and has a very good knowledge.
Very informative but rushed
Susan G,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Our guide, Yvanna, was great. She was easy to understand, very pleasant, and came prepared with tons of information beyond the basics. That being said, the tour included the Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill. While we saw all of these, due to the lines to get into the Colosseum and then the Forum, we spent less than 20 minutes on the final two parts of the tour. I'm not sure how you would even get into the Forum a month from now when the crowd is double the size. Our guide was doing her best to think on her feet to adjust and had the courtesy to ask the group for preferences, but I am surprised that the wait time on the lines wasn't factored into the length of the tour.
Excellent tour guide
KokLiang Y,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide was very knowledgeable about Roman history. She was able to navigate through chaotic crowds which was commendable.
Hanging with the Gladiators
Roni J,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Paulina, our guide, was knowledgeable, charming, witty and kind. She brought ancient Roman history to life!
Wonderful day
Caren C,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and super nice. Really enjoyed the small group and having the headphones. I would recommend your services to friends and family.
Hope for a good tour guide
Matt B,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Our guide was an archaeologist who clearly knew her stuff, but her delivery was the issue. She simply rocketed information at us so quickly — and in heavily accented English that made it difficult to understand — that we struggled to get the big picture of the Colosseum and the Forum. And pack your patience. There are numerous checkpoints to pass through to enter the Colosseum and the lines are long, even in the queues reserved for group tours. There was a lot of standing around over the first hour-plus of the tour.
Great tour guide
Tanya B,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It’s a lot of walking 😀 but you see a lot and also learn a lot. I cannot now imagine how to do the Colliseum and Forum without a guide having now visited (it would be a nightmare!!) and Emmanuel was a fabulous, patient, fun and highly knowledgeable one. What energy she had. We appreciated all she did and stories she shared.
Ancient Rome
Brenda G,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful tour of Colosseum and Ancient Rome. Guide was very knowledgeable. Lots of stops to see different areas.
From €54.95
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by Carpe Diem Tours