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
Walking Tour (External Visit) does not include Colosseum entry; all sights are viewed from outside.
Please provide the full names of all travelers when booking. Tickets must match these names; failure to present a voucher with all travelers’ full names at the ticket office may result in denied entry to the Colosseum and Roman Forum.
Each traveler 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.
We offer two Arena tour packages: VIP Colosseum – Arena Access, which includes the Colosseum, Arena floor, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum; and Arena, Roman Forum & Palatine, which includes the Arena floor, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill but does not include Colosseum entry.
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 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.
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
Walking Tour (External Visit) does not include Colosseum entry; all sights are viewed from outside.
Access to the arena floor (unless selected, available for an additional fee)
Food and Beverages
Options
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
Walking Tour (External Visit)
External Colosseum visit only – no entry. Join a 1.5-hr night walk to explore Rome’s ruins, history, and evening charm.
Starting point:
Largo Gaetana Agnesi, L.go Gaetana Agnesi, 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
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
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
VIP Undergound Tour
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
Reviews
1,564 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Collosal Colloseum tour
Joyce L,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Andrea was an excellent guide. He knew his history & archeology & imparted it to us a relatable way that made it fun. We were a little disappointed at not being able to go downstairs but he mired than compensated for it with the views he shared with us. The Roman Forum tour gave us the best information we è we get had as our g the Forum. Great experience!
Francesca - Top Notch
Deepak S,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Francesca was our guide. She is an excellent and very knowledgeable guide who also took time to explain things in detail. It was raining pretty much during the entire tour, but it didn't deter her even a bit. I would highly recommend the tour if Francesca were leading it. I bought arena access but last minute it was cancelled and tour was downgraded to regular tour. Not sure if it is a gimmick and common occurrence with this company. My time in Italy was very busy, so I am yet to see what the appropriate amount for refund is for the downgrade.
Highly recommend tour of Colosseum and Roman Forum
Doreen B,,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely fantastic tour. Our tour guide was knowledgeable and helpful! Wonderfully done by Carpe Diem tours.
Amazing time!
Lauren K,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very engaging and the guide is so attentive and really takes care of the group! Skipping the line for both attractions was great. Can’t recommend enough.
Learned a lot if history....
Raghu A,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Learned a lot if history. The colosseum at night was fantastic and the tour was an amazing experience.
Wow
Gina D,,Dec 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Georgio, our tour guide, was well informed and interesting. During a few moments of free time, he didn’t mind answering questions about the history of Rome. There’s nothing he did not know about. The tour was fascinating. I would highly recommend it.
Outstanding Colosseum Tour!
Johnathon W,,Dec 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Bring your walking shoes! This was an excellent tour but there is a lot of walking...uphill, downhill, up the stairs, down the stairs. Not recommended for people with difficulties walking as the part of the tour that takes you up and around Palantine Hill and the Roman Forum includes uphill climbs and stairs. Ivana was an excellent guide. Very knowledgeable and friendly. We were very impressed by her depth of knowledge. She made the history nerds in us very happy! 😂 There were a couple of difficult people on our tour but she managed the situation the best she could while also ensuring the rest of us received an enjoyable excursion.
Mariana Is the Best!
Ava B,,Dec 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Mariana was so wonderful and knowledgeable, also so full of jokes! Our small group of 7 was perfect. It seems that this tour operator works very closely with the actual Colosseum, as our guide knew all the staff and we were able to get through lines very quickly. Overall, a wonderful and immersive experience I would recommend to all 100 times over.
Don’t be late
Christy C,,Dec 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00I was late to the tour by 15 minutes because of traffic. I understood the tour leaving us but asked repeatedly for them to send me my tickets so we could go in on our own. They didn’t respond to the texts so basically I paid $225 for nothing.
Great tour
Amber L,,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. Great history and information. Would definitely recommend.
From €25.00
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Operated by Carpe Diem Tours