VIP Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum Guided Tour
Overview
Available languages
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)
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.
Options
VIP Colosseum Tour
Small Group Colosseum tour with a maximum of 12 people and visits to the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum. Duration: 3 hours
Small Group Arena Tour
Small Group Colosseum Arena experience for up to 12 guests with Palatine Hill and Roman Forum included tour.
Colosseum Tour
Colosseum tour with an expert guide. Includes the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum. Duration: 3 hours
Colosseum Arena Tour
Colosseum tour with Arena Floor access, expert guide, and visits to the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum. Duration: 3 hours
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
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.
Reviews
1,658 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
This is a very quick...
James C,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00This is a very quick tour, perfect for kids! Our guide, Aurora, was knowledgeable and informative. Do a longer tour duration if you want to spend a lot of time in the Colosseum.
Collosseum VIP TOUR June 2026
Carlos S,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00The tour was worth every penny. Impressive how the tour guides know the full history and background of the monuments. But the guide talk too fast. English was ok but just too fast for you to catch on what she was saying. Could be the type of head sets they provided but i had the morning the Vatican and the tour was amazing as well. Tour guide paused and cautious of noise and surroundings. Overall would recommend. You will walk a lot up and dowsn stairs as well as hills. A great work out.
What a thorough &...
Jody U,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00What a thorough & informative tour! Lumi was quite knowledgeable & entertaining!! She really brought early Roman history to life on this tour. Highly recommend!
Great Tour
Scott G,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The colosseum, Palatine Hill and Forum were amazing. Our tour guide was exceptional and made our experience even better. I would recommend this tour to everyone!!
Our guide was highly...
Yong W,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide was highly informative and deeply passionate. She truly enjoyed sharing the stories behind each and every brick. Highly recommend!
Great tour guide
Douglas B,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was our second time and our guide made it best one yet! I highly recommend Carpe diem tours for this with your family.
Polina our tour lady was...
Jose M,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Polina our tour lady was great, always attentive to the group, with interesting facts and adjusting as the crows in the coliseum demanded. She made the experience better
It’s 3 hours in the hot...
Sharon M,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It’s 3 hours in the hot sun. So book in the morning or later evening if you’re there in the warmer weather. Our tour guide Yasinia was absolutely amazing! So knowledgeable, made the tour interesting and fun without overwhelming the group with too much information.
Great tour!
BELINDA Q,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Marianna is a great tour guide. She is very knowledgeable. She alloted time for us to take pictures. She did not rush us and gave us time to explore the area.
Great story telling for all ages by the short woman with the red flag
Brandy B,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very entertaining and informative for all ages. Quick moving with lots of opportunities for photos. My young adult daughter and teenage daughter were singing Mary Ann’s praises. Bravo!
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Operated by Carpe Diem Tours