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 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
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
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
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
Reviews
1,542 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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.
Very cool!
Christine M,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The experience was great! We only had access to the floor arena at the colosseum but it was still really cool to see. Kopal was so informative and answered all of our questions. She was great! There is a lot of walking and a good amount of standing in one area at a time so just be prepared for that as well.
Incredibly Interesting Tour!
Laurie B,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an incredible tour of the Colosseum & Roman Forum! Our tour guide Kopal was a fantastic tour guide who was knowledgeable, fun, easy to understand, & managed the crowds with ease. If I could rate this more than 5 stars I would!
Tour back in time.
Richard B,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was all that you would hope it would be. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with the tour guide and learned many historical facts.
Great walking tour
Terry B,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour with a passionate guide. She had so much knowledge and lived sharing it. Was very considerate of her clients needs
Book with Francesca!
Gregory T,
Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00How cool to have your guide crawl out of an ongoing archaeological dig to come give you your tour? So fantastic. She was dynamic, informative, funny and kind. We loved our tour.
The Colloseum Underground...
Backy L,
Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The Colloseum Underground tour was kept small and for good reason! You get to see more (and take better pictures) than others normally would be allowed. Our tour guide, Kopal, was a wealth of knowledge and was great at setting the pace to match the group. I would definately do this tour again (or of the Attic when it's ever added).
A wonderful experience
Jo H,
Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Overwhelming. The history and wonderful guide almost made` it feel that we were there at that time. Definitely a must do.
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Operated by Carpe Diem Tours