Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Guided 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 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.
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. 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: 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 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)
Personalized, 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
Small-Group Colosseum Tour
Small Group Colosseum tour (max 12 people) with visits to the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum.
Small-Group with Arena Tour
Small Group Colosseum tour (max 12 people) with Arena Floor access and visits to the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum
Colosseum Tour
Colosseum tour with visits to the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum.
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.
Colosseum Arena Tour
Colosseum tour with Arena Floor access and visits to the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum.
Undergound Tour
Reviews
1,566 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Nothing out of the ordinary
Robert Z,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00First winery was great but the second winery experience was bland. Would recommend taking the tour in the morning
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.
From €69.00
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Operated by Carpe Diem Tours