VIP Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum Guided Tour
Overview
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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
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
Colosseum Arena Tour
Colosseum tour with Arena Floor access, expert guide, and visits to the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum. Duration: 3 hours
Colosseum Tour
Colosseum tour with an expert guide. Includes the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum. Duration: 3 hours
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 30 minutes
Reviews
1,632 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Rude and disorganized
Monica R,May 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00My husband and I showed up for the chore five minutes early. My own fault, I forgot my photo ID so said I would get the five minute taxi ride back to the hotel and get it while my husband stayed with the group. The tour, God rudely told me there was no time and it was starting right then. So I told my husband no problem I would just hang around outside until they got back from the tour. At 9:45 my husband messages me and tells me the tour had not even started yet because people were late. I would have had plenty of time to go get my passport and return in time to take in the tour. Then the tour guide told him if I went and got my passport what door to go to and he would send the ticket and I could meet them. So I took the taxi to the hotel and then the taxi back and when my husband told him I was back, he refused to send the PDF for me to get in because he said it was too late. So it was a complete waste of money and the tour guide was completely rude and not only did I waste money on the experience itself. I also wasted money on a taxi to and from the hotel when I was told that would be no problem. Although it was my fault, I forgot my ID. It did start 45 minutes late and I would’ve had plenty of time to get back. I found the tour guide completely rude and would not suggest this tour I would go with another.
Great/informative tour of Colosseum and Roman Forum
KENNETH B,May 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Daniel was very informative and interesting throughout the tour. We had a huge thunderstorm and rain event but nothing deterred him- he moved us into a safe area and kept the tour moving
Great tour
Michael D,May 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide was very knowledgeable and did a great job with our tour. I hadn’t realized how impressive the Palatine Hill & the Roman forum area would be. In some ways, it was more, impressive than the coliseum. I could also see that another advantages of taking this tour is that we were able to go onto some restricted areas that were not accessible to the average visitor.
Colosseum/Roman Forum tour with Francesca.
Jana W,May 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an excellent Colosseum and Roman Forum 3 hr tour with Francesca. She had so much to teach us in a very interesting way. The time flew by- she kept us moving from one spot to the next without being hurried. She was very easy to understand. Our 13 yr old grandson enjoyed it as well. I’d take another tour with her for sure if we had time.
Great experience. The...
Keith O,May 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and kept the group moving at a good pace. Thanks.
Colosseum Visit!
Greg S,May 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very well done! The tour was so informative! You could not get this on your own! Be prepared for a lot of steps and walking
Our tour guide was...
Maria M,May 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide was fantastic, very knowledgeable and engaging throughout the entire tour. We learned so much and had a great experience. Would highly recommend
not what we booked
Sandra M,May 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00we booked this to include walking along the passage routes that the fighters walked. but we never went down there. other groups did but not us very dissatisfied as I paid nearly £400. We never got to Paletine Hill either as we were still in the Forum area at 4.50 p.m and the tour finished at 5.
Wonderful Tour, really worth your time and money.
Ruth R,May 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Totally brilliant. Our tour guide, Kopal, was hugely knowledgeable and enthusiastic, she clearly had a real love of her subject. She did such a wonderful job of building up walking through the tunnel into the Colosseum I could almost hear the roar of the crowd. I can’t recommend this enough. If you do one thing while you’re in Rome, do this.
Great guide. Philomena...
Barbara F,May 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great guide. Philomena gave us an interesting and very informative tour of Palatine Hill and The Colosseum. Not enough time to explore Roman Forum which was disappointing.
From €54.95
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Operated by Carpe Diem Tours