Perhaps one of the most awe-inspiring structures ever built, the Colosseum is located in the heart of Rome. Thousands of Romans flocked to the largest amphitheatre in the world to witness gladiators fighting against each other. Today, as you walk through those very same paths, you will find yourself transported back in time to the ancient Flavian era .
The best way to truly understand the significance of this ancient ruin and trace its history across various timelines is to opt for a guided tour of the Colosseum. Your expert guide will provide you with historical tidbits and fascinating stories, making your experience a memorable one.
Advantages of a Colosseum Guided Tour
One of the most popular tourist destinations of the world, the Colosseum attracts thousands of people every year. However, visiting these ancient ruins can become quite daunting, especially on your first visit to Rome. From waiting in line for hours to finding your way around the world’s largest amphitheatre, it can be quite the nerve-wracking experience. An easy way to avoid this problem is to opt for a guided tour of the Colosseum. Your expert guide will take care of everything, from finding a convenient time to planning the trip in detail. Thus, Colosseum guided tours are, without a doubt, your best bet for an easy and hassle-free experience.
Gain direct entry
The Colosseum allows entry to only 3000 people at one time. Combine this with the security procedures and you are looking at atleast a few hours of waiting in line. To avoid this, you can purchase a Colosseum guided tour ticket with a skip-the-line feature that lets you bypass the crowd and gain direct entry into the Colosseum.
Save precious time
Another advantage of Colosseum guided tours is that there are separate gates reserved for such groups. The entry lines at these gates tend to be less crowded and therefore move much faster, allowing you to save precious time.
See everything there is to see
Certain areas of the Colosseum such as the Arena, the Underground and the Belvedere are not accessible to individual visitors. Therefore, if you are looking for an immersive tour, it is recommended that you book a Colosseum guided tour. These tours often include nearby attractions like the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill as well, providing you with a complete experience.
Gain interesting insights
Perhaps one of the most recognizable icons of Rome, the Colosseum plays a significant role in the city’s history and heritage. If you wish to view the site the way it is meant to be viewed, with detailed explanations and insights into its construction and purpose, it is recommended that you invest in a Colosseum guided tour.
Benefit from expert guidance
Owing to its sheer size, a guided tour of the Colosseum will ensure that you do not miss out on any of the must-see attractions. Not to forget the fun facts and fascinating tidbits that only an expert guide can provide you with. Thus, opting for a Colosseum guided tour will considerably elevate the quality of your visit.
Enjoy a hassle-free experience
If you are looking for a hassle-free experience, your best bet is to opt for a Colosseum guided tour. All you will have to do is arrive at the designated meeting point. From booking a convenient time slot to planning out the trip, your expert guide will do all the hard work for you.
The Best Colosseum Guided Tours
Since there are quite a few guided tours available in the market, it is important that you choose one that meets all your necessities. Headout offers a variety of Colosseum guided tours that are hassle-free and convenient.
Guided Tours
Combo Guided Tours
Choosing The Best Colosseum Guided Tour
Depending on your preferences, there are certain ways to choose the right Colosseum guided tour for you:
1Guided Tour of Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
As your expert tour guide leads you through each of these fascinating archeological sites, learn about the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum in detail. Choose between a morning or afternoon excursion to save time on waiting in line and get skip-the-line priority access, allowing you to make the most of your stay in Rome.
2Guided Tour with Arena Floor access
Take this unique tour of the Colosseum that is unlike any other since you will really get to stand on the actual floor of the arena where so many fought for their lives! Max 25 people in this group.
3Full Day tour with Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
With this full-day, semi-private combo tour of some of Rome's best sights, you'll get to enjoy skip the line entry into the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Colosseum and more!
4After Hours guided tour - intimate group (12 people)
Visit the Colosseum after hours and see it lit up in all its glory on this exclusive access evening tour. In small groups of 12 or fewer, you'll get to see this famous Roman attraction after it has closed to the public.
5Guided Tour with Gladiator's entrance
Visit Rome's most popular tourist hotspot, The Colosseum, with exclusive escorted entry to this ever-busy attraction. You will enter from the Gladiator's Entrance and have special access to the Arena Floor, allowing you to see this famous attraction like never before.
6Self-guided tour
Set foot inside the iconic Roman Colosseum and explore the 2,000-year-old building with the help of an engaging audio guide!
Colosseum Tours Deconstructed - A Typical Guided Tour Experience
No visit to Rome is complete without witnessing the mighty Colosseum. At the start of your Colosseum guided tour, your host will meet you at a pre-decided landmark. He or she will assist you to bypass the long queues (if you opt for a skip-the-line ticket) and gain entry through a special group's entrance to the Colosseum. Once inside the gigantic amphitheater, you will be guided through the different attractions depending on your choice of Colosseum guided tour. Some of these attractions include
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The Arena
Perhaps the most fascinating out of all the attractions at the Colosseum, the Colosseum Arena is where the ancient gladiators fought, putting on a show for the ancient Romans. Massive in size, it will give you a 360-degree view of the largest amphitheatre in the world.
The Hypogeum
The Hypogeum consists of a vast network of underground tunnels that were traditionally used to hold animal cages. It also housed ancient elevators that were used to lift these animals on to the arena floor where they were made to fight.
The Belvedere
Thousands of men and women sat in the massive stands or belvederes to witness the combat between gladiators. Divided into four floors, the belvedere offers a panoramic view of the Colosseum and is an essential part of any Colosseum guided tour.
The Roman Forum
Once the center of ancient Rome, the Roman Forum is now reduced to a set of historic ruins. Nevertheless, it’s sheer size and appearance does not fail to impress. Here, you will get to witness a number of popular sites such as the Temple of Antoninus Pius, the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Septimius Severus and much more.
The Palatine Hill
One of the most coveted spots in ancient Rome, the Palatine hill was home to many emperors and aristocrats. It also offers one of the best views of the city. Here, you can explore historic sites such as the Stadium of Domitian and the House of Livia.
Are Colosseum Guided Tours Worth The Hype?
If you want to learn about the history of the Colosseum and get an in-depth look at the structure, then a guided tour is definitely worth it. A guided tour will give you an in-depth look at the Colosseum’s history and how it has been used over the centuries. These tours will allow you to appreciate the intricate details of the Colosseum’s design and learn about the engineering feats that made its construction possible. And they give you the chance to see the Colosseum from different angles and get a better sense of its place in the city.
In short, yes! Guided tours of the Colosseum are definitely worth it!
Colosseum - Practical Information
Opening hours
After its reopening in February 2021, the Colosseum is open from Monday to Friday between 10:30 AM to 04:30 PM, with final admission at 03:30 PM.
Getting there
Located in the heart of Rome, the Colosseum is accessible through various means of transport. While grabbing a taxi might seem like the most convenient option, expect to shell out a considerable amount as cab fare. If you are looking for a pocket-friendly alternative, you can choose from the public transport options given below.
- By Bus: Line 75, 81, 673, 175, 204
- By Tram: Line 3
- By Metro: Line B “Colosseo” The metro runs from 05:30 AM to 11:30 PM, Sunday to Thursday, and from 05:30 AM to 01:30 AM on Friday and Saturday.
Entrances
Colosseum
The entrance to the Colosseum is on Piazza del Colosseo.
Roman Forum
The only entrance to the Roman Forum is at Via Fori Imperiali.
Palatine Hill
The Palatine Hill can be accessed through Via S. Gregorio.
Colosseum - Insider Tips
- The Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill have several fountains with drinking water. If you don’t want the added expense of buying bottled water, all you have to do is bring an empty bottle along with you and fill it up at one of these fountains.
- Since Colosseum guided tours involve a lot of walking, you should wear comfortable shoes, preferably sneakers. Avoid heels as the pathway can become quite uneven. It is also a good idea to carry sunglasses and sunscreen, especially if you are visiting during the summer.
- Large bags and suitcases cannot be carried inside the historic site for security reasons. Neither is there a storage facility. Therefore, it is recommended that you leave your luggage at the hotel.
- All visitors and their belongings will be screened at the security checkpost outside the Colosseum. Even if you have a skip-the-line ticket, this screening is mandatory.
- The Colosseum at night is decorated and lit up, which is a sight not to be missed. If you opt for a night tour, you can witness its beauty under the moonlight.
- If you are planning to visit the Colosseum, it is always a good idea to plan your trip during the off-season. The weather will be pleasant and the crowd will be comparatively less, allowing you to make the most of your visit.
FAQs
How long does a Colosseum guided tour take?
Are Colosseum guided tours refundable?
Does the Colosseum guided tour include the Arena and the Underground as well?
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Can I visit the Colosseum without a guided tour?
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