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Guided Tours

Colosseum Underground, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum Guided Tour

Group of tourists on a Colosseum Underground Guided Tour in Rome, exploring the historical Gladiator Arena
Tour guide leading a group in the Colosseum Underground, Rome, highlighting unique access to the Gladiator Arena
Tour guide leading a group through the Colosseum Underground, with views of Palatine Hill & Roman Forum, on a guided tour in Rome
Tour guide leading a group through the Colosseum Underground, with views of Palatine Hill & Roman Forum in Rome, Italy

Experience the Colosseum like never before! Explore the underground dungeons and witness ancient Rome's iconic sites with an expert guide.

Highlights

  • Unlock the Colosseum's secrets with a special access tour of its dungeons, arena, and underground "backstage", walking beside a guide.

  • Study the underground area of the Colosseum where men fought animals with their bare hands as your guide tells you the ins and outs of the Roman Forum.

  • Step into huge halls in elaborate mansions at Palatine Hill and imagine the lavish life of ancient nobles, living at the zenith of Roman glory.

  • Tune into every word of how Rome was born in English or Spanish.

  • Fun fact: The Colosseum was used for more than gladiatorial contests. It hosted dramas, mock sea battles, animal hunts, and even public executions.

Inclusions

  • Guided tour of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, & Roman Forum

  • Expert English or Spanish-speaking guide (as per option selected)

  • Special access to the Colosseum Arena & Underground

  • Access to the Colosseum tier 1 & 2

  • Access to Colosseum Museum

  • Access to Palatine Hill & Roman Forum (optional)

  • Headsets

Cancellation policy

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Reviews

4.6
4.2K ratings
5/5
3.5K
4/5
292
3/5
62
2/5
66
1/5
263
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Guests from United States, United Kingdom, Canada and over 21 countries have loved this experience
Jan Kroeger

Jan

3/5

Oct, 2024

I understand that there is a lot to cover on this tour. It was raining and the cobblestones were dangerous. Our guide walked too fast for some of us seniors, nearly ran up the hill and didn't keep our group together as well as he could. My husband lost the group and wasn't able to go into the Colleseum. He was very upset. The guide had an umbrella, but rarely used it to gather us. He did not use his microphone to make sure all were together. On a good note, he was very knowledgeable. He talked very fast, but got a lot in.
Jacqueline Volckaert

Jacqueline

5/5

Oct, 2024

Our English tour guide was really good with the history of the Colosseum. He spoke a little fast but he was very knowledgeable. It was very organized and on schedule.
Michael Roy Pierson

Michael

5/5

Oct, 2024

Guide was an Archeologist and his extensive knowledge showed. Very personable and good organization skills herding our group! I included a picture of him and if you get him you're in for a treat!
Elena A Pierson

Elena

5/5

Oct, 2024

Our guide was very knowledgeable funny and polite. Take the early morning tour. It's less crowded. We had private access and no waiting in line.
Jaden Toone

Jaden

5/5

Oct, 2024

This was our favorite tour in our two week adventure through Italy. The underground portion, as well as the Roman Forum and Palantine Hill, was worth the money. We got chills being at the lowest level. The Coliseum is so beautiful regardless, but our guide Julia was amazing. The tour was about 3 hours so give yourself extra time if you're booking other tours and plans, but we didn't mind at all because she gave us so much information. You can tell she loves the job!

Secrets hidden underground

Unravel the secrets of the Colosseum on this exclusive underground tour. Walk in the footsteps of gladiators as you explore the backstage area where fighters prepared for battle. Listen to stories of how men and animals were stocked in these narrow passages for entertainment as you step into trapdoors and old dungeons. Following the steps of the gladiators, take the gate to the stadium of death and stand in the arena where over 400,000 people and a million wild animals died fighting the infamous gladiator battles. For a better perspective, walk along the tiers of the amphitheater where 80,000 nobles and common men united over cries of blood. Your expert guide, fluent in English or Spanish, will transport you back in time with tales of bravery, bloodshed, and public spectacle. With headsets provided, you won't miss a word.

From the forum to the hill

Venture further into Rome's fascinating past as you stroll through the Roman Forum, once a hub of political, commercial, and judicial life. Stroll along the Via Sacra, the path that victorious legionnaires once trod, flanked by ancient markets, temples, and baths. Following this, trek to the Palatine Hill, where you will marvel at the remnants of grand villas and hear the captivating tale of Rome's fabled founders, Romulus and Remus.

What's not allowed

  • Large bags and luggage are not allowed as there is no cloak room service.

Accessibility

  • This experience is not suitable for wheelchairs, prams, strollers, and people with mobility issues.

Additional information

  • All guests must go through an airport-style security check at entry for maximum safety. Expect to stand in line, this mandatory step cannot be skipped.

  • Names are mandatory for Colosseum bookings. Double-check the names at checkout for a hassle-free entry. Be sure to bring a valid photo ID with you to gain entry.

  • Access to the underground is restricted to the general public. Be sure to book ahead to guarantee your spot!

  • Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

  • Please display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point. Students must show a valid student ID.

  • Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.

Meeting point

  • Please check your final voucher for the meeting point details and specific instructions.

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