from

$81

Rome
A tour group at the Colosseum on the Arena Floor with The Tour Guy

Special Access Colosseum Arena Floor Tour through the Gladiator's Gate

Exclusive AccessGuided Tour

Walk in the footsteps of warriors on the amphitheater stage then see the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Exclusive AccessGuided Tour

3 h


Max 25 Guests

from$80.73

reserve now, pay later logo
Reaching the Colosseum’s Arena Floor is no easy feat. Tickets sell out quickly, and most visitors get stuck in crowded corridors with limited views. On this tour, gain privileged access and enter through the Gladiator’s Gate. Stand on the Arena Floor for a front-row view of the magnitude of Rome’s nearly 2,000-year-old amphitheater. With your friendly guide, uncover the Colosseum’s brutal past, then continue to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill to explore the epicenter of ancient Roman life.

What's included

Included:

Enter the Colosseum like a gladiator

Included:

Expert English-speaking guide

Included:

Pre-reserved Colosseum entry tickets

Included:

Exclusive Arena Floor access and tour

Included:

Guided tour of Colosseum 1st & 2nd tiers

Included:

Guided tour of the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Not included:

Guide tips

Itinerary

Your tour begins at the Colosseum

Meet your guide and small group outside the Colosseum, the world’s most iconic amphitheater and one of the 7 wonders of the world. Get a quick introduction to the wild history of the Flavian Dynasty and the massive engineering project that built this stone giant nearly two thousand years ago.

Walk through the Gladiator's Gate

Utilize your pre-reserved tickets to enter the Colosseum for a security check. Then pass through the side doors, once used by ancient warriors. This special access leads you straight onto the wooden Arena Floor, to stand where fighters once battled for their lives in front of 50,000 screaming fans.

Climb the ancient stone tiers

Follow your guide up the original stairwells to reach the first and second levels of the monument. These seats were once reserved for Rome’s elite and offer a perfect view of the entire structure, including an overhead view of the maze of underground tunnels where animals were kept.

See the Arch of Constantine

As you exit the Colosseum, stop at this massive marble arch built to celebrate a famous victory in 312 AD. Your guide will point out the recycled carvings that honor Emperor Constantine, whose support for the Christian faith fundamentally transformed the religious landscape of the empire.

Explore the Roman Forum

Step into the valley that served as the bustling downtown of the ancient world. Walk along the Via Sacra or Sacred Way to see the ruins of the Senate House and the Temple of Saturn, where the city’s most powerful leaders once made world-changing decisions.

Ascend the Palatine Hill

Climb to the legendary spot where Romulus is said to have founded Rome among the ruins of luxury imperial palaces. As you wander through the gardens and brick, catch the best views of the city skyline and the distant Circus Maximus racing track.

Your tour finishes near the Colosseum

After exploring the birthplace of Rome, your guided tour concludes near the Colosseum. You can say goodbye to your guide and continue exploring the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill on your own, diving even deeper into the city’s ancient history.

For Reference Only. Itineraries are subject to change

Meeting and drop-off point

Meet your guide near the Colosseum. The exact meeting point can be found in the voucher you'll receive after your booking. The tour ends in Palatine Hill after your guided visit, but could run in reverse dependent on ticketing.

Important Details

Discover what to expect, what's included, and everything you need to know before booking.

Good to know:

  • Dress Code: Comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes are recommended, as you’ll be walking on uneven terrain.

  • Accessibility: Due to uneven terrain and historic surfaces, this tour isn’t suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. A soft baby carrier is recommended, and if you expect to need elevator access at the Colosseum, please let us know in advance so your guide can prepare. You may also like to consider joining our Private Colosseum Tour.

  • ID Requirement: A valid government-issued ID is required to enter the Colosseum. The name on your ticket must match your ID or entry may be denied.

  • Tour Changes: Depending on the assigned entry time for the Colosseum, your tour might enter the Roman Forum first and end in the Colosseum. It is also possible this tour might run in reverse. Either way, you’ll enjoy the full experience with your guide.

  • Children: All visitors, regardless of age, need a ticket for the Colosseum. Each child’s ticket must match their government-issued ID. Passports are recommended.

  • Disability certification: Visitors with valid disability certification are eligible for a reduced €2 entry ticket to the Colosseum, which also applies to one companion. Contact us after booking to arrange this. This applies to the ticket cost only, not the tour price.

  • Lines: This tour includes group access to the Colosseum, allowing you to skip the main lines for individual visitors. You’ll still pass through a security check before entering, which may involve a short wait.

  • Closures: Sometimes the Colosseum closes access to the more restricted areas with little notice. This usually happens in cases of heavy rainfall or an emergency repair. If this happens, we will visit other areas of the Colosseum, and the tour will continue with the same duration.

  • Bag Policy: For quicker entry, please leave large backpacks and wheeled bags at your accommodation as they aren’t permitted inside the Colosseum. All bags will be screened at security.

  • Check-in: Please arrive 15 minutes early so your group can enter right on time and make the most of your visit.

Your tour includes:

  • Expert English-speaking guide

  • Pre-reserved Colosseum entry tickets

  • Enter through the Gladiator's Gate

  • Exclusive access and tour of Colosseum Arena Floor

  • Guided tour of the Colosseum 1st & 2nd tiers

  • Guided tour of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

What to bring:

  • Government-issued ID

  • Sunscreen (in summer)

  • Water bottle

  • Comfortable walking shoes

See what people are saying

4.96

4,189 verified ratings

5

4,039

4

133

3

12

2

0

1

5

What reviewers sayPowered by Cicero AIBETA

Reviewers frequently praise the guides for their extensive knowledge, engaging storytelling, and ability to make the history of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill come alive. Many also highlight the guides' attentiveness to group comfort, including managing heat and providing rest breaks, which enhances the overall experience despite the crowds and physical demands of the tour.

Rome Tour of Colluseum and Forum

Michael M.

·

Verified Review

·

November 06, 2026

Great Tour would do again. Need 2X amount of time and 2X less crowds.

Wonderful walk through history!

Elizabeth W.

·

Verified Review

·

November 05, 2026

Scott from Scranton is a fantastic guide who is easy to understand while sharing detailed information about Rome and its ruins.

Great Tour

Mark W.

·

Verified Review

·

November 05, 2026

Well worth the visit to see one of the most iconic and historical sites in the world. Our tour guide, Elena (sp?) was fantastic. She was educational, entertaining, and nice.

Great tour

Stanley S.

·

Verified Review

·

November 05, 2026

Very happy with the tour guide and tour of the colosseum and the Roman forum. Would recommend.

Special access Colosseum arena floor through Gladiator's Gate

Marlene W.

·

Verified Review

·

November 05, 2026

Grace W.

·

Verified Review

·

November 04, 2026

The tour was great and tour guide was really good in explaining the cultural and historical facts. However, I wouldn't necessarily recommend paying more for the special access through the gladiator's gate. You can get onto the floor level from the other side (though it is more crowded there) Overall, great experience!

Scott P.

·

Verified Review

·

November 04, 2026

Great Tour

LAWRENCE B.

·

Verified Review

·

November 03, 2026

Terrific tour of the Forum and the Colosseum. Engaging, knowledgeable tour guide. Walking into the Colosseum through the Gladiator's Gate as Russell Crowe did. "We were most definitely 'entertained.'"

Anne P.

·

Verified Review

·

November 03, 2026

We were so grateful we booked this tour. What a valuable informative experience. Guide was very knowledgeable. He provided easy access to all sights without waiting in any lines. Gave us adequate time to take it all in. Thank you!

An amazing sight!

DJ S.

·

Verified Review

·

November 01, 2026

All of the lead up to the coliseum was truly out done by actually seeing is thru the special access with the tour guy team.

Highly Recommend

David W.

·

Verified Review

·

November 01, 2026

Can’t recommend enough. Tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and patient. We’d go again the next time in Rome.

W W

William W.

·

Verified Review

·

November 01, 2026

Our guide was excellent and adapted well to the unplanned closure of the Colosseum because of political demonstrations . We continued our tour through the Palatine Hill and she provided an excellent history and over view of the Colosseum .

Flavian Ampetheatre

Jason G.

·

Verified Review

·

November 01, 2026

This tour was great - a must do! Be sure to book for the forum as well! So much to see and so worth it.❤️❤️

Flavian Amphitheatre

Jason G.

·

Verified Review

·

November 01, 2026

This tour was great - a must do. Be sure to book for the forum as well! So much to see and so worth it. ❤️❤️

Disappointing in every way

Mia D.

·

Verified Review

·

October 31, 2026

Tour guide mid handled our not finding the meeting location- refused to refund us.

Awesome tour and great guide

Carla F.

·

Verified Review

·

October 31, 2026

Enjoyed this tour extremely. The guide was very knowledgeable and even took the time after the tour to help my spouse look for his lost coat.

A must for history buffs!

Ruth D.

·

Verified Review

·

October 30, 2026

A fantastic tour all around! We circumvented the massive crowds, we entered the Colosseum at a different level than the general public, and the tour extended to the Roman Forum as well! Amazing! Highly recommend!

Paul M.

·

Verified Review

·

October 30, 2026

Excellent tour. One thing to make better though is to announce a bathroom & water purchase available & time to stop. Was pretty exhilarating

Excellent Colosseum Tour

Paul K.

·

Verified Review

·

October 29, 2026

Our guide was super well-informed, could answer all our questions, and was very friendly. We do recommend this tour.

Terrific Tour of the Colosseum

Jody S.

·

Verified Review

·

October 29, 2026

Thoroughly enjoyed our tour, in spite of the drizzle. Our tour guide was fantastic!

Wonderful Tour!

Lisa M.

·

Verified Review

·

October 28, 2026

Our tour was easy to locate at the Metro. The tour itself was well organized from the start. We had a fabulous tour guide, Michele, who was extremely knowledgeable and provided us with an extensive amount of history in the short time allotted for such an expansive area. My husband was equally impressed with the tour. I highly recommend using The Tour Guy.

Pauline L.

·

Verified Review

·

October 28, 2026

Was an absolute joy and our tours guys English was wonderful and a great pleasure to be around so glad I did this tour

Colosseum

Susan B.

·

Verified Review

·

October 28, 2026

Elena is in top 1% of guides I have had traveling. So knowledgeable. Great English so easy to understand. Strong archeological background which was so beneficial in Rome.

Tour was very cool

Michael P.

·

Verified Review

·

October 28, 2026

We enjoyed our guide who was easy to understand, knew the history well, helped us navigate all the crowds. The Colosseum will be very crowded regardless of when you visit, but having a tour like this booked with a knowledgable guide makes the trip so much smoother.

Clint M.

·

Verified Review

·

October 27, 2026



FAQs

Does the Arena Floor ever close to the public?

Sometimes the Colosseum closes access to the more restricted areas with little notice. This usually happens in cases of heavy rainfall or an emergency repair. If this happens, we will visit other areas of the Colosseum, and the tour will continue with the same duration. As the Arena Floor is only a portion of this tour, there are no refunds if Colosseum Management closes it at short notice.

What if I have concerns about my mobility?

If you have any doubts about your mobility, we suggest taking Private Colosseum Tour so we can better accommodate your needs.

Does my tour still run if it rains?

The Tour Guy runs guided tours rain or shine. In cases of heavy rainfall, the Colosseum management may close the Arena Floor at the last minute for safety. We do our best to make alternate Arena Floor arrangements, but we cannot guarantee a substitute date. If your group is subject to closures by the Colosseum and does not get access to the Arena Floor, we still continue on the tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum. There is no refund given if the Arena Floor portion of the tour is closed.

What to bring?

Please bring a government-issued ID for entrance to the Colosseum. Archaeological sites have uneven terrain so wear comfortable sneakers. Bring sunscreen and a water bottle during the hot summer months.

Where to meet?

Meet your guide near the Colosseum. The exact meeting point can be found in the voucher you'll receive after your booking. The tour ends in Palatine Hill after your guided visit, but could run in reverse dependent on ticketing.

What does pre-reserved ticket mean?

This tour includes a privileged entrance that let's you bypass the general admission entrance line. However, please keep in mind that every person entering the Colosseum, including those with pre-reserved tickets, is required to go through an airport style security check.

Will my tour time change?

The start time of your tour has the potential to change due to ticketing. Please keep your day open and flexible.

Can I cancel if my schedule changes?

Our Special Access Colosseum Arena Floor Tour through the Gladiator's Gate has a 72 hour cancellation policy.

Explore Rome

Top Tours

  1. Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica
  2. Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tickets
  3. Semi Private Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica
  4. Special Access Colosseum Arena Floor Tour through the Gladiator's Gate
  5. Semi-Private Colosseum Tour with Arena Floor
  6. Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum, Sistine Chapel & Vatican Museums
  7. Privileged Entrance Colosseum Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
  8. St. Peter's Dome Climb, Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Combo Tour
  9. Rome Food Tour: Trastevere Hidden Gems with Dinner & Wine
  10. Tuscany from Rome: Civita di Bagnoregio, Pienza, & Vineyard Lunch
  11. Rome Catacombs & Capuchin Crypts Tour with Transportation
  12. Vatican at Closing Time with Sistine Chapel
  13. Semi Private Rome in a Day: Colosseum, Sistine Chapel & Vatican
  14. Private Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica Tour
  15. Skip-the-Line Borghese Gallery Tour
  16. Private Colosseum Tour with Arena Floor
  17. Semi-Private Colosseum Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
  18. Express Colosseum Tour with Expert Storytelling Guide
  19. Pompeii, Positano, Amalfi Coast Day Trip from Rome
  20. Pompeii and Sorrento Day Trip from Rome

Top Attractions

  1. Rome Markets Tours
  2. Top 5 Attractions in Rome
  3. Rome Black Friday
  4. Vatican
  5. Colosseum
  6. Pompeii
  7. Arena Floor
  8. Catacombs
  9. St. Peter's Basilica
  10. Pantheon
  11. Appian Way (Via Appia)
  12. Borghese Gallery
  13. Castel Sant'Angelo
  14. St. Peter's Dome
  15. Roman Forum
  16. Trevi Fountain
  17. Capuchin Crypts
  18. Civita di Bagnoregio
  19. Frascati Wine Country
  20. Mount Vesuvius

Top Things to Do

  1. Exclusive Access
  2. Rome Black Friday
  3. Top 5 Things to Do
  4. Food Tours
  5. Semi-Private Tours
  6. Private Tours
  7. Day Trips
  8. Cooking Classes
  9. Golf Cart Tours
  10. St. Peter's Dome Climb
  11. Vesuvius from Rome
  12. Family Friendly
  13. Amalfi Coast from Rome
  14. Bike Tours
  15. Eco Tours
  16. Night Tours
  17. Off-The-Beaten-Path
  18. Tickets