Ancient Rome in a Day: Arena Floor Colosseum Tour with Rome Catacombs and Appian Way
Skip lines at three Ancient Roman attractions
Dedicate a day of your Roman holiday to the sites that made the Eternal city the historical hub it is today. Discover the grounds where gladiators fought to the death and where ancient Romans buried their dead.
Tour Details
- Capuchin Crypts
- Private Luxury Transfer
- Catacombs of Domitilla
- Ancient Frescoes
- Ancient Appian Way
- Tombs
- Transportation back to city center
- Colosseum Arena Floor
- Roman Forum
Important:For reasons outside of our control there is a chance that the time of your Colosseum portion of this tour could change. If a change is needed, then our dedicated Customer Service team will reach out to you asap on the phone number or email you have provided.
Did ancient Romans fill the Colosseum with water for mock sea battles? Did animals fight in the Colosseum in addition to the gladiators? How many bodies are buried inside of the Rome Catacombs? These are all questions that your storytelling guide can answer on your adventure through ancient Rome’s top sites. This 8-hour tour includes:
- Skip the line Rome Catacombs tour
- Skip the line Colosseum Arena Floor Tour
- Skip the line Roman Forum tour
- A friendly English-speaking guide
- Maximum group size of 15
Please note: Because some of the sites on this small group tour are religious, knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women at all times. This dress code is strictly enforced and should you not comply, you run the risk of missing parts of the tour. We know that Rome gets quite hot during the summertime - please consider bringing a shawl/scarf/sweater with you to cover your knees and shoulders when necessary.
Capuchin Crypts
This crypt or ossuary contains the skeletal remains of 3,700 bodies believed to be Capuchin friars buried by their order. They were buried between the years 1500 and 1870, during which time the Roman Catholic Church permitted burial in and under churches.
The underground crypt is divided into six chapels; Crypt of the Resurrection, Crypt of the Skulls, Crypt of the Pelvises, Crypt of the Leg Bones and Thigh Bones and Crypt of the Three Skeletons. Lit only by dim natural light seeping in through cracks and small fluorescent lamps, the crypt walls are elaborately decorated with skeletal remains.
Catacombs of Domitilla
In ancient Roman times, Paganism was the main religion at large, and those who practiced Christianity were ostracized and even persecuted. Because cremation was against Christian beliefs, there was a demand for an area for the Chrsitian people to bury their dead.
The Rome Catacombs were built not only as a burial space, but as a safe haven for Christian people to practice their faith in solitude. During your visit, you will see ancient frescoes painted on the underground walls, including a very early version of The Last Supper.
Skip the Line Colosseum Arena Floor Tour
Taking a Colosseum tour while in Rome is obviously a must, but what makes this visit special? On this ultimate Colosseum visit, you’ll be able to step out onto the Arena Floor where gladiators once fought to their victory (or demise). This ultra skip the line Colosseum experience also allows you to enter the Flavian Amphitheater through the back door, allowing for an extremely swift and hassle-free entry.
You will also visit the first and second tiers of the Colosseum, where Rome’s most noble citizens sat to watch the gruesome gladiator matches. After learning about the action-filled rituals of ancient Roman entertainment, it’s time to move onto the Roman Forum.
Ancient Roman Forum
Want to trace the steps of Julius Caesar? Here’s your chance. Just a short walk from the Colosseum, visit the ancient Roman Forum, the area that used to serve as ancient Rome’s political hub. Not only will you visit the Forum’s main archaeological highlights such as the Arch of Titus and the Roman Senate House, but also, you’ll hear some of the fascinating stories that keep bringing travelers back to visit these structures.
See what people are saying
8 total reviews
Leave a reviewAverage customer rating
4.88 / 5 based on 8 total reviews
History buff's dream come true
This is a history buff's dream come true. My wife and I booked a couple of tours but this is the one I was most excited for. It was money well spent!
Perfect for History Lovers
As a person who loves ancient history, I came to Rome so excited to experience the past. Our tour guide told us many stories of how life was in Ancient Rome, and also provided us with so much other fascinating facts that I'll never forget. This tour was the highlight of my time in Rome.
Great!
Our guide was super smart and down to answer all my dumb questions. Really unique experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where to meet?
Piazza Barberini - in front of the Fontana del Tritone. A representative will be there holding a sign with our company name on it.
What to bring?
Wear comfortable shoes. In summer, bring sunscreen. In Spring and Autumn bring a light jacket.
Will we see bones?
Yes! This tour visits the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione which houses a 17th-century ossuary under it. There you will see the bones of around 4,000 Capuchin friars!
Why doesn't this tour run on Sundays?
Via Appia Antica, the road we travel on to access the Catacombs, is closed on Sundays.
Why does my kid 6 or under have to pay? C'mon!
Sorry about this. We're parents too and we understand! Unfortunately, they must be seated due to traffic regulations so they take up a seat in our vehicle. We even bring a car seat for children who require one. If it makes you feel any better, we don't make money off your kids for this tour.
Is there a dress code to enter the religious sites on this tour?
We ask both men and women to cover knees and shoulders, otherwise you may be refused entry to religious sites and miss out on a portion of your tour. We understand the summers in Rome can be hot, so a great alternative is to bring a shawl/scarf/sweater with you. That way, you can cover your knees and shoulders when necessary.
What if the Arena Floor is Closed?
Sometimes the Colosseum closes down access to restricted areas with very little notice. This could be due to rain or some sort of repair going on. In this case, we will visit other areas and the tour will run with the same duration. Sorry, but we do not offer a refund if the Arena Floor is closed.
What if I'm not sure about my mobility?
If you have any doubts about your mobility, we strongly suggest you take a Private Colosseum Tour.
Does my tour still run if it rains?
We run 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 a 2.5-hour tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum. There is no refund given if the arena is closed for this tour.
What to bring?
Wear comfortable shoes. In summer, bring sunscreen. In Spring and Autumn bring a light jacket.
Where to meet?
Piazza Barberini - in front of the Fontana del Tritone. A representative will be there holding a sign with our company name on it.
What Catacomb does this tour visit?
Usually the Catacombs of San Domitilla, although if there is any closure we will substitute the site with another catacomb site nearby.
I have trouble walking? Is this tour for me?
If you have any doubts about your mobility, we strongly suggest you take a Catacombs Private Tour.
Can I visit the Catacombs at night?
Absolutely! Check out our VIP Rome Catacombs Night Tour with Capuchin Crypts.
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