Ancient Rome Tour with Colosseum Arena Floor & Catacombs

Next up, you’ll visit the awe-inspiring Colosseum with VIP access to the reconstructed Arena Floor itself, and the chance to walk through the infamous Gladiator's Gate. Finally, you’ll see the true seat of power in Ancient Rome, as you visit the Roman Forum. You’ll be able to skip the line at each attraction, and your guide will share fascinating stories of the people who once dominated the Empire.

Full-day History of Rome Tour Description

Your 8-hour Rome tour includes:

• Skip-the-line Catacombs and Capuchin Crypts tour

• Skip-the-line Colosseum tour with Arena Floor access and Gladiator's Gate

• Skip-the-line Roman Forum tour

• Guided visit to Palatine Hill

• Private, air-conditioned transportation

• A fun, knowledgeable, local guide

• Maximum group size of 15

Please note that depending on the assigned entry time for the Colosseum, your tour might enter the Roman Forum first and end in the Colosseum.

The Catacombs and Capuchin Crypts are sites of religious significance, so knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women at all times. This dress code is strictly enforced and if you don't comply then you run the risk of missing this part of the tour. We know that Rome gets quite hot during the summertime, so consider bringing a shawl/scarf/sweater with you to cover your knees and shoulders when necessary.

Capuchin Crypts

These underground crypts are truly unique and strangely beautiful, containing the skeletal remains of 3,700 bodies believed to be Capuchin friars who were buried by their order between 1500 and 1870. Their bones weren't just laid to rest here, but arranged into elaborate displays that have been preserved to this day.

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, it's all pretty creepy but provides an experience you'll remember long after your vacation is over.

The Catacombs of St. Callixtus

First up on your tour, you'll take an air-conditioned private vehicle to the Roman Catacombs—perhaps Rome's eeriest attraction. It’s here that you’ll stop to see the above-ground cemeteries of the Catacombs of St. Callixtus. Then it’s time to head underground to see extensive network of burial sites at one of the most popular catacombs in Rome.

Over time, these catacombs became the coveted burial place as prominent martyrs and pontiffs were laid to rest here. Your guide will lead you to the crypts filled with popes from the third century as well as an area with impeccably preserved paintings.

The Catacombs of St. Callixtus are typically closed on Wednesdays and sometimes close on other days too. Not to worry though, your guide will take you to another incredible catacombs site if your tour lands on one of these days.

The Appian Way and Aurelian Walls

Emperor Aurelian built a defensive wall around Rome during the third century to defend the city against invading barbarians. You’ll pass the Aurelian Walls in your climate-controlled vehicle and see them up close. In addition, you’ll walk a small stretch of the ancient Appian Way. Leading all the way to Puglia in Southern Italy, the Appian Way is one of the most important ancient Roman roads.

This road was also the location of the crucifixion of 10,000 slaves during the revolt of Spartacus. Thankfully, you won't see any crucifixions today, but your guide will retell the story for you and make it come alive.

Colosseum Tour with Arena Floor Access

Next, you'll travel back to central Rome to see inside the most famous site of all. Taking a Colosseum tour while in Rome is obviously a must, but this one is even more special. Your guide will share fascinating stories as you explore the first and second tiers of the Colosseum, where Rome’s most noble citizens mingled and watched the gruesome gladiator matches.

But what most visitors won't experience is stepping out onto the Arena Floor, where you'll get to follow in the footsteps of gladiators! This is the part of the Colosseum where bloody battles took place over a thousand years ago, and you'll have the chance to walk through the infamous Gladiator's Gate where warriors would enter and (if they were lucky) leave the arena. As you look up at the huge arena around you, you can imagine the sheer exhilaration and terror they must have felt as they prepared to fight for their lives.

Roman Colosseum History

After the Arena Floor, go on a journey to the Colosseum's first and second levels. See where emperors sat and learn the rules of the gladiatorial games for both competitors and spectators. Learn why the ancient amphitheater was named the Colosseum, plus many more interesting facts. You'll spend an amazing 1.5 hours exploring the top attraction in Rome with your super-knowledgeable guide.

Ancient Roman Forum

Want to trace the steps of Julius Caesar? Here’s your chance. Finally, you'll visit the ancient Roman Forum, just a short walk from the Colosseum. This is the area that used to serve as ancient Rome’s political hub. Your guide will show you the Forum’s main archaeological highlights, such as the Arch of Titus and the Roman Senate House, while bringing this fascinating site to life with stories of the Emperors and politicians who once shaped history here.

Climb Palatine Hill

From the ancient downtown, your guide will lead you to a place we like to think of as the Beverly Hills of Ancient Rome. Climb the Palatine Hill and take in the views over Circus Maximus. You'll explore the 2,000 year old palaces and learn stories of Rome's rich and famous.

By the end of the tour, you'll leave the Colosseum and Forum with a camera full of incredible pictures and a mind full of knowledge about life in ancient Rome.