Colosseum Underground & Roman Forum Tour

From€89
3 hours
Province of Rome, Italy

About this activity

Discover Rome's ancient history with a guided tour of the Colosseum Underground, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill, featuring skip-the-line access and expert insights.

Highlights

  • Explore Colosseum's secret underground chambers
  • Walk through the ancient Roman Forum ruins
  • Visit Palatine Hill with panoramic city views
  • Skip long lines with priority access
  • Learn from an expert English-speaking guide

Full description

Step back in time and uncover the secrets of ancient Rome on this immersive 3-hour small-group tour. Begin with exclusive access to the Colosseum Underground, where gladiators once prepared for battle. Then, wander through the Roman Forum, the heart of ancient Roman public life, and ascend Palatine Hill for breathtaking views of the city. With skip-the-line entry and an expert English-speaking guide, you'll delve into Rome's rich history without the hassle of long queues. This tour offers a captivating journey through Rome's iconic landmarks, providing a deeper understanding of its storied past.

Included / Excluded

  • Skip-the-line access to Colosseum Underground
  • Guided tour of Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
  • Expert English-speaking guide
  • Food and beverages

Itinerary

1

With the guided option selected, enjoy an intimate small group experience led by an official guide and discover the Colosseum at its finest, with fascinating insights into its history, architecture, and legendary spectacles.

Duration: 45 minAdmission: YES
2

With the guided option selected, explore the Roman Forum alongside an expert guide and uncover the stories behind the heart of Ancient Rome. Visit the Temple of Julius Caesar, admire the Arch of Titus, and discover the House of the Vestal Virgins while learning about the glory of the Roman Empire.

Duration: 30 minAdmission: YES
3

If the guided option is selected, begin your visit with an expert guide who will bring the history of the imperial palaces to life as you stroll across the lofty heights of the Palatine Hill. Along the way, enjoy sweeping views of Rome’s skyline while learning about the remarkable engineering, architecture, and legacy of Ancient Rome.

Duration: 30 minAdmission: YES
4

With the guided option selected, enjoy an intimate small-group experience led by an official guide as you explore the fascinating Catacombs beneath Rome and discover the remarkable Basilica of San Clemente, revealing layers of the city's rich history hidden underground.

Duration: 30 minAdmission: YES

Meeting point

Start Location

Unknown location

Important information

Know before you book

  • Tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for the weather.
  • Photography is allowed, but tripods and selfie sticks are prohibited.
  • Large bags and backpacks are not permitted inside the Colosseum.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
  • Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the tour.
  • Be prepared for security checks at the Colosseum entrance.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 10 days before the activity starts

If you cancel at least 10 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 10 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

Accessibility

  • Easy Public Transport
  • Infants Required On Laps

Good to know

  • The meeting time is subject to change. In this case, you will be contacted in advance via email
  • Tours will run rain or shine (unless closed for safety reasons)
  • Please arrive 15 minutes before the start time of the tour
  • No weapons (pocket knives), glass bottles or large backpacks

Traveler reviews

4.5
272 reviews
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24

Will change your time and experience last minute

I booked the Catacombs and Colosseum experience, which was advertised as running from 10:00 a.m. to approximately 12:15 p.m. As with most travelers, our itinerary had some flexibility, but it was not possible to completely rearrange our day at the last minute. On Saturday evening before the tour, while we were traveling, I received a voicemail stating that our start time had been moved to 9:00 a.m. and that we would also need to split up the Colosseum portion of the experience. Because it was Sunday and the office was closed, I had no way to contact the company. Then, at 7:00 a.m. on Monday—the morning of the tour—I received a WhatsApp message confirming that we needed to arrive earlier and that the Colosseum portion had been moved to 1:30 p.m., which conflicted with other prepaid plans we had already made. When I explained that these changes no longer worked for our itinerary and politely requested a cancellation and refund, the company stopped responding altogether. Thankfully, after I provided Viator with the voicemail and WhatsApp messages documenting the changes and lack of communication, Viator issued a full refund. I understand that unexpected changes can happen, but clear communication and responsive customer service are essential. Unfortunately, my experience with the tour provider fell well short of that expectation.

Tara_TJul 6, 2026VIATOR

Good communication. They...

Good communication. They had to cancel the catacombs portion due to low numbers. Offered to refund that part. The Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill part is a self guided audio tour. You can go at your own pace. We saw a lot and learned a lot through it.

Jeffrey_SJul 3, 2026VIATOR

Not Worth Your Money

Although I did enjoy the catacombs, when we finally did get there. But my overall experience was very disappointing. It was not worth what I paid. We did not leave on time. We were crowded inside a van not everyone had a seatbelt which I feel is extremely dangerous. It was advertised as an underground Rome tour, that including the Catacombs as well as the underground area floor of the Colosseum: both being guided tours.

margroc69Jun 28, 2026TRIPADVISOR

interesting tour and helpful staff

We had a tour with Kristin - she was wonderful! We booked through Viator which led to some issues, but Kristin did everything she could to help us resolve this, including letting us use her personal hotspot. Very friendly and the tour was very interesting.

bethmN4708FEJun 26, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Wonderful experience of the history of early Christianity and the Catacombs of San Callisto

Great experience, our tour guide Kristina was wonderful, narrating the history of early Christianity and the catacombs, almost transporting us back in time on the drive there. On the drive back she told us about other hidden underground experiences within ancient Rome, as well as amazing restaurants near the Colosseum.

Monica ZJun 24, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Additional information

The names provided at the time of the booking cannot be changed. Please provide the full names of all travelers when booking. Failure to present a voucher with all travelers' full names at the ticket office prior to entry may result in denied entry to the Colosseum and Roman Forum. The meeting time is subject to change. In this case, you will be contacted in advance via email There are mandatory security checks at all entry points to the sites. The wait time for the security check can be considerable during peak times/seasons and has nothing to do with the ticket line Refunds will not be provided for no-shows or late arrivals. If you are late to the meeting point, you will not be able to join your tour. Tours will run rain or shine (unless closed for safety reasons) Please arrive 15 minutes before the start time of the tour Toilets are limited, use the toilet before arriving for the tour. (Breaks made when possible) No weapons (pocket knives), glass bottles or large backpacks Each traveler must present a valid passport or ID document that matches the name provided at the time of booking for successful entry to the Colosseum and Roman Forum.