5.0(17 reviews)
Gladiator’s Gate: Special Access Colosseum Tour with Arena Floor
3 hours
Max 25 people
Commentary: Guide · en
Rome, Italy
About this activity
The Gladiator's Gate Arena Floor tour offers the most affordable special-access tour of the Colosseum.
Highlights
- Walk in the footsteps of gladiators as you enter the Colosseum through the “Gladiator's Gate”—an experience that will stay with you for years to come.
- Follow along with an expert archaeologist guide as you explore the Colosseum, learning to decode and appreciate the ruins in a way that’s just not possible on your own.
- Save time with express access at the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill to help you make the most of every second in the heart of ancient Rome.
- Hear the stories of blood, sand, spectacle and mayhem from your passionate guide—and learn the truth about some of the most popular myths surrounding the spectacular structure.
- 9 AM & 11:15 AM tours only: Join a small group of maximum eight guests for an intimate and personalized journey through history.
Full description
The first time you see the Colosseum should be special, and on this tour, it is. With exclusive access, you'll enter through the Gladiator's Gate and walk directly onto the arena floor. Here, in the heart of the Colosseum, you'll be removed from the crowds for the most impressive view of the stalls where emperors and ancient Roman spectators once cheered. After a once-in-a-lifetime experience of gazing up at the Colosseum from the arena floor, you’ll follow your guide through the rest of the spectacular structure for an in-depth tour. Finish your experience at Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum, where you’ll become even more fully immersed in the everyday life of ancient Rome through the exquisite collection of ruins that await.
Walk in the footsteps of gladiators with arena floor access on this unforgettable tour of the Colosseum.
9 AM & 11:15 AM tours only: Join a small group of maximum eight guests for an intimate and personalized journey through history.
Most visitors see the Colosseum as spectators, gazing down at the arena floor from the stands. On this special access Colosseum tour, you'll enter the great arena as the combatants once did: through the Gladiator's Gate.
Once inside, you'll head straight to the reconstructed arena floor, where you'll get a 360-degree view of history's greatest sports stadium. This area is closed to the general public, offering a fantastic respite from the crowds on busy summer days. Take some space to soak it all in as your guide regales you with stories of blood sports and death sentences, once played out right where you are standing.
N.B.: Because of the very special access on this tour you are REQUIRED to bring an ID with you. Please don't forget, as this can hold up the tour and may result in you having to miss parts.
From there, you'll enjoy a luxury that ancient gladiators didn't have. To continue your Colosseum tour, you’ll go up into the stands to learn the full story of this colossal structure, from how it was built to how it declined and was eventually used for all sorts of strange things (cattle farming, anyone?).
To understand the empire that created this amazing stage for organized violence, you'll also explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. At the Roman Forum, your guide will show you the palaces, government buildings, temples, and monuments that made up the heart of ancient Rome. Further up, Palatine Hill is the legendary birthplace of Rome, and is the perfect spot to discover its origins.
With your guide's stories, facts, and insights for context, you'll be immersed in the history and lore of ancient Rome and get a vivid picture of one of the greatest civilizations ever known. From the arena floor of the Colosseum to the top of Palatine Hill, this insightful guided tour lets you walk in the footsteps of gladiators, emperors, and everyday Roman citizens.
Note: As this is one of our popular tours, we recommend that you book early. Not available on your dates? Check out our VIP Caesar's Palace Tour, which also includes access to the Colosseum arena floor.
Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments, or for wheelchairs or strollers. Please contact the Guest Experience team at info@takewalks.com or call +39 068-596-0143 (Italy) or 888-683-8670 (USA) to make alternative arrangements.
Sites Visited:
Colosseum Colosseum Arena Floor Roman Forum Palatine Hill
Walk Tours is proud to be an Official Parco Archeologico del Colosse Operator approved to lead guided tours of the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill.
9 AM & 11:15 AM tours only: Join a small group of maximum eight guests for an intimate and personalized journey through history.
Most visitors see the Colosseum as spectators, gazing down at the arena floor from the stands. On this special access Colosseum tour, you'll enter the great arena as the combatants once did: through the Gladiator's Gate.
Once inside, you'll head straight to the reconstructed arena floor, where you'll get a 360-degree view of history's greatest sports stadium. This area is closed to the general public, offering a fantastic respite from the crowds on busy summer days. Take some space to soak it all in as your guide regales you with stories of blood sports and death sentences, once played out right where you are standing.
N.B.: Because of the very special access on this tour you are REQUIRED to bring an ID with you. Please don't forget, as this can hold up the tour and may result in you having to miss parts.
From there, you'll enjoy a luxury that ancient gladiators didn't have. To continue your Colosseum tour, you’ll go up into the stands to learn the full story of this colossal structure, from how it was built to how it declined and was eventually used for all sorts of strange things (cattle farming, anyone?).
To understand the empire that created this amazing stage for organized violence, you'll also explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. At the Roman Forum, your guide will show you the palaces, government buildings, temples, and monuments that made up the heart of ancient Rome. Further up, Palatine Hill is the legendary birthplace of Rome, and is the perfect spot to discover its origins.
With your guide's stories, facts, and insights for context, you'll be immersed in the history and lore of ancient Rome and get a vivid picture of one of the greatest civilizations ever known. From the arena floor of the Colosseum to the top of Palatine Hill, this insightful guided tour lets you walk in the footsteps of gladiators, emperors, and everyday Roman citizens.
Note: As this is one of our popular tours, we recommend that you book early. Not available on your dates? Check out our VIP Caesar's Palace Tour, which also includes access to the Colosseum arena floor.
Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments, or for wheelchairs or strollers. Please contact the Guest Experience team at info@takewalks.com or call +39 068-596-0143 (Italy) or 888-683-8670 (USA) to make alternative arrangements.
Sites Visited:
Colosseum Colosseum Arena Floor Roman Forum Palatine Hill
Walk Tours is proud to be an Official Parco Archeologico del Colosse Operator approved to lead guided tours of the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill.
Included / Excluded
- Local English-speaking guide
- Expertly guided walking tour
- Colosseum entrance ticket (Full Experience Ticket, €24)
- Headset (groups over 6 people)
- 9 AM & 11:15 AM tours only: Small group of max 8 guests
- Gratuities
- Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Meeting point
Start Location
Via delle Terme di Tito, 72, (Oppio Caffè), Rome, IT
Via delle Terme di Tito, 72 (Oppio Caffè) Meet directly across the street from Oppio Caffè at the gated entrance to Colle Oppio Park.
Get directions →Important information
Know before you book
- The ancient sites on this tour are not wheelchair or stroller-friendly. Please contact us for alternative options.
- The Colosseum is subject to occasional closures. If modifications are needed and time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
- From August 6th 2021, all Italy sites we visit will require clients and guides alike to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test completed within 48 hours prior to entry. They will also require a legal form of ID matching the vaccination or test results. More info on the Italian Government website
Know before you go
- This tour is in English.
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
- The tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the start time. No refunds or re-bookings can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
- If you cannot join your tour at the last minute (running late, etc), please contact us. We may be able to reschedule your tour with a small amendment fee depending on availability.
- All guests (including children) must bring ID on the day of their tour.
- All guests must pass through security. No weapons or large items will be permitted.
- Only small backpacks and handbags are allowed inside (no bag check).
- The ancient sites on this tour are not wheelchair or stroller-friendly. Please contact us for alternative options.
- The Colosseum is subject to occasional closures. If modifications are needed and time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
- From August 6th 2021, all Italy sites we visit will require clients and guides alike to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test completed within 48 hours prior to entry. They will also require a legal form of ID matching the vaccination or test results. More info on the Italian Government website
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts
Cancellations received greater than 24 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 24 hours of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive, or arrives after tour departure.
Accessibility
- Easy Public Transport
Reviews
5.0(17 reviews)
Matthew
Jun 20265.0
If you’re reading this, book it now! You’ll be one of the first on the boat and get the best spot before anyone else. Daniela (aka “Daniel”) treated us exceptionally well from start to finish. Her knowledge of the falls and the stories behind them was the perfect balance of informative and entertaining. She keeps you laughing throughout the tour and enjoys the experience right alongside you as if it were her first time seeing it. 10/10 — I would recommend this tour to anyone. As an added bonus, our group had only four people, which made the experience absolutely incredible and much more personal. Thanks again, Daniel! 😉
Lisa
Jun 20265.0
The tour was great and having priority on the boat was excellent
Lisa
Jun 20265.0
The tour was great and having priority on the boat was excellent