Magpie
4.6(22 reviews)

Rome Colosseum & Catacombs Underground Tour

From€196
5 hours
Province of Rome, Italy

About this activity

Discover Rome's ancient history with a guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Catacombs, including skip-the-line access and hotel transfers.

Highlights

  • Skip-the-line access to Colosseum
  • Explore Roman Forum's ancient ruins
  • Visit Catacombs' underground chambers
  • Learn history from expert guides
  • Enjoy hotel pickup and drop-off

Full description

Step back in time and immerse yourself in Rome's rich history with this comprehensive 5-hour guided tour. Skip the lines at the iconic Colosseum, where gladiators once battled, and explore the Roman Forum's ancient ruins. Venture beneath the city to the Catacombs, uncovering secrets of early Christian Rome. With expert guides bringing history to life and convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, this tour offers an unforgettable journey through Rome's past.

Included / Excluded

  • Guided tour of Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Catacombs
  • Skip-the-line access to major sites
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Meals and beverages

Itinerary

1

Visit Rome's symbolic monument with a tour that makes it easy and fun for all ages. Learn about the amphitheater's history from a guide with an art and archaeology background.

Duration: 1h 30mAdmission: YES
2

You will then, visit the Roman Forum. This is one of the most important archaeological areas in the world with some of Ancient Rome's most evocative ruins, including the Temple of Julius Caesar, Arch of Titus, House of the Vestal Virgins, Senate House and Basilica of Maxentius. Admire the Roman Forum's Sacred Way, the triumphal road where the Centurions of Caesar marched after their return from countless battles and conquests.

Duration: 45 minAdmission: YES
3

After you walk through Palatine Hill, explore the site of an older settlement from the 9th century BC. Admire the incredible frescoes in the House of Augustus and the Hippodrome, an elliptical sunken garden from the Palace of Domitian. Here, enjoy an impressive view of the Circus Maximus and the valley of the Roman Forum. Learn about the legend of Romulus and Remus, the abandoned brothers raised by a wolf who fought each other for power and control. After the tour take 1-hour break and then come back to our office in via della Polveriera at 1:45 pm

Duration: 45 minAdmission: YES
4

Starting, with a small group, from our travel agency, near the Colosseum, you will be comfortably transported on an air-conditioned vehicle, in one of the most interesting and visited places in Rome, the "catacombs" on the Via Appia Antica. Paas by the majestic Aurelian Walls and come to the archaeological area of the Via Appia Antica, immersed in the green Roman countryside, you will descend into the ancient world of the Catacombs, a complex network of underground tunnels among the longest in the world, which occupies an area of about fifteen hectares, consisting of about 60 kilometers of tunnels on several levels. The catacombs that we will visit (San Calisto, San Sebastiano or Santa Domitilla), for your tour will change depending on the day, but from where we go, you will have the opportunity to see ancient frescoes, crypts rich in inscriptions carved in the walls, niches with still remains of skeletons, small mausoleums, sarcophagi, tombs and small chapels that still today, after about 2000 years, are still used to celebrate religious rites. Here you will find the burial of famous people like popes, martyrs and, according to legends, even some apostles. After the tour, back in the sunlight, your driver will take you back to the original starting point in Via Della Polveriera.

Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: YES
5

The Catacomb is believed to have been created by future Pope Callixtus I, then a deacon of Rome, under the direction of Pope Zephyrinus, enlarging pre-existing early Christian hypogea. Callixtus himself was entombed in the Catacomb of Calepodius on the Aurelian Way. The crypt fell into disuse and decay as the relics it contained were translated from the catacombs to the various churches of Rome; the final wave of translations from the crypt occurred under Pope Sergius II in the 9th century, primarily to San Silvestro in Capite, which unlike the Catacomb was within the Aurelian Walls.[1] The Catacomb and Crypt were rediscovered in 1854 by the pioneering Italian archaeologist Giovanni Battista de Rossi.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: YES
6

Pass by: The Circus Maximus (Latin for "largest circus"; Italian: Circo Massimo) is an ancient Roman chariot-racing stadium and mass entertainment venue in Rome, Italy. The valley between the Aventine and Palatine hills was the first and largest stadium in ancient Rome and its later Empire. It measured 621 m (2,037 ft) in length and 118 m (387 ft) in width and could accommodate over 150,000 spectators. Its fully developed form became the model for circuses throughout the Roman Empire. The site is now a public park.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
7

Pass by: The Baths of Caracalla (Italian: Terme di Caracalla) in Rome, Italy, were the city's second largest Roman public baths, or thermae. The baths were likely built between AD 212 (or 211) and 216/217, during the reigns of emperors Septimius Severus and Caracalla.[2] They were in operation until the 530s and then fell into disuse and ruin. Both during and since their operation as baths, they served as inspiration for many other ancient and modern buildings, such as the Baths of Diocletian, the Basilica of Maxentius, the original Pennsylvania Station in New York City, Chicago Union Station, and the Senate of Canada Building. Artworks recovered from the ruins include famous sculptures such as the Farnese Bull and the Farnese Hercules.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
8

The Arch of Constantine (Italian: Arco di Costantino) is a triumphal arch in Rome dedicated to the emperor Constantine the Great. The arch was commissioned by the Roman Senate to commemorate Constantine's victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in AD 312. Situated between the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill, the arch spans the Via Triumphalis, the route taken by victorious military leaders when they entered the city in a triumphal procession. [a] Dedicated in 315, it is the largest Roman triumphal arch, with overall dimensions of[1] 21 m (69 ft) high, 25.9 m (85 ft) wide and 7.4 m (24 ft) deep. It has three bays, the central one being 11.5 m (38 ft) high and 6.5 m (21 ft) wide and the laterals 7.4 m (24 ft) by 3.4 m (11 ft) each. The arch is constructed of brick-faced concrete covered in marble.

Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
9

Pass by: The Baths of Caracalla (Italian: Terme di Caracalla) in Rome, Italy, were the city's second largest Roman public baths, or thermae. The baths were likely built between AD 212 (or 211) and 216/217, during the reigns of emperors Septimius Severus and Caracalla.[2] They were in operation until the 530s and then fell into disuse and ruin. Both during and since their operation as baths, they served as inspiration for many other notable buildings, ancient and modern, such as the Baths of Diocletian, the Basilica of Maxentius, the original Pennsylvania Station in New York City, Chicago Union Station and the Senate of Canada Building. Artworks recovered from the ruins include famous sculptures such as the Farnese Bull and the Farnese Hercules. Today the Baths of Caracalla are a tourist attraction.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
10

Pass by: The Circus Maximus (Latin for "largest circus"; Italian: Circo Massimo) is an ancient Roman chariot-racing stadium and mass entertainment venue in Rome, Italy. In the valley between the Aventine and Palatine hills, it was the first and largest stadium in ancient Rome and its later Empire. It measured 621 m (2,037 ft) in length and 118 m (387 ft) in width and could accommodate over 150,000 spectators.[2] In its fully developed form, it became the model for circuses throughout the Roman Empire. The site is now a public park.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Meeting point

Start Location

Unknown location

Important information

Know before you book

  • Tour operates in English; check availability for other languages.
  • Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Tour may be subject to change due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.
  • Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the tour.
  • Ensure your camera is charged to capture the stunning sites.

Cancellation policy

0

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Accessibility

  • Easy Public Transport

Good to know

  • Customers have a mandatory meeting time stated 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time due to managing and organizational reasons.
  • 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 order in which the sites are visited during the tour can vary.
  • 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.
  • Discount for children is applied only with a valid ID card!
  • Please note that for safety reasons the Colosseum can accommodate up to 3.000 people at once. This could lead to delays in access to the site, even for pre-booked visitors.
  • The activity can suffer 20/30 min variation due to organizational resons.
  • For security reasons all visitors and their luggage shall be screened.
  • To facilitate the security check, please insert any object (including mobile phone) in your bag/backpack or in the tray to be included in the X-ray.
  • Forbidden objects inside the Colosseum: bottles and glasses containers, alcoholic beverages and aerosols, large backpacks, camping sets, bulky bags and luggage / trolley.
  • Medium and small size backpacks can be taken inside the Colosseum, which will be X-ray checked, or opened and visually inspected by the Urbe Security Institute, responsible for the entrance inspection.
  • Please notice that the Colosseum Administration, which depends on the Ministry of Cultural Assets and Activities has the faculty to close the Colosseum, or parts of it, with or without notice, for events, strikes, heavy rain, or any other reason. In this case, we will offer an alternative itinerary as it seems fit and offer a partial refund
  • Activity not recommended for travelers with walking impairment.
  • Transpostation to the Catacombs will be lead by a professional driver (not a guide).
  • In the Catacombs, temperature is about 60°F and the moisture content is high; please dress appropriately.
  • No one can visit the catacombs on their own, nor stray from their group along the route, nor cross the gates that delimit the paths open to the public.
  • It is forbidden to touch the exhibits along the visit path.
  • It is strictly forbidden to remove any object and/or material!
  • You are not allowed to eat inside the monuments! You can carry a water bottle.
  • No change on a booking can be accepted after 24hrs to the starting time of the tour. In that instance, no refund will be issued.
  • For the safety of all guests, the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to passengers who are intoxicated or show signs of intoxication. If, as a result, your tour is canceled, you will not be entitled to a refund.
  • Pets are not allowed.
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult.
  • For any communication, the staff has no responsibility in case of wrong or inactive phone number. Any change (date and/or time) must be notified and confirmed to have insurance coverage.
  • Please inform us in advance of any disabilities or special requirements so that we can ensure the best possible experience. Kindly communicate any relevant details to our team via email at tourinthecityrome@gmail.com."
  • The duration of the tour might be different depending on weather conditions (ice, rain, or high temperatures) or other events beyond the travel agency's control.

Traveler reviews

4.6
22 reviews
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Rome Colosseum & Catacombs Underground Tours & Transfer

Experience started off bad from get go, I scheduled my trip to start at 11:00 knowing I was flying in from California and arriving to Rome airport at 7:33. The day before the pre booked excursion I was notified that they changed me to the 9:30 start time. I was very rushed to make the meeting time. I barely had time to stop at my hotel to drop off my luggage. No time to change into something more comfortable to the heat, no time to purchase water etc. the description stated we would be traveling in an air conditioned van, that never happened. We walked from the meeting point in the heat. The guide was very good, maybe a little long winded for me since a lot of the explanations was while we were in direct sun. After the colosseum portion of the tour, which ended around 12:30, I was advised the next portion of the tour to the catacombs wouldn’t be till 2:30. The details of the description does not say that. I paid over $230 per person for me and my wife, and do not think it was worth the hassle and confusion. I had to speak to the staff to get them to take me to the remaining portion of my excursion and they reluctantly got someone to take us at 1:30, which was in a golf cart, not the air conditioned van I was promised in the description I originally signed up for.

Stevin_FJun 22, 2026VIATOR

Great way to experience...

Great way to experience the colosseum with a very knowledgeable tour guide! Highly recommend, skips all the long lines and provides you with all the history you need to know!

Chris_RJun 22, 2026VIATOR

Really great tour to...

Really great tour to amazing sites! Eva was our guide for the Colosseum and Forum. She was knowledgeable and engaging. It would’ve been nice though to have a few extra minutes just to “look around”. Paco was our driver to/from the Catacombs. The vehicle was a golf cart instead of air conditioned, but Paco was great…took us to drive by a couple “extra” sites that we definitely wouldn’t have seen otherwise. Obviously, the Colosseum, Forum and Catacombs were all spectacular. All in all, definitely recommend this tour!!

Matthew_VJun 15, 2026VIATOR

Tour of Rome

This tour is actually multiple tours combined. We first had the group tour of the Colosseum. There were 12 people in total. It was easy to find the meeting location and a short walk to the Colosseum. Being part of a group tour we were able to get into a shorter entry line. You still need to have a matching passport name and ticket, and go through a metal detector and bag screening. After the 2.5 hour tour, we then had 3 hours to wait until the 2nd part of the tour experience began for the visit to the Catacombs. The itinerary for this tour is confusing, there are two separate Catacombs listed, but you only go to one, and there are "pass by" locations listed but the driver does not point them out. There is no food provided on either tour. Overall, both tours were good and we'd do it again. The Colosseum tour guide was very knowledgeable.

Nadine_NJun 11, 2026VIATOR

Fabio was fantastic! We...

Fabio was fantastic! We had a history lesson with each stop. All the food was excellent! Some things of which we never heard!!! The walk was easy and we were very full at the end of the tour. Highly recommend.

Wendy_FMay 31, 2026VIATOR

Additional information

Customers have a mandatory meeting time stated 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time due to managing and organizational reasons. 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 order in which the sites are visited during the tour can vary. 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. Discount for children is applied only with a valid ID card! Please note that for safety reasons the Colosseum can accommodate up to 3.000 people at once. This could lead to delays in access to the site, even for pre-booked visitors. The activity can suffer 20/30 min variation due to organizational resons. For security reasons all visitors and their luggage shall be screened. To facilitate the security check, please insert any object (including mobile phone) in your bag/backpack or in the tray to be included in the X-ray. Forbidden objects inside the Colosseum: bottles and glasses containers, alcoholic beverages and aerosols, large backpacks, camping sets, bulky bags and luggage / trolley. Medium and small size backpacks can be taken inside the Colosseum, which will be X-ray checked, or opened and visually inspected by the Urbe Security Institute, responsible for the entrance inspection. Please notice that the Colosseum Administration, which depends on the Ministry of Cultural Assets and Activities has the faculty to close the Colosseum, or parts of it, with or without notice, for events, strikes, heavy rain, or any other reason. In this case, we will offer an alternative itinerary as it seems fit and offer a partial refund Activity not recommended for travelers with walking impairment. Transpostation to the Catacombs will be lead by a professional driver (not a guide). In the Catacombs, temperature is about 60°F and the moisture content is high; please dress appropriately. No one can visit the catacombs on their own, nor stray from their group along the route, nor cross the gates that delimit the paths open to the public. It is forbidden to touch the exhibits along the visit path. It is strictly forbidden to remove any object and/or material! You are not allowed to eat inside the monuments! You can carry a water bottle. No change on a booking can be accepted after 24hrs to the starting time of the tour. In that instance, no refund will be issued. For the safety of all guests, the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to passengers who are intoxicated or show signs of intoxication. If, as a result, your tour is canceled, you will not be entitled to a refund. Pets are not allowed. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For any communication, the staff has no responsibility in case of wrong or inactive phone number. Any change (date and/or time) must be notified and confirmed to have insurance coverage. Please inform us in advance of any disabilities or special requirements so that we can ensure the best possible experience. Kindly communicate any relevant details to our team via email at tourinthecityrome@gmail.com." The duration of the tour might be different depending on weather conditions (ice, rain, or high temperatures) or other events beyond the travel agency's control.
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