5.0(17 reviews)
VIP Colosseum Underground Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
3.5 hours
Max 24 people
Rome, Italy
About this activity
Enjoy VIP access on one of the most exclusive experiences in Rome, featuring a full tour of the Colosseum underground, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
Highlights
- Go where few visitors have gone before with this VIP Colosseum underground tour, leading you in the footsteps of gladiators so you can truly experience the might and power of ancient Rome.
- Have a VIP experience at Rome's most famous monument as you sail past the crowds and step into restricted access areas that are off-limits to the general public.
- Enjoy a full tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill and hear captivating stories of Rome's glory days from your knowledgeable guide.
Full description
Tour the Colosseum in VIP fashion as you visit the highly exclusive underground area.
Feel the fear and hear the roar of the crowd above you on this once-in-a-lifetime Colosseum underground tour. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, you'll have the opportunity to delve into the gory history of the gladiators while exploring the tunnels of the Colosseum underground and stepping out onto the famed arena floor.
While admiring the awe-inspiring architecture of the Colosseum, which has withstood the test of time for almost two millennia, your intimate group will be captivated by your guide's explanation of the truth behind the stadium and the games that once took place here—which isn't quite like what you might have seen in movies!
While admiring the awe-inspiring architecture of the Colosseum, which has withstood the test of time for almost two millennia, your intimate group will be captivated by your guide's explanation of the truth behind the stadium and the games that once took place here—which isn't quite like what you might have seen in movies!
The cherry on top of your Colosseum underground tour comes as you step away from the crowds in the general access areas and make your way to the underground tunnels beneath the arena. Walk in the footsteps of gladiators who waited here before battle and hear stories about their real lives as you explore the underbelly of one of history's most spectacular stadiums. Our parent company, the Hornblower Group, worked with the Colosseum Archaeological Park to bring this experience to life, and we're so excited to share it with you as part of this once-in-a-lifetime tour.
As part of your experience, you'll explore one of the most incredible recent additions to the Colosseum: a brand-new exhibition that brings ancient Rome's most iconic figures to life. Marvel at a fascinating collection of artifacts and see firsthand how a gladiator's journey from the training area to the arena floor would have looked through lifelike digital projections.
You'll continue your gladiator's journey out onto the arena floor, which provides one of the most unforgettable vantage points of the ancient arena.
As part of your experience, you'll explore one of the most incredible recent additions to the Colosseum: a brand-new exhibition that brings ancient Rome's most iconic figures to life. Marvel at a fascinating collection of artifacts and see firsthand how a gladiator's journey from the training area to the arena floor would have looked through lifelike digital projections.
You'll continue your gladiator's journey out onto the arena floor, which provides one of the most unforgettable vantage points of the ancient arena.
Hear tales that shock and entertain at the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill.
After your Colosseum underground tour, you'll experience the very heart of ancient Rome: the Roman Forum. This was the social and political heart of the empire, which stretched over more than 2.5 million square miles and was home to 65 million people.
Stroll beneath the Arch of Constantine and see the Senate house where toga-clad elites decided on behalf of all of those millions. Learn the story of the Temple of the Vestal Virgins, where a special cult of women kept Rome’s sacred flame alive. Your guide will share captivating tales of the ancient empire, full of love, betrayal, and larger-than-life characters (Caesar, Cleopatra and Mark Antony to name a few). They'll even come prepared with great visual aids and reconstructions to show you how it all would have looked 2,000 years ago.
Finally, at the Palatine Hill, you’ll discover the origins of ancient Rome. Legend has it that this is the spot where Remus and Romulus were found by the she-wolf and where they battled to decide who would have the privilege of building their own town. Hear how this mythical battle impacted the world you know today. We owe the ancient Romans more than you’d believe…
Benefit from privileged entrance, small groups and the best guides in the business on your Colosseum underground tour.
Traveling in small groups means you’ll find it easier to get around busy sites and to hear and engage with your guide. A good thing too, since they're bursting with captivating stories just waiting to be told! To help you get the most from the time you spend with us, we also have privileged access at the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, so you'll get ahead of the crowds. Because Colosseum underground tours are so limited, this tour often sells out months in advance—so book now to be sure that your place is secured!
A number of our Colosseum tours also have special access, including our Gladiator's Gate Tour, which gets you onto the Colosseum arena floor.
Due to high demand and restricted access to certain areas of the Colosseum, the entrance time for the Colosseum Underground may be granted between 9:00am and 4:00pm the day of your tour. We will confirm the start time of your tour about 30 days prior to the tour date.
Sites Visited:
Colosseum Underground
General access areas of the Colosseum
Roman Forum
Palatine Hill
Arch of Constantine
Due to high demand and restricted access to certain areas of the Colosseum, the entrance time for the Colosseum Underground may be granted between 9:00am and 4:00pm the day of your tour. We will confirm the start time of your tour about 30 days prior to the tour date.
Sites Visited:
Colosseum Underground
General access areas of the Colosseum
Roman Forum
Palatine Hill
Arch of Constantine
Included / Excluded
- Local English-speaking guide
- Expertly guided walking tour
- Colosseum entrance ticket (Full Experience Plus Underground Areas Ticket €24)
- Small group of 24 guests maximum
- Headset (groups over 6 people)
- Gratuities
- Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Meeting point
Start Location
Via delle Terme di Tito, 72, 00184 Roma, RM, Italy
72 Via delle Terme di Tito, Via delle Terme di Tito, 72, Roma, IT
Important information
Know before you book
- 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 +39 068-596-0143 (Italy) or 888-683-8670 (USA) to make alternative arrangements.
- 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.
- Heavy rain can compromise the underground area of the Colosseum. On such occasions, the underground may close without notice.
- Walks comply with all local government regulations. You may need to wear a mask or provide proof of vaccination to enter certain venues. Please refer to Italy government guidelines for the most up to date information
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 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.
- Heavy rain can compromise the underground area of the Colosseum. On such occasions, the underground may close without notice.
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
- Walks comply with all local government regulations. You may need to wear a mask or provide proof of vaccination to enter certain venues. Please refer to Italy government guidelines for the most up to date information
- 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 +39 068-596-0143 (Italy) or 888-683-8670 (USA) to make alternative arrangements.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 72 hours before the activity starts
Cancellations received greater than 72 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 72 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.
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