VIP Colosseum Underground Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
3.5 hours
Max 24 people
Rome, Italy
Full description
Access the underground area of the Colosseum closed to the general public with this VIP tour. Begin with express Colosseum entrance to avoid wasting time in line and head straight underground to see where gladiators and wild animals once waited to fight. Then head up to the arena floor and amphitheater seating to learn about its history and architecture. End with a walk through the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
Stop At: Colosseum
Description: During the special access sections of the tour, you’ll be accompanied by a guard who will open gates to grant you and a maximum of 23 other guests (2 groups are combined when visiting these sections) exclusive entrance access to the underground and arena floor. Making your way through the underbelly of the Colosseum, you'll see ancient history come alive through fascinating multimedia projections detailing the path gladiators took from their training area to the arena floor. You'll also be able to marvel at a collection of artifacts, including reproductions of the gladiators' famous armor made using the exact same materials and techniques as in ancient times. With your expert guide you’ll also have a full tour of the regular access areas of the Colosseum, including the first and second levels.
Admission: Included
Time: 2 hours
Stop At: Roman Forum
Description: Then it’s on to the Roman Forum where you’ll hear about the political history of ancient Rome. Julius Caesar once led his triumphant armies on parade here, and it was also here that successive emperors plotted the growth of Rome.
Admission: Included
Time: 45 minutes
Stop At: Palatine Hill
Description: For those with an interest in history, the Palatine Hill is an unexpected highlight. Vastly underrated, the hill is a much quieter place, where your guide will point out the ruins of the world’s first palaces.
Admission: Included
Time: 45 minutes
Description: During the special access sections of the tour, you’ll be accompanied by a guard who will open gates to grant you and a maximum of 23 other guests (2 groups are combined when visiting these sections) exclusive entrance access to the underground and arena floor. Making your way through the underbelly of the Colosseum, you'll see ancient history come alive through fascinating multimedia projections detailing the path gladiators took from their training area to the arena floor. You'll also be able to marvel at a collection of artifacts, including reproductions of the gladiators' famous armor made using the exact same materials and techniques as in ancient times. With your expert guide you’ll also have a full tour of the regular access areas of the Colosseum, including the first and second levels.
Admission: Included
Time: 2 hours
Stop At: Roman Forum
Description: Then it’s on to the Roman Forum where you’ll hear about the political history of ancient Rome. Julius Caesar once led his triumphant armies on parade here, and it was also here that successive emperors plotted the growth of Rome.
Admission: Included
Time: 45 minutes
Stop At: Palatine Hill
Description: For those with an interest in history, the Palatine Hill is an unexpected highlight. Vastly underrated, the hill is a much quieter place, where your guide will point out the ruins of the world’s first palaces.
Admission: Included
Time: 45 minutes
Included / Excluded
- Local English-speaking guide
- Expertly guided walking tour
- Colosseum entrance ticket (Full Experience Plus Underground Areas Ticket €24)
- 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
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.