5.0(11 reviews)
VIP Colosseum Underground Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
3.5 hours
Max 24 people
Rome, Italy
About this activity
Walk in the footsteps of the gladiators of ancient Rome on this small group tour that takes you to areas of the Colosseum usually closed to visitors. Learn what life was really like behind the scenes at the most famous gladiator arena in the world.
Highlights
- Get VIP access to the most in-demand site in Rome.
- Tour the tunnels of the Colosseum Underground.
- Hear about the fascinating history of the iconic arena.
- See the birthplace of Rome at the Palatine Hill.
- Learn about the growth of an empire at the Roman Forum.
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. As you make your way through the underbelly of the Colosseum, you'll see the past come to life through a fascinating multimedia exhibition showcasing real ancient artifacts and immersive digital projections. 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.
Since its reopening, the Colosseum’s underground area has become the sight to see in Rome. This domain of gladiators and animals is a part of your 3.5-hour VIP tour that’s truly away from the tourist crowds.
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. While exploring the underground area, you'll see ancient history come alive before you 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.
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.
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.
With small groups having a maximum of 12 participants, and archaeologists as tour guides, your tour is sure to be an a fascinating opportunity to explore Roman history.
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. While exploring the underground area, you'll see ancient history come alive before you 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.
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.
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.
With small groups having a maximum of 12 participants, and archaeologists as tour guides, your tour is sure to be an a fascinating opportunity to explore Roman history.
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
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets at Via delle Terme di Tito, 72, directly across the street from Oppio Caffè at the gated entrance to Colle Oppio Park.
Get directions →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.
- This tour is fully refundable up to 7 days prior to the event. Within 7 days, this tour is 100% non-refundable.
- The full names of all participants must be provided at the time of booking and match the names on their ID. The Colosseum requires all guests (including children) to present government ID at the time of entry. Therefore any guest that does not submit their name in advance of the tour, or who does not bring their ID to the meeting point, will be refused participation without refund. Name corrections are possible up to 7 days before the visit. After this, changes may not be possible.
- 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.
- 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.
- Walks / Devour complies with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up-to-date information.
Know before you go
- This tour is in English.
- The full names of all participants must be provided at the time of booking and match the names on their ID. The Colosseum requires all guests (including children) to present government ID at the time of entry. Therefore any guest that does not submit their name in advance of the tour, or who does not bring their ID to the meeting point, will be refused participation without refund. Name corrections are possible up to 7 days before the visit. After this, changes may not be possible.
- 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 and prompt arrival is essential. Late arrival will result in entry refusal and loss of tour cost.
- 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.
- This tour is fully refundable up to 7 days prior to the event. Within 7 days, this tour is 100% non-refundable.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 5 days before the activity starts
Cancellations received greater than 5 days prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 5 days 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(11 reviews)
Lisa
Jun 20265.0
The tour was great and having priority on the boat was excellent
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
Additional information
Ticket age ranges:
- Adult (18+)
- Child (2-17)
- Infant (0-1)
- Adult (18+)
- Child (2-17)
- Infant (0-1)