Colosseum Arena Floor Express Tour with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Enter via Gladiator's Gate to stand where fighters battled, then explore ancient ruins
Experience the Colosseum exactly as the gladiators did. Step through the exclusive Gladiator’s Gate and emerge onto the reconstructed Arena Floor, standing where combat once unfolded before 50,000 roaring spectators. After 20 minutes at center stage, your journey continues to the ruins of the imperial palaces on Palatine Hill and through the temples of the Roman Forum. Led by an expert storyteller, this tour transforms Rome’s most iconic landmarks into a personal encounter with history.
What You Get With This Tour
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Expert English-speaking guide
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Colosseum Arena Floor entry and tour
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Guided Palatine Hill tour
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Guided Roman Forum tour
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Guide tips
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Hotel pickup and drop-off
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Entry to 1st and 2nd levels of Colosseum
Tour Itinerary
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1
Your tour begins near the Colosseum
Meet your guide beside the iconic amphitheater that defined entertainment in ancient Rome. After a quick introduction, your archaeologist or historian guide leads you toward the exclusive Gladiator's Gate entrance reserved for fighters centuries ago. -
2
Step onto the Arena Floor through the Gladiator's Gate
Enter through the passage once used by gladiators and wild animals, then stand on the reconstructed floor where combat unfolded. You'll spend 20 minutes seeing the Colosseum as fighters did—looking up at stone tiers that held 50,000 spectators. -
3
Climb Palatine Hill
Next, walk to the hill where legend says Romulus founded Rome in 753 BC. Wander past crumbled imperial palace walls and catch sweeping views of the Forum and Colosseum below. Your guide explains how emperors lived here at the center of their empire. -
4
Explore the Roman Forum
Then descend into the Forum, where senators debated laws and merchants sold goods for centuries. Follow the Via Sacra past temples, triumphal arches, and the Senate House. Your guide points out where Julius Caesar was cremated and where victorious generals paraded. -
5
Your tour finishes in the Roman Forum or Palatine Hill
Your journey through Ancient Rome wraps up after two hours of walking where gladiators, emperors, and citizens once shaped history. Depending on ticketing, the tour order may reverse, but you'll leave with stories that make the ruins feel alive.
Additional Information
Good to know:
ID Requirement: Please bring a valid government-issued ID for entrance into the Colosseum. The name on your tickets (entered at check-out) must match the name listed on your government-issued ID or you will be refused entry.
Tour Changes: Depending on the assigned entry time for the Colosseum, your tour might enter the Roman Forum first and end at the Colosseum Arena Floor.
Please Note: The Arena Floor ticket allows only 20 minutes on the floor at the booked time. The tour will then continue to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, where you will enjoy elevated views over the Colosseum.
Accessibility: The Arena Floor and the Roman Forum are completely accessible, but guests with wheelchair accessibility needs will find difficulty in the Palatine Hill due to the uneven and hilly grounds.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can enter sites on time.
Your 2-hour tour includes:
Expert English-speaking guide
Skip-the-line entry to Colosseum Arena Floor via Gladiator's Gate
Guided tour of Palatine Hill
Guided tour of Roman Forum
Maximum group size of 25
What to bring:
Government-issued ID
Comfortable sneakers
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour family-friendly?
Yes, this tour is family-friendly. Children often enjoy standing on the Arena Floor and hearing stories about gladiators. However, the tour covers around 2.5 miles with uneven terrain, stairs, and hills, so younger children may tire easily.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
The Arena Floor and Roman Forum are accessible, but Palatine Hill includes uneven and hilly terrain that can be difficult for wheelchairs or guests with limited mobility. The tour covers about 2.5 miles with cobblestones, stairs, and natural terrain. If you have concerns, please contact us at support@thetourguy.com before booking.
Can we spend more time inside the Colosseum?
No, the Arena Floor ticket allows only 20 minutes at the scheduled time. This exclusive access is limited, but your guide will share detailed explanations while on the floor. Later, you'll enjoy elevated views of the Colosseum from Palatine Hill, where your guide can answer additional questions.
How much walking is involved?
This tour covers approximately 2.5 miles over two hours, including cobblestones, uneven terrain, stairs, and hills. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, and we recommend bringing water during warmer months.
