Colosseum Underground Tour with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Get special access to the Underground dungeons and Arena Floor on this guided tour

4.95 (1040) ·

Travel Flexibly

· 3.00h · Rome, Italy

A group of tourists on tour of the Colosseum Underground.

A group of tourists in the Colosseum Underground.

An image of the elevator system in the Colosseum Underground.

A couple having their picture taken at the Colosseum.

A tourist walking through the Colosseum along with a guide from The Tour Guy.

A group of tourists walking through the Roman Forum.

An image of the Temple of Julius Caesar in the Roman Forum.

Only 2% of visitors to the Colosseum are able to see the Underground, making tours a rare, exclusive experience. Our tours give you access to the Underground, Arena Floor, and first and second tiers—areas most people never see. Skip the line and enjoy priority access, guided by an expert who brings the Colosseum’s rich history to life. These spots sell out quickly, so don’t wait—secure your place now for this unforgettable opportunity.

What You Get With This Tour

Expert English-speaking guide
Skip-the-line Colosseum Underground tickets
Access to Arena Floor
Access to Gladiator’s Gate
Entry to Colosseum 1st and 2nd tiers
Guided tour of Roman Forum
Walking tour of Palatine Hill
Guide tips

Tour Itinerary

1

Meet your guide outside the Colosseum Metro Stop
Your ultimate journey into ancient Rome begins here! You’ll meet your expert local guide and small group near the Colosseo metro stop before heading to one of the world's most iconic landmarks. Get ready for an exclusive experience and behind-the-scenes access to the heart of the ancient world.
2

Skip-the-line entry to the Colosseum
Bypass the long entrance queues and step right inside the magnificent Colosseum, a true masterpiece of ancient engineering. Your guide will quickly bring the history of this spectacular arena to life as you begin your adventure through its secret passageways and grandstands.
3

Colosseum Underground and dungeons
Venture beneath the reconstructed Arena Floor to explore the Hypogeum (Underground). You'll walk through the same tunnels and chambers where gladiators, wild animals, and the condemned once awaited their fate, learning the chilling stories of this active archaeological dig.
4

Arena Floor and Gladiator’s Gate
Back above ground, walk through the Gladiator’s Gate onto the reconstructed Arena Floor. Standing where fighters once stood, you’ll take in the sweeping view of the amphitheater and hear stories of the dramatic shows that entertained 60,000 roaring spectators.
5

First and Second levels of the Colosseum
Then, you’ll climb to the upper tiers for panoramic views and an unforgettable look across the ancient arena. Your guide explains seating rituals, social hierarchies, and clever engineering tricks that kept the crowds shaded and awestruck.
6

Roman Forum
A short walk leads you into the Roman Forum with priority entry. You’ll stroll along the Via Sacra and see essential sites like the Arch of Titus, the Temple of Julius Caesar, and the Roman Senate House, all while hearing stories of emperors, generals, and daily Roman life.
7

Temples, arches, and sacred sites
Continuing deeper into the Forum, you’ll stop by the Arch of Septimius Severus, the House of the Vestal Virgins, and the Temple of Antoninus Pius. Your guide explains the myths, rituals, and political power plays tied to these iconic ruins.
8

Palatine Hill
Finally, you’ll walk up to Palatine Hill, the historic birthplace of Rome and once the 'Beverly Hills' of the ancient city. As you explore the ruins of lavish imperial residences beneath towering pine trees, you’ll enjoy unparalleled, awe-inspiring views over the Forum and the Circus Maximus.
9

Your tour finishes at the Roman Forum
Your guided experience ends inside the Forum, giving you the freedom to linger among the ruins or continue exploring on your own. Your guide will point you toward exits, viewpoints, and optional areas to explore at your own pace.

Additional Information

Good to know:

Dress Code: Comfortable attire and shoes are recommended for walking on uneven terrain.
Accessibility: This tour involves ancient ground and uneven terrain. It is unfortunately not wheelchair or stroller accessible. A soft baby carrier is recommended.
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. After booking this tour, you’ll hear from our friendly Travel Experts who’ll ask to confirm your birthday and your name according to your passport.
Tour Changes: Depending on the assigned entry time for the Colosseum, your tour might enter the Roman Forum first and end in the Colosseum. All underground tour times are subject to change due to ticketing.
Bag Policy: The Colosseum allows small to medium-sized bags, but large backpacks, suitcases, and wheeled bags are prohibited and must be left behind. All bags are subject to security screening, similar to an airport.
Please Note: Tours starting after 6 PM do not include entry to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. These tours include a 1.5 hour overview of the Roman Forum from above. Entry tickets will be provided at check-in to see the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill during opening hours at your leisure.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can enter sites on time.

Your 3-hour tour includes:

Expert English-speaking guide
Skip-the-line Colosseum Underground tickets
Access to the Arena Floor and Gladiator's Gate
Guided tour of the Colosseum with 1st and 2nd tiers
Guided tour of the Roman Forum
Walking tour of Palatine Hill
Maximum group size of 24

What to bring:

Government-issued ID or Passport
Comfortable shoes
Sunscreen (for hot summer months)
Water bottle (for hot summer months)

Customer Reviews

4.95 (1040)

Leave a review

So much more to see!

Joyce Nicholson, 13 November 2025

What a great tour with so much interesting information and historical background. Our guide was wonderful! I’m glad we chose this company and this tour which made our vacation complete.

Kevin Henahan, 10 November 2025

Fantastic Must See Experience

John Robitscher, 04 November 2025

Our Colosseum Underground Tour with the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill was absolutely fantastic! The Tour Guy provided an exceptional experience—well-organized and easy to follow. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, engaging, and passionate about Roman history, bringing every corner of ancient Rome to life. Exploring the underground tunnels and standing where gladiators once waited was an unforgettable experience. Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Rome!

Christine Tamaro, 20 October 2025

Christopher Garris, 16 October 2025

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Frequently Asked Questions

What to bring?

Please make sure to bring your passport or government ID! We also recommend comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain. Bring sunscreen and a water bottle for hot summer months.

What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?

This tour includes walking on uneven terrain for most of the tour. If you have any doubts about your mobility, we suggest booking a Colosseum private tour so your needs can be better accommodated.

What happens if it rains?

We run our Colosseum tours rain or shine. If rainfall is extremely heavy, the Colosseum management will sometimes close the restricted areas for safety reasons. If the restricted areas are closed, we will offer an €18 refund to compensate for missing these areas, but we'll still take you inside the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum.

Can my tour be canceled or moved to a different day?

Yes, it is possible. Colosseum Underground tours are very exclusive and are subject to changes, but we’re experts in this field and have staff dedicated to ensuring the best possible customer experience. If we are unable to acquire tickets on your behalf, we will let you know at least 14 days before your tour date, in which case we'll add you to a comparable tour or offer a full refund.

Is it possible The Tour Guy will change this tour time?

Yes, it is very likely to happen due to the exclusive nature of this tour. We recommend you keep your entire day open to accommodate your new tour time. Be sure to monitor your email as we will contact you at least 14 days before the tour with any new start time.

What to bring?

Please make sure to bring your passport or government ID! We also recommend comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain. Bring sunscreen and a water bottle for hot summer months.

Why do you need my full name and birthday?

The Colosseum management recently changed their rules, which means tickets will be reserved specifically for the actual ticket holder. We'll use your name and birthday to reserve a ticket just for you, so don't forget to bring your passport or ID to the Colosseum to confirm your ticket!

Does this tour let me skip the line?

Yes! You'll avoid the main admission line to access the Colosseum via a separate entrance with your guide. You'll also skip the line at the Roman Forum.