Express Colosseum Tour with Expert Storytelling Guide
Experience 1st and 2nd levels and see the best views in one focused hour
This express tour proves you don't need all day to discover the Colosseum's secrets—just one focused hour with the right guide. Walk the 1st and 2nd levels where Roman crowds once roared for blood, learning how 50,000 spectators were seated, how retractable awnings provided shade, and how gladiators trained for deadly combat. Your guide shares captivating stories without dragging things out, and to top it off, your ticket includes self-guided access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
What You Get With This Tour
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Get in, get going, get wowed
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Expert English-speaking guide
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Colosseum entry and tour
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1st and 2nd level access
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Roman Forum and Palatine Hill access
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Guide tips
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Guided tour of Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Tour Itinerary
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1
Meet your guide outside the Colosseum
Your tour begins near the Colosseo metro stop, where your guide greets you beneath the towering stone arches of Rome's most famous monument. -
2
Enter the Colosseum
Step through the ancient archway and into 2,000 years of history. Your guide fits you with headsets so you can hear every story clearly, even as crowds gather around this legendary amphitheater. -
3
Explore the 1st level of the Colosseum
Walk the same corridors where Roman citizens once poured in for brutal entertainment. Your guide explains how the arena floor was built, where wild animals were kept below, and how the retractable awning shaded 50,000 spectators on game days. -
4
Stand on the 2nd level overlooking the arena
Climb to the tier where Rome's wealthier classes sat and look down on the enormous arena floor. From this vantage point, you can imagine gladiators battling below, the roar of the crowd, and the emperor's thumb deciding life or death. -
5
Learn about gladiatorial combat and naval battles
Hear the gritty details of gladiator training, the different fighter classes, and even the mock sea battles that flooded the arena floor. Your guide shares surprising facts about how these spectacles were organized and what happened behind the scenes. -
6
Your tour finishes at the Colosseum exit
After an hour of expert storytelling, your guided portion wraps up right outside the Colosseum. From here, your ticket grants you self-guided access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill whenever you're ready to continue exploring.
Additional Information
Good to know:
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.
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.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can enter sites on time.
Your 1-hour tour includes:
Expert English-speaking guide
Entry to the Colosseum
Guided tour of the first and second levels
Headsets to hear your guide clearly
Self-guided access to Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Maximum group size of 25
What to bring:
Government-issued ID
Comfortable shoes
Water bottle
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour family-friendly?
Yes, this tour is perfect for families. The express one-hour format keeps kids engaged without dragging on. Just keep in mind there's walking on uneven ancient terrain and stairs to climb between levels.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
This tour involves ancient ground, uneven terrain, and stairs to reach the first and second levels. It's unfortunately not wheelchair or stroller accessible. If you have mobility concerns, please contact us at support@thetourguy.com before booking to discuss your options.
How much walking is involved?
You'll walk through the first and second levels of the Colosseum with your guide for about an hour, all on ancient stone and uneven surfaces. Comfortable shoes are essential. After the guided portion, you can explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill at your own pace.
Can I really explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill after the tour?
Absolutely. Your ticket includes self-guided access to both sites, and they're valid for the rest of the day after your guided Colosseum tour wraps. You can spend as much or as little time there as you'd like.
Does this tour include the arena floor or underground?
No, this express tour covers the first and second levels of the Colosseum only. If you'd like access to the arena floor or underground chambers, check out our other Colosseum tours with special access.
