Special Access Colosseum Arena Floor Tour through the Gladiator's Gate
Walk in the footsteps of gladiators on the Colosseum floor and see the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Reaching the Colosseum’s Arena Floor is no easy feat; tickets sell out quickly, leaving most visitors stuck in crowded corridors with limited views. With us, bypass the lines and enter through the Gladiator’s Gate to stand on the Arena Floor, giving you a front-row view of Rome’s nearly 2,000-year-old symbol of power and glory. With your friendly guide, uncover the Colosseum’s brutal past, then continue to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill to explore the epicenter of ancient Roman life.
- Meet your guide outside the Colosseum metro stop
- Colosseum
- Arena floor
- First level
- Second level
- Arch of Constantine
- Roman Forum
- Arch of Titus
- House of the Vestal Virgins
- Temple of Julius Caesar
- Temple of Antoninus Pius
- Arch of Septimius Severus
- Palatine Hill
- Stadium of Domitian
- Senate House
- End your tour near the Colosseum
You'll meet your local guide and small group of 25 or fewer people at a easy to reach location near the Colosseum (exact directions can be found on your voucher). There, you'll get a taste of what you'll see and experience before heading off to your skip-the-line entry at the Colosseum. Here you'll walk through the infamous Gladiator's Gate to the Arena Floor that most tourists can't access.
Your passionate Colosseum guide will share fascinating stories about this ancient Roman attraction as they lead you to the first and second tiers for epic views of the arena. Finally, enjoy a guided walk to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, where your guide will tell you of their history and the part they played in daily Roman life.
Colosseum Arena Floor Tour Description
Your 3-hour tour includes:
Skip-the-line Colosseum tickets
Exclusive access to the Arena Floor of the Colosseum
First and second tier access at the Colosseum
Guided tour of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
An expert English-speaking guide
A maximum group size of 25
Please note that depending on the assigned entry time for the Colosseum, your tour might enter the Roman Forum first and end in the Colosseum. This product includes an entry ticket to the Colosseum + Arena, Forum and Palatine, for which our cost is 24 Euro per person.
Colosseum Arena Floor Tickets
Avoid the crowds with special access to an area of the Colosseum that's not available to regular Colosseum ticket holders: the Arena Floor. You'll step back in time as you trace the footsteps of warriors who once entered through the imposing Gate of Death (or the gladiator's gate.) Visit the opening to the reconstructed trap door and hear your guide describe the wild animals and warriors who once fought here to the delight of ancient Roman society. It's a unique chance to imagine the fear and adrenaline that competitors must have felt so many years ago.
Roman Colosseum History
After the Arena Floor, go on a journey to the Colosseum's first and second levels. See where emperors sat and learn the rules of the gladiatorial games for both competitors and spectators. Learn why the ancient amphitheater was named the Colosseum, plus many more interesting facts. You'll spend an amazing 1.5 hours exploring the top attraction in Rome with your super-knowledgeable guide.
Guided Roman Forum Tour
Not far from the Colosseum sits the Roman Forum, and your guide will lead you through these ancient ruins on a guided walking tour. This Roman archaeological site was once the location of downtown ancient Rome. You'll visit some of the most famous Roman Forum buildings including the Temple of Julius Caesar, Arch of Titus, the Roman Senate House, and more. Re-live ancient history as you walk down the same roads taken by famous Roman emperors and philosophers.
Climb Palatine Hill
From the ancient downtown, your guide will lead you to a place we like to think of as the Beverly Hills of Ancient Rome. Climb the Palatine Hill and take in the views over Circus Maximus. You'll explore the 2,000 year old palaces and learn stories of Rome's rich and famous.
By the end of the tour, you'll leave the Colosseum and Forum with a camera full of incredible pictures and a mind full of knowledge about life in ancient Rome.
What you get with this tour
See what people are saying
2773 total reviews
Leave a reviewFantastic Colosseum Tour
Unmukt Gera
After a disappointing tour with TheTourGuy to Pompeii, I was wary of tour to Colosseum tour but I was pleasantly surprised. Gabriel, our tour guide, was a delight from start to finish. He kept us thoroughly engaged—not just with historical facts, but also with pop culture references and a healthy dose of “dad jokes” that kept the mood light. He even quizzed us along the way to make sure we were still with him (and awake!). What stood out most was his depth of knowledge—not only about the Colosseum itself but also about its place in the broader context of Roman history. Every question we asked was answered thoughtfully and in detail. Gabriel clearly knows his subject inside and out, and his passion made the tour come alive. After my earlier experience, this tour was a welcome surprise. If you’re on the fence, don’t be—just ask for Gabriel aka self proclaimed "Dr. Jones."
Colosseum tour
Danielle De Leon
Took a colosseum group tour with Bogdan and it was probably my favorite tour I’ve done so far on my stay here! Bogdan is super knowledgeable, but knows how and when to relate to his group and I greatly appreciated his ability to find good shade and remind us to stop and drink our waters in this July heat. Highly recommend taking this tour with Bogdan. (-:
Susan Richardson
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
Government-issued ID for entrance to the Colosseum. Archaeological sites have uneven terrain so wear comfortable sneakers. Bring sunscreen and a water bottle during the hot summer months.
Does the Arena Floor ever close to the public?
Sometimes the Colosseum closes access to the more restricted areas with little notice. This usually happens in cases of heavy rainfall or an emergency repair. If this happens, we will visit other areas of the Colosseum, and the tour will continue with the same duration. As the Arena Floor is only a portion of this tour, there are no refunds if Colosseum Management closes it at short notice.
What if I have concerns about my mobility?
If you have any doubts about your mobility, we suggest taking Private Colosseum Tour so we can better accommodate your needs.
Does my tour still run if it rains?
The Tour Guy runs guided tours rain or shine. In cases of heavy rainfall, the Colosseum management may close the Arena Floor at the last minute for safety. We do our best to make alternate Arena Floor arrangements, but we cannot guarantee a substitute date. If your group is subject to closures by the Colosseum and does not get access to the Arena Floor, we still continue on the tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum. There is no refund given if the Arena Floor portion of the tour is closed.
What to bring?
Government-issued ID for entrance to the Colosseum. Archaeological sites have uneven terrain so wear comfortable sneakers. Bring sunscreen and a water bottle during the hot summer months.
Does this tour let me skip the line?
Yes! You'll avoid the main admission line to access the Colosseum via a seperate entrance with your guide.
Will my tour time change?
Yes, the start time of your tour is likely to change. Please keep your day open. Your final start time will be sent 5 days before the date of your tour.
Can I cancel if my schedule changes?
Our Special Access Colosseum Arena Floor Tour through the Gladiator's Gate has a 72 hour cancellation policy.
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