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

4.96 (3197) ·
Travel Flexibly
· 3.00h · Rome, Italy

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.

What You Get With This Tour

  • Expert English-speaking guide
  • Skip-the-line Colosseum tickets
  • Exclusive Arena Floor access
  • First and second tier entry
  • Guided tour of the Roman Forum
  • Guided tour of Palatine Hill
  • Guide tips

Tour Itinerary

  • 1

    Meet your guide outside the Colosseum metro stop

    Just outside the lower level of the Colosseo metro stop, you'll meet your friendly, expert guide and the rest of your small group. Your guide will provide a brief, exciting overview of the day ahead before leading you to the nearby entrance of Rome's most famous landmark.
  • 2

    Colosseum

    Using your priority ticket, you'll bypass the long lines and enter the world’s largest ancient amphitheater through a special entrance reserved for small groups. This is your chance to step back in time and confront the grandeur of this nearly 2,000-year-old symbol of Roman power.
  • 3

    Arena floor

    Next, you'll enjoy exclusive access to the Colosseum’s Arena Floor by entering through the Gladiator’s Gate. Stand where gladiators once stood and imagine the fear and adrenaline of the warriors and wild animals who fought for the delight of the Roman public.
  • 4

    First and Second levels

    After exploring the ground floor, your guide will lead you up to the first and second levels, once reserved for the Roman elite. From these elevated vantage points, you'll get an unobstructed, panoramic view of the Arena Floor and learn about the fierce battles that took place below.
  • 5

    Arch of Constantine

    You'll exit the Colosseum and gaze up at the towering Arch of Constantine, a massive, intricately designed marble structure. Learn about its construction and how it famously honors Emperor Constantine’s victory at the Battle of Milvian Bridge.
  • 6

    Roman Forum

    Your guided walk continues into the Roman Forum, the bustling epicenter of ancient Roman life. You’ll explore the ruins of government buildings, open-air markets, and the remains of a stunning temple dedicated to Julius Caesar while hearing tales of this historic downtown area.
  • 7

    Palatine Hill & Senate House

    Then, you’ll climb Palatine Hill, the mythical birthplace of Rome. Explore the ruins of ornate palaces, once home to the city’s most elite crowd, and see a reconstruction of the Curia Julia, the ancient Senate House, a key political meeting place.
  • 8

    Your tour finishes near the Colosseum

    After exploring the birthplace of Rome, your guided tour concludes near the Colosseum. You can say goodbye to your guide and continue exploring the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill on your own, diving even deeper into the city’s ancient history.

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.

  • Tour Changes: Depending on the assigned entry time for the Colosseum, your tour might enter the Roman Forum first and end in the Colosseum.

  • 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 3-hour tour includes:

  • Expert English-speaking guide

  • 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

  • Maximum group size of 25

What to bring:

  • Government-issued ID

  • Sunscreen (in summer)

  • Water bottle

  • Comfortable walking shoes

Customer Reviews

4.96 (3197)
Leave a review
Great tour of Rome with Daniele!
Robin Cahayla, 12 November 2025

We had a fabulous tour with Daniele. He was so interesting and very educated. I have done the same tour 3 other times but this time I learned so much more. With Daniele. Thank you so much for such a great tour. Till next time.

Serena
Neil Dunn, 12 November 2025

Serena our guide was wonderful, she being from rome , brought her knowledge and experience. We really appreciated it and loved the special access to the colosseum. With the roman guy tour we flew passed the long line forming in front. Wouldn't do it any other way. You would be lucky to get Serena as your guide.

Nathaniel Fehr, 11 November 2025

Anita Majerowicz, 11 November 2025

Carli Thompson, 11 November 2025

Show more reviews

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.

Start From: as low as $76.75

available days discounted days

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