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
Want to see the Colosseum from a new angle? This tour lets you through the gladiator’s gate to stand on the reconstructed Arena Floor where warriors once fought and explore the Colosseum’s first and second tiers. Enjoy perks that regular ticket holders don't get with skip-the-line access and three areas of the Colosseum. After exploring the Arena in depth with your expert guide, you'll head over to the Roman Forum and climb Palatine Hill where you can imagine what downtown ancient Rome was like.
- 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
2239 total reviews
Leave a reviewSerena was terriffic
Nancy Sullivan
From check in as effortless to marching behind in a group Serena was very thorough competent and ready to answer all questions your tours are 2 for 2 now. Keep going
Great Tour!
Unverified Review
The tour guide Mike (American version of name) was very friendly, kept the tour moving, and shared so much history and information! He was easy to talk to and very responsive to everyone's questions. We truly enjoyed the tour!
History!
Debra Aven
Loved every minute. Ilaria was the best guide we’ve ever had. She was a walking history book and kept us all enthralled and enraptured. We wish we had her for all the tours.
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.