Special Access Colosseum Arena Floor Tour through the Gladiator's Gate
Walk in the footsteps of warriors on the amphitheater stage then see the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Reaching the Colosseum’s Arena Floor is no easy feat. Tickets sell out quickly, and most visitors get stuck in crowded corridors with limited views. On this tour, gain privileged access and enter through the Gladiator’s Gate. Stand on the Arena Floor for a front-row view of the magnitude of Rome’s nearly 2,000-year-old amphitheater. 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
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Enter the Colosseum like a gladiator
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Expert English-speaking guide
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Pre-reserved Colosseum entry tickets
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Exclusive Arena Floor access and tour
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Guided tour of Colosseum 1st & 2nd tiers
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Guided tour of the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
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Guide tips
Tour Itinerary
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1
Your tour begins at the Colosseum
Meet your guide and small group outside the Colosseum, the world’s most iconic amphitheater and one of the 7 wonders of the world. Get a quick introduction to the wild history of the Flavian Dynasty and the massive engineering project that built this stone giant nearly two thousand years ago. -
2
Walk through the Gladiator's Gate
Utilize your pre-reserved tickets to enter the Colosseum for a security check. Then pass through the side doors, once used by ancient warriors. This special access leads you straight onto the wooden Arena Floor, to stand where fighters once battled for their lives in front of 50,000 screaming fans. -
3
Climb the ancient stone tiers
Follow your guide up the original stairwells to reach the first and second levels of the monument. These seats were once reserved for Rome’s elite and offer a perfect view of the entire structure, including an overhead view of the maze of underground tunnels where animals were kept. -
4
See the Arch of Constantine
As you exit the Colosseum, stop at this massive marble arch built to celebrate a famous victory in 312 AD. Your guide will point out the recycled carvings that honor Emperor Constantine, whose support for the Christian faith fundamentally transformed the religious landscape of the empire. -
5
Explore the Roman Forum
Step into the valley that served as the bustling downtown of the ancient world. Walk along the Via Sacra or Sacred Way to see the ruins of the Senate House and the Temple of Saturn, where the city’s most powerful leaders once made world-changing decisions. -
6
Ascend the Palatine Hill
Climb to the legendary spot where Romulus is said to have founded Rome among the ruins of luxury imperial palaces. As you wander through the gardens and brick, catch the best views of the city skyline and the distant Circus Maximus racing track. -
7
Your tour finishes near the Colosseum
The guided part of your adventure wraps up on the breezy heights of Palatine Hill. Say goodbye to your guide then head off to your next adventure, having just checked off a major bucket list item. -
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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
Discover what to expect, what's included, and everything you need to know before booking.
Good to know:
Dress Code: Comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes are recommended, as you’ll be walking on uneven terrain.
Accessibility: Due to uneven terrain and historic surfaces, this tour isn’t suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. A soft baby carrier is recommended, and if you expect to need elevator access at the Colosseum, please let us know in advance so your guide can prepare. You may also like to consider joining our Private Colosseum Tour.
ID Requirement: A valid government-issued ID is required to enter the Colosseum. The name on your ticket must match your ID or entry may be denied.
Tour Changes: Depending on the assigned entry time for the Colosseum, your tour might enter the Roman Forum first and end in the Colosseum. It is also possible this tour might run in reverse. Either way, you’ll enjoy the full experience with your guide.
Children: All visitors, regardless of age, need a ticket for the Colosseum. Each child’s ticket must match their government-issued ID. Passports are recommended.
Disability certification: Visitors with valid disability certification are eligible for a reduced €2 entry ticket to the Colosseum, which also applies to one companion. Contact us after booking to arrange this. This applies to the ticket cost only, not the tour price.
Lines: This tour includes group access to the Colosseum, allowing you to skip the main lines for individual visitors. You’ll still pass through a security check before entering, which may involve a short wait.
Closures: 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.
Bag Policy: For quicker entry, please leave large backpacks and wheeled bags at your accommodation as they aren’t permitted inside the Colosseum. All bags will be screened at security.
Check-in: Please arrive 15 minutes early so your group can enter right on time and make the most of your visit.
Your 3-hour tour includes:
Expert English-speaking guide
Pre-reserved Colosseum entry tickets
Enter through the Gladiator's Gate
Exclusive access and tour of Colosseum Arena Floor
Guided tour of the Colosseum 1st & 2nd tiers
Guided tour of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
What to bring:
Government-issued ID
Sunscreen (in summer)
Water bottle
Comfortable walking shoes
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Customer Reviews
Awesome. Reysie our tour guide exuded genuine enthusiasm for our tour very insightful providing interesting details to our experience
We had a great day at the Colosseum. David Battaglino was a very good guide and made the tour for us and our teenage children fun and educational👍🏻🇮🇹
Great tour! Federico was incredible. So knowledgeable and enthusiastic! The whole experience was so professional and organized. Highly recommend!
Sonia was great and knowledgeable and made the tour fun. Thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
Please bring a 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?
Please bring a 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.
What does pre-reserved ticket mean?
This tour includes a privileged entrance that let's you bypass the general admission entrance line. However, please keep in mind that every person entering the Colosseum, including those with pre-reserved tickets, is required to go through an airport style security check.
Will my tour time change?
The start time of your tour has the potential to change due to ticketing. Please keep your day open and flexible.
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.
