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 (3175) ·

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· 3.00h · Rome, Italy

Special Access Colosseum Arena Floor Tour through the Gladiator's Gate

A tour group at the Colosseum on the Arena Floor with tour guide from The Tour Guy

A group of tourists entering the Colosseum Arena Floor with their guide from The Tour Guy.

A woman having her picture taken at the Colosseum.

A group of tourists on the 1st level of the Colosseum with their guide from The Tour Guy.

A woman looking over the Arena Floor at the Colosseum.

A group of tourists inside the Roman Forum while on tour with The Tour Guy.

A group of tourists standing under the Arch of Titus in the Roman Forum.

A group of tourists inside the Roman Forum with their guide from The Tour Guy.

A group of tourists walking past the Temple of Julius Caesar with their guide from The Tour Guy.

A pair of tourists in the Roman Forum with their guide from The Tour Guy.

A man looking at the Arch of Titus in the Roman Forum.

A group of tourists walking through the Palatine Hill

A group of tourists infront of the Senate House in the Roman Forum with their guide from The Tour Guy.

A woman standing near the Colosseum with her guide from the Tour Guy.

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

Skip the line tickets
English speaking guide
Wheelchair accessible
Guide gratuities

Tour Itinerary

1

Meet your guide outside the Colosseum metro stop
Just outside of the Colosseum Metro Stop, find your expert Roman guide along with your enthusiastic group of fellow travelers
2

Colosseum
Using your priority tickets, enter the world’s largest ancient amphitheater through a special entrance reserved only for small groups
3

Arena floor
Enjoy exclusive access to the Colosseum’s Arena Floor, imagining the fear and excitement of the gladiators who once battled here
4

First level
Once reserved for Rome’s most elite classes, head to the Colosseum’s first level for an unobstructed view of the Arena floor from up above
5

Second level
Marvel at panoramic views of the Colosseum while learning about the battles that once took place in this historic amphitheater
6

Arch of Constantine
Gaze up at this towering, intricately designed arch, which famously honors Emperor Constantine’s victory at the Battle of Milvian Bridge
7

Roman Forum
Walk among the ruins of ancient government buildings and open-air markets while listening to tales of what life was like for ancient Romans
8

Arch of Titus
Gaze up at the towering Arch of Titus, famously built in 81 AD by Emperor Domitian to honor his later brother
9

House of the Vestal Virgins
As you continue to explore the Roman Forum, marvel at the ruins of what was once the home of Rome’s vestal priestesses
10

Temple of Julius Caesar
Admire one of the most captivating structures within the Roman Forum, the remains of a stunning temple dedicated to Julius Caesar
11

Temple of Antoninus Pius
Listen closely as your guide shares the intriguing history of this impressively preserved temple, which was later converted into a church
12

Arch of Septimius Severus
Feast your eyes on this stunning, white marble arch which was built in honor of the Emperor’s victory against the Parthians
13

Palatine Hill
Explore the birthplace of Rome, where the ruins of ornate palaces tell the stories of ancient Rome’s most elite crowd
14

Senate House
Explore a reconstruction of the Curia Julia, the Senate House of Ancient Rome which served as a significant meeting place for the Senate
15

End your tour near the Colosseum
Say goodbye to your friendly guide, then continue exploring the Roman Forum on your own, diving even deeper into the city’s ancient history

Additional Information

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.

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Customer reviews

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5.0/5 (based on 3175 reviews)

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05 November 2025

Reviewed by
Deanna Friedel

Amazing tour!

05 November 2025

Reviewed by
Vince Vaughan

David was an amazing storyteller, which really brought the Colosseum alive for us. Humorous and insightful throughout the tour. Good overview of the Forum as well. Very highly recommend!

David is amazing!

05 November 2025

Reviewed by
Chris ambrose

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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.