Semi-Private Colosseum Underground and Arena Floor Tour
Explore exclusive gladiator tunnels and upper levels, plus self-guided Roman Forum entry
The Colosseum Underground is the monument's most dramatic and restricted area, where gladiators once waited in narrow tunnels before rising into the arena to face battle and roaring crowds. Seeing it in person is unforgettable, and this tour is the best way to experience it. Skip the long ticket lines with an expert guide who reveals the fascinating stories of the chambers and arena floor, then explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill independently. It's exclusive access on your schedule.
What You Get With This Tour
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Stand beneath Rome's most famous floor
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Expert English-speaking guide
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Exclusive underground access
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Access to Arena floor and 1st and 2nd levels
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Colosseum guided tour
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Roman Forum and Palatine Hill entry
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Small group experience
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Guide tips
Tour Itinerary
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1
Meet your guide near the Colosseum
Your tour begins at Via del Colosseum 31, just steps from the ancient arena. Look for your guide holding a sign, then prepare to skip the long ticket lines and step directly into Rome's most iconic monument. -
2
Descend into the underground chambers
Pass through a restricted entrance and descend beneath the arena floor to the hypogeum, the secret network of tunnels where gladiators once waited in dim corridors before ascending to face roaring crowds and combat above. -
3
Step onto the legendary arena floor
Climb stone steps to emerge on the arena floor itself, standing where warriors fought nearly 2,000 years ago. Your guide shares stories of spectacles, emperors, and survival while you take in views of the towering seating tiers. -
4
Explore the Colosseum's upper levels
Walk through the curved galleries and seating sections of the ancient amphitheater, learning how 50,000 spectators filled these limestone arches. Your guide explains engineering feats like the retractable awning system. -
5
Discover the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill independently
After your guide walks you to the Roman Forum entrance, you'll have independent access to explore these sprawling ruins at your own pace. Wander past temples and basilicas, then climb Palatine Hill to see imperial palace ruins. -
6
Your tour concludes at the Roman Forum entrance
Your guide bids farewell at the Roman Forum, leaving you free to spend as much time as you'd like exploring the ancient political heart of Rome and the hilltop palaces of Palatine Hill before returning to modern Rome.
Additional Information
Good to know:
Dress Code: Comfortable attire and shoes are recommended for walking on uneven terrain.
Accessibility: If you have concerns about your mobility, please contact us in advance to discuss your needs.
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.
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 2-hour tour includes:
Expert English-speaking guide
Skip-the-line entry to Colosseum underground, arena floor, and 1st and 2nd levels
Guided tour of the underground chambers, arena floor, and 1st and 2nd levels
Entry to Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Headset to hear your guide clearly
Maximum group size of 7
What to bring:
Government-issued ID
Comfortable sneakers
Sunscreen (during the hot summer months)
Water bottle (during the hot summer months)
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Customer Reviews
Stepping into the restricted underground tunnels of the Colosseum felt like a true VIP experience, giving me a perspective of the gladiator games that most tourists completely miss. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and kept the history engaging, making the descent into the hypogeum the absolute highlight of my trip. Having the flexibility to explore the Roman Forum at my own pace afterward was the perfect way to wrap up a high-value, low-stress morning in ancient Rome.
Amazing chambers and narrow tunnels brought the history close. Alberto shared a great facts at each stop that we would not have gotten if we had gone on our own. The walk was relaxed but well paced. Every corner felt meaningful and worth slowing down for. Highly recommend this as a must do in Rome with The Tour Guy!
Areas once used for storage and movement now stand still in time. Walking through them felt reflective. I found myself imagining voices and footsteps that once filled those corridors centuries ago.
As someone who usually avoids the biggest tourist traps, I found this underground tour to be an absolute game-changer for visiting the Colosseum. Being part of a small group allowed us to bypass the massive lines and enter the restricted lower levels where the gladiators and animals were actually staged. Standing on the arena floor and looking up at the tiers of seating really puts the scale of the Roman Empire into perspective in a way a standard ticket just can't. The guide’s storytelling was top-notch, focusing on the engineering and the daily lives of the Romans rather than just dry dates and names. After the guided portion, I really appreciated that the ticket included self-guided access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. It gave me the freedom to wander through the ruins and take photos without feeling rushed by a group schedule, making the entire 32-year-old traveler experience feel both educational and relaxed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour family-friendly?
Yes, this tour is family-friendly
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
Unfortunately, this tour is not wheelchair accessible due to the uneven ancient terrain in the underground chambers and throughout the Colosseum. If you have concerns about your mobility, please contact us in advance to discuss your needs.
How much walking is involved?
This tour involves moderate walking through the underground tunnels, up to the arena floor, and through the Colosseum's upper levels over two hours. Afterward, you can explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill at your own pace.
What should I bring to enter the Colosseum?
Please bring a valid government-issued ID, as the name on your ticket must match your ID or you will be refused entry. We also recommend comfortable sneakers, water, and sunscreen during warmer months. Large backpacks and wheeled bags are not permitted inside.
