Colosseum Arena Floor and Gladiators Gate

Some of the most fascinating sections of The Colosseum—like its arena floor and underground chambers—are inaccessible to most visitors. But your group will get to explore them, along with other historical sites that illuminate the rich culture of ancient Rome. Guiding you will be an English-speaking history expert, whose knowledge brings the city’s past to vivid life.

What We Love About This Tour:

• Delving into the fascinating—and bloody—history of The Colosseum, the iconic amphitheater of ancient Rome
• Exploring the arena’s spectator and staging areas—and its seldom-seen underground dungeons
• Discovering other cultural hubs of ancient Rome, like the Roman Forum and the ruined palaces of Palatine Hill
  
  

Tour Itinerary:

The Colosseum and Underground Chambers

Your group will start right at The Colosseum: the extraordinary amphitheater that was ancient Rome’s center of public entertainment. Gladiatorial clashes, wild-animal fights, and mock-naval battles were once staged here; and today, you can still see remnants of the seating arcades that once fit 50,000 spectators, and the staging areas where the brutal spectacles took place. You’ll also get the rare—and spooky—opportunity to wander through the arena’s subterranean dungeons and passages, where lions were once help and gladiators prepared before combat. You’ll also get to see the stadium from two seldom-seem vantage points: the arena floor, and the high-up third tier arcade.

The Roman Forum

The onetime cultural, economic, and political center of ancient Rome, the Roman Forum still retains its grandeur today. You’ll walk along the Via Sacra, a path once lined with bustling market stalls, tracing the paths of ancient military processions and political rallies. You’ll also see important sites like the Temple of Julius Caesar (which still contains the altar where the emperor’s body was ceremonially burned), and the Curia Julia—the still-intact Senate House where Cicero and Mark Antony once orated.

What’s Included:

• All entry fees
• Special Skip-the-Line access
• Headsets that insure you always hear your guide

Not Included:

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Gratuities

• Please be sure to arrive at the tour departure point 20 minutes before the starting time. Guests arriving after departure cannot be accommodated, and missed tours or tickets will not be refunded.
• Unfortunately, wheelchairs and strollers cannot be accommodated on this tour.
• Please note that one or more sites on this tour may occasionally experience last-minute, unforeseen closures. If this occurs, your group will instead be treated to alternate arrangements. Tour refunds or discounts will not be provided.

Important to Bring:

• A small purse or camera bag only (no backpacks or large shoulder bags). Security checks at some sites
  restrict the size of bags that can be brought inside.
• Good walking shoes. The tour includes both hillside paths and stairs. 
• A hat, sunscreen, and bottled water. Many parts of the itinerary are not shaded.