Rome: VIP Colosseum, Arena & Ancient City Small Group Tour

Step onto the arena floor of the Colosseum for an immersive tour of ancient Rome. Experience the thrill of being in the same spot where gladiators once fought, and learn about the history of this iconic amphitheatre.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 7 days learn more
Highlights
  • Colosseum - Your expert guide will transport you back in time to the height of the Roman Empire when the Colosseum was constructed. These were times when Rome was ruled by all-powerful emperors (sometimes wise, sometimes wacky), the city was flooded with exotic riches from around the world, and the Colosseum acted as the city’s main stage for showing off the animals and people that Rome had conquered and captured. Please note we will start with the Colosseum or the Roman Forum/Palatine Hill, depending on the time of tickets we can purchase. - Palatine Hill - Next, you’ll climb the Palatine Hill, where the ancient city was founded. The Palatine Hill is a real archaeological wonder, home to settlements from the Iron Age to the 16th century. Gaze upon such sites as the Hut of Romulus, Rome’s legendary founder, and the Imperial Palace, where the emperors in their family engaged in ruling, politicking, and scheming. - Roman Forum - The final destination on our skip-the-line tour is the Roman Forum. As the beating heart of ancient Rome, the Roman Forum was once a bustling hub of markets, law courts, temples, and more. It was here that Julius Caesar was cremated, here where two disgraced emperors were murdered in 69 AD, and here where Cicero delivered the speeches that shaped western culture for centuries.
What's Included
  • Colosseum entrance ticket with arena access (valued at €24 per person)
  • Colosseum reservation fee (valued at €2 per person)
  • Licensed, historian guide
  • Passionate storytelling, and plenty of history to learn
  • Small-Group, personalised experience
  • Headphones available
Additional Information

Channel your inner-Maximus as you step out onto the Colosseum arena floor and access this recently reopened area of the world famous amphitheatre. Discover the best of ancient Rome on this small-group tour with your very own expert guide!

Unlike regular tours of the Colosseum, you can upgrade this tour gets and step onto the arena floor - for one of the best views in Rome. It’s pretty special.

Your expert, licensed guide will delve into the mysteries that shrouds the Colosseum’s great games and take you on a journey around the luxurious Palatine Hill, still dotted with the remains of palaces and stately villas. Then, it’s onto the Forum, the centre of life in the ancient city. With this more personal, small-group tour, you’ll have every chance to ask anything, and learn everything!

Please note we will either start with the Colosseum or the Roman Forum/Palatine Hill depending on the time of tickets we can purchase.

  • Please provide the full names of all travelers when booking. Failure to present a voucher with all travelers’ full names at the ticket office prior to entry may result in denied entry to the Colosseum and Roman Forum.
  • Each traveler must present a valid passport or ID document that matches the name provided at the time of booking for successful entry to the Colosseum and Roman Forum.
  • Please note we will either start with the Colosseum or the Roman Forum/Palatine Hill depending on the time of tickets we can purchase.
  • Colosseum admission is free on the first Sunday of the month. Tours are discounted on these days.
Location
Arch of Constantine
Via di San Gregorio
Please meet us in front the Arch of Constantine. Your guide will be holding a Yellow Carpe Diem Rome flag. Please arrive 10 minutes prior. Late arrivals will not be eligible for refunds. Please also ensure to check local Covid-19 regulations before attending.
Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 7 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 7 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(36 Ratings)
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Michelle_o
Jul 3, 2024
Absolutely fantastic tour - This tour was fabulous from start to finish. Our guide Paulo lived in Rome and he really was incredible - he was so passionate and knowledgeable and had an answer for every question. Good job our tour was towards the end of the week otherwise we’d have been booking for all the other tours he did at other attractions! He really did bring the colosseum to life with his story telling. A lovely touch was that he took the time to learn everyone’s names through the tour and then addressed everyone individually when he said goodbye at the end. Well organised and great value for money. We would 100% recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Son_n
Jun 25, 2024
Colosseum was well explained! - The guide was extremely informative and well organized. She was very responsive to help us when our kid forgot backpack at the security check. 5* for Carpe Diem Tour!
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Vincenzo_c
Jun 20, 2024
Captivated by every word - Writing to say how amazing our tour guide Paolo Sanna was. He was so knowledgeable about everything ancient Roman history. Would highly recommend anyone ask for him. My son was with me on the tour as the only kid on the tour and Paolo made a conscious effort to include him as much as possible in various reenactments. I truly wish the tour was longer, but will make every effort in the future to request him as a guide. Great experience overall.
Review provided by Viator
Natalie_n
Jun 16, 2024
Family trip to Rome - Take this tour! Our guide, Rosaria, was wonderful. She got us through the security area very quickly so that we were inside just a few minutes after start time. She was very knowledgeable about Roman history. The Colosseum and the Forum are MUST SEE sites. It would not be a good without a guide.
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Brent_w
Jun 14, 2024
A must way to see the Colosseum - It was a very effective way to see the Colosseum. we avoided the long general admission line ups and where able to see the floor of the Colosseum as well. The guide was very informative and we found the tour to be one of the best that we have taken. The Roman forum and palace grounds was a pleasant surprise and our guide was very informative and looked after the group needs.
Review provided by Viator
Drmike_c
May 14, 2024
Outstanding Tour - Outstanding tour ! Linea , our guide was so knowledgeable, engaging and fun! Highly recommend this tour !
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Jennifer_a
Mar 3, 2024
FANTASTIC!! - Barbara was incredibly informative and made the tour beyond our expectations. I highly recommend. Worth every penny.
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Janet_p
Feb 19, 2024
Best ever. Recommend 100 percent. Love love Paulo. - Excellent knowledgeable guide. Very friendly and informative. Loved the skits and role plays. Best ever. Recommend 100 percent. Love love Paulo.
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Lucia_c
Jan 6, 2024
Alessandra was a great... - Alessandra was a great tour guide! She was informative and interesting. I would recommend her to others!
Review provided by Viator
Eric_t
Jan 1, 2024
Best guide - Our guide Selene really brought things to life. Recommend ending inside the majestic Colosseum. Certainly a memorable experience.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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