Tours
Colosseum Rome Tours
Looking for the best guided tours of the Colosseum, Rome?
While you can visit the iconic Colosseum in Rome on your own, or with an audio guide, you will have a much more immersive experience if you join a guided tour led by a passionate and knowledgable guide.
After all, the Colosseum has a fascinating history, and you will want an expert to bring what you are seeing to life, and answer the many questions you are bound to have as you explore the massive amphitheatre.
And if your time in the Eternal City is short, or you’ve not been able to score tickets to the site on the date and time you want to visit, a guided tour is the perfect option.
Top 3 Colosseum Tours
— Premium small-group Walks tour of the Colosseum, the Forum, and Palatine Hill
— Small group tour of the Colosseum with Arena Access, Forum, and Palatine Hill (GetYourGuide)
— 3-hour super popular tour of the Colosseum (you can opt for Arena access) plus the Forum and Palatine Hill (Viator)
Guided tours of the Colosseum in Rome are offered by a number of well-known companies, including GetYourGuide and Viator.
Walks Tours is very popular for their Italy tours: while they may be a little pricier, Walks tours are led by expert guides that are articulate and passionate about what they do. And they often offer exclusive experiences you won’t find elsewhere.
💡TIP: No matter which tour operator you choose, always pick the first or last tour of the day. Mid-morning and early afternoon the Colosseum is at its most crowded and you want to avoid this time if possible.
💡TIP: Make sure to pick a tour or an option within a tour that includes entry tickets. You definitely do not want to have to stand in line to buy tickets on the date of your tour!
💡TIP: Pick the tour with the smallest group size you can find. The more the participants, the less enjoyable your experience.
🛂 REMINDER: A valid government-issued ID or passport is required for entry into the Colosseum. And everyone has to clear security, so there may be some wait regardless of the type of tour or ticket you have.
In this article, we suggest some Colosseum tours to consider if you are planning your trip to Rome.
Colosseum with Gladiator’s Gate and Arena Access + Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (Walks Tours)
On this highly-rated Colosseum tour, you will walk in through the Gladiator’s Gate, just like a gladiator of old, and explore the Arena and the first and second spectator levels with an expert guide.
You will also cover the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
Groups are capped at 16 participants and you will receive headsets. Entrance tickets are included and tours are offered in English.
The tour is rated 4.7/5 with over 5,400 reviews.
>>> Check price and availability for this special access Colosseum tour now!
Guided Tour of the Colosseum (Standard Access), Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill (GetYourGuide)
With a whopping 71,000+ reviews and a 4.7/5 rating, this guided tour of the Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill is a no-brainer!
You can choose from a budget-friendly larger group tour or a more intimate small-group tour, and you can choose the standard Colosseum access or include the Arena level.
The tour lasts 2.5 hours and is offered in English, Italian, Spanish, French, and German. Tours generally start at 8.30 a.m., with the last tour at 3.30 p.m.
Entry tickets are included and headsets are provided so you can hear your tour guide clearly. Prices range from USD 75 to 138 per adult, and discounted tickets for eligible visitors are available.
>>> Check price and availability for this guided tour of the Colosseum now!
Guided Tour of Standard Access Colosseum + Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (Viator)
This very popular guided tour takes you through the first and second spectator levels of the Colosseum, along with the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
The tour lasts 3 hours and is capped at 24 participants. You have the option to add access to the Arena level, or even splurge on a semi-private tour.
Your licensed guide will offer rich insights into the history of the Colosseum, the Forum, and Palatine Hill as you explore the Big Three Ancient Rome sites.
Entry tickets are included and headsets allow you to hear your guide’s insights clearly.
With over 23,500 reviews and a 4.5/5 rating, this tour is well worth considering!
>>> Check price and availability for this tour of the Roman Colosseum now!
Premium Colosseum Guided Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill (Walks Tours)
This extremely popular tour of the Colosseum (first and second spectator levels), plus the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill is a small-group experience capped at 16 people, and lasts 3 hours.
Entrance tickets are included, and head sets are provided. Your tour will be led by an expert English-speaking guide that is more a storyteller than a commentator. You will be enthralled as insights unfold.
The tour has a 4.7/5 rating with over 7,800 reviews.
>>> Check price and availability for this premium Colosseum tour now!
Full-Access Guided Tour of the Colosseum + Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (GetYourGuide)
On this full-access guided tour, you get to visit the Underground level of the Colosseum, plus the Arena level and the spectator levels (1 and 2, Attic level not included).
The 3-hour tour also includes a guided tour of the Forum and access to Palatine Hill.
The tour price includes entry tickets, and headsets are provided so you can hear your guide well.
The tour last 3 hours and the first tour of the day starts at 9 a.m., with the last tour at 1 p.m. or 3 p.m. depending on the day. Tours are offered in English, Spanish, and French.
This highly-rated tour has over 10,200 reviews with a 4.7/5 rating.
>>> Check price and availability for this full-access Colosseum tour now!
Top-Rated Colosseum Tours
Tips and Guidelines for booking tours of the Colosseum, Rome
- Choose well-known tour operators (GetYourGuide, Viator, Take Walks) for a hassle-free experience and knowledgeable guides.
- Read the fine print to see whether entry tickets are included, and make sure the tour covers any restricted areas you want to visit such as the Arena or the Underground.
- Check the cancellation and refund policy if you need flexibility.
- Small group tours usually offer a better experience. If you want to splurge, a private tour is even better!
- Arrive on time at the meeting point.
- Bring ID, preferably your passport.
- Choose early morning tours for lower crowds and more pleasant weather.
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