Exploring ancient Rome’s grandeur and capturing the essence of its storied past is an alluring prospect for many travelers. The "Gladiator’s Gate and Arena Special Colosseum Access" tour promises an immersive experience, granting exclusive access to the iconic arena floor and Gladiator’s Gate. This 3 to 3.5-hour journey led by knowledgeable guides unravels the captivating history of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill, offering a deeper understanding of Rome’s enduring legacy. With small group sizes, this tour ensures a personalized encounter, leaving one to wonder what remarkable sights and insights await.

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Key Points

This tour offers exclusive access to the Colosseum’s arena floor and Gladiator’s Gate, allowing visitors to experience the Colosseum as gladiators once did.
The 3 to 3.5-hour guided tour includes entrance tickets to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill, with a knowledgeable English-speaking guide and small group sizes.
The tour covers significant historical sites beyond the Colosseum, including the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, providing a comprehensive understanding of ancient Rome.
Customers have highly rated the value for money and the engaging storytelling by the guides, who enhance the understanding of daily life in ancient Rome.
The tour offers an optional add-on for access to SUPER Sites, further enhancing the experience for visitors.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This tour, titled "Gladiator’s Gate and Arena Special Colosseum Access," offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the iconic Colosseum.

Priced at €125.00 per person, the 3 to 3.5-hour experience provides special access to the arena floor via the Gladiator’s Gate.

The tour includes entrance tickets to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill, as well as an English-speaking guide.

Small group sizes of up to 8 guests are available for the 9 AM and 11:15 AM tours.

Cancellations are free up to 5 days before the tour date for a full refund.

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Itinerary Details

The tour starts at either Via delle Terme di Tito, 72 or the Colosseum itself.

The tour starts at either Via delle Terme di Tito, 72 or the Colosseum itself.

Guests will enjoy a 105-minute guided tour of the Colosseum, followed by a 1-hour guided tour of the Roman Forum.

The tour then moves to the Palatine Hill for a 1.5-hour guided exploration.

An optional add-on allows access to the SUPER Sites at 3:30 PM.

The group size is limited to a maximum of 8 guests for the 9 AM and 11:15 AM tours, ensuring a personalized experience.

Special Access: Gladiator’s Gate and Arena Floor

Although the Colosseum is an iconic landmark in Rome, not all visitors can access the arena floor and Gladiator’s Gate. This special access tour allows guests to step into the heart of ancient Rome and experience the Colosseum as the gladiators once did. Visitors can explore the Colosseum’s underground tunnels, stand on the arena floor, and learn about the thrilling events that took place here. The tour also includes visits to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, providing a comprehensive understanding of Rome’s ancient history.

| Access Inclusion | Regular Visitor | Special Access Tour |

| — | — | — |

| Colosseum Entrance | ✓ | ✓ |

| Arena Floor | ✗ | ✓ |

| Gladiator’s Gate | ✗ | ✓ |

| Underground Tunnels | ✗ | ✓ |

Exploring Ancient Rome: The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Beyond the exclusive access to the Colosseum’s arena floor and Gladiator’s Gate, this comprehensive tour also leads visitors on a journey through the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

In the Roman Forum, guests explore the ancient center of political, economic, and social life, uncovering stories of war, politics, and iconic figures.

The tour then ascends the Palatine Hill, the birthplace of Rome, where visitors discover the ruins of imperial palaces and learn about the lives of ancient Roman nobility.

With a knowledgeable guide, guests gain a deeper understanding of daily life in ancient Rome.

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Super Sites: Exclusive Access and Experiences

While the tour’s highlights include the exclusive access to the Colosseum’s arena floor and Gladiator’s Gate, the experience also grants visitors unique opportunities to explore the SUPER Sites of ancient Rome.

This includes guided tours of the Casa di Augusto, the childhood home of Rome’s first emperor. Guests can also access the Loggia Mattei, offering panoramic views of the Roman Forum.

These exclusive sites provide a rare glimpse into the daily lives and elite residences of ancient Romans, elevating the tour beyond the typical Colosseum and Forum experience.

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Group Size and Tour Logistics

The tour offers small group sizes for the 9 AM and 11:15 AM departures, capping them at a maximum of 8 guests. This ensures a more intimate and personalized experience.

Guests must present a passport or ID card upon arrival. Comfortable shoes are also required, as the tour involves extensive walking. Unfortunately, the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Oversized luggage and baby strollers are also not permitted. With a total duration of 3-3.5 hours, the tour provides a comprehensive exploration of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.

Inclusions, Requirements, and Suitability

The tour includes the Colosseum entrance ticket, which covers the full experience at €24 per person.

Headsets are provided for groups over 6 guests, and an English-speaking local guide leads the way. Gratuities are also included.

Participants must bring a valid passport or ID card and wear comfortable shoes.

The tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or those with oversized luggage or baby strollers.

Small group sizes of 8 are offered for the 9 AM and 11:15 AM tours, ensuring an intimate and engaging experience exploring ancient Rome’s wonders.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

What do customers say about this Colosseum access tour? Based on 787 reviews, the experience receives an impressive 4.7/5 overall rating.

Customers praise the knowledgeable and engaging guides, with one reviewer noting that "Ferdinando was an excellent guide!"

Another highlights how "Sev made Ancient Rome come alive!"

Travelers also appreciate the value for money, with a 4.5/5 rating in this category.

The tour’s highlights include:

Special access to the Colosseum’s arena floor
Insightful exploration of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Engaging storytelling about ancient Roman life
Unique access to the Casa di Augusto and other SUPER Sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Languages Are Available for the Tour?

The tour is available in English. The tour includes a local, English-speaking guide who provides commentary throughout the guided visits to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.

Can Children Participate in the Tour?

Children can participate in the tour, though it’s not suitable for those with mobility impairments or using wheelchairs. Comfortable shoes are required, and oversized luggage or baby strollers aren’t allowed.

Do the Guides Provide Any Historical Context?

The guides provide historical context throughout the tour, bringing ancient Rome to life through stories of war, politics, and famous characters. Reviewers praise the guides’ expertise in making the experience engaging and educational.

Can I Take Pictures During the Tour?

Yes, guests can take photos during the tour. However, flash photography is not permitted inside the Colosseum to protect the ancient artifacts. Guests should be mindful of others and avoid disrupting the tour experience.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no specific dress code for the tour, but comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes are recommended. Visitors should avoid wearing very short shorts, skirts, or revealing attire to be respectful of the historic site.

The Sum Up

This exclusive Colosseum tour provides a rare opportunity to explore the heart of ancient Rome. With access to the arena floor and Gladiator’s Gate, visitors can step back in time and imagine the thrill of gladiatorial combat. Coupled with knowledgeable guidance and small group sizes, this immersive experience offers an unparalleled window into the grandeur and legacy of the Roman Empire.