Imagine gladiators and chariots, tigers and emperors at Rome’s premier attraction on these top five Colosseum tours.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Rome’s mighty Colosseum must have witnessed some incredible spectacles in its 1,950-plus years. Now the great arena is, itself, the spectacle, drawing tens of thousands of visitors every month. But instead of baying for blood they come seeking knowledge, experience and the kind of familiarity that only a visit in person can provide. Dating back to around 70CE, the Colosseum is one of Rome’s must-see sights and can be visited with or without a tour guide. Here are five excellent options to make your trip easier, including skip-the-line tickets and access-all-areas tours.
Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill Entry Tickets
The most basic, and cheapest, option you have when it comes to visiting the Colosseum is to buy tickets only, skipping the guided tour, but also skipping the line in the process. The Colosseum is only part of a whole series of extensive remains of the former Roman Republic, which includes the Imperial Forum, where big political, social and economic battles within the Roman Empire were fought. Palatine Hill is known as the first nucleus of the Roman Empire, containing some of the oldest ruins. Entries to the Colosseum are by allotted time only, so be sure to arrive on time. From €22 per person.
(Photo: Viator.com)
Colosseum Express Tour
It’s rare to find a single popular attraction like the Colosseum that receives such rave reviews across the board for the tours that run there. In fact, no matter the Colosseum tour you choose, you’re going to be in good hands because there’s so much more depth and understanding to be garnered from your guide that you might miss on a self-guided trip. This first option is for those who are short on time and would like to cover the main historic highlights. Roman Forum and Palatine Hill entry tickets are included. From €34 per person.
Colosseum Guided Tour with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Among the longest running and most popular tours is this guided exploration of all three major sites of Ancient Rome, including the Colosseum. As one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, viewing the Colosseum’s arena floor from the stands gives a true sense of what it would have felt like to be a spectator here. Tour groups contain up to 20 people, with some private group tour options also available at an additional cost. From €42 per person.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Rome 90-minute Colosseum tour
There’s so much to know about the Colosseum beyond the history. This tour starts by examining the building’s remarkable architecture, which has stood the test of almost two millennia so far. Follow your guide through the fast track entrance to spend 45 minutes in the Colosseum itself, exploring both the ground and first floors. There’s also a little time to explore the Colosseum by yourself before your guide unlocks the mysteries and histories of the Forum and Palatine Hill. From €45 per person.
Colosseum Tour with Arena Floor, Underground, and Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
If time and budget allow it, take the ultimate tour of the Colosseum. It provides the best access and most in-depth exploration of this modern world wonder, along with access to the Colosseum’s arena floor and underground rooms. Enter the arena through Gladiator’s Gate and spend a brief amount of time on the arena floor with your guide, where you can truly understand what gladiators must have felt walking out into this mighty Colosseum. Guides are available in a range of European languages. From €109 per person.