VIP, Small-Group Colosseum and Ancient City Tour
The Colosseum is not to be missed, but you've got to do it right. On this VIP, small-group tour, allow your expert guide to uncover all the secrets of the Colosseum. Add the arena experience to your tour on the selection page, and walk through Gladiator’s Gate straight into the heart of the world's greatest arena - if you dare!
By joining one of our expert guides, you’ll discover the fascinating stories behind the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum. Interact with your guide personally, and learn more than on larger group tours. You’re sure to leave almost as expert as they are.
After meeting your guide by the Arch of Constantine, your local, expert historian will guide you through the rich history of Rome’s most iconic monument and the once bustling ancient city that surrounds it.
What are you waiting for?
Options
Arena/Ancient City Small Group
Arena, Roman Forum& Palatine: The small group tour starts with exclusive access to the Arena floor and moves on to Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum.
What's included in VIP, Small-Group Colosseum and Ancient City Tour
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Colosseum
Retrace the steps of the Gladiators, accompanied by exciting stories told by your expert guide. Learn all about the social status of its spectators, discover the gory norms of ancient entertainment, and geek out on the cult games and gladiatorial combat that thrilled its crowds. Your guide's stories will bring the ancient monument to life. *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
The Palatine Hill is the most beautiful and important of Rome’s great seven hills and is a must-see on any city tour. Here, with your guide, discover the birthplace of one of the greatest civilisations in history and explore the ancient ruins of the Imperial Palace, surrounded by towering pine trees and spectacular views of the Circus Maximus and the Roman Forum below.
Foro Romano
To truly understand life in Ancient Rome, you must visit the Forum. In downtown Rome's political, social, and commercial heart, you will walk the Via Sacra and the Via Nova, weaving around ornate arches and towering temples. See the Senate House and the remains of the Rostra - where Senators made the laws and orators decreed them to the masses. Learn more about the myth-shrouded Romulus or the great Julius Caesar from your expert guide. Although less than half of the Forum is complete today, they're sure to be able to tell you everything you want to know with their extensive knowledge and passion!
Inclusions
- Colosseum reservation fee (valued at €2 per person)
- Admission to the Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum
- Licensed, historian guide
- Colosseum entrance ticket (valued at €18 per person, or €24 per person if arena access included)
- Please note: Colosseum fees as above. The remaining cost of the experience covers other services.
- Headphones available upon request
- Admission to the Colosseum Arena Floor (if option selected)
- Food and Beverages
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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.
- Please be aware that we offer two Arena tour packages: The VIP Colosseum - Arena Access option grants entry to the Colosseum, Arena floor, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum. The Arena, Roman Forum & Palatine option provides access to the Arena floor via an exclusive entrance and continues with visits to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Arena, Roman Forum& Palatine option does not visit the Colosseum, it access to Arena floor only.
- Due to the Jubilee, some monuments may be under restoration. Please pay attention to any messages we may send regarding potential changes.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- 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 to start time. Late arrivals will not be eligible for refunds. Please also ensure to check local Covid-19 regulations before attending.
End Points
- The tour will either finish in the Colosseum of the Roman Forum, depending on which monument we start with, where you will be left to either leave or spend more time exploring the area.
- The tour will either finish in the Roman Forum or the Colosseum, depending on which monument we start with, where you will be left to either leave or spend more time exploring the area.
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
Our guide will be awaiting you at the Arch of Constantine located near the Colosseum holding a yellow flag with the Carpe Diem Rome logo. Please remember to bring identification cards on the day of the experience. Customers accompanying children are required to demonstrate their parental or guardian status. Furthermore, we kindly request that customers bring identification for the children they are accompanying. This policy is in place to ensure the safety and welfare of all participants, particularly the minors involved. Please provide the full names of all travelers in your group, including yourself and any co-travelers while booking your experience.