Colosseum & Roman Forum Visit with Arena Floor Access, Rome

Step into the heart of Ancient Rome with an immersive Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill experience that includes exclusive access to the Colosseum's arena floor. Enter through the Gladiators' Gate, walk where fighters once stood and infamously battled for entertainment, and appreciate rare perspectives into the monument's underground chambers. With a small group led by an expert guide, you'll explore Rome's most iconic archaeological sites while uncovering the stories, power struggles, and legends that shaped the Eternal City.

After meeting your guide outside the Colosseo metro station, you'll walk over to enter the Roman Colosseum, one of the world's most recognizable ancient monuments. You'll pass through the Porta Triumphalis (Gate of Life or "Gladiator's Gate") to walk directly onto the arena floor—a rare opportunity to experience the amphitheater from the gladiators' perspective, standing at the same level where they engaged in combat almost 2,000 years ago with some 80,000 spectators screaming their name. 

Your guide will paint a picture of the events that took place here, as well as below, where you'll have a birds-eye view into the hypogeum, an underground labyrinth of dungeons, hidden tunnels, and preparation rooms. These backstage areas provided space where gladiators dressed for battle and caged beasts waited for release onto the arena floor via mechanical lifts and trapdoors. You'll then ascend to the upper levels, including a viewpoint traditionally associated with Julius Caesar's balcony seat, offering a broader perspective of the amphitheater and a chance to imagine its grandeur at full capacity.

Leaving the Colosseum behind, you'll continue to Palatine Hill, the legendary birthplace of Rome and the centermost of the city's seven hills. The area was once an exclusive neighborhood for political leaders, emperors, and the elite. Walk around and observe the ruins of imperial palaces, taking in the views of Circus Maximus, a public park that was formerly Ancient Rome's largest chariot-racing stadium (and another massive entertainment venue), and the Roman Forum below. 

The Roman Forum, the center of Roman political, commercial, and social life in its heyday, marks your final stop. This area was an ancient public marketplace and general agora (gathering place). Today, it's filled with the ruins of government buildings, temples, basilicas, marketplaces, and numerous other archaeological treasures. Follow your guide through the ancient grounds along Via Sacra, where you'll pass the Arch of Titus and the temples of Vesta, Antonino, and Faustina. You'll also view the Basilica Julia, a public meeting house commissioned by Caesar himself.

And when your visit comes to an end, say ciao to your guide and continue wandering the ruins at your leisure.