Description
A priority access Colosseum guided tour begins with the stories that make the building worth the walk: gladiator fights, sea battles and animal hunts, with games that could go on for as many as 100 days. Your licensed guide uses them to show how the emperors used spectacle to display power, and headsets keep the voice clear even in a crowd.
From there the tour moves to the Roman Forum, an open-air museum of the ancient political, commercial and religious centre, which many travellers name as their favourite part. The group then climbs the Palatine Hill, where Rome's founding legends are set, and the Emperor's Palace gives you panoramic views.
- Entry to the Colosseum, with the arena floor if you select that upgrade
- Entry to the Forum and Palatine Hill
- A live guide and headsets
Some departures are for a small group, which leaves more room for questions. The tour runs about two and a half hours, shortened to two in July and August, and goes ahead in rain or shine. Every guest gives a full name and date of birth when booking, and entry can be refused without them. Allow extra time for the security checks, which grow longer in high season. Hotel pickup, food and tips are not included, and the route is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with reduced mobility.