The Colosseum is world-renowned as one of the greatest architectural achievements of ancient Rome, symbolizing the empire’s power and grandeur. Built between AD 70 and 80, this amphitheater hosted gladiator fights, public spectacles, and elaborate reenactments. Today, visitors come to marvel at its scale, design, and fascinating history, as it remains one of the most popular historical landmarks globally.
Colosseum Guided Tour with Palatine Hill and Roman Forum Entry
Looking to check off the Colosseum from your Rome bucket list without committing to a long tour? This is the perfect opportunity for you! Join us for a relaxed 1 to 1.5-hour guided tour where a friendly local expert will take you through this iconic amphitheater. You’ll hear fascinating stories and learn about its impressive architecture and history as you explore.
And the best part? After the tour, you’ll get tickets to Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum, so you can wander and soak in the sights at your own pace. It’s a great way to enjoy Rome’s rich history while still having the freedom to explore on your own. Perfect for anyone who loves a good story or just wants to soak up the vibes of this amazing city!
Our Colosseum Express Tour includes:
- Guided Tour of the Colosseum
- Access to the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum for Self-Guided Exploration
- Expert, Passionate and Professional Tour Guide
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AudioHeadsets to ensure clear audio throughout the tour
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Duration1.5-hour experience
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Group SizeMaximum group size of 25 people
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About the TourThis tour is offered in English
What You Will See
Experience the highlights of the Colosseum in just 1.5 hours, then explore the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum at your own pace. Don’t miss the chance to see these iconic sites:
About Our Local
Knowledgeable Tour Guides
- Local guides with expert knowledge of history and culture
- Engaging storytelling that makes history come alive
- Fluent in multiple languages for a seamless experience
- Passionate about providing exceptional service on every tour
- Personalization of tours to tailor to the interests, pace and preferences of the group
- An interactive approach that encourages participation and creates a memorable hands-on experience
- Ensuring cultural sensitivity and respect for important World Heritage sites
GREAT FOR THESE TRAVELERS
Whether you’re checking off a must-see from your bucket list, diving deep into history or seeking to make the most of every moment, this tour is designed with you in mind.
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What Our Customers Say
Authentic stories, expertly guided by Europe’s most trusted tour operator.
As a leading tour operator in Europe, our commitment to quality and authenticity shines through in everything we do, from selecting passionate guides to crafting detailed itineraries that showcase the best of each destination. We make booking straightforward and direct, ensuring you get great value and a seamless experience, guaranteed. At Crown Tours, we don’t just visit places — we tell stories, sharing the rich histories and cultures along the way. Join us to Explore, Discover, and Dream.
About The Trip
FAQs
The Colosseum is best experienced through a guided tour, like our Colosseum Express Tour. In this 1–1.5 hour visit, a knowledgeable guide will introduce you to the Colosseum’s rich history and iconic architecture, offering insights into the lives of gladiators and the grandeur of ancient Roman entertainment. Afterward, you’ll have tickets to explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill at your own pace, combining a guided experience with the freedom to wander.
This tour is designed to fit into a short timeframe, taking only about 1–1.5 hours to cover the highlights of the Colosseum with a guide. After the tour, you can spend additional time exploring the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill on your own. Most visitors find that a single day is enough to experience these historic sites.
The Colosseum is approximately 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) from Fiumicino Airport, and the journey typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic and mode of transport.
Highlights of the Colosseum include the main arena where gladiators once fought and the surrounding seating tiers, which offer excellent views of the amphitheater. This tour covers these key areas, and although it doesn’t include arena floor or underground access, the tour captures the essence of the Colosseum’s history and architectural grandeur.
The Colosseum Express Tour includes a live guide who will share in-depth stories and information about the Colosseum, making audio guides unnecessary. Afterward, you can explore Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum independently, with additional information available at these sites.
Yes! The Colosseum Express Tour is a great option for families with children, as it’s shorter in duration and packed with engaging stories about ancient Rome, gladiators, and emperors. The guided portion keeps kids entertained, while the opportunity to explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill afterward adds flexibility.
Yes, the Colosseum is open on most Sundays, but keep in mind that entry is free on the first Sunday of each month, which can result in larger crowds. It’s a good idea to check for any scheduled events or closures in advance.
Absolutely! Photography is permitted, allowing you to capture the stunning architecture and historic ambiance. Great spots include the upper tiers for sweeping views and the outside areas of the Colosseum, which offer fantastic photo opportunities.Just bare in mind professional photography equipment such as gimbals and tripods are not permitted onsite. Some of the best photo spots include the upper tier, which provides sweeping views of the amphitheater and the Roman Forum, and the arena floor, where you can capture the scale and grandeur of this iconic landmark.
Small bags are allowed, but large backpacks or luggage aren’t permitted. There is a security check at the entrance, so plan to bring only essential items for a smooth entry.
It’s strongly recommended to book your tickets in advance, as same-day availability onsite can be limited… and let’s face it is your Colosseum entry something you really want to leave up to chance? The site is also nominative, meaning all guest names must be provided at least 3 days before the tour starting date, booking ahead ensures your place and avoids potential long lines.
While small snacks and bottled water are permitted, larger meals, picnics, and alcoholic beverages are not. You may find it more convenient to eat before or after your tour, and you’re welcome to ask your guide for nearby recommendations.
Check your confirmation voucher for the meeting point details. We recommend arriving at least 15 minutes early, as the tour is brief and begins promptly. If you have trouble finding the meeting location, reach out via our tour group chat, where support staff can assist you.
The Colosseum Express Tour is offered in English.
The Colosseum Express Tour typically lasts around 1 to 1.5 hours, offering a quick yet comprehensive exploration of the Colosseum. It’s ideal for visitors with limited time who still want to experience the highlights of this iconic landmark, including its main viewing areas and key historical insights.
Yes, the Colosseum Express Tour is great for children and families. Its shorter duration keeps younger visitors engaged while providing captivating stories and essential highlights about ancient Rome’s history. The 1–1.5 hour timeframe ensures an enjoyable experience without overwhelming family members.
Yes, booking in advance is highly recommended for the Colosseum Express Tour. Due to its popularity and limited availability, reserving your spot ahead guarantees entry, preferred time slots, and information on meeting points. This is especially useful during peak seasons when demand is high.
This Colosseum Express Tour includes guided access to the main areas of the Colosseum, such as the seating tiers, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the amphitheater’s impressive structure. While this tour doesn’t include the arena floor or underground sections, it provides a thorough experience of the Colosseum’s key historical and architectural features, making it a great option for both history enthusiasts and casual visitors.
At Crown Tours, we believe in flexibility. Guests may cancel their tour up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time and will receive a refund of 75% of the booking price. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the tour will not be eligible for a refund. Alternatively, guests may choose to reschedule their tour up to 24 hours before the start time for a small rescheduling fee, subject to availability.
Itinerary
We look forward to hosting you on this Colosseum Express Tour, guiding you through one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks. This tour is 1.5 hours and includes approximately 1 kilometer/0.62 miles of walking. Here’s everything you need to know!
Meet at Largo Gaetana Agnesi
This small round square is on the terrace above the “Colosseo” Metro Station. Our staff will be easily identifiable in the center of the square, wearing purple T-shirts. Please note: if you are in front of the Metro Station, please make your way upstairs 30 minutes before the activity starts.
The Colosseum
Hear tales of ancient Rome as you explore the grandeur of the Colosseum, led by an expert guide. Discover its 80 arches and 108 columns while gaining insights into its rich history.
The Colosseum’s Upper Levels
Ascend to the upper levels for breathtaking views of the ancient structure. Appreciate the scale and beauty of this monument, once filled with thousands of spectators.
The Palatine Hill
Explore the enchanting Palatine Hill, one of Rome’s oldest areas. Discover the grandeur of imperial palaces and enjoy stunning views of the ancient city at your own pace.
The Roman Forum
Wander through the Roman Forum, the heart of ancient Rome. Uncover the ruins of temples and marketplaces, revealing the stories of political life and social interaction in a vibrant society, all at your leisure.
Special Notes
All tickets to the Colosseum must be used by the person whose name is on the ticket. Please ensure all guest names are entered correctly when booking.
This experience guarantees a guided tour of the Colosseum, at the end of the visit you will have the choice to remain inside the site for further exploration or enjoy an assisted entry to the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum.
Attire Recommendations: We recommend wearing breathable fabrics and comfortable shoes. Consider wearing sun protection and rain gear based on the season.
What to bring: It is imperative to bring your official ID. Failure to do so may result in denial of entry. Please ensure that minors and adults are indicated correctly.
Bag restrictions: Please note there are no storage facilities at the monument, and no large backpacks or luggage are allowed inside.
Mobility restrictions: This tour is not recommended for guests with mobility restrictions due to the uneven terrain.
Photography restrictions: Photography is allowed but tripods and large video equipment are prohibited.
Cancelation Policy: Guests may cancel their tour up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time and will receive a refund of 75% of the booking price. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the tour will not be eligible for a refund.