The crowd and group size during your visit often play an important part in your Colosseum experience. As millions of tourists visit the Colosseum every year, the monument is bound to be crowded.
Colosseum private tours are the most exclusive option to visit the amphitheatre and enjoy a crowd-free and personalized experience. An expert guide leads this small private tour with just your group, which includes VIP access and entry to all parts of the Colosseum. The guide will customize the tour based on your interests and ensure the visit offers a complete VIP experience.
In this article, we will discuss everything about private tours of the Colosseum, including what to expect, the experience offered by this tour, inclusions, prices, discounts and more.
Best Colosseum Private Tours
Based on your preference, budget and which part of the Colosseum you would like to tour, there are two popular options for guests looking for a private tour:
Colosseum Underground and Arena Private Tour
The Colosseum Underground and Arena private tour offers complete access to all parts of the monument for a group of a maximum of 6 participants. The Underground and Arena are the most exclusive parts of the Colosseum. You need special access tickets/tours to visit these parts.
In this 3 to 3.5 hours private tour, you can visit all areas of the Colosseum, such as the Arena stage, Underground tunnels, first and second floor of seating and the Museum on the first floor. You can also visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill if you opt for them.
Your tour begins right outside the Colosseum, where your guide will greet you and brief you about the tour. All private tour guests get instant VIP entrance to the colosseum with no waiting. Once you pass the security check, your guide will take you to the Underground tunnels. You will start the tour at the backstage area where the gladiators and animals used to wait before they got on to the stage for the big fight.
Your guide will narrate the tales of the warriors and the fascinating tales hidden behind the colossal structure. Next, you will visit the Arena, which is the main stage located above the tunnels. From here, you can get a bird ‘s-eye view of the tunnels and a unique view of the Colosseum. After walking the paths of the Gladiators, you will next visit the seating areas on the first and second floors and the Colosseum Museum.
Once you have a complete and immersive visit to the Colosseum, your guide will take you to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill if you have opted for it. The Roman Forum is where political, social, and religious activities thrived in ancient Rome. As you walk through the ruins towards the end of your tour, your guide recounts the past through enthralling tales and insights about some of the various personalities who shaped it.
This private tour is available every day at 9.45 am and 1.15 pm. When you book your private tour, you also have pick up and drop off options from accommodations with the Aurelian Walls.
What’s Included
- Private tour guide (English speaking)
- Skip the line access
- Entry to Colosseum Underground
- Access to Colosseum Arena
- Admission to the Colosseum seating areas and the museum
- Entry to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (if opted)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected)
Colosseum Private Tour Price
The cost of this Colosseum private tour depends on the number of participants in your group. You can choose upto maximum of 6 visitors.
The Colosseum Underground and Arena private tour would cost €240 per person for a group of 6 members. If you also choose to visit the Roman Forum, then the tour would cost €290 per person. There are no age-based discounts available for this tour.
- Ticket Price: €240
Cancellation Policy
This tour offers free cancellation if you cancel 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.
Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum Private Tour
This Colosseum Private Tour is a guided tour through the history of ancient Rome. With a skip-the-line access ticket and personal expert guidance, visit Rome’s most famous monument without a hassle.
This option is perfect for visitors who are short on time and budget and yet wish to have a private experience. This is the most basic and budget-friendly private tour option available to visit the Colosseum.
This tour is available in Spanish, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Abkhazian.
Your tour begins at the Colosseum, the great symbol of Rome, diving into the amazing stories of gladiatorial games and the splendor of the architectural marvels of the Flavian Dynasty. Here, your guide will take you to the exhibition on the first floor and seating areas in level 1 and 2. You will hear interesting facts and tales from your guide while enjoying a bird’s eye view of the Arena and the Underground tunnels.
After a tour of the Colosseum, you will visit the Roman Forum, once the busy nerve center of political, social, and religious life in Rome. It is filled with the ruins of ancient temples, arches, and meeting places that characterized the Roman civilization.
Your tour will end at the Palatine Hill, the mythical birthplace of Rome and home to its emperors. Take in the views, go into the ruins of the Imperial Palace, and let yourself be taken away in the history that surrounds you.
This private tour with up to six participants is personal and engaging to explore the best of the oldest cities in the world.
What’s Included
- Skip-the-line tickets to the Colosseum
- Access to the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill
- Private guide
Colosseum Private Tour Price
The Colosseum and Roman Forum private tour costs €106 for a group of 6. There are no age-based discounts available. The final tour price would depend on the number of participants.
- Tour price: €106
Cancellation Policy
This tour offers free cancellation and a full refund if you cancel 3 days before the tour date.
Other Colosseum Tour Options
The Colosseum comes with many other tour options, also.
The most basic option is picking the entry ticket that offers access to the seating area and exhibition. The arena tour combines the benefits of fast-track entry and access to the arena floor.
There’s also an Underground Colosseum Tour that takes you beneath the arena, into the ancient passageways once used by gladiators and wild animals. If you prefer a quieter experience, the early morning tour lets you enter before the crowds arrive.
For a more immersive Rome experience, the Vatican and Colosseum Combo Tour covers both iconic landmarks in one itinerary. Alternatively, the Roma Pass grants access to the Colosseum along with multiple other museums and attractions throughout the city.
Who Should Opt for the Colosseum Private Tour?
These private tours of the Colosseum suit everyone who seeks an in-depth insight into ancient Rome.
Families or small groups that want to have a custom and intimate experience, and photography enthusiasts eager to get their stunning shots without the usual crowds.
This is also a great choice for people who prefer to skip the lines and have a wholesome itinerary planned for them and those who like to have exclusivity, convenience, and expert guidance.
Things to Remember Before Visiting the Colosseum
Opening Hours
The Colosseum opens daily at 8:30 a.m., regardless of the season. However, closing times vary throughout the year, and they may even change mid-month. It’s always recommended to reconfirm the timings before your visit.
Closed on: 1 January (New Year’s Day), 1 May (Labour Day), and 25 December (Christmas Day).
Learn the best time to visit the Colosseum.
How to Reach
The Colosseum is located east of Palatine Hill at Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma, an area historically known as Nero’s Golden House. It is well connected by road and public transport.
By Metro: The metro is the fastest and most budget-friendly option. From Termini Station, take Line B (blue line) directly to Colosseo Station, just a 1-minute walk from the monument. If you’re already on Line C, transfer to Line A at San Giovanni Station, then switch to Line B at Termini, and continue to Colosseo.
By Tram or Bus: Take tram line 3 or 8 to Piazza del Colosseo. You can also take bus numbers 38, 75, 175, or 271 to the Colosseo stop
By Car: The Colosseum lies within a restricted vehicle access zone, meaning no parking is available nearby for visitors.
Entrances
Originally, the Colosseum had 80 entrances, but today only three are in use:
- Main Entrance (Sperone Valadier Entrance)
- Group Entrance
- Stern Entrance (Porta Libitinaria)
Visitors enter the Arena via the Main Entrance, located on the western side near the Arch of Constantine. This gate is open from 8:30 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. and the average wait time is about 45 minutes. Your guide will meet you at your assigned meeting point and accompany you throughout the tour.
Accessibility
These tickets are not suitable for visitors with mobility issues or wheelchair users, due to uneven surfaces and restricted access.
Rules and Regulations
Avoid large bags: Large bags are not allowed. Security checks are strict, so bring only a small backpack.
Accessibility note: Not suitable for visitors with mobility challenges due to uneven terrain.
Dress comfortably: Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear for walking over rough ground.
Prohibited items: No glass bottles, sharp objects, aerosol sprays, or large bags.
Preservation of artifacts: Do not touch, scratch, or damage the monument walls and artifacts.
Tips for Ticket Holders
Make the most of your Colosseum visit with these helpful tips:
- Arrive early: Arrive 15 to 20 minutes early to avoid delays.
- Carry a valid ID: Make sure you carry a valid ID (passport, driver’s license), especially important for discounted tickets.
- Pick good footwear: Wear comfortable shoes as there is plenty of walking around the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
- Stay hydrated: Bring a refillable bottle; fountains and water booths are available onsite.
- Use audio guides: If you are on a self-guided tour, take advantage of the audio guides for an immersive experience.
- Check your meeting point: Ensure you read your final ticket confirmation email for the meeting point. Your guide will also reach out via email or message to share information about the meeting point. Do check them carefully before arrival.
- Stick to the schedule: Guided tours do not wait for latecomers.
- Take breaks: When needed, benches are available throughout the site.
Read 11 insider tips for visiting the Colosseum to make your trip easier and more memorable.
FAQs About Colosseum Private Tour
1. Does the Colosseum have Private Tours?
Yes! The Colosseum has some great private tour options for all the visitors, like the Colosseum Underground and Arena Private Tour and Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum Private Tour.
2. Is it worth getting a private tour of the Colosseum?
Taking a private tour is an excellent way to get a personalized and serene experience through this iconic amphitheater without any hassle. Your guide will share fascinating tales, answer all questions and even adjust the tour to better align with your interests, offering you a complete VIP experience.
3. Can I book these tickets online?
Yes, you can only book these tickets online. We suggest you book them well in advance as they tend to sell out quickly.
4. What languages are the tours available in?
The tours are available in various languages, including Spanish, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, and Abkhazian.
5. What is the duration of a Private tour of the Colosseum?
The duration of the private tour is usually about 3 hours, during which you get an immersive experience of all the sites: the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Palatine Hill.