Colosseum Guided Tour with Palatine Hill and Roman Forum Entry

5

☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★

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
Exclusive Access
Express Colosseum Guided Tour with Access to Palatine Hill & Roman Forum
  • Audio
    Headsets to ensure clear audio throughout the tour
  • Duration
    1.5-hour experience
  • Group Size
    Maximum group size of 25 people
  • About the Tour
    This 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:

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Colosseum’s Arches and Columns
Colosseum’s Arches and Columns
Step into the grandeur of the Colosseum, a timeless symbol of ancient Rome. Admire its 80 arches and 108 columns, showcasing the engineering brilliance of the Roman Empire.
Colosseum Museum
Colosseum Museum
Visit the Colosseum Museum to explore artifacts and exhibitions that highlight the monument's role in ancient Roman life, including gladiatorial contests.
Colosseum’s Upper levels
Colosseum’s Upper levels
Climb to the first and second tiers for stunning views of the arena! Imagine the electric atmosphere as crowds once filled these seats to witness epic battles.
Palatine Hill
Palatine Hill
Take the reins and explore the Palatine Hill at your own pace. With ancient ruins and breathtaking city views, take as long as you like to soak up the site’s rich history within opening hours.
Roman Forum
Roman Forum
Enjoy the perks of self-discovery in the Roman Forum, the heart of public life in ancient Rome. Explore the ruins of temples and marketplaces and envision the vibrant activity that once thrived here.
Stories You Will Hear
 The Colosseum's Ingenious Design

Did you know the Colosseum could hold over 50,000 fans, just like a big stadium today? Its clever system of tunnels allowed for quick crowd control and smooth transitions between events, making every show feel exciting and well-organized!

Stories You Will Hear
The Gladiators’ Unexpected Fame

Here’s a fun tidbit: gladiators were the celebrities of ancient Rome! They were admired for their bravery, and fans even carved their names into the Colosseum’s walls, just like we see today with sports stars and their legacies!

colosseum arena where gladiators once fought

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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The 24-Hour Explorer

The 24-Hour Explorer

Your time is limited, so let’s not waste a second! This tour will allow you to make the most of your quick visit, hitting all the high points for an efficient and exciting day!

the planner

The Planner

We know you love to plan! This tour works well for building your ideal itinerary in advance of your upcoming trip.

the solo adventurer

The Solo Adventurer

You are independent and love traveling alone. This tour is perfect to help you enjoy your experience safely, connect with locals and stay true to yourself!

Reviews

What Our Customers Say

This was a great tour!

Our guide, Olesea, was excellent! She was a very knowledgeable and entertaining host and reminded me of a favorite school teacher. Very interesting storytelling that led to a vivid experience.

Jessica Alexander
Colosseum Guided Tour with Palatine Hill and Roman Forum Entry

We had an awesome experience

Crown Tours has a secret weapon in Rome and his name is JC, the must-visit and premier Colosseum Tour Guide! His storytelling elevated the overall experience for my whole family.

Jesus Diaz
Colosseum Guided Tour with Palatine Hill and Roman Forum Entry

Our tour guide was absolutely brilliant

Our tour with Diana was brilliant. She was informative, friendly and made sure we saw all the best spots in the Colosseum. We had such fun and would 100% recommend Crown Tours!

Megan Wilkinson
Colosseum Guided Tour with Palatine Hill and Roman Forum Entry
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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.

crown tours rome tour guide in the colosseum

Expert Guides

Dive deeper into each destination with guides who bring history to life through passion and knowledge.

Premium Quality

Enjoy the comfort and convenience of luxury paired with authentic local experiences.

Mindful Cultural Journeys

Explore with us on tours designed to honor and sustain the cultural and environmental treasures of our destinations.
pantheon tour rome italy

Top-Rated Experiences

Consistently celebrated in reviews, our tours are recognized for excellence in guest experiences and customer service.
Historic Roman Colosseum's architectural masterpiece

Renowned Expertise

As a leading tour operator, we host thousands of guests annually across many European cities, showcasing our depth of experience and commitment to quality.
stunning view of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City

Authentic Storytelling

Dive into the heart of each destination with stories brought to life by our passionate and knowledgeable local guides, guiding curious travelers through tales inspired by centuries of dreamers.

Exceptional Customer Service

Our dedicated full-time staff are always on hand to ensure your trip is flawlessly organized and all your questions are expertly answered.
Tour group exploring the Colosseum, marveling at its ancient architecture

Small Groups + VIP Access

Gain special entry to hidden gems and iconic landmarks with our insider access, reserved only for our guests.

About The Trip

FAQs

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.

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!

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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

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. 

All tickets to the Colosseum are nominative, meaning the person presenting the ticket must match the name on the ticket. Please ensure all guest names are entered correctly when booking.

What to bring: Your official ID is imperative. Failure to do so may result in denial of entry. Please ensure that minors and adults are indicated correctly.

Attire Recommendations: We recommend wearing breathable fabrics and comfortable shoes. Consider wearing sun protection and rain gear based on the season.

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. 

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