Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124

Experience the Colosseum's arena floor and ancient Rome on this private 2.5-hour guided tour, including the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill for $442.15 per person.

This exclusive private tour offers a 2.5-hour journey through Rome’s most famous landmarks, starting with the Colosseum’s Arena Floor under the historic Gate of Death. Priced at $442.15 per person, the experience is tailored for those seeking a more personalized and in-depth exploration of ancient Rome. The tour is ideal for history enthusiasts who appreciate guided storytelling combined with access to areas usually off-limits to the general public.
What makes this tour stand out is the walk on the reconstructed Arena Floor, providing an up-close view of where gladiators once fought, along with comprehensive visits to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. The private setting ensures a more flexible pace and allows for customized attention, making it a memorable way to experience Rome’s glorious past. While the price point is higher than typical group tours, the personalized guide and special access are compelling reasons to choose this experience.
Prefer personalized experiences? Here are other private options we've covered in Rome

The tour departs from Via del Cardello, 31 in Rome, a location easily accessible via public transportation. The meeting point is convenient and close to other notable sites, making it straightforward for travelers to start their journey into ancient Rome. The meeting time is typically set 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure to manage the group’s organization effectively.
Participants should present a valid passport or ID matching the name used during booking for entry to the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Since the experience is private, only your group participates, ensuring a more intimate and flexible tour.

The highlight of this tour is the walk on the reconstructed Arena Floor of the Colosseum. This rare opportunity allows visitors to stand where gladiators once fought and to see the structure from a perspective usually reserved for early excavations. Your guide provides detailed stories about the gladiatorial battles and engineering marvels behind this iconic structure.
A notable feature is the Gladiator’s Entrance, through which guests can enter, adding to the authentic feel of stepping into ancient Rome’s brutal entertainment venues. Exploring this area with a knowledgeable guide turns the visit into a story-rich experience, revealing hidden facts such as the fact that female gladiators fought in the arena, a detail mentioned in recent reviews.

Following the Colosseum, the tour guides you through the Roman Forum, once the center of political, commercial, and religious life in ancient Rome. Your guide points out key landmarks like the Temple of Julius Caesar, the Arch of Titus, the Temple of Vesta, and the Roman Senate House.
During the 40-minute walk, expect to learn about the significance of these structures and how they contributed to Roman civilization. This area is vast and full of history, and your guide’s stories bring life to the ruins, helping you visualize the thriving city that once stood here.

The final stop is Palatine Hill, positioned between the Roman Forum and the Circus Maximus. This historically important site is believed to be where Romulus founded Rome in 753 B.C. Visitors can stroll among the ancient palaces and gardens, observing remains that showcase royal and imperial luxury.
Palatine Hill offers breathtaking views over the city, making it a perfect spot for photos or a quiet moment to appreciate Rome’s timeless beauty. The 30-minute exploration reveals the grandeur of Roman emperors’ residences and provides context for the rise of the Empire.

The entire itinerary is carefully curated to maximize time and insights. Starting with Arena Floor access, the guide leads you through the Colosseum’s interior for about an hour, focusing on historical stories and engineering feats. The Roman Forum visit lasts approximately 40 minutes, allowing ample time to see the famous ruins with personalized narration.
The Palatine Hill segment, lasting around 30 minutes, concludes the tour, providing spectacular views and deeper historical understanding. The admission tickets for the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are included, along with special access to the Arena Floor, which is valued at $24 per person.

The meeting point is conveniently located near public transportation, making it easy for most visitors to reach. The tour requires moderate physical fitness, as it involves walking mainly on uneven terrain and some uphill sections. The group size is limited to your private party, ensuring personal interaction and flexible pacing.
Travelers should ensure they have full names and valid IDs ready, as these are necessary for entry. The tour operator advises arriving 30 minutes early due to security protocols and potential capacity or last-minute closures that could impact the schedule.

This tour’s main strength is the knowledgeable English-speaking guide who provides engaging stories and insights throughout each stop. The guide’s ability to explain complex history in an accessible way** makes the experience enriching, especially when exploring areas usually off-limits to the public, such as the Arena Floor.
The private format ensures a more tailored experience, allowing for questions and flexibility that larger group tours often lack. The inclusion of special access and detailed stories about female gladiators and Roman engineering make this tour stand out.
At $442.15 per person, this tour provides comprehensive access to key ancient sites in Rome. Included in the price are tickets to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, the Colosseum entrance ticket with arena access, and the guiding service.
Extras like snacks, alcohol, or tips are not included. Considering the personalized attention and special access, the experience offers good value for those looking for an immersive, high-quality tour of Rome’s ancient history.
This private experience is perfect for history lovers who want a deep dive into Rome’s past, especially those eager to walk on the Arena Floor and explore off-the-beaten-path areas with expert narration. It suits travelers comfortable with moderate walking and seeking personalized attention.
While the price is higher, the customized itinerary, exclusive access, and knowledgeable guide make it a worthwhile choice for those wishing to avoid crowds and enjoy a flexible, in-depth tour.
This 2.5-hour private tour offers a comprehensive, engaging way to experience Rome’s ancient sites. The highlight remains the Arena Floor walk at the Colosseum, which promises a unique perspective on gladiatorial history. The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill visits round out the experience, providing context and scenic views.
The personalized guide and inclusion of tickets add value, making this a strong choice for travelers seeking an intimate, educational tour of Rome’s glory days. That said, the cost may be a consideration, but for those who want exclusive access and deep insights, this tour delivers.
“We wanted a unique and personal look at the Coliseum and this tour did absolutely that. Humi, our guide, took her time and gave us one of the most …”
What is included in the price of this tour?
The price covers guiding services, tickets to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, and Colosseum access with arena floor. It does not include snacks, drinks, or tips.
How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, including all stops and guided narration.
Where does the tour start?
The tour begins at Via del Cardello, 31 in Rome, with a meeting time set 30 minutes before the scheduled start.
Is the tour suitable for all physical fitness levels?
Participants should have moderate physical fitness due to walking on uneven terrain and some uphill sections across the sites.
Can I customize this private tour?
Yes, this experience is tailored to your group, allowing the guide to adjust the itinerary based on your interests and pace.
What makes this tour different from other Rome excursions?
The exclusive access to the Arena Floor, the private guide, and the personalized experience set this tour apart, offering a more intimate and informative exploration of Rome’s ancient history.