Colosseum Tour with Arena & First and Second Floors

If you’re eyeing a visit to Rome’s iconic Colosseum, you’re probably considering how to make the most of your time there. This particular tour, offered by Buonjorno Tours Ltd, promises a thorough look at one of the greatest symbols of ancient Rome. It’s designed for those who want to walk on the actual Arena Floor—a spot where gladiators once fought—and to explore the nearby Roman Forum and Palatine Hill with the benefit of skip-the-line entry.

What immediately stands out about this experience? First, the access to the Arena Floor is a real treat. Many tours only skim the surface, but this one invites you onto the sand where history was made. Second, the guide’s local expertise helps bring the site’s stories to life, making the experience both educational and engaging. One potential downside? The tour doesn’t include the undergrounds of the Colosseum or the uppermost levels, so if you’re after a truly exhaustive experience, this might feel a bit limited.

This tour is a fantastic pick for history buffs, first-time visitors wanting a rundown, or anyone who appreciates skipping long lines to maximize sightseeing time. It’s especially suitable if you prefer a small, intimate group setting and want to learn from a knowledgeable guide.

Key Points

• Exclusive Access: Walk on the Arena Floor and see where gladiators fought.
• Skip-the-Line: Speed past crowds with priority entry.
• Comprehensive Itinerary: Includes the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and notable arches.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 20 people, ensuring a more personal tour.
• Duration & Flexibility: 3-hour tour with live English guidance.
• Not for Wheelchair Users: Limited accessibility due to site restrictions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

We love the way this tour combines immersion and efficiency. Walking directly onto the Arena Floor is a rare opportunity—imagine standing where gladiators once battled, feeling the sand under your feet. The feeling of stepping into such a pivotal place in history is genuinely unforgettable. Plus, the skip-the-line access means you spend more time exploring and less time in queues, which in Rome can be a real relief, especially during peak season.

Another aspect that sets this tour apart is its focus on the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. These areas are packed with temples, triumphal arches, and meeting places that tell stories of political power and social life in ancient Rome. The guide’s insights help you visualize what life was like when the empire was at its peak, making the ruins come alive.

However, it’s important to recognize what this tour doesn’t include. Travelers seeking to go underground or visit the uppermost levels of the Colosseum should look elsewhere. The tour is primarily focused on the first and second floors and the arena, which still offers plenty of awe-inspiring moments.

Inside the Itinerary: What You’ll Experience

Meeting Point and First Impressions

You’ll meet your guide by the lower level exit of the Colosseo metro station, right next to the green kiosk. The instructions are clear, which is helpful, especially in a busy area like this. Expect your guide to be holding a sign saying “Tours of Rome” and “Buonjorno Tours”. Having a designated meeting spot ensures a smooth start to your exploration.

The Arena Floor Walk

The highlight of the experience is walking on the Arena Floor, which typically takes around 30 minutes. It’s a visceral moment—standing on the sands where so many gladiators once fought. You’ll see the “Blood of the Gladiators”, a phrase often used to describe the gritty reality of ancient combat. This is a unique chance to stand at the heart of the action, surrounded by the walls that once echoed with roars of the crowd.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Colosseum Walk

Following this, the guided tour of the Colosseum’s interior lasts about an hour. Your guide will walk you through the first and second floors, sharing stories about the structure’s design, its purpose, and the spectacles that captivated ancient Roman citizens. It’s a chance to appreciate the engineering marvel that the Colosseum was, with its complex system of corridors, trapdoors, and seating arrangements.

Exploring the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Next, you’ll stroll through the Roman Forum, the political and social hub of ancient Rome. With your guide, you’ll see temples, triumphal arches, and meeting places that shaped Roman civilization. This area is less crowded than the Colosseum, so you’ll have space to absorb the grandeur of these ruins. The Palatine Hill, just above the Forum, offers a scenic overlook and the ruins of imperial palaces, adding a regal touch to your tour.

Additional Monuments

The tour also includes a quick look at the Arch of Titus, Via Sacra, and the Arch of Septimius Severus—all important symbols of Roman military victories and dynasties. Each of these landmarks tells a story, and your guide’s explanations help you picture their historical significance.

Wrapping Up

The entire experience wraps up back at the starting point after roughly three hours, leaving you with a well-rounded understanding of this incredible site.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

When considering the cost, this tour provides a lot of bang for your buck. The skip-the-line feature alone saves a significant amount of time, especially during busy seasons. Plus, the small group size ensures you get personal attention and engaging storytelling, rather than just following a big crowd. The guided element means you’ll come away with more than just photos—you’ll understand the stories behind the stones.

The inclusion of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill maximizes your visit, letting you see multiple key sites in a single trip. If you’re a history enthusiast or simply want an efficient, informative tour, this setup offers a comprehensive experience without feeling rushed.

Considerations

A potential drawback is that the tour does not include the Colosseum Underground or higher floors. If those are on your must-see list, you might want to explore additional options. Also, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible due to site limitations, so travelers with mobility concerns should plan accordingly.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

• Bring your passport or ID—it’s required for entry.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as there is a fair amount of walking and standing.
• Arrive early at the meeting point to find your guide easily and avoid any last-minute stress.
• Check the weather—the Arena Floor and some parts of the Roman Forum are outdoors and may be affected by rain or ice.
• No large luggage or bags are allowed, so plan accordingly.
• The tour’s start times may shift if there are special events, so double-check your confirmation.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for history lovers who want a structured, engaging overview of the Colosseum and its surroundings. It’s perfect for first-timers eager to see the highlights without fuss, and for those who appreciate walking on the famous Arena Floor. Because it is a small-group guided tour, it suits travelers who prefer a more intimate, educational experience over a large, self-guided visit.

It’s less suited for visitors with mobility issues or those looking for access to underground chambers, but for most other travelers, this tour hits a sweet spot of depth, efficiency, and value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the description mentions bringing IDs for children, the focus is on historical exploration rather than entertainment, so it’s better suited for older kids or teenagers interested in history.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is roughly 3 hours, including walking, exploring, and guided commentary.

Do I need to reserve in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to book ahead to secure your spot, especially since the tour is limited to 20 people.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility.

Are there any accessibility issues?
This tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users due to site limitations.

Does the tour include the Colosseum Underground or upper floors?
No, it focuses on the first and second floors and the Arena, without access to underground chambers or the uppermost levels.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, comfortable shoes, and perhaps a hat or water if it’s hot outside.

In the end, this tour offers a carefully curated look at some of Rome’s most iconic sites, focusing on what matters most—the gladiator arena, the ruins, and the stories that bring them to life. For those wanting an engaging, well-organized experience with minimal fuss, it’s a solid choice that balances depth with practicality.

You can check availability for your dates here: