Rome: Colosseum Underground & Forum Small Group Tour

Summary

Walk ancient tunnels under Rome’s Colosseum & see the Forum up close

You’ll step into Rome’s Colosseum Underground with a small group, feel ancient stones under your hands, walk onto the Arena Floor where gladiators once stood, and wander through wildflower-tangled ruins of the Roman Forum — all with skip-the-line access and an expert guide who brings every corner to life.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the smell — kind of damp stone and something old, like a cellar that’s been holding secrets for centuries. We’d just slipped past the regular crowds with our guide, Martina (she grew up in Trastevere and has this way of making history sound like gossip), and suddenly we were standing where gladiators used to wait before their fights. It’s colder down there than you’d expect. She showed us grooves in the floor where cages slid open, and I touched one of the walls — rough, cool, almost gritty. For a second, I tried to imagine what it sounded like when thousands were cheering above. Honestly, my heart sped up a bit.

We climbed up to the Arena Floor next — you know that view everyone wants from their Rome trip? It’s wild seeing sunlight pour through those arches after being underground. Martina pointed out where the emperor would sit (I joked about calling shotgun on that spot) and explained how the games worked. There was a breeze that day, carrying voices from other groups but ours felt quiet somehow. Maybe it was just six of us, or maybe because she kept pausing to let us take it all in. I still think about that view sometimes when I hear crowds at football matches back home.

The Roman Forum is just a short walk away — honestly, I didn’t expect much after the Colosseum but it surprised me. The ruins are so tangled with wildflowers and there’s this faint smell of pine resin in the air. Martina told us stories about Julius Caesar’s last days right by his temple (I probably butchered his name trying to say it in Italian; she laughed). There were school kids running around pretending to be senators and for a moment it felt weirdly alive again. We wandered between columns and broken marble until my feet started complaining — but I didn’t really want to leave yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Colosseum and Roman Forum

• Enter Colosseum underground area
• Visit Colosseum arena floor
• Walk to Roman Forum entrance
• Discover Roman Forum ruins

Top questions

How many people are in each group on this Colosseum Underground tour?

This small group tour has a maximum of 6 people per group.

Does this tour include access to the Colosseum Arena Floor?

Yes, you’ll have exclusive access to both the Colosseum Underground and Arena Floor.

Are entrance fees for both the Colosseum and Roman Forum included?

Yes, all entrance fees for both sites are included in your booking.

Is skip-the-line entry provided on this tour?

Yes, skip-the-line tickets are included for faster entry.

Do I need to bring my passport or ID for this tour?

A valid passport or photo ID matching your booking name is required for entry.

What languages does the guide speak?

The guide speaks English fluently; other languages may vary by request.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet at the designated meeting point near the Colosseum.

Are closed-toe shoes required?

Yes, closed-toe non-slip shoes are mandatory for safety reasons inside the Colosseum.

How long does it take to walk from the Colosseum to the Roman Forum?

The Roman Forum entrance is just a short walk from the Colosseum; less than 10 minutes on foot.

What’s included

Your day covers skip-the-line entry fees for both the Colosseum (including rare access to its underground tunnels and Arena Floor) and Roman Forum, all led by a Blue Badge certified guide in an intimate group of no more than six travelers. Just remember your passport or ID — they’ll check names at entry!