FILM LOCATIONS · GLADIATOR AND COLOSSEUM FILM TOURS
The arena floor is a separate ticket from the standard Colosseum entry, and the underground level is a third. These 15 sort what each pass actually opens, with prices and the queue you skip.
Enter the Colosseum through the gladiator gate and walk onto its arena floor with an English-speaking guide. In 90 minutes, explore the ground floor, second tier, podium, and views toward the Roman Forum. Small groups may offer more time for questions and photos.
“Our guide was very informative and the tour and the tour was interesting.”
This three-hour English tour takes you onto the Colosseum arena floor through Gladiator’s Gate, then through the upper levels, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Guides such as Julia, Sev, and Nicola bring the ruins to life. The 9 AM departure has a maximum of eight people.
“Davide was extremely knowledgeable which added a lot to the Colosseum tour. He took the time to explain things thoroughly and we never felt rushed, which added to thrle experience. I'd also add his dry sense of humour was a hit with us. Overall it was well worth the price and I'd highly recommend them as a tour operator.”
At the Gladiator School of Rome near the Appian Way, you’ll wear a tunic, belt, gloves, and rudis sword, then learn basic combat moves from Historic Group of Rome instructors. The two-hour class includes the museum, mock battles, a certificate, and an optional tournament.
“The Gladiator School in Rome was one of the absolute highlights of our trip. From the moment we arrived, the team made us feel welcome and immersed us in the world of ancient gladiators. The instructors are passionate historians and skilled entertainers, striking the perfect balance between teaching and fun.”
Spend 11.5 hours touring Val d’Orcia by coach, with free time in Montalcino, Pienza, and Montepulciano. Visit two wine cellars, taste Brunello and Vino Nobile with cheese, and pass the Madonna di Vitaleta chapel and Gladiator filming sites. Guides vary, with English and Spanish guaranteed.
“There is essentially no tour guide, they mainly provide transportation services and set a time/location to re-group, then we are on our own to explore everything,”
Walk onto the Colosseum arena floor through Gladiator’s Gate, then follow an English-speaking guide through the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Morning tours run in groups of up to eight. The 3:30 PM option includes the Forum SUPER Sites but not the arena floor.
“Our guide, Francesca(hope I spelled it right), was amazing, knowledgeable, and funny! She knew everything about the history of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine hill! Her in-depth descriptions and jokes really made our tour and our trip. She knew exactly how and when to provide information that made us understand and appreciate the history and ruins more! We would love to come back to Rome and take other tours with her!”
At Rome’s Gladiator School on the Appian Way, an English or Italian instructor leads adults and children through a museum visit, Roman history, sword training, and a safe arena battle. Guides including Mirko, Cena, Patriccio, Olympus, Marko, and Sina have led sessions.
“Wow! I was definitely in the fence about booking this tour. I have two young teenage boys, and I was very afraid it would be too cheesy or “kiddie” for them. I should not have worried. This was two hours packed with fun, constant activity and (whether they realized it or not) learning. My kids have not stopped talking about and both say it’s the best part of our trip so far. My wife and I attended only as spectators, and even we found it highly entertaining. I was surprised that there was a lot of (safe, fun) gladiatorial fighting. I was expecting it to be 75% lecture and safety…”
At the Gruppo Storico Romano, you’ll tour a small Roman military museum, sample Roman-style nibbles and wine, then watch historical reenactors perform gladiator combat, dances, vestal rites, and pantomime. The evening begins at 20:45 and ends around 22:00, about 3.5 kilometers from the Colosseum.
“We were warmly welcomed by the artists and also by our guide who told us stories about the gladiators, answered questions we had, and took us on a journey back in time many years ago. The show is interactive, fun and allows you to have direct contact with the artists! The appetizer is simple but delicious. (Don't expect to have dinner, there are restaurants outside for that). There are buses that go there (118 and 218) you only have to walk 5 minutes to get to the place. If you want to go by taxi, the girls will help you order one in case you need one. (We were a…”
Meet your guide in Colle Oppio Park for a 90-minute family tour of the Colosseum. Guides such as Barbara, Evi, and Francesca use stories, questions, and quizzes to keep children involved while adults learn about Flavius Attilius, gladiators, and Roman culture.
“Evi was a wonderful guide and perfect with our kids! She kept our kids engaged with with stories about Rome and the history of the colosseum. She also helped us use the elevator for our infant and their stroller.”
Spend about three hours at Rome’s Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. You’ll enter the arena through Gladiator’s Gate, see the first and second levels, and hear stories from guides such as Christina, Patricia, Laura, and Amy. Expect a group of up to 25 people and plenty of walking.
“This was our anniversary day and we unfortunately had a horrible taxi driver and didn’t arrive until less than 10 minutes late but the tour gatherer refused to give us our entry tickets until she got “authorization” and by that time it was an hour past. She said, “here you go. Here are your tickets. I don’t know if they will let you in since so much time has passed but good luck.” Well, this was the only thing my husband wanted to do and we didn’t get to do it. It totally ruined our day. Standing in the hot sun for an hour as we see her taking tour…”
Enter the Colosseum through the Gladiators’ Gate, walk onto the Arena floor, and continue to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Choose a self-guided smartphone audio tour or a private guide in languages including English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian.
“The tour guide was lovely. Very knowledgeable, and accommodating. Someone within the group had a disability. She always check on them and offered alternative route. A bit expensive and would have a like a bit more time to look around and read. However understand there is a time limit. Would definitely recommend.”
Enter the Colosseum’s arena floor, hear vivid gladiator stories, and spend an hour each at the Forum and Palatine Hill. This three-hour English tour caps groups at 10, with guides such as Maria, Erica, Roberta, and Mr. Thompson named for their warm, lively teaching.
“Fairly fast paced. There are a lot of steps to navigate. Not always enough time to snap photos while passing through.”
Enter the Colosseum near the Arch of Constantine, hear how gladiators faced life and death, then walk through the Roman Forum with an English-speaking guide. The small group is capped at 20, and arena-floor access may depend on availability, so confirm the day’s entry details before booking.
“Our guide was FANTASTIC best guide we had in all of Rome. If you are going to do a tour of the Colosseum choose this one she was so knowledgeable and funny. And she was soooo easy to understand and hear which is way more than I can day of other tours!”
Meet your licensed English-speaking guide near the Colosseum for a 75-minute visit to the arena and first two tiers, with headsets for clear commentary. Guides such as Simona, Realda, Enzo, and Paolo bring Roman history to life. Your ticket also includes self-guided entry to the Forum and Palatine Hill.
“If you’re after a small intimate group tour, with less waiting around for others holding you up taking pics, This one’s for you! Our guide spoke English very well and had great knowledge about the architecture and build of the colosseum. The tour was an hour long, skipped the lines and we were straight into the main arena. This option has plenty to see.”
Spend 2.5 to 3 hours exploring the Colosseum arena floor, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill with a licensed guide. You’ll see gladiator spaces, imperial passages, and Caesar’s Palace, with guides such as Francesca, David, Valeria, and Andrea bringing the ruins to life.
“Fantastic informative tour. Our guide David was really entertaining and enthusiastic about his city and its history. Highly recommended.”
Follow an English-speaking guide into the Colosseum through the restricted arena entrance, including the Libitinaria Gate, then see the first and second levels before visiting the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Headsets help, but timing and Forum guidance can vary.
“The meeting spot was very easy to find. Even though it was extremely busy, they seemed very organized. The tour was great, and our tour guide was very knowledgeable.”
The franchises that carry the most bookable locations, and where each one lands.
