Express Colosseum Tour

Express Colosseum Tour

Specially created for travellers with limited time in the Eternal City, this tour is an express exploration of Rome’s most iconic landmark – the Colosseum. Journey back in time to the era of emperors, gladiators and blood sports. Discover the ancient city through this magnificent structure, learning about the engineering prowess needed to build it, the stories of the men – and, occasionally, women – who fought here, and the ordinary citizens who watched gruesome spectacles unfold in front of them.

The tour lasts around 1-1.5 hours and includes skip-the-line access to make sure your time in Rome isn’t spent waiting in snaking queues. Once inside, our expert guide will explain the history of the world’s largest amphitheatre – do you know, for example, how the Colosseum got its name? – and recount the stories of the gladiators that fought there. In fact, some weren’t gladiators at all, but slaves and criminals forced to fight each other in the name of public spectacle. As well as gladiator fights, public executions and re-enactments of historic battles, the Colosseum was also the site of exotic animal hunts and, at the inaugural games in 80 AD, over 9,000 wild animals were killed, having been shipped to Rome from across the empire for this gruesome purpose.

Almost 2,000 years old, the Colosseum has survived earthquakes, thieves and looters, and has become a symbol of the permanence of the city of Rome. No trip to the Eternal City would be complete without a visit. This tour provides access to the first and second levels of the Colosseum, also admission to the Roman Forum right after the tour, so you can visit this site independently and at no extra cost, should you wish to do so.

Your guide will meet you in front of the Angelino ai Fori restaurant. From there you will follow your guide to enter the Colosseum with reservations.