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Colosseum tour--arena floor or not?

Posted by (Minneapolis) on

We'll be in Rome October 5 - 10. I'm about to book a semi-private tour with Through Eternity for the Colosseum, Forum, Palatine Hill. For a few bucks more there is the Colosseum tour that includes the arena floor (NOT the underground). Otherwise, the same combo tour (3 hours)

I want as little risk as possible for the possibility of needing to re-schedule tour in case of lack of ticket availability....and want as much time at the Forum/Palatine Hill as possible--not sure if the addition of arena floor would impact that.

Also would like to END at Forum/Palatine if possible so we could linger on our own after the tour concludes...it's difficult to surmise the order of the tours for either of them--I've read the descriptions of course. But that's not a deal breaker....

Also arena floor inclusion is an afternoon only tour starting at 2:30....the basic one you can choose a time. For October heat shouldn't be as much of an issue, but crowds better one way or the other for the 3 areas?

I would welcome any advice!

Posted by
120 posts

I don't really think the arena floor is worth it. Idk where the guided tour goes but from the regularly accessible areas you can be at arena level and see the Colosseum from that angle. The 2:30 start time plus a 3 hour tour also would only give you an hour in the Forum/Palatine Hill afterwards (probably less as they'll start clearing areas out before the 6:30 closing time).

Posted by
1646 posts

....and want as much time at the Forum/Palatine Hill as possible--not sure if the addition of arena floor would impact that.

If the tour length is three hours and starts at 2:30, how much additional time will you have at the Forum after the tour - in October?

I was on the arena floor as part of a moonlight tour in 2023 and it does give you a perspective not available from up in the "stands." However, the Colosseum is still very impressive without it.

Another consideration is attention span - if you are overloaded after three hours, you can always purchase a ticket to just the Forum/Palatine for a second visit - they are reasonable in cost and always available - if you have the time.

Posted by
226 posts

Thank you for your input--you both make very good points.

I almost always prefer a morning time slot for timed entry tickets....so I am going to book the regular non-arena tour. Probably for that Monday October 6, when several other sites are closed.

Looking forward to our tour!

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