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FYI on Colosseum tours starting November

Posted by (West Coast) on

I had just booked a tour of the Colosseum/Forum/Palatine for November, then got a call from the tour company about the third level part of the tour. It seems that the Colosseum has now split up the tickets into one for the underground/arena floor, and one for the third level (and maybe fourth and fifth levels if those will stay open), but they still charge the same amount for the underground as they did for the old underground/third level ticket. This means the the tour company has removed the third level from their tour and will do something else instead, some exposition or something. I didn't ask for details because my main interest in doing a tour at all is for the stories about the Forum and the Palatine Hill.

FYI in case you're looking at tour tickets starting in November. I suppose all this could change in the next couple weeks, but might be worth checking on if you want to do a tour and have your heart set on that third level.

Posted by
16710 posts

I had just booked a tour of the Colosseum/Forum/Palatine

KKC, who did you book your tour with? There are multiple resources who cover these three sites.

Posted by
438 posts

Kathy- I booked with The Roman Guy. I assume all tour companies would have the same issue with ticketing changes. Maybe some would handle it differently, but I feel like I've been planning for so long that I'm done. I'm ready to just go already! If the tour guides are as good as the reviews, then I'll be happy. (I chose a tour since I thought I'd get more out of the sites than being on my own). I'm sure there are other places to get good views, but wanted people to be aware if they were counting on going up to the higher levels.

Posted by
16710 posts

Thank for clarifying your tour operator, KKC; thought that might be a good idea. I'm glad that a change in plan wasn't a huge disappointment for you! :O)

I've been eyeing the Coopculture website for developments on this situation and even they seem to be sorting the details a bit. Right now, they have broken the previous Underground/Third Ring tours into two separate tours of € 9,00+ entry fee apiece but as stated:

We inform you that on October 16th 2017 it will be possible to book
the undergrounds and Belvedere tours for the month of November. Given
the widening of the tour route, the proposal for fruition will be
subject to changes in the route and fares:

The visit of the Colosseum’s undergrounds will provide access to arena
level, the undergrounds, the first floor – along with permanent
exhibitions if scheduled – the view on the square of the Colosseum
from the Valadier Terrace - duration 75 '

"The visit of the Colosseum’s Belvedere will provide access to first
floor – along with permanent exhibitions if scheduled – to the third
ring with view on the arena and the Imperial Forums, to the fourth and
the fifth rings - duration 75 '

Like Roman Guy, "Walks of Italy" is still advertising Third Ring in its "most popular" Colosseum underground tour so as you say, KKC, it'll be interesting to see if people booking that one receive the same change notice and/or or if updates to both company's websites - along with others currently offering that combo - will be happening soon?

Posted by
438 posts

I think the mantra for this is "be flexible", which probably works for all of Italy!

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