Rome Gladiator School

How hot does it get in Bridgewater?

It would be easy for someone who has not experienced it to under-estimate the mid-day heat in Rome in August.

What's too hot for two kids to enjoy is something that's difficult for us here to give an opinion about.

Doug's question is apt, what kind of heat/humidity are they used to at home in August?

If you do this, it's especially important to keep children (and adults) hydrated, water bottles and making sure they understand that they should drink before they feel thirsty. Once you feel thirsty, you're already getting dehydrated.

They are definitely used to heat. Right now it's hot and humid in NJ so I think it's OK. I did try calling directly, but no on eanswered but will keep trying. I did e-mail them but no response yet. I guess I want to make sure this is worth the trip out there. Seems fun and something the kids will enjoy-just wanted more feedback. Thanks,

I did it in July last year. In terms of heat, it was OK. Be prepared that you will sweat a lot, especially as you will at times be wearing a very heavy metal helmet. But you get a halftime break with water and a snack. The kids will definitely enjoy it. An American school group arrived while we were there and they seemed thrilled.

I cannot stress enough to stay away from Viator. We have had multiple problems with them in multiple trips to multiply countries. With the Gladiator school they failed to book the tour, of course they charged our cards immediately. The Gladiators speak English so I would suggest calling them direct. I have heard that other people have been scammed by Viator as well.

It is hard to find the Scuola, you will probably need to take a taxi but its not too expensive.

Andrea: Yours is a good post, with good info for the OP, but can you clarify what you mean about this:

First para you talk of doing it, 2nd para you give a strong warning re Viator, 3rd para you mention Scuola.

You're clearly warning against Viator. Are you recommending another gladiator school to the OP, or what?

Thank you for any clarification you can give.

Kent -- yes we did this at the very same Scuola Gladiatori (the Italin for what Viator sells) that Viator advertises, and booked through Viator against our own better judgment. And once again we had problems. When we arrived there was nobody there at all. After awhile caretaker who spoke no English arrived and made several calls on his cell phone. Eventually a female Gladiator arrived, spoke to us, then made a million phone calls herself then provided the service. She said there had been no bookings made by Viator for us (same thing happened in Spain the year before).

So in the end we got the service we paid for. I suggest calling direct because I know the Gladiators we dealt with spoke English so it seems the best way to avoid Viator. I have not yet seem them available on other websites. Maybe a hotel could call on behalf of interested parties as well.

Scuola Gladiatori Roma is a kind of historical society where modern day gladiator enthusiasts train, and it seemed as though they only started welcoming tourists to the facility in the past year or two.

http://www.gsr-roma.com/gladiatori/htm/gladiatori.htm

Their website, albeit in Italian but contact phone numbers provided

By the way my party consisted of female (38), female (41) and male (37). Really fun!

Andrea: Thanks for the clarification. From your review of the Gladiator School, it sounds as if maybe the practice should be resumed (as it was 2000 years ago) of having some lions around to eat the gladiators.