We’re looking to book a semi private or small group tour that includes Gladiator Gate, underground area & the Roman Forum. I see several companies that offer this tour but I see comments that show the companies cancel & try to reschedule guests.
I would love to hear from travelers who can recommend a tour company that’s reliable & has English speaking guides who are easily understood & full of interesting Roman history. We’ll be in Rome in May & are looking for a really fun & educational tour. Thanks!
Posted by
Port Angeles
228 posts
Hi Berry- As to why tour companies cancel or attempt to reschedule, this Romewise video does a great job explaining why.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16973 posts
I think you're asking for the impossible.
We'd covered the potential pitfalls of booking tours which include the underground on any other site BUT the Colosseum's own in your previous threads, such as these:.
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/night-tours-of-the-colosseum
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/viator-8e663b6b-7405-472e-9b21-698024e0ac0b
Here's some text from one of the more trusted tour companies: they're flatly up front about some of the cancellation/change possibilities for their underground tour. Pay close attention to the info about needing to keep your ENTIRE day open to cover for a change in tour time, and yes, it could be moved to a different day. As well, unless booking a private tour operated by a singular guide, you'll be assigned a random guide from their group of them and there's no guarantee that they'll all speak English comprehensively enough for your particular taste.
What happens if it rains?
We run our Colosseum tours rain or shine. If rainfall is extremely heavy, the Colosseum management will sometimes close the restricted areas for safety reasons. If the restricted areas are closed, we will offer an €18 refund to compensate for missing these areas, but we'll still take you inside the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum.
Can my tour be canceled or moved to a different day?
Yes, it is possible. Colosseum Underground tours are very exclusive and are subject to changes, but we’re experts in this field and have staff dedicated to ensuring the best possible customer experience. If we are unable to acquire tickets on your behalf, we will let you know at least 14 days before your tour date, in which case we'll add you to a comparable tour or offer a full refund.
Is it possible The Tour Guy will change this tour time?
Yes, it is very likely to happen due to the exclusive nature of this tour. We recommend you keep your entire day open to accommodate your new tour time. Be sure to monitor your email as we will contact you at least 14 days before the tour with any new start time.
Liv Tours, Through Eternity, Walks of Italy and Context Travel - 4 other trusted companies; the last two mentioned were recommended by two posters on your TA forum thread - don't currently offer their tours which had included the underground (I checked the websites.)
Editing to add: I'm a bit surprised that you're even considering a tour of the Colosseum as you'd advised another poster 2 years ago that there's "Not much to see inside except a large hole." (wink)
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/colloseum-sold-out-for-may
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16973 posts
Oh, and one more thing to be aware of? I see in your TA posts about an upcoming trip to Lisbon that you have a bad hip, asthma, a bad back + mobility issues. Most of the combo Colosseum+ Forum tours (and which usually include the Palatine too; well worth seeing) last 3-4 hours. They'll involve a lot of walking and standing still - no place to sit - for the duration of the tour. In the interest of having an enjoyable time, you might want to consider in advance if this is something you feel you can physically manage?