How to Choose the Right Colosseum Tour?

When it comes to sightseeing in Italy, your trip isn’t complete without a tour of the magnificent Colosseum. Situated in the heart of Rome, this iconic landmark is a must-see for any traveller, even if you’re just flying in for the weekend. But with so many Colosseum tour options available, it can be difficult to choose the right one. In this blog, we’re going to give you some tips to help you find the perfect tour for your needs; from budget-friendly tours to private outings.

Choosing a Colosseum tour:

factors to consider Before getting ready to book your tour, there are a couple of important considerations to take into account. Here’s what you need to be thinking about before making your reservation:

Time

First of all, you need to consider how much time you have available; some tours offer comprehensive visits that last several hours, while others are shorter and more affordable. If you’re jetting into Rome for a long weekend or just passing through on your way to another Italian city, you’ll want to make sure that you opt for a tour that allows you to skip the line privileges.

If you’ve already done a bit of reading up on Colosseum visits, you’ll already know that you need to wait in line before being able to access the site, and you’ll also need to pass through security checks before you’re granted entry. All of this can eat into your valuable time, so make sure you’ve taken this into consideration before booking any tour.

Exploration vs. expert guide

Next, think about what kind of experience you’re looking for: do you want to explore the history of the Colosseum in depth or simply admire its majestic facade? Would you prefer to explore alone or with the help of an expert tour guide? Whether you’re an introvert who’d prefer a self-guided audio tour, or an amateur historian who’d love to exchange facts about the Roman period with your private tour guide, you’ll want to make sure to pick a tour that suits your sightseeing style.

Group vs. private tour

You’ll also need to decide if you’d like to go on a group outing, or if you’d prefer a more personal experience with a private guided tour. There are several benefits to each option, and it’s all about picking the one that’s best for you. For example, with a group tour, you’ll have greater liberty to go off and explore your surrounding environment yourself, while also being in a great position to make new friends or acquaintances on your trip.

On the other hand, a private Colosseum tour is much more intimate, and the ideal option for small groups of less than 10; you’ll be able to discuss topics at length with your tour guide, without feeling rushed or discouraged from asking questions. Plus, with some private companies, you may be able to access a private Colosseum tour, which allows you to explore and discover certain sites in the Colosseum that aren’t open to the general public.

Different types of Colosseum tour

So, now that we’ve gone over all the important considerations to take into account, what type of Colosseum tours are available for visitors? Here are some of the main tours on offer, both by private tour companies as well as the Colosseum itself:

Group tours

Many private companies offer large group tours of the Colosseum, and these tours can usually accommodate up to 25 people at once. Group tours are usually the cheapest option and ideal for those on a budget, but they’re not the best option if you’re looking for an in-depth, expert analysis of the historical site.

Semi-private group tours

Semi private group tours can accommodate up to 10 people, and are usually much more intimate than a larger group tour. With fewer people in your group, you’ll be able to ask your tour guide more questions, while also having greater influence and sway over the direction of the tour itself.

Private Colosseum tours

Private Colosseum tours are ideal for the amateur historian; for those who truly want to learn about the Colosseum’s history – as well as learn little-known facts about the former amphitheatre – a private tour is the best option. Private tours are more intimate than semi-private tours, and will usually include 6 people – although do note that this figure may be higher or lower depending on your chosen tour company.

Aside from a more intimate tour setting, a private guided tour may also come with “skip the line” privileges, meaning that you won’t need to stand around for hours outside waiting to get in. Plus, as your group is smaller, you won’t need to spend half as long going through security as you would with a larger group tour.

Underground Colosseum tours

If you’re interested in the authentic Colosseum experience, certain private tour companies – such as ours – now offer underground Colosseum tours. With an underground tour, you’ll usually explore the Arena floor, the Roman forum and Palatine Hill, while also enjoying VIP access to areas underneath the amphitheatre that are usually closed to visitors. On top of that, most underground Colosseum tours are private, so you’ll be accompanied by an expert storyteller who will be happy to answer each and every one of your questions.

Ultimately, the best Colosseum tour depends on your time limits and sightseeing style; what’s certain is that from self-guided audio tours to underground private tours, there’s something for everyone when in Rome.