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  • Gladiators & Saints: Colosseum Arena and St. Peter’s Prison

An unforgettable 3-in-1 experience of the Colosseum with  express entry through the Gladiator’s Gate, the Roman Forum and the ancient Mamertine Prison where St. Peter was held captive in Rome.

Highlights

  • A fully guided tour preceded by an interactive video guide provides the best of both worlds
  • Pre-reserved access means you bypass queues at the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
  • Learn the meaning of “Caput Mundi,” the famous she-wolf, and did all roads really lead to Rome?
  • Exclusive access to the Arena floor

Description

Begin your exclusive journey through ancient Rome by visiting one of its hidden gems, the 7th-century BC Mamertine Prison, located just a stone’s throw from the Roman Forum. Show your PDF ticket and dive into the 7th-century BC Mamertine Prison with an enlightening audio-guide. This historic site, according to early Christian tradition, is where Emperor Nero held Saints Peter and Paul before their executions. Discover the altar marking their imprisonment and the ancient cistern where St. Peter is believed to have baptized his fellow prisoners.

After exploring the Mamertine Prison, take a short break before meeting your licensed local  guide near the majestic Colosseum. Step through the legendary Gladiator’s Gate onto the Arena floor. Feel the thrill as your guide vividly describes the gladiator contests that were once a cornerstone of Roman society, dispelling myths and highlighting the true stories behind these legendary battles.

Wander around the Colosseum’s perimeter, gazing down onto the Arena floor and peering into the intricate underground chambers where gladiators and wild animals awaited their fate. Your guide’s detailed narratives will transport you back in time, bringing the ancient history of this magnificent arena to life.

Your journey continues as you follow your guide into the Roman Forum, the vibrant heart of ancient Rome. Explore structures dating back to the 7th century BC and uncover the tales of Rome’s foundation on Palatine Hill. Learn about Romulus and Remus, the twin brothers nurtured by a she-wolf, and how they set the stage for the rise of emperors, tyrants, and caesars who declared themselves gods.

This exclusive tour offers an exclusive glimpse into Rome’s illustrious past, blending history, myth, and unparalleled access to some of the world’s greatest ancient wonders.

Inclusions

  • Entry tickets and video guide to the Mamertine Prison
  • Licensed English-speaking tour guide at the Colosseum and Roman Forum
  • Express entry to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (value €24)

Exclusions

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • Gratuities

Know before you book

  • This is a walking tour
  • Due to the route covered and/or the means of transportation used, it is not possible to participate in this tour using a wheelchair, scooter, or other aid. Please contact us to inquire about customized tour options for guests with mobility challenges
  • Max group size: 20

Know before you go

  • No large bags or backpacks will be allowed into the Colosseum
  • Tour departs rain or shine
  • An official form of ID is required to enter the Colosseum
  • Bring a hat, sunblock and water on hot summer days

Cancellation Policy

  • Tours depart rain or shine unless otherwise specified. All cancellations must be received in writing to [email protected]. The cancellation policy for this item is as follows:
  • Cancellation with 72+ hours notice: full refund
  • Cancellation with less than 72 hours notice: no refunds or exceptions will be made
  • Failure to reach the meeting point on time (no-show) is equivalent to cancellation with less than 72 hours notice.
  • *If you’ve chosen the Hassle-Free Cancellation policy during checkout, cancel your tour anytime up to midnight of the day before it begins for a full refund, excluding the Trip Protection fee. Remember to notify us of your cancellation in writing before midnight (Rome time) on the night before your tour.

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