Upper Tiers Colosseum Tour with Elevator

Tour Overview

Reach for the clouds on our exciting new Colosseum tour, which takes you behind the scenes at the ancient Rome’s most iconic building. Join our expert English-speaking guide to explore the top levels of the Colosseum, usually off-limits to visitors. We’ll be zooming upwards to enjoy extraordinary views over Rome and down into the Colosseum itself thanks to a new, state-of-the-art glass elevator: Discover exactly what took place during the games as we head to the very top, where commoners crowded to get a glimpse of the brutal gladiator battles on the arena far below. Explore the access tunnels and stairwells of the attic level where the plebs sat, and feel history come to life as we paint the picture of what life was like at the ancient games - the deadliest show on earth.

Tour Description

If you love spectacular views, then our Colosseum Elevator Tour is for you! Skip the lines and security checks and get special access to the restricted top levels of the Colosseum thanks to a new glass elevator; it’s just a short climb up a last flight of steps to reach the top level, where you’ll enjoy incredible vistas of the iconic amphitheatre and the valley of the Roman Forum spread out far below.

The unforgettable highest levels of the Colosseum are the most exclusive areas that we can visit today, but in ancient Rome things were very different. The emperor and his retinue savoured the gore from the ringside Imperial box, whilst the Vestal Virgins and senators were so close to the action that they were often spattered with blood during the games. 

The third tier was instead the haunt of male commoners, whilst the fourth and fifth levels were crowded with the lowest status citizens of Roman society (including common women and slaves) clamouring to get a glimpse of the spectacle. But time changes priorities, and our Colosseum elevator tour takes you where the VIPS of the past - senators, magistrates, wealthy businessmen and aristocrats, would never set foot.

As you ascend skywards you’ll experience this fascinating history first-hand - learn how the Colosseum was built and how the bloody gladiator contests on the arena below unfolded.  It’s an exciting and exclusive experience to step out onto the upper levels of the amphitheatre with only birds gliding in the breeze for company. 

Admire sweeping panoramas of Rome and a fabulous perspective down into the arena and underground level of the amphitheatre far below: make sure to bring your camera, because these might just be the most memorable holiday photos you ever take!

On our exclusive Colosseum elevator tour we’ll also get to explore the tunnels and stairwells of the amphitheatre’s attic level, where commoners enjoyed the spectacle from the cheap seats. Fascinating details like ancient graffiti adorning the walls really help to bring the experience of visiting the Colosseum to life. 

After exploring these exclusive upper tiers, your tour will continue into the Colosseum below. Get the real story behind the gladiator games that lit up the ancient amphitheatre nearly 2,000 years ago, and feel history come alive as you hear the distant shouts of the combatants and the shrieks of a spellbound crowd echoing down the centuries. Discover how the fights unfolded and what fate lay in store for the victors – and the losers. 

Learn how exotic wild animal hunts, brutal executions and even mock sea battles kept the massive crowds satisfied, and see exactly what the ancient spectators saw from the Colosseum’s second level. After rubbing shoulders with the plebs on the Colosseum’s upper tiers, now we’ll get to see where the VIPS sat, including the Imperial Box where ancient Rome’s first family watched the games in absolute luxury. 

We are delighted to be able to offer exclusive access to the upper tiers of the Colosseum, finally reopened to the public following meticulous restoration efforts. Join our semi-private tour and marvel at unparalleled panoramic vistas of the Colosseum as you learn all about the rich history of the Eternal City. In Rome history is alive – experience it for yourself