Walk in the footsteps of the legendary Roman gladiators, striding out onto the partially reconstructed Arena Floor via the Gladiator’s Gate: the Colosseum’s restricted-access ‘back door’. From the Arena Floor, you’ll ascend to the second tier where fans once sat, cheering the violent spectacles below. It’s the most direct way to experience this iconic Roman monument: straight to the heart of the action, without waiting in line or pushing through crowds. Your expert, English-speaking guide will shed light on the experiences of the gladiators who walked these same stone corridors centuries ago. Combatants, caged animals and scenery all waited below to be hoisted into the arena and enact deadly duels, wild hunts and even sea battles were staged to entertain audiences up to 80,000 strong. Most tours aren’t allowed to visit the Arena Floor making it perfect for photo opportunities – and for taking a moment to imagine what gladiators must have felt, gazing up at tier upon tier of blood-thirsty spectators. Avoiding the lines and crowds at the Colosseum frees up time you can choose to spend with a follow-up visit to the Roman Forum, where you’ll also enjoy Skip-the-Line Access as part of this package. From this once-bustling marketplace, you may decide to hike up the Palatine Hill, birthplace of Rome, for panoramic views of the Circus Maximus, where Rome further indulged its penchant for spectacle with breathless chariot races.