Step onto the actual arena floor where gladiators fought and descend into the hypogeum — the eerie underground network beneath Rome's greatest monument. An expert archaeologist-guide brings 2,000 years of history to life in a small, privileged group.
What to expect
You enter through a dedicated access point, bypassing general queues, before descending into the hypogeum where caged animals and gladiators once awaited their fate. Your archaeologist traces the engineering genius of the retractable floor above you, then leads you out onto the sand-coloured arena floor itself — the view of the towering four-storey cavea from ground level is unforgettable. The session closes with a panoramic sweep of the surrounding Forum Romanum from the upper tiers.
Good to know
Pre-booking the Underground & Arena add-on is essential — slots sell out weeks ahead. Allow 3–4 hours total including the Forum. Rome is a full-day port call for most itineraries; confirm your all-aboard time before booking.