09:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00 · No hotel pickup: everyone meets at the start point
Booking
Instant confirmation · mobile ticket
Guidekin's take
The odd one out here, and the one kids talk about for weeks: a real gladiator school on the Appian Way where you train with wooden swords in tunic and belt, taught by Rome's historical reenactment group.
Costume, weapons and a drink are included at €89 per person. It is a class, not a Colosseum visit, so pair it with one.
In our comparison: #119 of 132 in Colosseum, Forum & Palatine Tours, by rating weighted by review volume (see the comparison).
Gladiator clothing and weapons hire for the duration of your lesson!
2 hour class to become a Roman Gladiator in a Day
Drink
Lessons are instructed by members of the Historic Group of Rome
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop off
Food and beverages, unless specified
Child prices by age band are shown at checkout. Option texts and prices come from the operator's listing; prices checked on Viator on 12 September 2026.
Reviews
4.7
1,581 ratings Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor
93% of ratings with a star breakdown are 4★ or 5★: 1,478 of 1,581
Star breakdown of all 1,581 ratings
5 stars
1,268 · 80%
4 stars
210 · 13%
3 stars
59 · 4%
2 stars
23 · 1%
1 star
21 · 1%
What reviewers say
Reviewers praise engaging instructors and gladiator training for families; some find large classes chaotic and poorly supervised.
Praised
Patient, entertaining instructors who keep children and adults involved
Gladiator history explained through replica weapons and armour
Practical sword training and arena battles that children enjoy
An active break from museums and sightseeing for families
Complaints
Mosquito bites, with repeated advice to bring and use insect repellent
Heat during outdoor training, especially around midday
Large classes can feel chaotic and poorly supervised
The outlying location and confusing directions can complicate arrival
Written by Guidekin from the 100 most recent English reviews on Viator & Tripadvisor (9 December 2025 to 28 September 2026). Refreshed as new reviews arrive; last checked 3 October 2026.
Latest reviews
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Ratings collected from Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor.
Meeting point and route
Meeting point
Where
Departure Point: Lessons commence at the Gladiator School of Rome, located approximately 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) from The Colosseum
Address: Via Appia Antica, 18, 00179, Rome, Italy
Directions: Either take Metro (line B) and get off at OSTIENSE and take the bus number 118 OR take Metro (line A), get off at stop SAN GIOVANNI and then take bus number 218.
However in the spirit of easy access - we suggest taking a taxi (approx. 10-15 euros) to access the school
Dates: Daily
Opening hours
9:30am - 1:30pm
2:00pm - 6:00pm
Return point: Concludes at the Gladiator School of Rome · Open in Google Maps
No hotel pickup: everyone meets at the start point
Operator
Scuola Gladiatori Roma; booking and payment are completed on Viator
About this tour, from the operator
Master the basics of hand-to-hand combat at a genuine gladiator school on the ancient Appian Way. You'll discover the secrets of Imperial Rome's gladiator games, get hands-on with ancient Roman history and have the best fun you can imagine!
Walking, children and accessibility
The operator's own notes, grouped by topic. Nothing here is added by Guidekin.
Walking and health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Minimum age is 6 years
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible
Strollers OK
Wheelchair accessible
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Good to know
Min. 2 to book not for solo travellers
Food included see what is included
Age rule Minimum age is 6 years
The booking form will also ask for: dates of birth
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days: Full refund
0-1 days: No refund
Compared with other Colosseum, Forum & Palatine Tours
Colosseum & Ancient Rome with Arena Floor Option I Max 6 People
€149
3h
4.94 (3890)
shared
Ranked #119 of 132 in Colosseum, Forum & Palatine Tours by Guidekin score (rating weighted by review volume). Prices here run from €4 to €1500, median €115; typical length 2h 30m. 41 of 132 are private. Figures are live from the tour cards; the rubric is our handpicked set, not the whole market. Compare all 132 Colosseum, Forum & Palatine Tours