We’ll beat the heat, crowds, hustle and bustle, and explore the city’s most-famous landmark in the beauty and desertion of darkness. Plus, we’ll get priority access to two normally-restricted areas: The Arena Floor and the Underground. We’ll enter the arena – where all the juicy action happened. On a big day of festivities, this 87x55m patch of dust was the beating heart of Ancient Rome. Close your eyes whilst stood in the centre and you can almost hear the ecstatic cheers and blood-curdling screams of the old days. Thankfully, we won’t be required to slay any bears, lions or gladiators whilst we’re here (we hope!). Next stop is the Colosseum Underground, where we’ll descend for a backstage look at how things really operated. From the armour-clad Gladiators themselves to the beasts shipped in from across the globe, it was in these subterranean chambers that they’d prepare for battle. Legend has it that the ghost of a slain warrior walks these halls at night – so you may want to bring a sword! (just kidding). The tour will finish outside the Colosseum, where you’re in a prime location to explore the bars and restaurants of Monti, or delve further into Rome’s nightlife by visiting the nearby Piazza Venezia. As always, our guides know all the best local food and drink – so be sure to ask for tips.