Training + Museum
Book on Tiqets25+ honest answers — grouped by topic so you find what you need fast.
On Tiqets the entry price is 130 € for 1 person. With more people it gets cheaper per head — you can see the live prices in the booking widget on the home page. GetYourGuide uses a different pricing model: 150 € for 1 person, 120 € per person for 2 people, 90 € per person for 3+.
For 2 or more people, Tiqets is usually cheaper and additionally allows cancellation up to 72 hours before (versus only 24 hours on GYG). For exactly 1 person, Tiqets is also slightly cheaper. You can see concrete numbers in the booking widget.
Yes. Both providers (Tiqets and GetYourGuide) send the confirmation including the voucher by email within minutes. You show it at the entrance on the day.
In high season from May to September, the 9 a.m. slots are often sold out a week in advance. Off-season, 1–2 days are usually enough. With Tiqets you can cancel free of charge up to 72 hours before — so book early.
Tiqets and GetYourGuide both offer their own gift vouchers, which you can choose directly when booking. The recipient then picks their own date. Handy as a gift for someone travelling to Rome.
By bus: line 118 or 218 to stop "Appia Antica/Travicella". By taxi from the Colosseum: about 15 minutes (around 15–22 €). On Sundays the Via Appia is car-free — perfect for cycling or walking. Full details in the getting-there guide.
There are free roadside parking spots and small paid car parks nearby. On Sundays the Via Appia Antica is car-free — in that case you have to park at one of the access roads and walk or cycle the last stretch.
By taxi about 15–20 minutes depending on traffic. By bus, 25–35 minutes. From Termini main station, about 20 minutes by taxi.
It is best to book a taxi via an app like FreeNow or IT Taxi right after the training — there are usually no cabs waiting on the Via Appia itself. The trainers will gladly help if you are not sure how.
English, partly Italian. Basic English helps, but most of what you learn comes from watching and joining in — language is rarely the obstacle people fear.
Comfortable sportswear that lets you move freely. Closed shoes are mandatory — no sandals or flip-flops. In summer, bring sunscreen, water and insect repellent.
It varies a lot by season. In high season often 8–15 people per group, in winter sometimes only 2–4 — then you almost get a private experience. The trainers are used to it and adapt.
Very safe. Training is done with wooden swords (rudis), never real blades. Movements are choreographed, the trainers are experienced and physical contact is minimal — nobody fights "for real". Injuries are extremely rare.
Yes, between stations and whenever needed. Anyone who needs water or a moment to catch their breath simply takes one.
You can take photos yourself before and after the training. During the active training, filming is usually not allowed — the trainers will let you know when there is a good moment for a group photo.
From age 6. There is no upper age limit — teenagers, parents and grandparents take part without problems. For younger children, the Gladiator Show & Museum is the alternative.
No. Companions who do not train themselves pay nothing. Only active participants need a ticket.
It is rare, but the trainers have experience with it. A break or stepping out is possible at any time. If needed, the child can stay as a spectator.
Yes, easily. The trainers adjust the intensity, and the group usually includes children of several ages. More detailed tips in the family guide.
The training (2 hours) is the active hands-on version with costume, sword-fighting lessons and a closing tournament — including a museum visit. The Show & Museum (1.5 hours, from 25 € per person) is passive watching of a performance plus a museum tour. Both take place at the same location.
If you want action and hands-on involvement → training. If you want to watch in peace (or have children under 6 along) → Show & Museum. For most families the training is worth it, because joining in is the real highlight.
In theory yes, but it is a lot — and the show is in the evening at 8:30 p.m. while the training is mostly in the morning. If you want both, plan for two days.
Yes, if you take the 9 a.m. slot. From June to August the afternoons get noticeably hot — water, sun protection and insect repellent are essential.
Yes, the training runs in any weather. In heavy continuous rain the programme is adjusted — outdoor sections are shortened and the museum takes a bigger role. Outright cancellations are extremely rare.
April–May and September–October are ideal: pleasant temperatures, fewer tourists, best availability. High season (June–August) also works well with the right precautions (see above).
The Via Appia is green and the training ground partly under trees — mosquitoes can be a nuisance, especially from May to October. Insect repellent or long clothing helps. Several reviews mention this explicitly, so be prepared.
The Gruppo Storico Romano association, founded in the 1990s by Sergio Iacomoni (nickname "Nero"). For more than 20 years they have run the school on the Via Appia Antica — as a historical re-enactment project, not a tourist operation. More in the experience walkthrough.
With Tiqets: free cancellation up to 72 hours before. With GetYourGuide: up to 24 hours before. You see both options in the booking widget.
Tiqets and GetYourGuide both offer multilingual customer service — English is always available. For on-site questions: the members of Gruppo Storico Romano mainly speak English and Italian.
gladiatorrome.com is an independent affiliate site, not the official website of the Gladiator School. We gather the most important information in one place and send you on to Tiqets or GetYourGuide to book. The actual contract is between you and the booking provider.
The price drops noticeably the more people join the training.
| People | Tiqets Our pick | GetYourGuide |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | … | … |
| 2 people | … | … |
| 3 people | … | … |
| 4 people | … | … |
Training + Museum
Book on TiqetsTraining + Museum
Book on GetYourGuideBoth providers offer the same experience: a 2-hour gladiator training with museum visit at Gruppo Storico Romano on the Via Appia Antica. Tiqets allows free cancellation up to 72 hours before, GetYourGuide up to 24 hours before.