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Ancient Rome: Women Who Shaped History
5.0
11 Ratings
Roma
Uncover the untold stories of Rome’s powerful women. Join our tour to explore their influence and intrigue in a male-dominated world.
Uncover the untold stories of Rome’s powerful women. Join our tour to explore their influence and intrigue in a male-dominated world.
Duration:
2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Piazza del Campidoglio - From this historic hill in Rome, visitors can enjoy a stunning view of the Roman Forum. Here, the fascinating tales of Empress Julia Domna and the Vestal Virgin Priestesses come to life.
- Arco di Giano - This charming, yet lesser-known corner of Rome offers a unique perspective of Palatine Hill. The square is enriched…
- Piazza del Campidoglio - From this historic hill in Rome, visitors can enjoy a stunning view of the Roman Forum. Here, the fascinating tales of Empress Julia Domna and the Vestal Virgin Priestesses come to life.
- Arco di Giano - This charming, yet lesser-known corner of Rome offers a unique perspective of Palatine Hill. The square is enriched by the 3rd century AD “Arco degli Argentari,” the 2nd century BC Temple of Hercules, and the 13th century church of “San Giorgio al Velabro,” creating a magical ambiance.
- Foro di Cesare - At the Forum, attention is drawn to the ruins of the Temple of Venus Genetrix, commissioned by Julius Caesar. The remaining ruins are complemented by recreations of its original appearance, and discussions about Cleopatra take place here.
- Tempio di Portuno - This is a remarkable archaeological site in Rome, filled with captivating remnants.
- Teatro di Marcello - The Theatre of Marcellus is a pivotal location for this tour. Discussions include his mother, Octavia, who was married to Marc Antony. Additionally, recreations of the Columna Bellica are shown. In the 1st century BC, Emperor Augustus famously threw a blood-dipped spear at this column to announce Rome’s war against Cleopatra.
- Via Portico d’Ottavia - Empress Livia, the wife of Emperor Augustus, concludes this storytelling walking tour. She is celebrated as the first First Lady in Western history, and her powerful story is one that deserves recognition.
What's Included
- Expert local Storyteller and historian
- Expert local Storyteller and historian
Additional Information
Delve into the realm of influential women in ancient Rome, from Cleopatra’s political intrigues to the enigmatic lives of the Vestal Virgins. Uncover how these women governed, defied norms, and made a lasting impact on history.
Think ancient Rome was solely about gladiators and Emperors?
Think Again!
Join this tour to learn how these women lived, loved,…
Delve into the realm of influential women in ancient Rome, from Cleopatra’s political intrigues to the enigmatic lives of the Vestal Virgins. Uncover how these women governed, defied norms, and made a lasting impact on history.
Think ancient Rome was solely about gladiators and Emperors?
Think Again!
Join this tour to learn how these women lived, loved, and battled in a male-dominated world, revealing stories more thrilling than you might expect.
Discover the lives of Livia, Agrippina, and other remarkable women who shaped history beyond the emperors’ shadows.
- Duration: Around 2 and a half hours
- Visit key historical sites, with opportunities to explore lesser-known paths
- Gain insights into the lives of influential women like Livia and Agrippina
- Available every Tuesday, starting at 3 PM (winter) or 6 PM (summer)
Location
Via dei Fori Imperiali, 1
Via dei Fori Imperiali
The meeting point for this tour is very close to the Colosseum. We meet by the huge "Info Point," which is on the main road that leads to the Colosseum
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(11 Ratings)
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644daniellah
Feb 11, 2026
Thank you for the great tour, Massimo! - I thoroughly enjoyed your tour "Cleopatra and Women of Ancient Rome" thanks to your depth of knowledge, clarity, and use of modern comparisons. It was all intriguing, whether you described Cleopatra's ingenious rise to power, her use of Roman politicians' support to do so, and her sway over fashions in Rome or Hortensia’s daring decisions to advocate for a group of fellow countrywomen whom Octavian had financially wronged. And much more! I loved the settings where you told these women’s stories, e.g. in beautiful spaces overlooking the Roman Forum, in the suggestive side streets behind the Palatine Hill, and in front of the Portico d'Ottavia. Excellent storytelling! Great bathroom/beverage break! Small group, lots of personal attention! I would recommend this 2.5-hour visit to anyone who's interested in exploring a fascinating side of ancient Rome that most guides don't touch on.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jgeorgette
Jan 31, 2026
Finally a tour about women! - Finally, a tour about women!!! I can’t believe it!!! I’ve been living in Rome for many years, and I often have friends and family visiting me from the United States.
So, every time, I spend hours trying to come up with experiences we can do together that are both fun and interesting. Interesting even for me, who has lived in Rome for over 10 years. Of course, it’s always great to revisit the Vatican Museums or the Colosseum, but those sites are incredibly crowded, so I usually avoid going there in spring or summer.
Anyway, I came across this tour and decided to give it a try. I was absolutely thrilled with it. What a wonderful idea—to tell the stories of women in ancient Rome. Not just Cleopatra, but also the Vestal Virgin priestesses, or the chance to listen in detail, with historical accuracy, about Nero’s mother Agrippina, or Augustus’ wife Livia. These are names I was somewhat familiar with, but they are figures I really didn’t know much about.
I also appreciated that the tour goes in-depth into the psychological aspects of the figures it covers. Plus, the itinerary is lovely—you get to admire the Roman Forum at sunset, and there’s even an option to include a break for a glass of wine if you want.
I highly recommend this tour to everyone.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mara
Jan 6, 2026
Absolutely loved this tour! - I absolutely loved this tour. Thanks to Massimo, I realized that storytelling walking tours are the best way to truly experience and enjoy Rome. Even people who have never been interested in history can’t help but be captivated by his tours—they feel like watching a movie unfold.
Cleopatra’s story was absolutely phenomenal. Forget the femme fatale stereotype or the commonly accepted opinions about her: this tour is thoroughly researched and presents Cleopatra with historical accuracy, exploring both her personal life and her political vision.
I also realized how little I knew about the Vestal Virgins and the eternal flame of Rome. Hearing their story while standing in front of the remains of what was once the Temple of Vesta gave me goosebumps.
All in all, it was a fascinating experience, made even richer by the final story included in the tour—that of Livia. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pippadvisor
Jan 5, 2026
An unforgettable and unique tour of Ancient Rome - This tour was absolutely outstanding and unlike anything I’ve done in Rome before. Cleopatra & the Women of Ancient Rome is a fascinating, well-researched, and beautifully narrated experience that shines a light on the powerful, complex, and often overlooked women of the ancient world.
The guide was incredibly knowledgeable, engaging, and passionate. He managed to blend solid historical facts with vivid storytelling, making figures like Cleopatra and other Roman women come alive in a way that was both educational and entertaining. The pacing was perfect, never boring, and always interactive.
What really sets this tour apart is its original perspective. Instead of the usual emperors and battles, you get a fresh and compelling look at history through the eyes of women who shaped Rome behind the scenes— and sometimes right at the center of power.
Highly recommended for anyone who thinks they already “know” Rome and wants to discover a deeper, smarter, and more human side of ancient history. One of the best tours I’ve ever done. Don’t miss it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alfred_super_star
Jan 5, 2026
Rome and its magic - I was in Rome with my family for a tour of the ancient Roman part, everything was TOP. our guide, Competent, super prepared and able to explain everything without making boring monologues, managed to take us inside the stories of the Tour.
He made everything ultra clear even for those who don't chew history every day, answering every question but above all without improvisation: you could see that he really loves what he does and he wanted us to understand and enjoy the tour to the fullest.
In addition, she was able to involve the whole family, from the oldest to the youngest, without burdening time or walking. Perfect organization, right pace, serene atmosphere.
Rome is simply magical.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Spans81183
Oct 15, 2025
Must-Do Unique Experience in Rome! - This was hands down one of the best experiences I've had in Rome. The Cleopatra & the Women of Ancient Rome Tour is unlike anything else—finally, a tour that dives into the powerful and fascinating stories of the women who helped shape history.
The guide was engaging and incredibly knowledgeable, bringing figures like Cleopatra to life in a way that was both eye-opening and unforgettable. These aren’t the usual textbook stories—they’re personal, complex, and absolutely gripping.
The pace of the tour was perfect—immersive and captivating from start to finish. I found myself completely wrapped up in the narrative, always wanting to know more.
And the setting? Walking through the Roman Forum at sunset was breathtaking. The golden light, the ancient ruins, and these incredible stories—it all came together in a way that felt magical.
If you want to experience something truly unique and meaningful in Rome, this tour is a must. Highly, highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Enricoaxel
Oct 13, 2025
A truly unforgettable experience – finally, I feel like I know Cleopatra - I'm Italian but have been living in Spain for a few years now. My girlfriend is Spanish and doesn’t speak Italian, but her English is excellent, so whenever we visit Rome, we always book tours in English. On our last trip, I chose the "Cleopatra & the Women of Ancient Rome" tour mainly for her, because the perspective sounded unique and different from the usual Roman history tours. I have to say – it ended up being a highlight for both of us.
The tour is absolutely fantastic. There’s something really powerful about hearing the stories of historical figures while standing in the exact places where their lives unfolded. And Cleopatra… finally, finally I can say I truly know who she was, beyond the usual clichés. Her connection to Rome, her political intelligence, her presence – it all came alive through the guide's storytelling.
I want to make something clear: even though I originally picked this tour for my girlfriend, this is not just “a tour for women.” Yes, the focus is on the influential women of Ancient Rome, but that naturally brings in the emperors, their sons, their lovers, and the wider political landscape of the empire. You walk away with a deeper understanding of the Roman Empire – through a lens we rarely consider.
The atmosphere was incredible. Rome at sunset is already breathtaking, but pairing that with the tragic and powerful story of Nero’s mother, Agrippina… I’ll carry that memory with me forever.
This is how a tour should be – enriching, emotional, thought-provoking, and unforgettable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dancingvix
Sep 8, 2025
Fun and Fabulous!!! - Massimo was fantastic!!!! I cant recommend him enough!
He has this incredible way of linking the stories together so it feels like you’re watching a really great TV drama....you just have to know what happens next!
He’s fun, dramatic, a little sassy :o) , and somehow even kept my 5-year-old completely hooked for over two hours (seriously impressive), not to mention he was sooo sweet with her!
This tour is the opposite of those dry, endless ones you glaze over and forget five minutes later. It’s intimate, fascinating, and such a good time. He also picks a time of day where the streets are less crowded and not as HOT as the day tours (which day tours are torture under the summer sun)
I’ve been visiting Rome for 18 years, and even my Roman-born husband walked away saying he learned things he never knew. I’d highly recommend it to anyone—first-time visitors, long-time Rome lovers, or anyone who just wants a tour that’s as fun as it is memorable and off the beaten path!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fasci
Aug 10, 2025
The best storyteller in town! - One of my favorite Rome tours!
Massimo can truly bring stories to life, he is an extraordinary storyteller and a very talented guide.
Don’t miss the chance to follow one of his tours when in Rome!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Viviana
Aug 9, 2025
The Most Inspiring Tour I’ve Taken in Rome - I absolutely loved this tour! It’s the perfect blend of Rome’s magic, the fascinating stories of powerful and charismatic women, and unique anecdotes I had never heard before. Walking through the city while discovering Cleopatra’s legacy and the lives of remarkable women from ancient Rome was simply captivating. Our guide, Massimo, was extraordinary – he has a true gift for storytelling and kept us engaged every single moment. This tour is a must for anyone who wants to experience Rome from a fresh and inspiring perspective.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
