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Renaissance Courtesans: Scandalous History Tour
5.0
69 Ratings
Roma
Uncover the captivating lives of powerful courtesans and mistresses in Renaissance Rome. Explore the history of women in Europe, their struggles, and triumphs in a tour that reveals the politics, religion, and society of 16th and 17th century Italy.
Uncover the captivating lives of powerful courtesans and mistresses in Renaissance Rome. Explore the history of women in Europe, their struggles, and triumphs in a tour that reveals the politics, religion, and society of 16th and 17th century Italy.
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Basilica San Marco Evangelista - The tour begins with a massive statue that in 1477 was named after a famous Courtesan. The statue nowadays is indeed known as “Lady Lucrezia”. This XV century woman who lived an incredibly colorful life, is the first story of this storytelling tour
- Basilica San Marco Evangelista - The tour begins with a massive statue that in 1477 was named after a famous Courtesan. The statue nowadays is indeed known as “Lady Lucrezia”. This XV century woman who lived an incredibly colorful life, is the first story of this storytelling tour
What's Included
- A knowledgeable local guide
- Complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off
- Entry to all mentioned landmarks
- Traditional lunch included
- Comfortable air-conditioned transportation
- Small group experience
- Free bottled water throughout the tour
- Exclusive access to certain areas
- Souvenir shop visit (optional)
- A knowledgeable local guide
- Complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off
- Entry to all mentioned landmarks
- Traditional lunch included
- Comfortable air-conditioned transportation
- Small group experience
- Free bottled water throughout the tour
- Exclusive access to certain areas
- Souvenir shop visit (optional)
What's Not Included
- Snacks
- Snacks
Additional Information
Welcome to the most intriguing, jaw-dropping, and utterly captivating walking tour you never knew you needed! Forget the dry history lectures—this is a tour about the women who made Renaissance Italy come alive.
Explore the world of Renaissance courtesans, remarkable women who played a pivotal role in the politics of Renaissance Europe. Consider them as…
Welcome to the most intriguing, jaw-dropping, and utterly captivating walking tour you never knew you needed! Forget the dry history lectures—this is a tour about the women who made Renaissance Italy come alive.
Explore the world of Renaissance courtesans, remarkable women who played a pivotal role in the politics of Renaissance Europe. Consider them as muses who inspired some of the greatest artists in history. These women were not only beautiful; they were also resourceful.
Discover seven unforgettable women, each immortalized in paintings by Caravaggio and Raphael. These were not just pretty faces—they were trendsetters, intellectuals, poets, and, in some cases, royal influencers. Their lives were filled with passion, intrigue, and, of course, a bit of scandal (well, a lot of scandal).
Expect tales of daring ambition and a society that couldn’t decide whether to admire or condemn these women—so naturally, it did both.
Believe it, history has never been this exciting.
- The itinerary of the tour is 95% accessible to wheelchairs. There’s only 2 churches which are hard to get in with a wheelchair but that doesn’t manage the content of the tour, since in that case we just tell the story outside of the church
Location
Basilica of St Mark Evangelist at Campidoglio
Piazza di San Marco
The meeting point for this tour is adjacent to Piazza Venezia.
In this piazza, you will see Rome's biggest monument. The locals call it the "Wedding Cake Monument," although its proper name is the "Victorian."
Facing it, you will find our meeting point, Basilica San Marco, on your right.
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
(69 Ratings)
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Jacunag
Jan 25, 2026
Fun, informative, engaging. - Massimo is a great tour guide. Very entertaining and knowledgeable of the history of Rome and the city. Recommended 100%!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
401desireej
Jan 23, 2026
One of the Most Interesting Tours I’ve Done in Rome: Renaissance Stories You Won’t Hear Elsewhere - Yesterday I did the Scarles Ladies tour with Massimo! It exceeded all of my expectations! I absolutely loved it. It’s such a refreshing way to experience Rom,e and that says something coming from a local for 10 years now! It focuses on the women behind the art, power, and scandals of the Renaissance rather than the usual historical narrative of the still fabulous sites in Rome.
Massimo's storytelling is so engaging and easy to follow that it really brought the women connected to Caravaggio and the Borgias to life in a way that felt human and memorable. Even though I know Rome well, I learned so many new details and saw familiar places from a completely different perspective.
The pace was relaxed, the route was beautiful, and time flew by. If you’re looking for something a bit different from the standard Rome tours, but at the same time thoughtful, well-researched, and genuinely interesting, I highly recommend this one. Bravo Massimo, this will certainly not be my last tour with you :)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mara
Jan 6, 2026
Great tour, thank you Massimo! - I live in Rome, but I spent many years in the United States, so I often have friends coming to visit. After exploring the usual tourist attractions like the Colosseum and the Vatican, I used to wonder what else I could show them. Even though I was born and raised in Rome, I thought my city had little more to offer beyond those highlights. Oh, how wrong I was.
Through friends, I heard about Massimo’s storytelling walking tours and decided to give one a try. What a mesmerizing experience! Massimo’s tours are thoughtfully crafted, unique, fun, and deeply engaging. He truly brings history to life.
The Renaissance Women tour is pure genius. It explores the lives of seven women who lived between the 1400s and the 1600s—many of whom modeled for great artists such as Raphael and Caravaggio. The tour leads you through churches, historic buildings, and both iconic and lesser-known corners of Rome. It felt like being transported back in time.
It was a truly wonderful experience, and I highly recommend this tour to anyone. It’s perfect for both first-time visitors and seasoned Rome lovers. Let Massimo take you on a journey and prepare to be amazed by the city of Rome and its extraordinary historical figures—especially the women.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michelle_e
Nov 7, 2025
Massimo Brings History Alive - Massimo uses knowledge and humor to share what life was like for women. This was an enjoyable way to learn about aspects of economic reality of the time while seeing sights often overlooked by tourists,
Review provided by Viator
Reem_a
Nov 7, 2025
A must!! - This experience is one of my core memory tours. It was equally in depth, but not too overbearing. Massimo is really good about laying out the dates and history in a way that really stuck in my mind. I found myself shocked i hadnt known about it sooner. Do it solo, do it with your companions that love art/history. Do it because the background of so much history you witness in Rome, depends on the women that were never acknowledged.
Review provided by Viator
857maimounab
Oct 31, 2025
Cultural. - Thanks again for it's amazing discoveries first time it was unforgettable very playful also!
Top!!!!!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
W6194vymirkoc
Oct 27, 2025
This tour is a must - The tour offers a captivating exploration of Rome’s rich history through the lives of influential women. The guide, Massimo, is renowned for his dynamic narrative, bringing historical figures to life with enthusiasm and depth. His stories turn historical facts into vivid stories that resonate with visitors. The tour includes visits to important sites, and these sites provide a tangible link to the past and provide insight into the lives of the women featured during the visit. Unique and rewarding experience!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Excursion13094426340
Oct 26, 2025
Great tour and guide ! - The tour offers a captivating exploration of Rome's rich history through the lives of influential women. This engaging walking tour delves into the stories of courtesans, mistresses, and noblewomen who played pivotal roles in shaping the Renaissance era.
The guide, Massimo, is renowned for his dynamic storytelling, bringing historical figures to life with enthusiasm and depth. His narratives transform historical facts into vivid tales that resonate with visitors.
Tripadvisor
The tour includes visits to significant locations, and these sites provide a tangible connection to the past and offer insights into the lives of the women featured in the tour.
This is a unique perspective: Focusing on the women who influenced art, politics, and society during the Renaissance, the tour provides a refreshing perspective often overlooked in traditional historical narratives.
This tour is a must for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in uncovering the untold stories of Rome's past. With its engaging storytelling and insightful exploration of lesser-known histories, it offers a unique and enriching experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pirjo
Sep 25, 2025
Suberb storytelling - We had an awesam art and history tour with Massimo. His deep knowledge of the subject is combined with passion and humour, so the lifestories of The Renaissance Scarlet Ladies came near to us, too.
We have allready booked a new tour with Massimo (and Julius Caesar:) when returning to Rome.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nico187371
Aug 6, 2025
Great experience - We had a great time with Massimo. The tour was great, if you want to do something different. See the city with another eyes and understand the life of real people of the past. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
