If you’re curious about the hidden, more playful side of Rome’s past, the tour “Rome: Sex & Love in Ancient Rome” offers a lively 3-hour evening experience that’s as entertaining as it is insightful. While it’s not your typical history walk through ruins, it peels back the layers on Roman attitudes towards love, sex, and scandal—topics often left out of traditional guidebooks.
What really makes this tour stand out is how it mixes historical secrets with fun food and drinks. You’ll start with a glass of prosecco, enjoy a shot and a spritz along the way, and finish with a signature cocktail—all in the name of keeping spirits high and conversations lively. We especially appreciate that the tour offers a balance of entertainment and education, making it accessible without being too salacious or superficial.
One consideration for potential guests is that, given the content about prostitution, brothels, and ancient sex toys, this tour is best suited for mature audiences and isn’t recommended for children or pregnant women. Also, since it involves walking around central Rome, comfortable shoes are a must.
This experience would suit travelers who enjoy a bit of humor and curiosity mixed into their cultural explorations, especially those with an interest in less conventional aspects of Roman history. It’s ideal for those looking for a memorable, more playful way to get a different perspective on Rome’s past.
Key Points
- Uncover the hidden side of Roman society—from daily love lives to emperor scandals.
- Enjoy a fun social atmosphere with complimentary drinks and delicious pizza.
- Learn about taboo topics like prostitution, ancient sex toys, and forbidden desires.
- Perfect for adults seeking an engaging, lighthearted history experience.
- Includes several tastings—prosecco, shots, spritz, and a signature cocktail.
- Ideal for those interested in the quirky and somewhat risqué aspects of Roman history.
Why This Tour Is Worth Considering
If you’re tired of the usual Roman history tours that focus solely on monuments and ancient politics, “Sex & Love in Ancient Rome” offers something different. It’s a quick, 3-hour evening that combines storytelling with a lively social vibe. The guide’s energetic approach makes learning about forbidden pleasures, brothels, and ancient sex toys surprisingly fun, especially for those who appreciate humor and candid conversations about human nature.
The tour’s proximity to the Colosseum area means you’re easily able to continue exploring afterward—perhaps a night walk through historic Rome or dinner nearby. The fact that it includes a variety of drinks and pizza adds real value, making it feel less like a lecture and more like a memorable night out.
The tour has received praise for its good service and engaging tone. Travelers have commented how “the service was good” and appreciated the lighthearted way the guide presents some otherwise taboo topics, making them approachable. The fact that the tour ends back at the starting point is convenient, especially if you plan to explore more of Rome afterward.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Rome.
The Itinerary: What You Can Expect
The tour begins in front of Caffè Roma on Via del Colosseo, where the guide greets you holding a sign. Once assembled, the group kicks off with a welcome glass of prosecco, setting a convivial tone for the evening.
From there, the guide takes you through stories about how sex shaped Roman society, revealing the perversions of emperors and taboo practices that were part of Roman daily life. Expect engaging tales about prostitution, brothels, and ancient sex toys—topics most history books shy away from, but which this tour explores with humor and honesty.
Throughout the walk, you’ll enjoy a shot and a refreshing spritz, which keep the mood lively and participants energized. Along the way, you’ll be treated to delicious pizza, perfect for fueling the discussion and socializing.
The tour wraps up with a signature cocktail at the final stop, offering a fitting end to an evening that mixes history, humor, and indulgence. The entire experience is designed to feel like a fun night out with friends, but with a surprising amount of insight into Roman attitudes toward love and pleasure.
Deep Dive Into the Details
Meeting Point and Duration
The tour starts at Caffè Roma, easy to find and central. Duration is about 3 hours, which is a manageable length—long enough to learn and enjoy, but not so long that it becomes tiresome. Since the tour is scheduled with check availability for starting times, you can choose a slot that fits your evening plans.
More Great Tours NearbyGroup Size and Guides
While specific group sizes aren’t listed, the presence of a live English-speaking guide suggests small to medium groups, making for more interactive storytelling. The guide’s enthusiasm appears to be a highlight, as reviews mention good service and a friendly, engaging tone.
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Food and Drink
The included items—prosecco, a shot, spritz, pizza, and a signature cocktail—offer excellent value, especially considering the relaxed, social nature of the tour. Keep in mind that menu items might vary slightly based on availability, but rest assured, the focus is on quality and fun.
Walking and Comfort
Since the tour involves walking around central Rome, comfortable shoes are essential. Expect moderate walking, but no long distances or strenuous climbs. This makes it accessible for most travelers who are used to city touring.
Price and Value
The cost, while not specified here, seems justified by the inclusions of multiple drinks and pizza, plus the unique content. It’s a cheeky, memorable experience that combines entertainment with a new perspective on Rome’s past—certainly worth considering if you want something outside the typical daytime sightseeing.
Who Would Love This Experience
This tour appeals most to adults interested in quirky, slightly risqué stories, or those who enjoy a relaxed, social atmosphere. It’s ideal for travelers who want to add humor and spice to their Roman holiday while learning about less conventional aspects of history. If you’re looking for a fun team activity or a different way to see Rome at night, this could be perfect.
Avoid it if you’re traveling with children, pregnant women, or anyone sensitive to explicit content. It’s also better suited for those comfortable with walking and standing for a few hours.
The Sum Up
“Rome: Sex & Love in Ancient Rome” offers a unique, playful look at a side of Roman history that many books skip over. With its lively storytelling, inclusive atmosphere, and delicious food and drinks, it turns what could be a dull lecture into an engaging social event. For travelers who enjoy a mix of history, humor, and a touch of risqué curiosity, this tour provides both entertainment and insight.
If you’re after a memorable evening that combines history with good company and good food, this experience hits the mark. It’s especially great if you want to see another side of Rome—one filled with scandal, secrets, and a lot of fun.
This tour is a solid choice for adults looking to make their Roman nights a little more adventurous, and for those eager to explore the city’s less conventional stories. It’s a playful, slightly provocative way to deepen your appreciation of Rome’s complex, fascinating past.
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the content includes themes not appropriate for children under 18. It’s designed for adults.
What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended since walking around is involved. Dress appropriately for an evening outing in Rome.
Are drinks included?
Yes, the tour includes a welcome glass of prosecco, a shot, a spritz, and a signature cocktail, as well as pizza.
Can I join if I don’t speak English fluently?
The tour is conducted in English, so fluency is recommended for full enjoyment.
Where does the tour end?
It finishes back at the starting point in front of Caffè Roma, making it easy to continue your evening elsewhere.
Is it a large group?
While the exact size isn’t specified, the presence of a live guide suggests small to medium groups for better interaction.
Is the tour suitable for people with health problems?
Individuals with heart problems or pregnant women should consult their doctor before joining, as the tour involves walking and some lively activity.
How much does it cost?
Pricing isn’t listed here, but considering the inclusions and duration, it offers good value for those interested in a fun, unconventional Roman experience.
Whether you’re craving a glimpse into the more mischievous side of ancient Rome or just looking for a lively night out with memorable stories, this tour delivers. Be prepared for laughs, learning, and a taste of Roman pleasures—literally.
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