The Borgia family’s reign in Renaissance Rome was a captivating blend of power, scandal, and intrigue. This immersive walking tour promises to unveil the dark secrets and lavish lifestyles that defined one of Italy’s most notorious dynasties. Led by a knowledgeable historian, you will explore the city’s historic landmarks, uncover the family’s captivating legacy, and explore the art and architecture that shaped their era. With limited spots available, this exclusive tour offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and witness the Borgias’ scandalous rise and fall in the heart of the Eternal City.
Key Points

- The 3-hour walking tour explores the scandalous legacy of the notorious Borgia family, known for their ruthless pursuit of power in 15th-century Rome.
- Tour highlights include visiting sites such as Trajan’s Market, Piazza Venezia, and Largo di Torre Argentina, where the Borgias’ infamous intrigues and scandals unfolded.
- Participants can learn about the Borgias’ involvement in Vatican political intrigue, their alleged incest, poisonings, and assassinations, as well as the lavish lifestyles of their courtesans.
- The tour provides an opportunity to appreciate the exquisite art and architecture of Rome, including Trajan’s Column, Palazzo Venezia, and the Farnese Palace.
- With flexible reservations, free cancellations, and an experienced scholar-led guide, the tour offers an engaging and informative exploration of the Borgias’ scandalous legacy.
Tour Overview

The Rome: The Scandalous Life of The Borgia Family Walking Tour offers a captivating 3-hour exploration of the infamous Borgia family’s legacy in the heart of Rome.
This small-group tour, limited to 10 participants, is available in both English and Italian. It begins at the Borgia Stairs on Via Cavour, 256a in the Monti district.
During the tour, guests will visit Trajan’s Market and Column, Piazza Venezia, Palazzo Venezia, Largo di Torre Argentina, and the Church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, uncovering the Borgias’ secrets, scandals, and mysterious murders along the way.
The tour concludes at the picturesque Piazza Farnese.
You can also read our reviews of more walking tours in Rome
Pricing and Reservations

The Rome: The Scandalous Life of The Borgia Family Walking Tour is priced at up to 15% off, ranging from £55.06 to £46.80 per person.
Reservations can be made with no upfront payment required – customers simply need to reserve their spot and pay later.
The tour also offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing for free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Key details about the pricing and reservations:
- Pricing: Up to 15% off, from £55.06 to £46.80 per person
- Reservation: Reserve now & pay later, no upfront payment required
- Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Itinerary Highlights

The tour’s itinerary highlights a captivating exploration of Rome’s past. Participants will visit Trajan’s Market and Trajan’s Column, gaining insights into the architectural marvels of ancient Rome. The tour then moves to Piazza Venezia and Palazzo Venezia, where the Borgias’ influence can still be felt. At Largo di Torre Argentina, guests will uncover the secrets and scandals associated with this historic site. The final stop is the magnificent Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, where the tour concludes at Piazza Farnese.
| Site | Time (minutes) |
|---|---|
| Trajan’s Market | 10 |
| Trajan’s Column | 10 |
| Piazza Venezia | 5 |
| Palazzo Venezia | 5 |
| Largo di Torre Argentina | 15 |
| Santa Maria Sopra Minerva | 15 |
Explore the Borgia Family

Scandalous tales of the Borgia family have captivated imaginations for centuries. This walking tour delves into the dark history of the notorious Italian dynasty, known for their ruthless pursuit of power and wealth.
Participants will:
- Uncover the mysterious murders and poisonings allegedly orchestrated by the cunning Cesare Borgia.
- Explore the lavish lifestyles of Borgia courtesans, who wielded significant influence in 15th-century Rome.
- Discover the Borgia family’s involvement in the Vatican’s political intrigues and their scandalous rise to the papacy.
Through this immersive experience, travelers gain a deeper understanding of the Borgias’ enduring legacy, marked by both extraordinary accomplishments and shocking scandals that continue to fascinate historians and the public alike.
More Great Tours NearbyScandals and Intrigue
Rumors of incest, poisonings, and assassinations have long surrounded the notorious Borgia family. As one of the most powerful and influential dynasties in Renaissance Italy, the Borgias were notorious for their ruthless ambition and scandalous behavior.
Cesare Borgia, the son of Pope Alexander VI, was particularly infamous for his ruthless schemes, which included the murder of his own brother. The Borgias were also known for their opulent lifestyles, with tales of lavish parties and the use of courtesans to gain political influence.
Visitors on the walking tour can expect to uncover the dark secrets and twisted intrigues that defined the Borgia family’s reign over Rome.
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Art and Architecture

Amidst the family’s notorious reputation, the Borgia walking tour also offers an opportunity to appreciate the exquisite art and architecture found throughout Rome.
Participants can admire the intricate details of Trajan’s Column, a 2,000-year-old monument commemorating the emperor’s military victories.
The tour also includes a guided visit to Palazzo Venezia, a Renaissance-era palace known for its impressive façade and lavish interiors.
On top of that, the tour takes visitors to the Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, a church featuring Michelangelo’s iconic statue of Christ, as well as the Piazza Farnese, home to the stunning Farnese Palace.
Ancient Ruins and Secrets

Throughout the tour, participants have the chance to uncover the hidden secrets and ancient ruins associated with the notorious Borgia family.
The tour includes a visit to Largo di Torre Argentina, where the remains of four ancient Roman temples can be seen. Cesare Borgia, the infamous son of Pope Alexander VI, is said to have used the secret passages and underground tunnels beneath these ruins to move undetected.
The tour also explores Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, a church with ties to the Borgias and their intrigue. Participants can discover the architectural marvels and mysterious histories that lurk within these ancient sites, bringing the Borgia’s scandalous legacy to life.
Customer Feedback
According to the available customer reviews, the Borgia Family Walking Tour in Rome has received overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Past participants have praised the tour’s engaging and informative nature, led by a highly trained history scholar.
The tour’s highlights include:
- Emeline from France remarked, "Amazing! A must do."
- Maria Paola from Italy stated, "Special tour with a highly trained history scholar!"
The general sentiment is that the tour provides an engaging experience for all ages, offering insights into the scandalous Borgia family and the city’s rich history.
Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
The tour does not have a strict dress code. Visitors are advised to dress comfortably for walking and wear proper footwear, as the tour involves traversing historical sites and navigating uneven terrain.
Are There Any Physical Requirements for Participants?
There are no strict physical requirements, but participants should be able to walk for 3 hours and stand for extended periods. The tour involves navigating cobblestone streets and ancient ruins, so a moderate level of mobility is recommended.
Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?
Yes, the tour can be customized for private groups. Private tours allow for flexible scheduling, group-specific content, and personalized experiences. Customers can inquire about private tour options and pricing directly with the tour provider.
Are Audio Headsets Provided During the Guided Portions?
Yes, audio headsets are provided during the guided portions of the tour. This allows participants to clearly hear the guide’s commentary as they explore the historical sites and learn about the scandals of the Borgia family.
What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?
The maximum group size for the tour is limited to 10 participants. This allows for an intimate and personalized experience as guests explore the scandalous history of the Borgia family in Rome.
Recap
This immersive walking tour delves into the scandalous history of the Borgia family, revealing their dark secrets, lavish lifestyles, and captivating legacy in Renaissance Rome. Led by a knowledgeable scholar, participants explore key historical sites and uncover the intrigues that defined this notorious dynasty. With limited group size, the tour promises an engaging and insightful exploration of one of Italy’s most legendary families.
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