
Cleopatra, Livia & the Women Behind the Roman Empire Tour
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 13 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Cleopatra, Livia & the Women Behind the Roman Empire Tour worth booking?
Cleopatra, Livia & the Women Behind the Roman Empire Tour is a 2.5-hour experience in Rome, Italy, from $32 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 13 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 70 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (13)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $32 per person
Step into the world of powerful women in ancient Rome, from Cleopatra's political drama to the secretive lives of the Vestal Virgins, discover how women ruled, rebelled, and left their mark on history Think ancient Rome
What you get
About this experience
Step into the world of powerful women in ancient Rome, from Cleopatra's political drama to the secretive lives of the Vestal Virgins, discover how women ruled, rebelled, and left their mark on history Think ancient Rome was all about gladiators and Emperors? Think Again! On this tour, we’ll show you how these women lived, loved, and fought in a world dominated by men, and how their stories are far more exciting than you might think. Explore the lives of Livia, Agrippina, and other notable women who shaped history beyond the shadows of emperors. - Duration: Approximately 2 and a half hours - Explore significant historical sites, and be prone to going off the beaten path - Learn about the lives of influential women like Livia and Agrippina - Available every Tuesday, starting at 3 PM (winter) or 6 PM (summer)
What's included
Included
- Expert local Storyteller and historian
What you'll see and do
Piazza del Campidoglio
From this ancient hill of Rome, you will have a remarkable view over the Roman Forum. From here, you will hear the remarkable stories of Empress Julia Domna and those of the Vestal Virgin Priestesses
30 minutes here
Arco di Giano
A wonderful, yet lesser-known angle of the city of Rome. In this marvelous square, you get the chance to see a unique perspective of Palatine Hill. Besides, the 3rd century AD "Arco degli Argentari", the 2nd century BC Temple of Hercules, and the 13th century church of "San Giorgio al Velabro" make a magical atmosphere
30 minutes here
Foro di Cesare
While at the Forum, we focus our attention on the ruins of the Temple of Venus Genetrix. This temple was commissioned by Julius Caesar. There are still ruins visible, and I show recreations of what it once looked like. Here we talk about Cleopatra
30 minutes here
Tempio di Portuno
This is a fantastic archaeological area of Rome, which is full of enchanting remains
10 minutes here
Teatro di Marcello
The theatre of Marcellus represents a crucial spot for this tour. We talk about his mother, Octavia, who was married off to Marc Antony. Besides, I also show the recreation of the Columna Bellica. Back in the 1st century BC, Emperor Augustus threw a spear dipped in blood against that particular column, when he informed people that Rome was going to war against Cleopatra
5 minutes here
The Portico of Octavia
Empress Livia, the wife of Emperor Augustus, represents the conclusion of this storytelling walking tour. She is known as the first First Lady in the history of the Western world. Her story is powerful and deserves to be known
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Rome
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
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The tour ends in the Jewish Quarter of Rome. This enchanting neighborhood offers many restaurants and wine bars. Besides, a huge taxi stand is only a 2-minute walk from here
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Storytelling Rome Tours & Walks
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 13 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
10 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Pace and timing
3 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
13 verified traveler reviews for Cleopatra, Livia & the Women Behind the Roman Empire Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Molemorable experiencce
A wonderful tour filled with incredible stories. I truly fell in love with these remarkable women from the past. It is such a shame that they are still so little known, but luckily there is Massimo, who "brings them back to life" and gives the recognition they deserve to these extraordinary empresses, queens, and priestesses of Ancient Rome. A truly memorable experience!
via Tripadvisor
Stories You Will Never Forget
In fifth grade, sixty years ago, my teacher told us that during that year he would tell us three stories we would never forget. I’ve never forgot them. This tour will do the same thing for you—six different stories you may never forget. Massimo took us to six different locations, one for each story and brought six people—not statues, people— to life. Our family group of four decided that the most intriguing is a multilingual polymath who became an emperor’s wife through her command of astrology… the tour is especially good at the start of your stay, to take you out of your world and immediately put you into theirs. Don’t miss it. Massimo will make it well worth your while.
via Tripadvisor
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.
via Tripadvisor
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.
via Tripadvisor
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.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue
- Price range
- $32 to $39
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 70
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Cleopatra, Livia & the Women Behind the Roman Empire Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Rome.
How much does Cleopatra, Livia & the Women Behind the Roman Empire Tour cost?
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Prices start at $32 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Rome usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Cleopatra, Livia & the Women Behind the Roman Empire Tour take?
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Plan for about 2.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Rome is not rushed.
Is Cleopatra, Livia & the Women Behind the Roman Empire Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 13 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Rome, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Cleopatra, Livia & the Women Behind the Roman Empire Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Cleopatra, Livia & the Women Behind the Roman Empire Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Cleopatra, Livia & the Women Behind the Roman Empire Tour?
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Around 5 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Rome can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Rome and add a light layer if any part of the 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Cleopatra, Livia & the Women Behind the Roman Empire Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Rome within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Rome?
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Rome runs on skip-the-line access. The Colosseum underground, the Vatican before opening, and the catacombs south of the walls all require a licensed operator, and the price gap between the good ones and the rest is smaller than you would expect. We rank by guide credentials, group size and how reliably the promised access actually materialises. On Outty we rank every Rome experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Rome Pasta and Tiramisu Class: Ravioli, Fettuccine & Fine Wine 5*, Pasta Making & Wine Tasting with Dinner in Frascati from Rome, Rome: Pizza & Tiramisu or Gelato Class with Flowing Fine Wine 5*. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Rome?
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April, May, September and October. August is hot and half the city is shut. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Rome?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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