Secrets of Rome - The dark side Small Group Walking Tour
Rome, Italy

Secrets of Rome - The dark side Small Group Walking Tour

Outty Ranking 72 4.9 · 21 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom €23
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Outty Ranking

72/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 21 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Secrets of Rome - The dark side Small Group Walking Tour worth booking?

Secrets of Rome - The dark side Small Group Walking Tour is a 2-hour experience in Rome, Italy, from €23 per person. It scores 72 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 21 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
72 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (21)
Duration
2 hours
From
€23 per person

Explore the dark side of Rome on this 2-hour small-group (15 people or less) walking tour. Uncover the horrific secrets of Rome as you follow your passionate guide through the gruesome, secret places where the most atrocious crimes were committed, and walk the narrow cobbled streets where public executions were once the order of the day. Discover the secret lives of Popes and their families, and be captivated and frightened by the bone-chilling stories told by your guide. Highlights • Resting place of Borgia • Places of public executions • Papal palace built by Michelangelo • Ghost stories • Local guide

What you get

  • To make communication easier, you will receive name and number of your guide.
  • Passionate guide who will make your experience unique.

About this experience

Explore the dark side of Rome on this 2-hour small-group (15 people or less) walking tour. Uncover the horrific secrets of Rome as you follow your passionate guide through the gruesome, secret places where the most atrocious crimes were committed, and walk the narrow cobbled streets where public executions were once the order of the day. Discover the secret lives of Popes and their families, and be captivated and frightened by the bone-chilling stories told by your guide. Highlights • Resting place of Borgia • Places of public executions • Papal palace built by Michelangelo • Ghost stories • Local guide

What's included

Included

  • To make communication easier, you will receive name and number of your guide.
  • Passionate guide who will make your experience unique.

Not included

  • We do not offer food and drink on this walking tour.
  • We do not offer pickup and drop-off services on this tour.
  • Gratuities are not mandatory but very much appreciated.

What you'll see and do

  1. St. Angelo Bridge

    Start your walking tour at the most popular location for public executions in ancient Rome. Learn about the Papal Fortress of Castel Sant'Angelo, and see the Vatican from a different angle.

    20 minutes here

  2. Stop and listen to the spine-chilling story of an executioner who single-handedly put hundreds of people to death.

    15 minutes here

  3. Via dei Banchi Vecchi

    Follow your guide down this narrow and dark, cobbled street to the place where one of the most prolific serial killers of Rome used to live.

    30 minutes here

  4. Via Giulia

    The next stop is Via Giulia, one of the most beautiful streets of Rome.

    10 minutes here

  5. Chiesa di Santa Maria dell'Orazione e Morte

    The church of the Prayer and Death used to be the headquarters of a mysterious brotherhood of mercy.

    15 minutes here

  6. Campo De' Fiori

    Your tour ends at the heart of Rome, the lively farmers' market of Campo De'Fiori. Once a very dark and scary place where thousands of heretics and witches were burned alive.

    30 minutes here

Where it starts and ends

Meeting point

Rome

Meet your guide between the end of Ponte Sant’Angelo Bridge and Castel Sant’Angelo Castle. Your guide will be holding a “MORE OF ROME” sign.

Hotel pickup

No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

Ends at

A central square with a farmers' market, restaurants, bars, and cafes.

Before you book

Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Languages
en
Ticket
Mobile Only
Runs on
Every day
Group size
Up to 15 travelers per booking
Operated by
E & D Guided Tours

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
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Due to the Jubilee, some monuments may be under restoration. Please pay attention to any messages we may send regarding potential changes. Thank you!

Photos

From the darkest place to the liveliest square, this night tour takes you through the very dark heart of Rome, Castel Sant'Angelo to Campo...Secrets of Rome - The dark side Small Group Walking Tour, photo 3ghost and mystery night tour in rome, Secrets of Rome - The dark side Small Group Walking TourSecrets of Rome - The dark side Small Group Walking Tour, photo 5Secrets of Rome - The dark side Small Group Walking Tour, photo 6Secrets of Rome - The dark side Small Group Walking Tour, photo 7

What travelers are saying

Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 20 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

Knowledge and storytelling

8 mentions

Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

The guide

7 mentions

Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

Traveler reviews

20 verified traveler reviews for Secrets of Rome - The dark side Small Group Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

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18
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Ananthi_K · December 2024

Great tour with fun...

Great tour with fun stories and saw a different side of Rome. Ali was friendly and very insightful. Would recommend this experience

via Viator

Susan_W · November 2024

Creepy and crazy

My 18 y/o daughter and I learned quite a bit and had fun on this tour. My daughter was particularly interested since she is studying criminology. I was very intrigued by how well first our guide was in the history that she presented with terrific storytelling flair. Unfortunately, we had a rainy night, so the tour only lasted about an hour. Perhaps the weather added to the eeriness! This was definitely a fun way to learn about some of the backside of Roman history.

via Viator

Dave_A · October 2024

Good

A wonderful evening tour with Sama. Very knowledgable on the dark history of Rome. Interesting and fun.

via Viator

Alyssa_B · October 2024

Great guide, interesting stories and good history.

We loved our guide. He had a great grasp of Roman history and told interesting stories. Would do again.

via Viator

Anonymous · October 2024

Wonderful!

Sonia Perrera was a wonderful guide, she was funny, engaging, and had very interesting stories to tell!

via Viator

Good to know

Duration
2 hours
Free cancellation
Up to 24h before
Minimum age to book
All ages
Availability
Bookable today
Runs on
Every day
Price range
€23 to €29
Hotel pickup
No pickup, meet at start point
Booked in 30 days
7
Verdict
Strongly Recommended

Who runs this experience

Operated by E & D Guided Tours, who run 21 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 64.3.

See everything E & D Guided Tours runs

Why this scores 72

The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

Traveler sentiment (30% weight)84
Review evidence (18% weight)42
Booking momentum (14% weight)33
Value for money (12% weight)100
Listing quality (10% weight)89
Local standing (8% weight)67
Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

Secrets of Rome - The dark side Small Group Walking Tour: questions travelers ask

Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Rome.

How much does Secrets of Rome - The dark side Small Group Walking Tour cost?

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Prices start at €23 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 Secrets of Rome - The dark side Small Group Walking Tour take?

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Plan for about 2 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 Secrets of Rome - The dark side Small Group Walking Tour worth it?

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It holds an Outty Ranking of 72 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 21 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 Secrets of Rome - The dark side Small Group Walking 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 Secrets of Rome - The dark side Small Group Walking Tour suitable for kids and families?

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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

How far in advance should I book Secrets of Rome - The dark side Small Group Walking Tour?

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Around 7 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-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

Where does Secrets of Rome - The dark side Small Group Walking 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 Pizza & Gelato Class with Wine by Cooking Italy, Rome [4in1] Pasta Making_Tiramisù_Wine Tasting_Secret Cellar, Rome Pasta and Tiramisu Class: Ravioli, Fettuccine & 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.

What is included in Secrets of Rome - The dark side Small Group Walking Tour?

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Included: To make communication easier, you will receive name and number of your guide; and Passionate guide who will make your experience unique. Not included: We do not offer food and drink on this walking tour; We do not offer pickup and drop-off services on this tour; and Gratuities are not mandatory but very much appreciated. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

Where is the meeting point for Secrets of Rome - The dark side Small Group Walking Tour?

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Meet your guide between the end of Ponte Sant’Angelo Bridge and Castel Sant’Angelo Castle. Your guide will be holding a “MORE OF ROME” sign. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

What languages is Secrets of Rome - The dark side Small Group Walking Tour offered in?

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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Secrets of Rome - The dark side Small Group Walking Tour?

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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

Is Secrets of Rome - The dark side Small Group Walking Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

What happens to Secrets of Rome - The dark side Small Group Walking Tour if the weather is bad?

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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Rome. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

What do travelers say about Secrets of Rome - The dark side Small Group Walking Tour?

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Across 21 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

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