Criminal History Tour of Rome: Explore the Dark Side of the Eternal City

Experience Rome’s dark past with our one-of-a-kind Criminal tour. Delve into the grim aspect of the Eternal City as we guide you to the very spots where horrific crimes occurred. From Julius Caesar’s plot to public decapitations during the papal era of Rome. This is a seldom shared chapter in Rome’s narrative.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Piazza della Minerva - Meet and Greet the guide. Introduction of the theme of the tour and visit the location of Galileo Galilei’s trial.
  • Area Sacra di Largo Argentina - Learn about the last days of Julius Caesar and see the exact location of his assassination.
  • Via Portico d’Ottavia - Hear about the deportation that occurred in Rome during the Nazi occupation of WWii
  • Campo de’ Fiori - Visit a lively Roman square that used to be the preferred spot for papal executions.
What's Included
  • All fees and taxes included
What's Not Included
  • Private transportation
Location
Piazza della Minerva, 38
Piazza della Minerva
At 6pm sharp, facing the church on the left hand side of the stairwell you will see the guide holding a IterTour sign.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(35 Ratings)
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966matjazh
Aug 1, 2024
Ist was a very nice experience and one of the best wie had in Rom. - The Tour was very informativ and one of the best we Gay in Rom. The Guide was very nice and could andere every question. The tour was also Not boring it was Made very intresting by the Guide
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nina_o
Jul 11, 2024
Exceed expectations - Mike far exceeded our expectations. I didn’t realize our tour was going to be so personalized. I watched other tours go by us from other companies and was so happy we booked with Mike. My family learned so much about the criminal side of Rome and its history. He went out of his way to make sure we understood things and we were doing ok. He even helped us get to the taxi line and got us a taxi driver to make sure we were headed in right way at the end. This was something a big tour company would not have done. Mike your passion, knowledge, and attitude is superior to most. Thank you for making this tour special. If you are reading this review and thinking about this tour, just do it!! You will not regret it. And for someone that isn’t into history as much, Mike’s information that he provided us on this tour has me starting to watch the Rome series. This is something I would have never watched in the past. Also, my husband is going to look into getting some of the books that you mentioned on the tour. Thanks again Mike for a great experience.
Review provided by Viator
Minettestone
Jul 2, 2024
Excellent! - This was very interesting! We learned so much about the history of Rome, seen through the eyes of a guide who has an absolute passion for history.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Katja100575
Mar 15, 2024
Great experience!! - Michele really knows his stuff. You can feel his passion about the various topics and makes it relatable and easy to understand. I thought I knew the facts about Julius Caesar’s death, but the way Michele told me about the whole background story made me almost emotional. It was a wonderful experience! Thank you Michele!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Seaside28647418148
Mar 9, 2024
Excellent - a fountain of knowledge - We went in the evening and Michael told very detailed and fascinating stories about a few crimes that happend just in the tour area. Particularly interesting was that he didn’t just talk about the act itself but provided extensive background information why these things happend the way they did. Would have loved to hear more for sure! Totally worth it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tatanisha_g
Feb 20, 2024
To be a criminal in the Eternal City... - This tour was so impactful and rich with history, the immeasurable knowledge of the tour guide Mike, and the amazement of standing in the spots where it all happened. The value for the tour was well worth it! I felt very fortunate to have what felt like a private tour because I was the only one slotted for that time. Taking the rare opportunity to ask as many questions as possible within the tour as we walked through several locations and I fully immersed myself in the retelling. With no waiting time we were off to it! I saw true life religious men and women at the start of the tour, where we met. It was easy to find which was appreciated very much! People watching is one of my favourite past times and learning history about a place I've never been during a time none of us lived is fascinating in any form of connecting. We walked and talked and I learned about the criminals, different types, crimes, and the questioning of whether they were truly guilty. Dark long roads led to topside busy streets where monuments stood or laid in a version of many lifetimes past. All I'll say here is cat sanctuary 🐈 😻 🐈‍⬛️ The dig was deep into the history of Germans and the invasion, the enormity of the Jewish Ghetto, and seeing the proof of a life that once was, at your feet. Also suggest wearing comfortable shoes, this is a walking tour. There's no challenging climbs involved though, mostly flatland and a little distance, but who isn't prepared to walk in Roma!? Mike was savant of history, a companionable guide, an excellent conversationalist, and a kind human! If you want to learn about the Eternal City from another side of rich history, riddled with upheaval and crime, this is your tour! Alas, I'd like to thank Mike for recommending a restaurant with staff he knew, getting me a table, and sending me off for an incredible meal (Trattoria). I would love to have more experiences like this that take you to the backbones of time. Thank you,
Review provided by Viator
Junegk1949kf
Jan 19, 2024
The darker side of Rome in rich details - Best tour ever in Europe. Our guide, Mike, was entertaining and super informative at the same time. A trip through Italian culture and philosophy revealing some of its darker side in fascinating details.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ambianceto
Sep 28, 2023
Best History of Rome tour ever… - The title of this tour threw me off. Criminal Tour?? Wasn’t sure what I was going to get. It was probably the best tour I’ve ever taken. And I’m 72 years old and have taken many tours. I Love History and this was jam packed with history. Old history of Rome and not so old history. The tour guy Michele (Mike) Henry was excellent. He could be a public speaker talking about Rome and would hold everyone’s attention. If you like history do yourself a favor and book this guy you won’t regret it. 5 stars out of 5. Should be called “Romes best kept secrets” or just “secrets of Rome”
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rick_t
Aug 3, 2023
Rome criminal history explained by expert guide -Mike - Mike hosted a great tour of the criminal elements of Rome. His knowledge and explanations were extensive and intensive and made the subject content very interesting. The section in the Jewish district was at times confronting and emotional when reflecting on the city's WW2 occupation. Highly recommended if you like a very in depth perspective on the criminal history of Rome.
Review provided by Viator
Juan
Jul 8, 2023
July 6th evening tour - Mike did an incredible job explaining various events in Rome that you typically do not hear on a regular tour. He is full of knowledge and so willing to share it with others. He made our walk enjoyable and entertaining. Great job!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 10 guests
1 Adult
October 2024
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