Renaissance Scarlet Ladies Tour: Caravaggio's and Borgia's Women
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Welcome, to the most scandalous, jaw-dropping, and utterly fascinating walking tour you never knew you needed! Forget the dry history lectures—this is a tour about the women who made Renaissance Italy sizzle.
We will dive deep into the world of Renaissance courtesans, scarlet ladies who played a significant role in the politics of Renaissance Europe. Think of them as muses who inspired some of the greatest artists in history. These women weren’t just beautiful; they were resourceful.
You will meet seven unforgettable women, each immortalized in paintings by Caravaggio and Raphael. These weren’t just pretty faces—they were trendsetters, intellectuals, poets, and, in some cases, royal game-changers. Their lives were filled with passion, intrigue, and, of course, a little scandal (okay, a lot of scandal).
Expect stories of dangerous ambition and a society that couldn’t decide whether to adore or condemn these women—so naturally, it did both.
Trust me, history has never been this juicy.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The itinerary of the tour is 95% accessible to wheelchairs. There's only 2 churches which are hard to get in with a wheelchair but that doesn't manage the content of the tour, since in that case we just tell the story outside of the church
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Basilica San Marco Evangelista
The tour begins with a massive statue that in 1477 was named after a famous Courtesan. The statue nowadays is indeed known as "Lady Lucrezia". This XV century woman who lived an incredibly colorful life, is the first story of this storytelling tour
Villa Doria Pamphilj
We make a stop in the courtyard of the Doria Pamphilj, to talk about our second woman named Anna Bianchini, who modeled many times for a famous italian painter known as Caravaggio. Anna was indeed Caravaggio's first model and also the one who modeled for him most of the times
What‘s Included
Guided tour
Halfway through of the storytelling walking tour, there is chance to make a stop in a Snack Bar but the cost is not included in the tour
Options
Season 2025
Reviews
65 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fun, informative, engaging.
jacunag,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Massimo is a great tour guide. Very entertaining and knowledgeable of the history of Rome and the city. Recommended 100%!
One of the Most Interesting Tours I’ve Done in Rome: Renaissance Stories You Won’t Hear Elsewhere
401desireej,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Yesterday I did the Scarles Ladies tour with Massimo! It exceeded all of my expectations! I absolutely loved it. It’s such a refreshing way to experience Rom,e and that says something coming from a local for 10 years now! It focuses on the women behind the art, power, and scandals of the Renaissance rather than the usual historical narrative of the still fabulous sites in Rome. Massimo's storytelling is so engaging and easy to follow that it really brought the women connected to Caravaggio and the Borgias to life in a way that felt human and memorable. Even though I know Rome well, I learned so many new details and saw familiar places from a completely different perspective. The pace was relaxed, the route was beautiful, and time flew by. If you’re looking for something a bit different from the standard Rome tours, but at the same time thoughtful, well-researched, and genuinely interesting, I highly recommend this one. Bravo Massimo, this will certainly not be my last tour with you :)
Great tour, thank you Massimo!
Mara T,,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I live in Rome, but I spent many years in the United States, so I often have friends coming to visit. After exploring the usual tourist attractions like the Colosseum and the Vatican, I used to wonder what else I could show them. Even though I was born and raised in Rome, I thought my city had little more to offer beyond those highlights. Oh, how wrong I was. Through friends, I heard about Massimo’s storytelling walking tours and decided to give one a try. What a mesmerizing experience! Massimo’s tours are thoughtfully crafted, unique, fun, and deeply engaging. He truly brings history to life. The Renaissance Women tour is pure genius. It explores the lives of seven women who lived between the 1400s and the 1600s—many of whom modeled for great artists such as Raphael and Caravaggio. The tour leads you through churches, historic buildings, and both iconic and lesser-known corners of Rome. It felt like being transported back in time. It was a truly wonderful experience, and I highly recommend this tour to anyone. It’s perfect for both first-time visitors and seasoned Rome lovers. Let Massimo take you on a journey and prepare to be amazed by the city of Rome and its extraordinary historical figures—especially the women.
Massimo Brings History Alive
Michelle E,,Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Massimo uses knowledge and humor to share what life was like for women. This was an enjoyable way to learn about aspects of economic reality of the time while seeing sights often overlooked by tourists,
A must!!
Reem A,,Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This experience is one of my core memory tours. It was equally in depth, but not too overbearing. Massimo is really good about laying out the dates and history in a way that really stuck in my mind. I found myself shocked i hadnt known about it sooner. Do it solo, do it with your companions that love art/history. Do it because the background of so much history you witness in Rome, depends on the women that were never acknowledged.
Cultural.
857maimounab,,Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thanks again for it's amazing discoveries first time it was unforgettable very playful also! Top!!!!!!!
This tour is a must
W6194VYmirkoc,,Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour offers a captivating exploration of Rome’s rich history through the lives of influential women. The guide, Massimo, is renowned for his dynamic narrative, bringing historical figures to life with enthusiasm and depth. His stories turn historical facts into vivid stories that resonate with visitors. The tour includes visits to important sites, and these sites provide a tangible link to the past and provide insight into the lives of the women featured during the visit. Unique and rewarding experience!!
Great tour and guide !
Excursion13094426340,,Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour offers a captivating exploration of Rome's rich history through the lives of influential women. This engaging walking tour delves into the stories of courtesans, mistresses, and noblewomen who played pivotal roles in shaping the Renaissance era. The guide, Massimo, is renowned for his dynamic storytelling, bringing historical figures to life with enthusiasm and depth. His narratives transform historical facts into vivid tales that resonate with visitors. Tripadvisor The tour includes visits to significant locations, and these sites provide a tangible connection to the past and offer insights into the lives of the women featured in the tour. This is a unique perspective: Focusing on the women who influenced art, politics, and society during the Renaissance, the tour provides a refreshing perspective often overlooked in traditional historical narratives. This tour is a must for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in uncovering the untold stories of Rome's past. With its engaging storytelling and insightful exploration of lesser-known histories, it offers a unique and enriching experience.
Suberb storytelling
Pirjo L,,Sep 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an awesam art and history tour with Massimo. His deep knowledge of the subject is combined with passion and humour, so the lifestories of The Renaissance Scarlet Ladies came near to us, too. We have allready booked a new tour with Massimo (and Julius Caesar:) when returning to Rome.
Great experience
Nico187371,,Aug 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time with Massimo. The tour was great, if you want to do something different. See the city with another eyes and understand the life of real people of the past. Highly recommended!
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