A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Rome and the Renaissance

Vatican City , Italy

A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Rome and the Renaissance

Active

1h - 2h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

On this self-guided walking tour through Rome, you'll follow popes, fictional characters and artists through the Eternal City. If Florence is the cradle of the Renaissance, then Rome is its nursery. It's here that the cultural movement took form, and some of its greatest works were realised.

On this self-paced walking tour from St Peter's Square in Vatican City to Piazza di Spagna, Mike Corradi—author and producer of A History of Italy Podcast—will show you traces of the movement's evolution through artists like Leonardo Da Vinci, Bramante, Michelangelo, and Bernini.

Ancient Rome will jump out at you around every corner, and you'll delve into the city's more distant past, too. After all, one key characteristic of the Renaissance was a love of antiquity. You'll see this side of the movement classically represented throughout the city, in monuments like the Mausoleum of Augustus and, towards the end of our tour, in the famed Villa Medici.

Available options

A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Rome and the Renaissance

What's included

Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it

The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour

Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Begin your journey at the iconic St. Peter's Square, located in the Vatican City, and marvel at the grandeur of St. Peter's Basilica, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture.

Stop 2 Pass by

Admire the architectural brilliance of St. Peter's Basilica, commissioned by Pope Julius II and considered a driving force for the Renaissance in Rome and central Italy.

Stop 3 Pass by

Explore the secret escape route of the popes, known as the Passetto del Borgo, which connects St. Peter's Basilica to Castel Sant'Angelo, revealing the intriguing history of papal security measures.

Stop 4 Pass by

Delve into the mysteries of Chiesa Sacro Cuore del Suffragio, a church claiming evidence of communication between souls in purgatory and the living world, offering a glimpse into Rome's spiritual realm.

Stop 5 Pass by

Encounter the Ara Pacis, an ancient altar dedicated to the Roman goddess of peace, showcasing the enduring influence of antiquity on the Renaissance movement.

Stop 6 Pass by

Witness the remnants of ancient Rome at the Mausoleum of Augustus, an architectural marvel from the time of the Roman Empire, reflecting the Renaissance's appreciation for classical antiquity.

Stop 7 Pass by

Experience the iconic Spanish Steps and Trinità dei Monti, emblematic of Rome's cultural heritage and architectural splendor.

Stop 8 Pass by

End your tour at Piazza di Spagna, a bustling square surrounded by elegant buildings and adorned with the famous Barcaccia Fountain, capturing the essence of Renaissance Rome.

What's not included

Tickets to any optional attractions en route

Available languages

Audio guide

Written guide

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please bring your own smartphone and headphones

Entrance fees to ticketed attractions are not included on the products total price

Meeting point

St Peter's Square can be easily reached by taking the underground to the "Ottaviano" stop, then walking through Piazzale Risorgimento, then along the colonnade to Piazza San Pietro.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE 
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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1. Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:
2. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
3. Create an account
4. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
5. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE 
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT 
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Vatican City

Vatican City, the world's smallest independent state, is the spiritual and administrative headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. Nestled within Rome, Italy, it's home to iconic landmarks like St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums, which house some of the world's most renowned art collections, including the Sistine Chapel.

Top Attractions

St. Peter's Basilica

St. Peter's Basilica is one of the most renowned churches in the world and a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. It is a significant pilgrimage site and a must-visit for its stunning interior, including Michelangelo's Pietà and the dome offering panoramic views of Rome.

Religious/Architecture 1-2 hours Free entry (€8 for dome climb)

Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums house an extensive collection of art and artifacts amassed by the Catholic Church over the centuries. Highlights include the Sistine Chapel, the Raphael Rooms, and the Gallery of Maps. It's a treasure trove for art lovers and history enthusiasts.

Museum/Art 3-4 hours €17 (includes entry to St. Peter's Basilica)

Castel Sant'Angelo

Originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, Castel Sant'Angelo is now a museum and fortress. It offers fascinating exhibits and panoramic views of Rome from its terrace. The passage leading to the Vatican, known as the Passetto di Borgo, is a historical highlight.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours €15

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cacio e Pepe

A classic Roman dish made with pecorino cheese and black pepper, creating a creamy and flavorful sauce.

Pasta Vegetarian

Supplì

Fried rice balls filled with tomato sauce and mozzarella, similar to Sicilian arancini.

Appetizer Vegetarian (some versions contain meat)

Tiramisu

A popular Italian dessert made with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cheese.

Dessert Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in nearby parks Biking tours Strolling through historic neighborhoods Visiting parks and gardens Museum visits Art tours Historical site exploration Boat tours on the Tiber River

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

The best time to visit is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the tourist crowds are manageable. These months offer the best conditions for sightseeing and exploring the city's outdoor attractions.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian, Latin
Widely spoken: English, French, Spanish
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Vatican City is generally safe, with a strong police presence and low crime rates. However, petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas, so it's important to stay vigilant.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services.

Getting there

By air

Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport • 30 km from Vatican City

By train

Roma San Pietro Station

By bus

Roma Termini Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system in Rome is efficient and connects to Vatican City via the Ottaviano Station, which is a short walk from St. Peter's Basilica.

Taxis

Available • Apps: FreeNow, MyTaxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Borgo Prati

Day trips

Rome

0 km (Vatican City is an enclave within Rome) • Full day or more

Rome, the capital of Italy, is a treasure trove of ancient history, art, and culture. It offers iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Trevi Fountain, as well as world-class museums and vibrant neighborhoods.

Ostia Antica

30 km from Vatican City • Half day

Ostia Antica is an ancient Roman port city that offers a fascinating glimpse into Roman life. The well-preserved ruins include homes, shops, and public buildings, providing a unique historical experience.

Festivals

Easter Celebrations • March or April (dates vary) Christmas Celebrations • December 24-25

Pro tips

Book tickets for major attractions like the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica in advance to skip the lines.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites to show respect and avoid being turned away.
Use public transportation or walk to get around Vatican City and Rome, as driving can be challenging and parking is limited.
Learn a few basic Italian phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.