Rome for Readers: A Self-Guided Literary Tour

Rome , Italy

Rome for Readers: A Self-Guided Literary Tour

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

“Rome has opened my eyes to beauty,” said Hans Christian Andersen, one of the many literary geniuses who spent time in the Eternal City.

Some of the world’s greatest writers and poets traveled to Rome on cultural pilgrimages, in search of art, history, beauty and, above all, inspiration for their own work. On this walking tour, you’ll follow in the footsteps of these famous writers, making your way past many of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

You’ll find out where these writers lived and wrote their most famous lines, and where they drank coffee and met with other writers. As you stroll from Terrazza del Pincio where our tour starts to Piazza Barberini where it ends, you’ll see the sites that inspired their greatest masterpieces.

Most of all, you’ll hear from these writers in their own words: from famous quotes and lines of poetry to snippets from letters they sent home describing their impressions of the city, what it meant to them, and how it influenced their work.

Available options

Rome for Readers: A Self-Guided Literary Tour

What's included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

App for Android and iOS

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

This self-guided audio tour starts near Piazza del Popolo. As you explore the sites connected to some of the world's greatest writers, you'll pass through the piazza.

Stop 2 Pass by

On this self-guided walking, you'll stroll past Hotel de Russie where Charles Dickens stayed in the mid-1800s.

Stop 3 Pass by

On this self-guided walking, you'll see Antico Caffè Greco where Gogol would write for hours and Terrazza della Pincio where Henry James liked to sit and write while people-watching.

Stop 4 Pass by

On this self-guided tour, you'll find out where famous writers lived in Rome and wrote their most famous lines, and where they drank coffee and met with other writers. You'll pass by Hotel d'Inghilterra Roma and hear how its connected to these writers.

Stop 5 Pass by

On this self-guided tour, you'll stroll through Piazza Mignanelli, taking in its surrounding sites and hearing about its connected to famous writers like Shelleys, Keats, the Brownings, Lord Byron and Nathaniel Hawthorne.

Stop 6 Pass by

On this self-guided tour, you'll stroll through Piazza Di Spagna, taking in its surrounding sites and hearing about its connected to famous writers like Shelleys, Keats, the Brownings, Lord Byron and Nathaniel Hawthorne.

On this tour, you'll pass by Baington's Tea Room and hear how it got its start as the first tea room in Rome.

Stop 8 Pass by

On this self-guided walking, you'll take in the fountain that inspired John Keats’ epitaph (Fontana della Barcaccia) from the house that Keats stayed in on Piazza di Spagna.

Stop 9 Pass by

On this walking tour, you’ll follow in the footsteps of these famous writers, making your way past many of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps.

Stop 10 Pass by

As you stroll from Terrazza del Pincio where our tour starts to Piazza Barberini where it ends, you’ll see the sites that inspired great masterpieces from world-renowned writers.

What's not included

Smartphone and headphones

Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour

Food and drink

Transportation

Available languages

Audio guide

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

This tour starts at Terrazza del Pincio. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

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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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

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 Rome

Rome, the capital of Italy, is a city of ancient ruins, artistic masterpieces, and vibrant culture. Known as the Eternal City, it is a living museum where every corner tells a story of its rich history spanning over 2,500 years.

Top Attractions

Colosseum

The Colosseum is an iconic symbol of Rome and one of the most famous ancient amphitheaters in the world. It was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles.

Historical 1-2 hours €16 (combined ticket with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill)

Vatican City

Vatican City is an independent city-state enclaved within Rome. It is the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church.

Religious Half day €17 (Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel), Free (St. Peter's Basilica)

Roman Forum

The Roman Forum was the political, commercial, and legal hub of the Roman Republic and Empire. It is a sprawling ruin of temples, basilicas, and arches.

Historical 1-2 hours €16 (combined ticket with Colosseum and Palatine Hill)

Pantheon

The Pantheon is a former Roman temple, now a church, known for its large dome and oculus. It is one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in Rome.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is a Baroque masterpiece and the largest fountain in Rome. It is a popular spot for visitors to throw coins and make wishes.

Architecture 15-30 minutes Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cacio e Pepe

A simple yet delicious pasta dish made with Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper.

Pasta Vegetarian

Carbonara

A rich pasta dish made with eggs, Pecorino Romano, guanciale (cured pork cheek), and black pepper.

Pasta Contains pork and eggs

Supplì

Fried rice balls filled with mozzarella and tomato sauce.

Snack Vegetarian (some variations may contain meat)

Carciofi alla Romana

Artichokes braised with garlic, mint, and olive oil.

Vegetable Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Appian Way Regional Park Biking along the Tiber River Rock climbing in the nearby mountains Picnicking in Villa Borghese Gardens Boating on Lake Albano Enjoying a spa day at a luxury hotel Visiting the Vatican Museums Attending an opera at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer peak. Ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: English, Spanish, French
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Rome is generally safe for tourists, but pickpocketing and scams can be a problem in crowded areas. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use official taxis or ride-sharing services
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or bracelets

Getting there

By air

Leonardo da Vinci International Airport • 35 km from city center
Ciampino Airport • 15 km from city center

By train

Roma Termini, Roma Tiburtina

By bus

Tiburtina Bus Station, Roma Termini

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system is efficient and covers major tourist areas. It operates from 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Trastevere Monti Prancipio Testaccio

Day trips

Ostia Antica

30 km from Rome • Half day

An ancient Roman port city with well-preserved ruins, including a theater, baths, and mosaics. It offers a glimpse into daily life in ancient Rome.

Tivoli

30 km from Rome • Full day

A picturesque town known for its stunning villas and gardens, including the famous Villa d'Este with its elaborate fountains and gardens.

Orvieto

120 km from Rome • Full day

A charming hilltop town known for its stunning cathedral, underground caves, and local wine. It offers a mix of history, culture, and scenic views.

Festivals

Natale di Roma • April 21 Festa de' Noantri • July Rome Film Festival • October

Pro tips

Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Use public transport or walk instead of taking taxis to save money and experience the city like a local
Try local specialties and ask for recommendations from locals and restaurant staff
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and be respectful of local customs and traditions
Be aware of pickpockets and scams, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots