15 Historical Tours in Italy to Book Before You Go

1.St. Mark Basilica Ticket, Audioguide+History Gallery

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 4,780 reviews · from $23Our pick

Skip-the-line St Mark’s Basilica ticket with downloadable audio guide, VR Venice History Gallery, and a St Mark’s Square history circuit.

“Overall this was a great experience. I was slightly confused because I was under the impression that I booked a self-guided audio tour but when I went to retrieve my tickets we were placed in a group for a guided tour. The app even had us download the audio tour beforehand but our names were on the guides list so we went with it. It ended up being a great tour.”

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2.Venice’s Best: Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Gondola & History Gallery

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,478 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $129

Skip-the-line tours of St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace, a shared Canal Grande gondola, and a VR Venice history gallery.

“BEWARE of Viator for they will not hold good to there word. I booked this tour but Viator sent the incorrect information to the tour company (the wrong time to start the tour). So, I missed my original tour. The tour company gave me a lesser tour but said I had to get with Viator for a refund for the difference in the cost of the tours. Viator denied the refund.”

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3.Historic Milan Tour with Skip-the-Line Last Supper Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,976 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $111

Skip-the-line access to Leonardo’s Last Supper plus a guided walk through Milan’s top landmarks, including Sforza Castle, Duomo, and La Scala.

“Our tour guide was wonderful, knowledgeable and you could tell she genuinely loves Milan. We bought this tour to get in to The Last Super, but did continue on for the remainder of the tour and so glad we did! You do not go into the Duomo at the end (we knew this when purchasing), so do get a separate tour for the Duomo, it is a must see and the 2.5 hrs flew by.”

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4.City Center Historical Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 1,873 reviews · 1 - 2.5 hours · from $14Best value

Guided walk of St. Mark's Square and Rialto, VR history in a gallery, and optional gondola views. Small groups, great value.

“We did this walking tour on New Year’s Day. Valentina was incredibly knowledgable and the tour was really enjoyable. Would highly recommend.”

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5.History and Hidden Gems Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,379 reviews · 2 hours · from $41Top rated

A 2-hour small-group walking tour of Verona’s main sights and offbeat corners, led by Verona native Fabio.

“Our tour with Fabio was really enjoyable, he was warm, knowledgeable, very witty and made a real connection with the group. We would thoroughly recommend Fabio.”

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6.Street Food and History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,294 reviews · from $54

3-hour Palermo street food and history walk with 5 tastings, Capo Market, and top sights like the Cathedral and Quattro Canti.

“Mix of History and Food Tasting. Fabrizio was knowledgeable and friendly and made the tour very entertaining. Would highly recommend this tour.”

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7.Rome in a Day Tour with Vatican, Colosseum and Historic Center

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,042 reviews · 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $192

Rome in a Day covers Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel with a small group.

“Well organized and designed tour to cover a lot of Rome in just one day. Our guide was knowledgeable and kind.”

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8.Rome Food Tour in the Historic Centre with 8+ Food Tastings

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,000 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $118

Walk Rome’s historic core with 8+ tastings, from pizza and supplì to pastas, gelato, and cannoli, plus Jewish Ghetto and landmark stops.

“We really enjoyed this walking food tour. It had 6 different stops and we were able to sample and eat a lot of different foods. Our guide was Massi and he was great! He gave a lot of good information about the food and history of the food in an entertaining way. My 9 year old son was on tour and Massi also kept him engaged and entertained. He made different accommodations for his drinks while the adults were having coffee and wines. I would definitely recommend!”

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9.Ancient History and Colosseum Underground Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 996 reviews · from $104

Walk beneath the Colosseum to see gladiator routes and animal holding areas, then get tickets for the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

“Our guide was very passionate! Meeting spot on app was not where we were supposed to go so could h change the link for meeting spot to Colloseo Métro where the Guide met us.”

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10.Bell Tower & St Mark’s Square History Gallery Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 910 reviews · 1 hour · from $44

Skip the line to St Mark’s Bell Tower for panoramic Venice views, then see a St Mark’s Square History Gallery and VR time travel.

“Was brilliant seeing Venice from this height worth doing !”

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11.Forbidden History Walking Tour & Pub Crawl with Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 688 reviews · 3 hours · from $61

Experience Rome’s dark side in Monti with included wine, spritz, sambuca, and tipsy stories on a 3-hour night walk.

“A very fun night out. Met some great people and had a good tour through the night spots of Rome! Autumn was a lovely tour guide - very welcoming and keen to keep people informed of the local area.”

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12.2-Hour Guided Walking Tour of the Historical Center

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 605 reviews · 2 hours · from $16

Walk Genoa’s caruggi with a bilingual guide, see UNESCO Rolli palaces and Doria power, then visit Strada Nuova and Sant’Agostino Museums.

“It was wonderful. She was extremely informative and helpful.”

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13.Basilica, Doge’s Palace, History Gallery & Bell Tower Option

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 586 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $116

Skip-the-line, guided Venice tour covering Doge’s Palace, St Mark’s Basilica, Bridge of Sighs, plus an optional Campanile Bell Tower climb.

“To observe the glass makers is truly remarkable! Such an art ! Our tour guide , Julia , enhanced the experience with her knowledge of the area. Recommend requesting a private tour with her. FYI, her English is perfect !”

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14.UNESCO World Heritage Sites Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 548 reviews · 3 - 5.5 hours · from $41

Palermo UNESCO walking tour with a local guide. See Martorana mosaics, Piazza Pretoria, and the Cathedral interior, plus a Sicilian sweet.

“I do not think Simon could improve on anything. He is such a friendly person with a good sense of humour. I could spend days listening to his knowledge and wisdom. Please don't stop sharing your experiences with others still coming to Palermo.”

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15.Street Art & History Tour in the Spanish Quarters

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 540 reviews · from $24

Naples Spanish Quarters street art walk with Maradona murals and local history, 2 hours, small group, from $24.

“Our guide Valentina was a great storyteller who helped us understand better the story of the city of Napoli. Great insight information and very informative stories especially about the Spanish Quarter. Take this opportunity and book the tour on your first day in Napoli and you will see the city with a different perspective. Grazie, Valentina! Forza Napoli!”

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