9 Ghost Story Tours in Italy Worth Staying Up For

1.The Dark Side of Florence: Mysteries and Legends

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,785 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.) · from $3Our pick

Walk from Santissima Annunziata to Ponte Vecchio with an English-speaking guide such as Antonio, Glenda, or Angela. Expect Medici intrigue, ghost stories, assassinations, torture, hidden symbols, and the memory of Florence’s 1993 mafia bombing. Dress warmly and wear good shoes.

“This was a tour that you need to do to experience another side of Florence. Antonio, our guide, was really funny and engaging - he delivered content in a way that was mysterious yet deadpan, he could honestly do standup comedy! We learned more about the history of Florence and there were some amazing things he pointed out that you otherwise would not have noticed while walking around the city. We spent 4 days in Florence and walked past the same places at least 3 times and never saw what Antonio pointed out to us, and the meaning behind them. Dress warmly if you are doing this in the cold…”

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2.Venice Ghost Stories, Legends and Anecdotes Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 846 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $42

Walk from Campo San Bartolomeo through Venice after dark with an English-speaking guide. Hear tales of Biasio the butcher, noble ghosts, secret lovers, old casinos, and the mysterious Bovolo Staircase. Expect legends and local anecdotes more than theatrical scares, with up to 20 people in the group.

“We loved our time with our very entertaining and knowledgeable guide. The stories about the history of some of the buildings and squares were fun to learn.”

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3.Mysterious Tales of Ghosts and Murders

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 636 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $57

Follow a Venetian guide such as Annalisa, Claudia, or Anna through quiet lanes from Campo San Bartolomeo to St. Mark’s Square. Expect a lively mix of ghost legends, true crimes, local history, hidden corners, and practical restaurant tips. The walk suits adults and older children, but not wheelchair users.

“It was very informative and fun. Our tour guide Claudia was very personable and spoke very clear English. She also spoke Italian to a little girl on the tour who didn’t understand English well. But I think it is way overpriced compared to other tours I’ve done. I paid 48€ I believe for this tour. In Verona I did a same length tour plus received a wonderful charcuterie tray with wine at the end for only 10€ more!”

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4.Small Group Rome’s Dark Side – Ghosts & Legends Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 343 reviews · 2 hours · from $23

Walk Rome’s darker streets with guides such as Ben, Arielle, Ivanna, and Ariel. In two hours, you’ll hear sharp stories about executions, poisoners, betrayals, and alleged ghosts while visiting Campo de’ Fiori, Ponte Sisto, Via Giulia, and Castel Sant’Angelo. Expect humor, cobblestones, and no theatrical jump scares.

“Best thing we’d done in Rome and wish we’d done it on the first night. We learnt so much. Excellent.”

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5.Ghosts, Legends & Mysteries of Rome Tip-Based Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 284 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $3

Walk from Castel Sant’Angelo to Campo de’ Fiori with guides such as Ivan, Leonardo, Simone, and Max. Expect 90 minutes of haunted places, executions, witches, corrupt popes, and true-crime stories told with dark humor. Bring about €10 or more per person for the guide’s tip.

“We did the English tour with Leonardo. He was very knowledgeable. Kept it interesting and fun! Tour was incredible and Leonardo was brilliant! :)”

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6.The Ghost & Legends Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 206 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $42

Follow an English-speaking local guide through Castello and Cannaregio after dark. Hear stories of murder, doges, tragic love, Venetian superstition, and ghosts near the Malibran Theater, San Michele cemetery island, and the lagoon.

“Graziella was a fantastic guide. One of the best tours we did in Venice.”

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7.Rome’s Dark Side Ghosts and Legends Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 93 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $24

Meet your English-speaking guide at Campo de’ Fiori at 8 p.m. for a two-hour walk through Rome’s darker history. Hear stories of magicians, popes, poisoners, and executioners, with a cafe break and a final stop at Castel Sant’Angelo. Groups are limited to 15 people.

“Our guide, Ben, was very knowledgeable, informative, entertaining, and made us feel safe walking around the city at night. The stories he told were fascinating and he held our attention the entire time. We learned a lot about the city's history as well as the creepy stories that go along with it! Would definitely recommend this tour!”

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8.Crypts and Legends: Exploring the Dark Side of Rome

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 69 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $72

Start at 5 pm near Piazza Barberini and enter Rome’s eerie Capuchin Crypt before walking to Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Campo de’ Fiori, and Santa Maria dell’Orazione e Morte. Expect a small group, plenty of questions, and a mix of history, art, legends, and ghost stories.

“Estephania, our guide was very friendly and knowledgeable about all the stops on the tour. She was also full of local recommendations and insights to make our visit to Rome memorable. She did a great job interpreting the meaning of the Capuchin crypts.”

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9.Catania Ghost Tour: Legends and Tastings Under Mount Etna

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $58

Start at Piazza Duomo with guides such as Caterina, Dora, or Dana, then follow Catania’s legends through Piazza Mazzini, Via dei Crociferi, and Via Etnea. Taste arancino, cassatina, Etna wine, and passito while hearing stories of witches, cold cases, Saint Agatha, and Mount Etna.

“Dora was very knowledgeable and gave a great tour. Explained the different foods and wines very well”

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