ROME
To really get the most out of a visit to the many magnificent and historical sites in Rome, we recommend a personalised, private tour with one of our specialist guides. We work only with guides who, over time, have proven themselves to be knowledgeable, fascinating and reliable. All are licensed, experienced and know Rome inside and out.
And for those with specialised interests, we can match you with art historians and archaeologists for a truly mind-expanding experience.
A clear itinerary will be worked out in advance to suit your particular requirements and interests. However, our expert guides can also be flexible to your needs during the tour. If you decide to stay longer in a certain place and learn more about it, or move onto somewhere else earlier, our guides can adapt your tour on the spot with ease.
Rome must see sights; the Vatican with the Sistine Chapel and St. Peters basilica, the Capitoline Hill with a fascinating panoramic view of the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, the Baths of Caracalla, the Victor Emmanuel Memorial, Circus Maximus with its impressive views of the Imperial palaces, the Appian Way and its catacombs and the Historic Centre with the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, Piazza Farnese or Campo di Fiori – the list is endless, and in order to make your visit more enjoyable where possible we will always make reservations and get your tickets for you in advance.
Rome secret gems; instead of just showing you Rome’s most fundamental sites we can grant you access to more off the beaten path sites and even to monuments or places that usually are not open to the public; Renaissance and Baroque Rome; masterpieces by Michelangelo, Bernini and Borromini; Underground Rome; St. Clemente’s Basilica, Catacombs of Priscilla, Roman Houses on the Celio, the Domus Aurea, the Jewish Ghetto with its complex variety of history, architecture and tradition and Trastevere the Bohemian area of Rome with its winding, narrow streets and medieval architecture, Church of San Luigi dei Francesi, Villa Farnesina, The Spada Palace, Church of San Pietro Vincoli with Moses by Michelangelo.
Options for kids; Rome manages to make kids feel instantly a part of its daily life and the Eternal City has no end of things to do with the little ones! Piazzas, gardens, museums and crumbly ruins everywhere you look. For families with children we arrange one of our guides who is great with kids and who can tailor your tour to suit everyone’s needs, plus adapt it around you as necessary. Anything is possible … whether it’s the ‘must do’s’ – the Borghese Gardens, the Colosseum, Castel Sant’Angelo or the scary catacombs – or simply doing as the Romans do – having a picnic then treating the kids to a memorable gelato. No matter what your children’s ages or interests, there’s a Roman treat in store: history, art, legends, food and fun. In our reserved section you can view our list “The best in Rome for children”.
VATICAN MUSEUMS AND SISTINE CHAPEL
As you know, this is one of the most important museums in the world and you‘ve probably also heard the queues are at least a mile long most days of the year! So to enjoy its many treasures – Michelangelo’s breathtaking ceiling in the Sistine Chapel, the Basilica with Michelangelo’s moving ‘Pieta’ and impressive dome, the papal altar, the tomb of Pope John Paul II, St Peter’s Square with its 284 Bernini columns, the Papal palace and the colourful Swiss Guards – we recommend only two ways to plan your visit to the Vatican Museums:
A private tour with a professional guide: We are authorized to make timed bookings for our clients if they are accompanied by a registered guide – this will allow you to enter the Museums almost immediately after your arrival, plus you will have an expert on hand to help you see the most and explain the stories behind the pieces.
Exclusive Private Visits to the Vatican Museums: For those in search of a truly outstanding experience, we can organise a private visit to the Vatican outside of the official opening hours. Walking through the galleries and finding yourself alone in the Sistine Chapel is an experience beyond description. A guide from the Vatican accompanies you and provides you with anecdotes and information known only by someone from the inside.
PAPAL AUDIENCES AND PAPAL MASSES
The Holy Father holds a general audience every Wednesday in the Vatican City. On Sundays and Holy Days the Pope appears at the window of his study to lead pilgrims in a Marian Prayer and to impart his blessing. During the summer months, the Pope imparts this Sunday blessing in the courtyard of his summer residence, at Castel Gandolfo. We are happy to help you know if and when the Holy Fathers is celebrating during your time in Rome, to make a request for participation and obtain ticket invitations to the Papal Audiences and Papal Masses.
A special section at the Wednesday general Papal audiences is reserved for couples that have been married in the Catholic Church for two months or less. Practicing Catholics may send us a letter, written by their priest, indicating their names, the date of their marriage, and the name of the Catholic Church in which they were married, in order to be seated in this section.
Dress in good taste is requested. Shoulders must be covered. Shorts are not permitted and skirts should fall below the knee. A head covering is not necessary; however in the summer sun it may be helpful.
EXPLORATIONS OUTSIDE OF ROME
The strategic position of Rome allows for many interesting daily excursions outside of the city. Examples include the beautiful Villa Adriana and the sixteenth century Villa d’Este in Tivoli, the ruins of the Roman Empire in Ostia Antica, the picturesque Castelli Romani south-east of Rome, the fascinating Etruscan towns of Cerveteri and Tarquinia, and the Medieval Papal stronghold of Viterbo and its surrounding areas. With secure transportation and an expert by your side, it will be an outstanding experience… and just add lunch at a special little trattoria (that we can recommend for you) to make it truly memorable.
VISITING OTHER KEY AREAS IN ITALY
Cities like Florence, Siena, Pompeii, Naples and the whole of the Amalfi Coast, are rich in history, art and culture. With limited time, or simply for a richer experience, you’ll need a local to help you get the most from your visit. Whether you choose to travel there by car or on the train, we can help you make all your arrangements – transport, accommodation, restaurants – and organise that expert local guide to show you around. Once having arrived there, the best way to discover each town is on foot. The person who will take you around will make your experience truly unforgettable.