Frequently Asked Questions

Will we get to see the pope?
If you arrange to get free tickets to the papal audience (Wednesdays) or a Sunday Mass, you will have an opportunity to see the pope. He is not a part of our regularly scheduled route.

How far in advance should we book a tour?
A general rule is to book your tours at the same time you are booking your flight and making your hotel reservations.

Do you pick-up at the hotel?
For private tours, we can meet you at your hotel, if it is in the historic center. For group tours, we have arranged meeting places.

How long are the tours?
Most tours have a minimum of 2.5 hours, but we sometimes run over.
We like to take advantage of special opportunities that come along, like special exhibits that open, rare galleries or archeological discoveries that may be suddenly be available along the way. We also take the time to answer any questions and clarify issues that you may have regarding anything gleamed from books or tv. The HBO series, "Rome" and the Dan Brown books are popular topics. It is very easy to spend 3 hours in the museums and Sistine chapel and want to go back for more.
Also, weather conditions, crowds, availability of certain galleries, or monuments, security check lines, etc. can also affect tour time - but don't worry - we don't consider waiting in security lines, or the initial meet-and-greet as part of the tour time.

What makes us different from others history walks in Rome?
Besides the excellent personal attention our guests receive through email and phone, we are passionate about our beloved city and we are eager to share it with you.
We are one of the lowest priced groups in Rome which strictly requires their staff to possess an academic background in subjects like Art, History, Archeology or the Classics. Many companies charge the same price and offer guides with little formal training or control, speaking from accurately memorized scripts, but without the background and wisdom of someone who has the experience and training of the guides in our freelance group.

How many guests are in the groups?
Please remember, the Vatican is remarkably popular and crowded.
Because of this, we keep group sizes to 20 or fewer guests (for the Vatican) and 15 or fewer guests (for Coliseum).
If you wish to have fewer guests in your group, please ask about a private tour. These are affordable private itineraries that can be customized specifically for your family, or group.

I have prepaid for my reservation, do I still need to call and confirm?
One simple phone call could save your vacation from disaster! Please call the evening before each tour, Rome time, at: +39. 334.333.0927, to confirm that meeting places and times are on schedule.
Unforeseen events can and do occur, like strikes, marches, public or religious holidays and processions. These events can change itinerary meeting times and places, or cause cancellations. We cannot be held liable for such events and complete refunds will be issued when these incidents cause tour cancellations.
We make every effort to contact guests at their hotels, or on their mobile phones if there is a change. To guarantee a perfect vacation, help us keep in contact with you.

No one has returned my emails?
We guarantte a response in 24 hours - over the weekends too. Please be aware that AOL users can sometimes encounter email delivery problems, or experience problems viewing our website. You receive an instant on-screen reply to the details you have sent us, which also tells you that "your message has arrived." If you don't hear from us after 24 hours, send a separate e-mail directly from your e-mail provider, or use a different email account, or call us directly.

How to reach us by phone from within Italy:
Dial: 334.333.0927
How to reach us by phone from other countries within the EU:
1.) Make sure you are calling during our business hours in Italy, (Mom. - Sat. 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM.)
2.) Dial 00, the inter-European access code.
3.) Dial 39, the Italian country code.
4.) Dial 334. 333. 0927, our phone number. If you receive a recorded voice message, please leave your name, phone number, and country origin, and we will call you back as soon as possible.

How to reach us by phone from the USA:
1.) Make sure you are calling during our business hours in Italy, (Mom. - Sat. 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM.) Italy is six hours later than the US east coast (EST).
(http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/) for complete information.
2.) Dial 011, the international access code.
3.) Dial 39, the Italian country code.
4.) Dial 334. 333. 0927, our phone number. If you receive a recorded voice message, please leave your name, phone number, and country origin, and we will call you back as soon as possible.

I hear guides make commissions by recommending merchants?
We do not accept commissions from restaurants and shops. We will never divert our guests into a souvenir shop, or restaurant where they feel obligated to buy something.
Many of our staff members are passionate about books, food and fashion - just as they are regarding Art or History. We are always on the lookout for new discoveries, bargain prices, and great food. We are happy to recommend truly great places to explore, shop and eat, away from the tourist traps, and the great book that impressed us. These are the places we visit in our free time, and enjoy as a part of daily life in Rome.

Tip or not to tip?
At restaurants in Italy, the general rule is that you do not tip, because most restaurants include a 0.10 percent service fee, or a charge for the tablecloth, or bread. If you receive stellar service at a restaurant and want to show your gratitude, you can leave an additional 0.10 percent.
Taxi drivers expect a 0.10 percent tip, and they are usually satisfied if you round up to the nearest Euro for short trips inside the historic city walls. Make sure that you hang onto the 1. and 2. EUR coins and 5. EUR bills. Taxi drivers can rarely offer change back if the amount due is more then 10. EUR.
You are welcome to tip your guide at the end of your itinerary if you feel satisfied with your time. Some of the guides in our group are still in school and appreciate the assistance and encouragement. A tip of 0.20 percent is suggested for guides across Europe, but we do not expect this. We share what we enjoy, and sometimes do so for free with student groups.

Can you skip the lines?
This is a claim often abused by tour companies who state they can "Skip the long lines," with no additional explanation. No one, except NO ONE CAN SKIP THE SECURITY CHECK LINES at the sites around Rome, especially with the escalation of violence around the world today.
Sadly, a more recent trend has occured where a guide will have his group cut the line at the last corner before the entrance - while others in line have been patiently waiting, a group will suddenly push in front of them. We think this is simply not fair and has led to more police activity in the area.

WE DO AVOID LONG TICKET LINES at the sites by using special ticket windows designated for groups, or we use ticket windows that few know about, which are located away from the crowds. This allows us to walk directly into the sites, skipping the lines at the regular ticket windows as soon as we are inside.

Is crime really a problem in Rome?
In contrast to of the multitude of warnings by guidebook publishers, in our opinion Rome is a very safe place... and we live here. Like any city, there is a criminal element, but that is mostly pick pocketing, (especially on the 64 bus.) It is very rare to hear of muggings, and violent crimes right in the historic city center where most visitors stay. The area around the Termini Train Station is where we suggest avoiding after midnight. Just remember to use your common sense, money belt, and to keep your bag in front of you at all times.