Rome Private Tours & Local Tour Guides

The Colosseum - Undoubtedly the most famous symbol of Rome, a visit to the incredible Circus Maximus is a must-see when touring the Eternal City. We have several tours available which include stops at the Colosseum, with our guides offering not only a private experience but also interesting additional knowledge that only a local can provide. 

Vatican City - Technically a country within a country, Vatican City or “the Holy See” is the center of the Catholic faith and home of the Pope. It also hosts some of the most spectacular renaissance artworks and architecture in the world, with marvels such as the Sistine Chapel, Raphael’s Room, and of course St. Peter’s Basilica. 

The Pantheon - Known as the “temple of the gods”, the site has served as home to a rotating number of epic Roman temples throughout its 2,000 year plus history. Today it is widely considered as one of the best preserved structures that commemorate the glory of the Roman empire, and a staple on any tour of Rome. 

Trevi Fountain - Designed by Nicola Salvi and completed by Giuseppe Pannini, this 18th-century fountain is the largest in Rome and one of the most famous in the world. The striking statues that make up the facade features the god of the seas Neptune as its centerpiece and makes for a truly beautiful photo opportunity. Toss a coin into the fountain for luck, but just remember that swimming isn’t allowed! 

Palatine Hill - One of the seven hills of Rome, legend has it that the Palatine hill housed the cave where Rome’s founders Romulus and Remus were raised by the she-wolf Lupa. Today the site serves as a large open-air museum with the Palace of Domitian presiding over the area, and the Farnese Gardens making for an excellent outing on a beautiful day.

The Italian peninsula in general is blessed with more sunny weather than most of the rest of Europe. The most popular times to visit Rome are either during spring (March - May) or summer (June - August). However, this is also the peak tourist season meaning certain attractions can get pretty crowded. If you’d prefer to enjoy the city during slightly quieter times, consider booking your trip during autumn (September - November) or if you don’t mind a little cold you can also opt for winter (December - February).

The most important thing to remember when visiting a foreign country is common sense. Most things that may be considered rude in your home country will also generally be considered rude anywhere else. 

When it comes to Rome (or Italy in general), one of the most important things to remember is to dress appropriately when visiting religious sites. This includes anywhere within Vatican city, as well as the many churches throughout Rome itself. If you find yourself in a religious building, it’s important to wear proper shoes and avoid wearing shorts or spaghetti string tops. As a rule of thumb, make sure your shoulders and knees are covered. 

While Italians are well known for their passionate speaking, it’s also unwise to outright shout in public places. Be respectful to those around you and try to keep noise down whenever possible, though you don’t have to feel like you’re in a cloister (except when visiting a literal cloister of course). Eating or drinking in public is also frowned upon, and it is illegal to eat or drink in or near historical monuments or churches. 

During the summer months, sure! Rome can get really hot and a good pair of shorts will make your experience much more comfortable. It’s not that Italians are against shorts, just remember that they aren’t welcome in religious buildings and you’ll be golden! As a final aside, when going for a fancy dinner it’s also a good idea to wear closed shoes and cover up your knees and shoulders. Take this opportunity to dress up fancy and treat yourself!

While many people have basic English skills, you will undoubtedly enjoy your trip more and gain the respect of the locals if you take the time to learn some basic phrases before your trip. While you don’t have to be able to have intricate conversations, most people will be much more receptive thanks to a simple ‘hello’ or ‘thank you’ in Italian.  

Here are some key phrases to remember: 
Buongiorno - Good morning
Buonasera - Good evening
Ciao - Hello/Goodbye (informal)
Grazie - Thank you
Prego - You're welcome
Mi scusi - Excuse me
Per favore - Please
Parla inglese? - Do you speak English?
Quanto costa? - How much does it cost?
Mi può aiutare? - Can you help me?

Luckily, all of our Rome guides are fluent in English and can help you with translation throughout your tour. They can also provide some unique insights which may not appear on the tourist brochures.

1. Stress-free transportation: Figuring out train or bus schedules in a foreign country can be an intimidating experience. A private guide can meet you at your hotel and accompany you all the way to your destination (whether by car or public transport). 

2. Customization: Don’t feel like you’re being forced into certain experiences, with a private tour you can customize your itinerary completely. 

3. Convenience: By hiring a private guide all the hassle of planning instantly falls by the wayside. Your guide will take care of everything, from where to go, how to get there, which tickets to buy, and more. 

4. Safety: International tourists are unfortunately a favorite target of the unscrupulous, from something as simple to overcharging to holiday ruining pickpockets. Traveling alongside a local guide means they can help keep you safe and ensure you don’t get tricked by any tourist trap.