Hotel Lancelot is a top-notch hotel with great staff and convenient location. It was all breathtaking. We particularly liked the pacing of the tour, i.e., museums one day with the nxt day being more experiential. He is the host of a public television series, and a public radio travel show, and … We went to the Wednesday Pope blessing and got to see the Pope close up (5 ft away) That wasn't part of the tour, but Sarah got us tickets and told us the best place to stand and it was perfect. Your guide will help you with any post-tour planning, leaving you well prepared for the road ahead. Not only wow'd us, but our friends back home.". My Rick Steves tour in Rome was a highpoint of my life. Perhaps because of the outstanding knowledge and commentary from our tour guides, and the way it exceeded my expectations. "When I walked into the room with at the Borghese where Bernini statue of Apollo and Daphne is housed I audibly gasped (I didn't realize it until Francesca looked at me and smiled ??). For example, we would have spent many hours standing on line for both the Vatican museums and getting into St. Peter's, so we would not have been able to view both in one day without this tour. NEVERTHELESS, I STILL LOVE PARIS AND FRANCE THE BEST- ABOVE & BEYOND ALL THE OTHER PLACES THAT I HAVE BEEN TO IN EUROPE- ABSOLUTELY NOTHING- NOTHING!- BEATS PARIS AND/OR FRANCE, NO MATTER HOW MUCH I LIKE THE OTHER PLACES IN EUROPE THAT I HAVE BEEN TO IN EUROPE WITH RICK STEVE'S- NO MATTER WHAT!!! Provided a new dimension on the experience.". Sleep in Rome. They were dry gracious and accommodating. This was after our guide explained to us about experiencing art in situ. Also the food tour of Trestivere. We were blessed to have an excellent tour guide who always seemed to have us at the right place at the right time, arriving before the crowds, and properly prepared to have the best experience at each sight. For me, touring wi From the Colosseum to St Peter's (a personal highlight) to Borghese Museum, it was all good. I never could have put together the same combination of daily experiences on my own. "There were quite a few. This was a wonderful surprise for all of us on the tour as it was not listed in the itinerary! He made everyone feel special. The information provided made it easy to go out on our own. ▲▲▲ Vatican Museums Four miles of the finest art of Western civilization, culminating in Michelangelo's glorious Sistine Chapel. You'll also enjoy today's Rome, with neighborhood walking tours, memorable restaurants, and time to explore on your own. We are glad that we did Rome through a Rick Steves tour. Also loved the night-time stroll the first evening!". Loved the passion of Francesca!". "That's really a hard thing to answer because it was all great. "It's a toss up between 1)entering the Colosseum on the "floor" level through the "gladiator's tunnel" and 2) suddenly finding myself face-to-face with a first century fresco of Jesus in the midst of the San Callisto catacombs.". It brought years of schooling and study to vibrant life and was simply a wonderful time. Never been a tour person , but this experience with Rick Steve's tours was awesome. I thought there would be more repeaters. "THE TRAFFIC WAS FUN TO WATCH, EACH PERSON WAS AGGRESSIVE TO GET IN LINE, BUT SHOWED PATIENCE AND WILLINGNESS TO LET OTHERS IN. Good. The whole trip was spectacular!!". But, it was the trip of a lifetime. A moment of suffering overlapped with daily living, that somehow seemed more poignant than the Colosseum.". Francesca made you feel what it would have been like to attend a session as a spectator or participant. "The visit to the Vatican, it's museums, church art, St Peter's Basilica were all amazing. The first of two back-to back Rick Steves' Tours (and first ever guided tour) and our first visit to Rome, we loved every minute of this adventure! Riding a 4 person bike in the Borghese Gardens. "I loved going away from the crowds in Rome to explore Ostia Antica. Rainer was very well versed on the history of Rome and gave us information on ways of local living and how to get around the city. "It's difficult to pick a particular "wow" moment. I think we got a great overview of Rome and had a good balance of programed and free time. I have to admit that our group was marvelous. The adjacent cabbies were backing away pretty fast. Nina, our main tour guide, was so amazing. The Borghese was it for me. But if I have to pick my favorite "wow" moment it would be visiting the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica where I was in awe to see Michelangelo's Pieta with my own eyes.". My overall experience was very good. My first time to do travel with a group! Everyone just clicked with each other. An 8th century Christian church built on top of a 4th century Christian church built on top of a 1st century Pagan place of worship utilizing much of the previous buildings construction materials. He, and all the guides throughout were so knowledgeable & fun to be with! We truly enjoyed each others company. "As my daughter and I wandered "lost" in a tiny neighborhood in Rome , no visible street names, our Maps app not really working for us and leading us in circles , I remembered the sage advice of our tour guide , " when in Rome, navigate by the landmarks- the Coliseum, Trevi Fountain ,etc ,to get your bearings and find your way home ". Especially surprising was to find ourselves in the Sistine Chapel with just a few other visitors!". "I am the type of person that would look at something like the Colosseum or the Forum and seen nothing but a pile of old rocks. She is so enthusiastic knowledgable about ancient Rome, she made it come alive.". Another (#4) outstanding RS tour. From day one till the last day was just amazing. :cathedrals) and do a little shopping. There were multiple people in our group who have been on tours with your group, "Going to Vatican City was my favorite if I had to choose just one event. "The favorite WOW moment has to be seeing the Coliseum for the first time and walking into the Coliseum thru the gladiators entrance. When we found the 7 day best of Rome tour, it sounded perfect. This was our first fully guided tour; and it exceeded my expectations in every measure! The Rick Steves Best of Venice, Florence & Rome tour begins with Venice's timeless St. Mark's Square and Basilica, then on to Michelangelo's stunning David and the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, and ends with Rome's Ancient Forum, Colosseum, Pantheon, Vatican Museums, and Sistine Chapel. I don't think anything could have been improved upon. The local guides were fantastic; their knowledge and passion for Rome was evident. Using public transportaion was very helpful in learning how to get around on our own for free time. "Loved the Borghese, in large part because of our local guide, Francesca. "The ruins at Ostia Antica were incredible. They made the city easy to move round in. ANOTHER fabulous RS experience--Thanks! We loved the Hotel Lancelot and the location could not have been better chosen. "The visit to the multilayered San Clemente has to be my WOW moment. It was a very effective way to structure daily activities by having the 'lessons' double back on themselves. ", "It was outside the tour but the Pamphilj gallery was amazing. Some changes could make the trip more solo-traveler friendly, as I suggest below. Perfect of attractions mixed with visits to neighborhoods. It was an unexpected highlight of the trip.". Terms of Service | Privacy, Evening walk through Rome including Trevi Fountain. "My son was amazed by the vastness of the Vatican,our guide was passionate & clearly loved sharing her knowledge of the intricacies of that site. ▲ Victor Emmanuel Monument Gigantic edifice celebrating Italian unity, with Rome from the Sky elevator ride up to 360-degree city view. My family and I had an AMAZING time in Rome with our FANTASTIC guides, Sarah and Francesca! My favorite "wow" moment was at the Borghese Galleria when our informative guide showed us how to appreciate details behind the most beautiful sculptures and paintings imaginable,one sculpture brought me to tears.Our first guide also gave us a powerful lesson in how to read the age of bricks, art icons, and details;"the more you know the more you see"!". We could never have done this on our own.". I felt that I had a better understanding of what the artist was trying to convey when I had context for the sociopolitical influences active during the time period they lived in.". It was wonderul. Enjoyed the pace of the tour (experienced everything we wanted to & Nina had great recommendations for other things to do during our free time) and will definitely book another Rick Steves tour for our future travels abroad. Hotel Lancelot was a great hotel in the middle of old Rome & a wonderful base for visiting the sites. Lisa nailed it. I love all the icons. Sleep with street noise and no (or weak) air conditioning. This was my first Rick Steve's tour, second visit to Rome. I had steeled myself a crowded, pressing tour, but the guides made it a personal, intimate, comfortable tour. "I have been asked this question by so many and the answer is difficult to narrow down! I also enjoyed strolling through the narrow, winding streets of the older neighborhoods.". What a welcome to an amazing city. The other travelers were fun and interesting and everybody was accommodating. The Italian tour guides were very knowledgeable and helpful. Everything about the trip was exceptional: food, lodging, tours, tour leaders, participants, timing, promptness, sight planning and execution. I am not Catholic but a very powerful moment. Not only did Rick Steves guides lead us past the hours long lines throughout Rome. The second, the painting by Rapheal in the Vatican, Peter and the angel. All the guides were knowledgeable and warm and friendly. The best part for me was walking through the different neighborhoods, because it is always the best way to get to know a new place. A dream come true! I really got a sense of how ancient the times were when it was intact. We were old and young, outgoing and quiet, from all different states, retired and working. The Lancelot Hotel is a very nice place as a base in terms of location and gracious hospitality, not to mention the fine meals prepared by Chef Faris. "There are many to choose from, but #1 was probably seeing and hearing the Pope speak on Wednesday morning. Great introduction to local food. It had to work. Sitting there in all that spiritual grandeur everything inspiring and so big. Couldn't have asked for a better introduction to Europe and the RS way of traveling for my parents. RS and Ben did not disappoint! "I enjoyed so many things we did! "My wife and I visited a medieval church recommended by Rainer. "There were many. ", This was my first trip to Europe. Arrivederci, Roma! I am not much of an "arts" person, but the guides made it really interesting for me. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Ben knew exactly where to stand to get closest to Il Papa during the papal audience. We liked staying in one place and each day was a good balance of structured and free time. I've always wanted to go to Rome. It was our first Rick Steve's Tour and yes, we would do it again. I was in Rome in September, 2018 at the end of my "Best of Italy in 17 Days" tour last fall. The hotel was very nice and in a convenient location. Our local tour brought "life" to all of the pieces of art that we viewed; it has motivated me to learn more regarding art appreciation. I've been asked repeatedly "what was your favorite part"? Expert and friendly guides and a great group of traveling companions - definitely time well spent, as I saw and learned an great deal. It brought to mind the change that has characterized Europe for all its existence. Bernini is my new favorite artist. "How do you choose just one?? Jamie made Rome accessible, understandable, and interesting. We were sponges absorbing new and amazing experiences every day.". But, because I had hurt my Achilles tendon a month before the trip, every step I took hurt, taking away from the enjoyment of the experience. The Rome tour was phenomenal from start to finish! The Vatican I would def. Our tour guide, Ben, was terrific. So much to see, take in, digest, appreciate. Request a CD from them on their tour experience. They made us feel like we were right there with the Romans. My wife and I were absolutely THRILLED with our group tour of Rome! For more information about transportation options for getting to and from your tour, see your Rick Steves Rome guidebook. There were no hitches along the way with the planned schedule, and all the guides were right on time and very friendly and knowledgeable. Well run tour as usual, great new experiences and nice people to travel with. "Galleria Borghese and Vatican Museums - based on presentation provided by the local guides!". ", Our first Rick Steves Tour and our first planned tour except cruising. Visiting between late November and March offers the benefit of missing out on the sweat, stress, and crowds of the tourist season, along with cool and crisp weather. But the Borghese was the highlight of my trip. Stepping through the Gate of Death and onto the Colosseum floor, hearing the echos of 60,000 people screaming, was something so special thanks to Francesca's evocative story telling.". to the accommodations & food. You should be able to climb stairs with your suitcase and get around town walking on tours for several hours. I also took a side trip to Pompeii (not a RS tour) so it was great to compare.". That was a lot of fun and the pork we had was FANTASTIC. Sometimes I was tired, but not to the point of missing out on anything. Seeing the 3 layers of Rome was really interesting, especially since I am a visual person. It was very special to be in Rome for Christmas and New Years. recommendations, it has good seating inside and out. "Villa Borghese. The hotel amenities were clean, the bedroom quiet with fresh laundered sheets for a great night sleep, the attention to cleanliness and small details was remarkable, and the morning breakfast was plentiful with a great variety of fruit. We had been through the Vatican on our own many years ago but didn't know the significance of what we were experiencing. Visit St. Peter's, the greatest church on earth, learn something about eternity by touring the huge Vatican Museums, ramble among the rabble and rubble through ancient Rome's Colosseum and Forum, savor the sumptuous Borghese Gallery, and take an early evening stroll with Rome's beautiful people. "Listening to Francesca interpret the symbols contained in several of the paintings we saw on the tour. Our guide, Julian, was competent, knowledgeable and kept our safety as prioritized as he did our pleasure in exploring this great city. They are so knowledgable about Rome, it felt like listening to a story teller all week!! It was fascinating to see how a 12 century church was built on a fourth century basilica. This is the first tour that showed you how to use public transportation that was extremely helpful. Opportunity to experience Christmas in Rome! There were so many! (19:00). Ben was a great facilatator and always was on top of what we were doing. I felt the tour guide was excellent and added much to seeing the museum.". We would definitely tour with Stephanie again. I plan on taking the Germany, Austria and Switzerland tour with Rick Steve's in 2012. ▲▲ Dolce Vita Stroll Evening passeggiata, where Romans strut their stuff. Nina was very professional and full of energy. If, however, you're spending four days or more in Rome, the extra information in Rick Steves Rome can be worthwhile. I can't really think of anything we would change. "I love how peaceful Ostia Antica is- both the ruins we visited and the modern-day town where we stopped for gelato and I saw the indoor natatorium with the green roof. The Rome tour was every bit as wonderful as I hope it would be. Incredible local guides knew their stuff, how to communicate it and how to maneuver their group around the busy venues to maximize your time. Thank you for a great trip!! 4. I love churches, architecture, sculptures, so much to see. We were looking for a way to see truly unique and the "best" of Rome, this tour met that. Here's what you'll see and do on our Best of Rome tour: Group sightseeing events subject to change. I enjoyed learning the ancient history of Rome, visiting all the varied neighborhoods. Funny, knowledgeable and always helpful. Jump to bottom. Tour Questions? Nor did they just explain each of the exhibits in Rome each day. "I had been to Rome before so I had seen the Colosseum and Vatican, so although I learned so much on the tour about the biggies I didn't get the same Wow that I did the 1st time. Create a SoundCloud account Sign in Tour guides give Rick insider advice on how to "do like the Romans do" and enjoy the buzz of Rome's modern-day neighborhoods. It was beautiful! Packed with indispensable tips and recommendations from America's expert on Europe, Rick Steves' Tour: Borghese Gallery, Rome is a tour … Wonderful guides. That and their indecision about whether they would stay.". We especially appreciated the little surprises RS tours seem to add. Nina and Francesca were great guides. It exceeded our expectations, the perfect balance (for us) between "hand-holding" and free time. Rome tour recommendations. I think I'll have to cut Rome. So fun! I especially liked the way Susanna and the local guides wove the thread of humanity and time through our stops. She made us feel like family as we toured through the city. Reservations mandatory. The friendliness and information that came from our tour guide, Nina, as well as the three local guides we had was awesome! Enjoyed learning about the idea that Rome is a historical "lasagna" and then seeing one example after another.". They have their own digital communication portal and are constantly rendezvousing, sharing ideas, lessons, and having fun. Save. We loved the whole trip. This time we asked my parents to join us so they could experience the things we raved about after returning from our honeymoon on the Venice, Florence, Rome tour in march of 2018. What can I say but It was a life time adventure, and thanks to Ben and everyone associate with Rick Steves tour. Our trip to Rome was phenomenal! The overall experience was wonderful!! "My favorite 'wow' moment was the Borghese Gallery Tour with Francesca's thoughtful insights.". With Rick's knowledgeable, humorous writing in hand, you'll also learn some interesting historical facts about the sites along the way. I would recommend encouraging people to explore as much as possible on their own. The trip was fast paced, however, we had a few afternoons and evenings to explore on our own. Traveling during the Christmas season made for a truly unique trip. We have been to Europe before, but not for a while and never on a tour. Unless you mean that TA doesn't allow those sorts of tours (day/few hours, etc) to have a review page - but, I'm talking about a forum, not review pages. We'll meet our local expert on the other side of the Tiber River and take a guided tour of the sprawling Vatican Museums, where we'll see an endless collection of treasures as we make our way to one of the world's most famous works of art: Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel. Our guides were outstanding. The primary and local tour guides were professional, personable and generous in their behavior. So much history overlapping, and each time layered gently on each other, forcing you to think about all of the history in your own city that you will never know or recognize. I really cannot say that I would wish any part of the trip had gone differently. Ben was awesome!! Even the weather cooperated. Each day had it's own incredible experiences.". and we got some wonderful pictures there. "The Borghese Gallery was astounding, and the guide that led us through it brought the art to life for us.". Local guides were top notch professionals; each having a wealth of knowledge. The local guides were also amazing and added an additional layer to enlighten and inspire us along the way. I also had a very emotional reaction to the Pieta in St. Your afternoon is free to relax in the surrounding park, ramble through more of Rome, or do some last-minute shopping. The best highlight of the visit was the Borghese Museum with all the beautiful marble statues. Extremely well organized and educational. "There were so many. Most tour members arrange to fly in and out of Rome's Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport (FCO). "There were only highlights so it's hard to pick just one. I learned more independent travel skills. This was my first trip outside of US. An outstanding whirl wind tour of Rome; all of the sites visited and presented by Ben were perfect for a 7 day tour. The hotel choice was excellent. We happened upon the painting "The calling of St. Matthew", Giving us the knowledge of the transportation systems during our first tour gave us the confidence to explore independently. I guess having Francesca as our guide for two days would be right up there. "Walking through the Borghese gardens and grounds after the art tour of Borghese Museum at the villa, then walking up to the terrace overlook- it was our last full day and I looked around- most of us were all enjoying the moment with at least one or two people other than the individual(s) who had been the people we came with- such a sense of newly facilitated friendships and camaraderie had been fostered and facilitated all week, it was easy to feel the love!". In October, it was dark by 6:30 and I was happy to not have to walk to restaurants for dinner by myself. The tour agenda covered a substantial base for seeing Rome while affording travelers the time to create special memories. Well informed local guides. Nice balance of scheduled activities and time on our own. The food tour was a great experience. Which was great because you were able to really get a feel for the city and the people. This was such a wonderful tour in so many ways. I was in awe at all the history and how well preserved so much of it is and they think that 80% of Ancient Rome is still underground. but really, the whole experience was a wow because we really were part of Rome.". We probably would not have used the Rome subway if not for our guide Stephanie, and we were glad that she showed us how to ride as it saved some time walking. "Hearing the Trevi Fountain from a block away and then coming around the corner to suddenly see it all lit up our first evening on the tour!". I have traveled a bit in Europe in the past and always did my own planning, etc. If I were the only solo-traveler, it would have been a very lonely experience. We had an absolutely delightful week in Rome with this tour! 5. I would definitely recommend your tours to others. Using your tour helped to make the most of my time by allowing us to skip the lines at attractions and the help to learn the transportation system for use on free time was great. Our second tour with RS in Italy. I love that the tours are designed for one to see the most sought after places within the region of the tour and also offering lots a free time to explore on your own. First time in Rome and couldn't have enjoyed a better trip. We really enjoyed the other people on our tour, who became fun and interesting tour companions. Being able to witness my parents see the Colosseum, and the majesty of the Sistine Chapel and St Peters was special and made the whole trip and the year of planning completely worth every second.". The "math" of a Rick Steves tour is two-parts tour and one-part classroom. Not part of the tour but arranged by Lisa was a Papal audience. It was at times overwhelming but in a most positive way. I'm so happy it was on a Rick Steves tour. I learned so much about the history of Rome and the customs. The hotel made accommodations for an early arrival and late departure. Our tour guide Stephanie was outstanding. I really loved the Ancient Rome Day of the tour.". My husband Eric, adult son Max, and I thoroughly enjoyed our 7 days in Rome. So it was the side trip to Ostia Antica that really impressed me. We had plenty of time and Francesca made it come to life.". Didn't care much for the potatoe pizza......". Rick Steves Pocket Rome works best for people taking a short trip, or perhaps a return trip, to Rome. I really came away with an enhanced understanding and appreciation for the city's history, modern way of life, and character of the people. In our free time we were close to so many places to go and discover. It was unexpected.". "Getting to experience the fantastic history of such an awe inspiring city with my wife again and being able to see my parents reaction to this amazing city. And beneath that, a 1st century altar to pagan god Mitheros with a still functioning water system and ancient Roman alleys. The "Best of Rome" Tour was simply outstanding. Enriching experiences with great people. ▲▲▲ Capitoline Museums Ancient statues, mosaics, and expansive view of Forum. Sleep in Rome. We felt that the trip had a nice balance of Ancient Rome, Italian Art, Italian Art and religious Rome. I felt like a kid again as we walked back in time going down 30 feet revealing pieces each building. Thank you. Salute! I have long admired these in books and on-line, but to see the delicacy and detail in person was amazing. Nina, our guide, was FANTASTIC! It set the perfect framework for understanding everything else we would see throughout the week". Incredible art with our own private expert guide to help us appreciate many things that most people would easily miss when observing a masterpiece.". I'm not an extrovert and was afraid I might have to interact too much with people; He was informative and easy to relate to. If you think of the variety of life and time periods in Rome, it's a huge undertaking to expose a varied group of strange people to. "Visiting the Colosseum was a wow moment for me, however, all the other sites are a close second.". The group size of 20 was perfect and we thoroughly enjoyed vacationing with each person. This trip really made history come alive as we saw layers of different civilizations built one on top of the next. It's an essential part of the Rick Steves tour experience. "Rome itself is a wow moment. We enjoyed the company of a wonderful group of people. Terrific sites, good weather, and good food. The Bernini statue of the man carrying his father & his son holding onto his leg, truly brought tears to my eyes.". I had so much fun and learned an incredible amount about the history of Roma. We took three paid tours, but used Rick Steves "Rome" to navigate the city, and saw most everything. A shared tour is a smart way to experience the sights, while meeting up with fellow Rick Steves readers. We learned a tremendous amount and really got the feel for the city. Not an included part of the tour, but we had the AM to ourselves and this was available to us. We walked all over town and I feel that I know the layout of Rome as well as my home town. This was a return to visit to Rome--and the able guides Stacy and Anna helped us to make the most of it!They were fabulous, and took into account our interests and needs. Karin, our guide, was friendly, knowledgeable and well organized. What a fine way to end our tour!". ▲ Piazza del Campidoglio Square atop Capitoline Hill, designed by Michelangelo, with a museum, grand stairway, and Forum overlooks. Franchesca (Last Name unknown) was a tremendous asset in our tours of the Coliseum and the Borghese Gallery. "Tour guide Francesca shivering at the Forum, but bravely soldiering on with her talk. See other things — you 'll also learn some interesting historical facts the! Definitely use the same hotel 3 layers of the older neighborhoods. `` other, or do some shopping! Entire tour. `` among these ruins. `` say but it also is such an amazing pool of,! See our FAQ & knowledge of the ancients September 11, 2019 Ludovi a and Paolo were excellent guides. 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