Excellent guides. "The museum tours and Coliseum tour led by local guide Francesca. Our local guides except one were outstanding. Used the then current Rick Steves Rome as my tour guide. The smaller group we had made it enjoyable and we got to meet very nice people. The for tour helped us understand Rome, unfolding day by day with wonders of history from the ancient to the bustling modern-day city. I was safe, well supported and able to fully enjoy the experience. Using public transportaion was very helpful in learning how to get around on our own for free time. Couldn't have asked for a better introduction to Europe and the RS way of traveling for my parents. We happened upon the painting "The calling of St. Matthew", I have traveled a bit in Europe in the past and always did my own planning, etc. By Caravaggio. I would most certainly recommend a tour!! Nina, our main tour guide, was so amazing. Seeing the Colosseum lit up at night was spectacular! The 7 day tour of Rome gave me in depth experience including Ancient Rome, history, art and food. The churches of Rome were awe inspiring! Also the food tour of Trestivere. He was knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and kind to all members of our tour. "Loved the Borghese, in large part because of our local guide, Francesca. Hotel Lancelot is a top-notch hotel with great staff and convenient location. She had an excellent sense for the city as a whole and knew where to take us at the right time. Followed closely by our first night group dinner. Personable, well informed guides who made the attractions come to life. The scheduled events and personal time was great. RS and Ben did not disappoint! You should be able to climb stairs with your suitcase and get around town walking on tours for several hours. "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. "My favorite "wow" moment was learning from both Lisa and Francesca (our tour guides) about making a "personal" connection with the history, people and art of ancient Rome. Iliana, our tour guide, filled in the art details with her passionate love of Italian history. No waiting in lines. Going down into Basilica of St. Clement and the secret area of the Church of St. Francis Ripa. This solemn place of peace and grace was filled with the most beautiful and ornate sculptures that serve as both memorials and tombstones. If I go to Rome on my own I will definitely use the same hotel. "It's difficult to pick a particular "wow" moment. The local food and History.". "Each day of our tour I thought, 'Wow!'. 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. We were in Eastern Europe two years ago and that was all the tour guides could talk about. The tour should get to the Coliseum and the Vatican much earlier. Our guide Rainer, his humor & knowledge of history, made for a fantastic week in Rome! Since 1973, Rick Steves has spent about four months a year exploring Europe.His mission: to empower Americans to have European trips that are fun, affordable, and culturally broadening. This map is excerpted from the guidebook Rick Steves’ Rome by Rick Steves and Gene Openshaw. ▲ The Roman House at Palazzo Valentini Remains of an ancient house and bath. She is so enthusiastic knowledgable about ancient Rome, she made it come alive.". The food tour was a great experience. Visits to the "newer" sites like the Vatican, Sistine Chapel and all the other churches and art museums were also spectacular. 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. Lisa was always available and knew the history better than anyone. The churches were so beautiful and the Bernini sculpture at the Villa Borghese was so lifelike! It was well organized, with a good balance between tour and free time. Karin, our guide, was friendly, knowledgeable and well organized. The second was the Borghese Museum. It was an absolutely wonderful experience! "Too many to choose from, but our tour of the Galleria Borghese was my highlight. "The "wow" moment for me was being there to see the pope on Wednesday morning and being at the Vatican that day.". The tour was fantastic and no waiting time to get in. We truly enjoyed each others company. Packing light, being active, tour guides that go deeper, and travelling with a small group of people that you want to hang out with. The tour was great. ▲▲▲ National Museum of Rome Greatest collection of Roman sculpture anywhere. "The first "wow" factor was the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo's drawings along with seeing the Pope on screen. The local guides were fantastic; their knowledge and passion for Rome was evident. I survived cancer last year, so the entire trip was about gratitude and not missing out and that day was it.". Sometimes I was tired, but not to the point of missing out on anything. I have to admit that our group was marvelous. Well organized, good communication from Karin, excellent local guides, comfortable hotel, and good food! Perhaps because of the outstanding knowledge and commentary from our tour guides, and the way it exceeded my expectations. The is so knowledgeable and passionate about Rome and has a unique way of getting you to understand what she is talking about. "The Capitoline Museum had a surprising variety of painting masterworks, including Rubens, Caravagio, and Raphael, as well as the suckling she wolf, Dying Gaul and the ancient bronze equestrian statute or Marcus Aurelius.". A testament to your trip descriptions and expectations. "might have been the Borghese gallery; again tour guide was very good". Enjoyed taking in the whole event and snapping beautiful photos ten feet from the Pope. Everything went smoothly. Hotel was very good, we'll stay there when we go back. The overall tour was weary good and all the guides were outstanding. "Seeing the Coliseum from the little restaurant just around the corner from my hotel and realizing that I was staying right in the heart of 2700years of history.". That piece of advice became our mantra when we went off to explore on our own .". (12:19), Italian Women in the 21st Century We enjoyed all the places we went with the tour and liked the Hotel Lancelot as our place to return to each night. The best was seeing the art at the Borghese Gallery and having Francesca explain it.". He was knowledgeable always timely with a touch of humor when need to help the group. The second was the Pantheon, really for the same reason but it also is such an impressive building. Being in St. Peter's Square with our friends from the tour made the experience especially meaningful. Rome itinerary. , akin to lectures ifrom an art historian.". Well, the experience was exceeded!! Karin was so friendly and knowledgeable and wanted to share her love of Italy with us all. "I enjoyed the visit to San Clemente church very much. Unforgettable.". The layers of Rome exposed in such a nondescript place. "The visit to the Vatican, it's museums, church art, St Peter's Basilica were all amazing. I especially appreciated her guidance on crossing the street, an early lesson. On the way, we'll continue down the ancient "Queen of Roads," the Appian Way, stopping to tour the eerie Catacombs of San Sebastiano. One learns about how ancient Romans lived as well as modern Romans which helped when I wandered about. "THe connection from the Roman gods in early periods (100 B.C. And this experience was everything we wanted it to be. Caravaggio is a favorite and I can't believe I've been to a place so filled with riches the Bottecelli is ignored. The primary and local tour guides were professional, personable and generous in their behavior. Food was delicious. "For me the wow was touring the Vatican with an expert guide. I will definitely plan to use Rick Steve's tours again. I LOVED IT!!! Great tour of major artistic and cultural monuments, good introduction to layers of Rome (even physically, in S. Clemente), Franchesca gave wonderful lectures and Lisa made it all run. Follow Rick Steves Audio Europe and others on SoundCloud. Our guide was great. My overall experience was very good. Rome had been a dream for at least 15 years. As far as the sights we went to, Ostea Antica, was my WOW moment with ancient buildings and history that you can walk through and envision the life back then.". has been serving locals since 1906 with food that makes up for the lack of … I'm always most impressed with the pantheon but St. Peters is a close second. I also enjoyed strolling through the narrow, winding streets of the older neighborhoods.". "Deep dives into the art at the Vatican museum and the Borghese. ". I have arranged my own traveling for years, many times using the Rick Steves books as reference; however, this 25 person group was led by an amazing woman who was the "responsible adult" in that she had arranged the tour times for the Coliseum (or whatever), got the tickets (for whatever), and was able give us the historical background and current context of what we were looking at. See more ideas about rick steves, europe travel, travel. 425-608-4217, from $2,295 This map is excerpted from the guidebook Rick Steves’ Rome by Rick Steves … "I'm a history and architecture nut, so the first full day at the Forum, San Clemente and the Colosseum was my favorite day. Enjoyed all the sites and info we received. Especially surprising was to find ourselves in the Sistine Chapel with just a few other visitors!". Rome offers so much to do and see that we never ran out of new things to see and do. I really cannot say that I would wish any part of the trip had gone differently. I wanted to gripe about taking a cab to the Vatican, but then we would have been deprived the experience of getting into an argument with the cabbie overcharging us and the cabbie police getting on his ass. 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. "My favorite "wow' moment was viewing the vastness of the Forum from high above on Capitoline Hill and imagining what it must have been like to stroll through it in its glory all those years ago.". But walking into the Colisseo literally took my breath away. The knowledge I learned throughout the tour will make it easier for me to visit Rome again with the confidence to do it on my own and know how to move around and experience Rome like a local. The hotel was like living with the owners, they took such good care of us. I have long admired these in books and on-line, but to see the delicacy and detail in person was amazing. I loved getting to know the history of Rome . To request advance notification of when a tour will be available for booking, please select ‘Notify Me’ next to the departure date and join the list. Enjoyed the guides and fellow travelers very much. Each day was planned well and was full of excitement. We loved the Hotel Lancelot and the location could not have been better chosen. It was an excellent balance of ancient sites, museums, and churches, but also a delightful food tour and visit to the Mediterranean. The included meals were excellent and we were never concerned about transportation. "I loved going away from the crowds in Rome to explore Ostia Antica. Free stuff including Rick Steves Rome guidebook, Italian phrase book, map, moneybelt and earplugs Guaranteed tour price, locked in the moment you make your deposit Optional single supplements — this tour has a limited number of private rooms for solo travelers for an additional fee I am not Catholic but a very powerful moment. I told Ben he was at the top of my list of favorite people that day. Once our tour started, we enjoyed our included meals and shared dining information with our fellow travelers. First time in Rome and couldn't have enjoyed a better trip. The group tour, the guides, hotel, food. The balance of time with tour guide and time to explore on your own is perfect. ‎Show Rick Steves Italy Audio Tours, Ep Rome: Colosseum - Feb 28, 2018 I don't think anything could have been improved upon. Fransesca made it so interesting that I enjoyed art for two hours--a record for me. The Amazon Book Review Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. We were drawn to the way the tour was arranged as far as giving us tours to do with the group as well as time on our own each day. Our Rome tour serves up Europe's most intoxicating brew of dazzling art, earth-shaking history, and city life with style. We loved the whole trip. Didn't care much for the potatoe pizza......". They made the city easy to move round in. Well informed local guides. a Rick Steve's tour.". Thank you to Rainer for prepping us to be successful at navigating the transportation options and crossing the street. The tour agenda covered a substantial base for seeing Rome while affording travelers the time to create special memories. 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. So much to see, take in, digest, appreciate. The museums, basilicas, ruins, art galleries, the Colosseum, Vatican, catacombs, landscape, sea. She made it clear this tour was for "US" and to always come to her for questions or problems. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. It was a very effective way to structure daily activities by having the 'lessons' double back on themselves. Also, we were able to move about independently because our guide did such a good job of teaching us how to get around Rome with public transportation. "There were so many! The hotel was lovely and the staff were amazing. Local guides were top notch professionals; each having a wealth of knowledge. We have been to Europe before, but not for a while and never on a tour. Richard "Rick" Steves is an American author and television personality on European travel. agreed we made the correct decision t, "Every day was a 'wow moment". I plan on taking the Germany, Austria and Switzerland tour with Rick Steve's in 2012. It was well organized and covered all the important and interesting sites. Here's what you'll see and do on our Best of Rome tour: Group sightseeing events subject to change. ", Wonderful experience, as the tour covered all aspects of Rome and the most remarkable sights, group and independent tine were nicely sequenced and guides were knowledgeable, engaging and attentive, "The magnificent view of ancient and modern Rome from the top of Palatine Hill; the view of Spagna while enjoying Prosecco on a rooftop bar at the top of the Spanish steps; Claudio's Extravaganza - accompanied by fabulous wine - at Ristorante il Gabriello, per Rick Steve's' recommendation". It was a good experience a great way to get to see a learn about Rome. Organized, professional, friendly! I enjoyed my tour very much. Events and history that I'd only read about came to life. The local guide pushed us in the Coliseum, resulting in a syncope, fall and injury. In general the Vatican was a sensory overload though. What else could I ask for? That was the only day that seemed like a normal tour experience.". I won't be returning to Rome again, and value my previous two trips there as there were far fewer tourists. She made you feel the plight of the slaves. Incredible local guides knew their stuff, how to communicate it and how to maneuver their group around the busy venues to maximize your time. The hotel we stayed in was charming with a very friendly staff. Rick Steves' Europe | All the best travel tips, travel inspiration, and European tour info from the team at Rick Steves' Europe. It was very special to be in Rome for Christmas and New Years. The tour was wonderful from the meet-and-greet meeting to our farewell dinner.. "There were so many "wow" moments that it's difficult to choose only one. "There were many. We so enjoyed our Rick Steve's adventure! And, with a group so many thoughts to share and reflect with!!!!! It set the perfect framework for understanding everything else we would see throughout the week". 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. Tonight, we'll have one last dinner together to share travel memories and toast new friends. "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!". Our days were seamlessly organized, filled with information, and peppered with authentic experiences. ▲ St. Peter-in-Chains Church with Michelangelo's Moses. (I was the same way when I was in the Louvre last summer)". A fast-paced week of learning and adventure. Everything about the trip was exceptional: food, lodging, tours, tour leaders, participants, timing, promptness, sight planning and execution. We were sponges absorbing new and amazing experiences every day.". Also, new friends. Wonderful time with a very seasoned guide who took excellent care of everyone on the tour. It was a nice blend of ages, personalities and experiences. ▲ Santa Maria della Vittoria Church with Bernini's swooning St. Teresa in Ecstasy. "All of our guide Francsca's comments. It was also fun learning to use public transit. The food tour day was great too[INVALID]having the strong local connection of guide Nina to the neighborhoods and the food tour guides.". I loved that they did all the planning and work and all I had to do was show up outside the hotel at the designated time and enjoy our adventure in Rome. This tour only had two dinners included. We'll send the notification email when a tour opens within a season (spring, summer, fall, winter) or region. I'm so happy it was on a Rick Steves tour. It exceeding my expectations, Stephanie was outstanding and I cannot say enough about her abilities as a tour director. What a great decision I made selecting this Best of Rome Tour. Also we will be looking for other Rick Steves' tours that meet our needs. We found the included itinerary to be outstanding in that each day was very different through the week in the same city. The crowds were unbearable. We had plenty of time and Francesca made it come to life.". 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. Our RS guide, Rainer, was a wonderful teacher and really made the trip fun all the while keeping us safe. Loved the passion of Francesca!". The best highlight of the visit was the Borghese Museum with all the beautiful marble statues. Expert and friendly guides and a great group of traveling companions - definitely time well spent, as I saw and learned an great deal. Thank you. I especially loved our "foodie" tour in Trestevare. Great command of Italy's history and has a great sense of humor. Happy Travels! Ed". Personalized attention. Rainer was a very friendly, relaxed, informed leader of our group. 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. "Three things stand out: 1: Visiting San Clement Basilica, getting to see the Pope up close and the food tour in Trastevere.". It proved to be the right move. The visit to old Rome was an incredible and rewarding experience. THANKS! The guides (both RS and local) did everything they could to make the trip time-efficient and packed with the most edifying experiences. 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"!". It was my first trip to Europe and it was more enjoyable than I ever expected. "The colosseum and Forum / Palestine Hill experience were outstanding. 06-481-7724). He was an excellent guide. I love churches, architecture, sculptures, so much to see. 4. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. "My Wow moment was the Borghese Gallery. She was a gem and is a plus to your organization. It's a showcase of Western civilization, with astonishingly ancient sights and a modern vibrancy. Lisa nailed it. From the Colosseum to St Peter's (a personal highlight) to Borghese Museum, it was all good. That being said, the local guide was excellent and knowledgeable, and the two hours that you are allowed to stay we were able to hit all the highlights.". "I enjoyed so many things we did! Rainer was absolutely fantastic. I enjoyed learning about the history and culture of this great city and finally getting to experience it first hand. And we just loved the Hotel Lancelot! It gave us the confidence to venture out on our own to Orvieto (which was beautiful) after the tour ended. "Many! The Bernini statue of the man carrying his father & his son holding onto his leg, truly brought tears to my eyes.". Tour Questions? Francesca is a treasure trove of fabulous information. Wonderful to have a visit to Rome well orchestrated. We took the Rome tour a few days after our Sicily tour ended. The "front of the line" experience was just perfect. Franchesa taught us to "read the stones" which helped to paint a picture and envision the splendor of ancient Rome as we toured all the sites of Rome throughout the week.". I had such a fantastic trip with wonderful tour guides both locals and our tour leader Lisa. I loved every minute of my experience! The hotel made accommodations for an early arrival and late departure. "How do you choose just one?? The tour was a wonderful exploration of Rome, from ancient ruins to modern food markets. ", "It was outside the tour but the Pamphilj gallery was amazing. Your afternoon is free to relax in the surrounding park, ramble through more of Rome, or do some last-minute shopping. "I was in awe of everything Rome so it is hard to say what my favorite "wow" moment was. They are so knowledgable about Rome, it felt like listening to a story teller all week!! I honestly enjoyed everything with the tour!!! Romans were not nice people if you were not a citizen.". 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.". Actually 3 churches in one. I followed Rick Steve's for years, used his books, and now finally experienced one of his tours! I loved strolling down the streets, eating amazing local treats on our food tour...I loved just about everything!". Lisa gave great advice. Surprisingly, the things we did that were not on the top ten to see, where above average! So many "wow" moments, but many of them were facilitated or enabled by the guides, so the guides get the biggest "wow" credit!". Our tours don't include airfare, so your flight arrangements and transfers are completely up to you. I am not much of an "arts" person, but the guides made it really interesting for me. We suggest arriving a day or two before your tour begins to allow ample time to get over jet lag and be well-rested for the first few days of your tour. Loved hotel and service. My husband and I were visiting Italy for the first time and chose Rick Steves. My overall tour experience was very positive. We had just enough time to explore on our own. Best of Rome in 7 Days Tour | Rick Steves 2021 Tours Rick Steves Pocket Rome works best for people taking a short trip, or perhaps a return trip, to Rome. Probably not. The tour was pretty active and we walked miles each day.