We took two tours with Jewish Roma. The Jewish Quarter (Ghetto) tour was with Sara Pavoncello. Sara was adorable, charming, grew up in the neighborhood, and not only knew everything about it, but was passionate about the area and Italian Jewish. We thoroughly enjoyed every minute and learned a tremendous amount about Rome and Italian Jewry.
We also took the tour of "Ancient Rome" with Sara Terracina. We went to the Coliseum, Arch of Constantine?, Roman Forum, home of Vestal Virgins, and a million other places - all within walking distance of the Coliseum. It was amazing and exhausting and the amount of information was overwhelming. There is no way to learn everything in 3 hours, but Sara gave us a clear understanding of the history of Rome in the early times. (We will have to do this tour again on our next trip to Rome - it's that good.)
Sara explained everything carefully and was able to answer all our questions. She just seems to know all of Roman history and was patient when we asked questions or needed to take a rest. This tour is a lot of walking, on cobblestones, and I'm glad the weather was cool when we were there.
Posted by
WA State
3961 posts
So glad you enjoyed Jewish Roma. We have taken many walking tours but the tour of the Jewish Ghetto exceeded our expectations. The owner Micaela Provoncello's knowledge base, enthusiasm, anecdotes and sense of humor made this tour the highlight of our time in Rome. We highly recommend this tour company.
We also did the Forum tour with an Archeologist colleague. We learned so much from this expert.
As a side note Micaela also recommends her friend at Jewish Florence. The tour was just as wonderful as Rome.
Posted by
1 posts
We took the Jewish Ghetto walking tour with Micaela. It was definitely the highlight of our 5 day trip to Rome.
Micaela, our guide, had us enthralled with the history of the Ghetto which included many aspects of her family's experience. We came away feeling as if she had given us a personal tour of her home. A large part of this was due to her vivacious and warm personality. It made us feel as if we had known her for some time. This tour is something that should not be missed.
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1 posts
I heard from a friend about Mikaela and I have to say I've been around all over the world, took alot of tours everywhere and the tour with Mikaela was probably the greatest tour I ever took. She was knowledgable, funny, witty and kept us all the time interested. You learn so much about Rome and the jewish community while you also have alot of fun. I dont think there is a better way to get to know Rome, especially the jewish history of it with insights of the jewish life there today. Take the tour, it will enhance your trip tremendously!!!!
Posted by
343 posts
Thanks for the tip on the tour of the Jewish Quarter in Rome. I did a self-guided tour last spring when I was in Rome by myself for a few days between layovers on a business trip. Rick Steves has a walking tour in his Rome guidebook. But I would love to get a tour guide who really knows the stories and the intricacies of the ghetto.
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1 posts
Yes, my wife and I toured the Vatican, the Coliseum, and the other usual attractions, This tour may have been the best and most memorable - a truly extraordinary tour. Micaela tells the history and stories of the Jewish Ghetto in a way that is enlightening, interesting and humorous. We learned so much about the history of Rome, the relationship between the Jewish and Catholic communities, political issues that effect the community and so much more. Micaela is a wonderful storyteller who pulls no punches and tells it like it is. A walk with her through this beautiful section of the city is like traveling with an old friend who also happens to be a rock star. It is clear that everyone in the community knows and likes her. She is very funny, articulate and knowledgeable. It is a tour that should not be missed.