My husband and I and our 3 boys (16, 14 & 11) are heading to Italy (after England & Paris) in July. It's our first time ever travelling to Europe. We see the wonderful '10 day tours' that Rick Steves has put together but we've already got our accommodations & flights booked. Is there anywhere on the site where you can arrange to book a good local guide or to join a tour group? We would love to have a guide for a walking tour through Venice or to go through the Coliseum in Rome, etc. Any tips or advice on how to find this? Any recommendations? Thanks in advance!
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
You can book tours of the colosseum at their official website. You'll need to call to make the reservation but the information is all on their site. They have a few different tours to offer so pick the one that's best for you.
http://www.coopculture.it/en/colosseo-e-shop.cfm
Scroll to the bottom for the phone number.
Donna
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
The RS guidebooks list local guides in the city chapters. I've never used them but I have seen the listings.
Posted by
San Jose, CA
1994 posts
Suggest you look at the website for Context Travel. I've used them a number of times and they are great. They're in number of cities, and they have itineraries that are specifically suited for families.
Posted by
Indianapolis
291 posts
I can recommend Alessandro Schezzini for a walking tour in Venice. I took a tour with him last summer and thoroughly enjoyed it. He is an engaging tour guide who really makes Venice come alive. His website is http://www.schezzini.it/. He is not a licensed tour guide so will not take you into any of the sites, but he does share his love and knowledge of his beautiful city.
Sharon
Posted by
Canada
116 posts
For Rome, I highly recommend Through Eternity or Context. Given the age of your boys, I suggest that you book a private tour. The group tours would not be as engaging for them, or you because you will always be looking for the kids in the crowd and struggling with headphones. In addition, Through Eternity can assist you to create a custom tour and I am sure that this is the case with Context as well. The cost of a private tour is actually better value than booking the group tour when you are a family of 5. Have a blast!
Posted by
OP
Prince George, BC, Canada
15 posts
Thanks very much for the tips! Appreciated!
Kim