driver in rome

Donna, Using a private driver to get around Rome is not the best solution (IMHO). The traffic there can be "thick" at times, and you might spend more time looking at Rome through the windows than actually SEEING the sites. As the others have said, you most definitely DON'T need a driver to visit the Vatican! Depending on where your hotel is located, you may even be able to walk. As you don't seem to have a clear idea on where you want to visit, that will be the first thing to decide. For suggestions on "where to go", I'd highly recommend having a look at either the Italy 2013 or Rome 2013 Guidebooks (also available as E-books in several formats). They have excellent descriptions of all the sites in Rome, including admission information, tips for minimizing queues, etc. It's difficult for any of us here to know which sites may interest your group? I find that getting around Rome is easiest and most efficient using a combination of public transit and walking. That's the method I would recommend. You'll need to make sure you're aware of the "rules" for using Buses, Metro, Trains, etc. as you could face hefty fines (which will be collected on the spot) for breaking the rules. If you need more information, post another note. I'm assuming this is your first trip to Rome? Happy travels!

There are as many travel sites outside Rome as there is within the city. Our B&B host drove us to the top of a 2500' mountain @ Castel San Pietro Romano. From there we walked down ancient footpaths 1500'vertical to Palestrina, which was a pagan temple dating back to 1000 B.C. Palestrina was unearthed when the Allied forces (U.S.) bombed the city in WW II. It had previously been built over. It's been excavated and is now a Etruscan museum. Even the town of Zagarolo was a sight to see. It was where the Roman soldiers' helmets were made. And the gladiators trained in gymnasiums there to fight to the death.
There are also many other sites to see in the suburbs, like Popes' palaces and fabulous gardens.

There is nothing at the Vatican that your driver can take you to see. I wouldn't do a driving tour of Rome because the city is so compact and it's too easy to get from site to site by just walking. Donna

I agree that a driver for the Vatican is totally useless. They would take you no closer than a bus or taxi, and you then have to get out to see anything. And there's no where to drive within Vatican City - aside from St. Peter's Square, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Vatican Museums (with the Sistine Chapel), other areas are restricted. Within central Rome, a car and driver would add value if you have any difficulty getting around by foot, bus, metro, or taxi. Remember that a "driver" and a "guide" are two different things. A guide (who may or may not use their car or van to drive you around) can add a lot of value, but will cost a lot more than just a driver. For the outer areas Elle mentions, a driver would be a great convenience (although many of them can be seen on your own as well). I'm particularly fond of the "Square Colosseum" in EUR, and have gone there by Metro twice. But I realize it's not a primary site for most visitors (especially on a short visit such as yours). With only 3 days, you will probably be focusing on first tier sights.

I'd probably just use a taxi for anything that's more than a comfortable walk. I ask the price before I get in, then get exact change ready (plus a tip). If the price is over what they quoted, they're eating up their tip. If it's over the price plus tip, I'll pay him with no tip (but give him the evil eye). In Rome, the well-known taxi scam is for the driver to insist you gave him a twenty, rather than a fifty euro bill (or ten rather than a twenty). Which is why I always carry smaller bills and get my money ready. When we arrive, I count it out to them - and have never had a problem.