Good Tour Guides in Rome

Rick's guidebooks often suggest good local guides. One of the best is Francesca Caruso. We've had her as a local guide on two or three RS tours, and she is phenomenal. francescacaruso.com; or email [email protected]. Another plus, her mother is American, and Francesca's English is perfect.

I notice that Rick lists 6 other guides in Rome, as well, in the 2020 Rome guidebook. If you don't have the book yet, check your local library. Any recent edition will have current guide listings.

Thank you Jane! I just emailed Francesca, so fingers crossed that she's available!

I highly recommend Context Tours - I had a terrific guide for those sites.

If you can’t secure Francesca, she will probably recommend one of her colleagues. That is how I met Sonia Tavoletta, who is a fantastic guide. Contact her at [email protected].

Through Eternity Tours does group or private tours. By far the best tour company I've used so far anywhere in Europe.

Hi. We did 2 tours in Rome in Aug with 2 tour companies. I posted reviews on the forum:
- Vatican tour (Through Eternity): https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/early-morning-vatican-tour-with-sistine-chapel-with-through-eternity-tours-excellent
- Colosseum night tour (The Roman Guy): https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/vip-colosseum-at-night-tour-by-the-roman-guy-a-great-disappointment

To anticipate the question: no, I do not work for a tour company. My wife and I spent three weeks travelling in Italy and used four tour companies.

I agree with Jane. I don't believe you will find anyone more passionate as she shares her great knowledge of Rome. Francesca Caruso was our guide on three different tours. I highly recommend her, you will not be disappointed.

hicks,

I would also highly recommend Francesca Caruso. She's an outstanding and very knowledgeable guide and one of the nicest people you'll ever meet. Hopefully she's available during the time you'll be in Rome.

Just curious: What's the difference between hiring a tour guide and taking a private tour with one of the tour companies (e.g. Walks)? Also, how comparable are they cost wise?

Jenny,
Private guide is only for your group. For 4-8 people usually much less expensive than group tour. Highly trained in their genre.

Francesca was unavailable when we contacted her, but she recommended Sonia Tavoletta. We loved her; she was a wonderful guide with a great sense of humor. You don’t mention the age of the group, but I think Sonia would be appropriate for any age. Two of our group were 70+ and there were no hearing issues with Sonia while we were touring the Vatican.