Heart of Rome Tour vs. Night Walk Across Rome

Gina, that's a good idea, but unfortunately, we do not have Ipods and will probably not be investing in them before the trip.
Mike, my son is big into Rome and yes, I could never supply him with what a tourguide could. So, have decided to go with the guide. After all, it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience. That's what I'm trying to tell myself as the dollar keeps going down....just enjoy and don't worry about it.
Thanks for everyone's input!

Doing the RS do-it-yourself read along tour is OK, bit distractiong to refer to the book constantly unless you have the ipod version. I would think the Angel tour would be more informative and interesting if the price is within your budget.

You're right Paul...I never gave that a thought. Angel Tours are reasonably priced so as you said, worth the extra money. Thanks!

Hi Linda, I recently attended a talk by Rick Steves at a travel show. He mentioned that he was very close to publishing his audio tours which could be downloaded for free from this website. I think his walking tours will be included. If that's the case, you could download the audio tour to listen to (MP3/iPod) and wouldn't have to keep looking at the book - although Rick said the book could be a great accompaniment.

I've done several walking tours and think they are well worth the money. Even the most comprehensive tour out of a book is a few pages; think how many pages it would take to transcribe what a guide can tell you in 2-3 hours. Plus you can ask questions.

I've used the guides recommended in Ricks books (and also got the local guides hired when I went on a RS tour) and have always been very impressed and come away thinking I learned a lot about the area.

I haven't done the Heart of Rome tour but have done the Vatican tour with Angel Tours and really enjoyed it. They are all art history students or similar and have a wealth of knowledge on their subject. They are also terrific with kids. I'd personally do the tour - you get more out of interaction with a guide than you do with an book or audio tour.

Helen, enjoyed reading your report since we are already signed up for the Vatican tour with Angel Tours. I'm sure we'll be glad that we signed up for both of them. Thanks!

Linda, I am feeling your "sinking dollar" pain... as the stock market crashes, and the dollar weakens I am cringing. I guess that I shall have to adopt the "once in a lifetime" mentality, too, just to get through it!

Yes Donna, what choice do we have. When we booked our trip, the euro was at $1.38. Who would have guessed it would have claimed this high so soon. I look at it as whatever it cost, so be it. We'll just stay home next year to make up for it. Then maybe in 2010, it'll be better and back we can go again....well, can't blame a girl for dreaming. Enjoy your trip...I know we will.