Looking for walking tours in Rome.

I would highly recommend Through Eternity tours. They are spectacular -- interestingly, we had an art history expert for our Colosseum tour, and an archaeologist for our Vatican Museums tour, and they were not only intrisically knowledgeable but had wonderful insights of their own. Was a perfect marriage. We had a party of four for a group tour and I think it was around $130 or so -- two were children. I will add that although I'm not sure historical and architectural tours are the same per se, you can get a good mix by booking tours that employ experts who are good at cross- communicating and learning.

I don't know that I would define historical and architectural as one in the same; However, you might take a look at Walks of Italy and their offerings. Very professional and the guides have art history, history, or architectural backgrounds.

Sometimes a private guide makes sense. They can customize a tour to your preferences. We like Sonia Tavoletta ([email protected]). A private guide charges per hour for the group, be it two, four, six or even more people. Fee is 50-55 Euros/hour.

Viatour has lots of walks...we are using them for the first time next week for a hike just outside Florence through vineyards with a lunch included. http://www.viator.com/Rome-attractions/Ancient-Rome/d511-a14016

used Angel Tours 10 years ago for a Vatican tour with my daughter - did skip the line for the museum and spent time in the Sistine Chapel, then in the Vatican. Very informative guide.

We also have liked Angel Tours. Rick's Rome books has a number of recommendations.

I did a Context Travel tour last year in Rome and really enjoyed it. Their maximum group size is six, which I really appreciate.

Thanks for the options, folks. I'll check these out, and go nowhere else to look. Love the Rick Steves forum peeps!

We took the DY Eyewitness Guide to Rome and followed several of their walks. We loved them - we could read about each major site and go at our own pace, stopping for cappucinos, lunch or gelato as we wished. I borrowed the book from the library so the walks were free.

in Florence and Rome we have used both Context Travel and Walks of Italy. Both provide outstanding small-group tours. Context prices are often higher perhaps because many of their guides have doctorates and are true scholars, even professors, in their fields. WOI guides are also highly educated experts and we enjoyed both companies equally. You can't go wrong with either and there is no middle man ticket seller with either one.