hi, am going to be in Rome for two days and am debating whether it is worth the $300 or so dollars to take one of those Rome in a Day tours that pick you up at your hotel and go to the major sites in the morning, and after lunch, the Vatican and St. Peters. Does not include lunch or admission tickets. Also, a "licensed" guide is an additional 120Euros. Worth it or not?? Thanks!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23267 posts
The hop on/off buses goes a pretty good job of getting your to all the major sites with some commentary. It is more expensive than most of the people on this site would consider reasonable.
Posted by
OP
Elkins Park, pa, usa
3 posts
Donna, thanks so much. I will try to persuade my friend of this wise advice. I agree that we can do it ourselves. I think it will be fun to explore on our own. Thanks again and Happy Travels!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23267 posts
We personally prefer live guides since you can ask them questions and get answers. Cannot do that reading for the blue bible. We have always had good luck with walking tours and guides arranged through the local TI.
Posted by
OP
Elkins Park, pa, usa
3 posts
Thanks. I think using the metro and taxis allows us to go at our own pace and then purchasing the self-guided tours is plenty, don't you?
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
I'm confused, if you have to pay the entry fee, lunch and for a guide on top of the $300 then what is the $300 for? You can easily arrange everything yourself, including transportation. First choose what sites you wish to see. You can book tickets or tours of the colosseum and the VAtican museums before leaving home. This will allow you to bypass the lines. Add in the other sites you wish to see and make a gook working route. In the morning have your hotel call a taxi for you to take you to your first stop. From there you can either walk between sites, take taxis or use public transportation. You might also want to check out some of the great audio guides available at the sites and online. There are some really good walking audio guides of the city that you might find helpful. All in all, I'd say the above tour is not worth it and I would stay away from it and arrange my own tour. Donna
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11316 posts
You can hire a private guide for Euro 50 per hour for all of you. That would give you personalization. A good guide will work with you to identify what is important to you and make it happen. Do set your expectations to the fact that you cannot "do" Rome in a day. You can do a "big" site like the Vatican and see some smaller sites here and there. The Colosseo, Forum, etc., takes 3 hours and is tiring. The thought of also spending 3 hours at the Vatican the same day make me swoon with exhaustion, and I am an energetic traveler. Be care full what you bite off.