I am going to be in Rome for nine days in May, 2011. I plan to do most things on my own. However, I would like to take 1/2 day tours to Ostia, to Tivoli, and to the Appian Way and Catacombs. The tour companies that seem high-end and professional are extremely expensive (i.e., 300-400 euros per person) and/or only give private tours, which again are expensive. The companies that are more reasonable have gotten mixed to horrible reviews on sites like Trip Advisor. There have got to be some companies out there that are reasonable in terms of price, yet give good tours and are professional and organized (most bad reviews say the companies are very disorganized). Has anyone had good experiences with these types of tours in Rome?
Thanks!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
We did all three sites on our own so have no experience with a tour company. (So why comment ??) All the sites are easy to do on your own especially the Appian Way. The Catacombs had their own group tours that was excellent. So you would not need a tour company for the Appian Way. Ostia is equally easy and the Steves' walking tour covers it very well. Tour for Tivoii would make more sense since it is more difficult to reach via public transit. However, RoninRome has an excellent step by step guide to getting there.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11780 posts
Consider contacting Francesca Caruso ([email protected]). She will give you a private tour at 50 euros per hour (at least that was her rate in October). For two of us, that was 200 euros for a 4 hour tour of Ancient Rome. Well worth it! I beleive she will customize to meet your interests and needs. For the Vatican or Pompeii, try http://walksofitaly.com. Very well done at a good (not cheap) price.
Posted by
Madison, WI, USA
153 posts
We found a few things on viator.com that peaked our interest, but never ended up booking anything