Here are the most frequently asked questions. If you cannot find any answers related to your question, please do not hesitate send me an email.
Why a private tour?
A private tour means that you don’t have to “share” your guide with anyone else, you are not in a large group. You have your personal tour guide just for your party. It means a very unique experience that is different from most standard group tours. There is much more flexibility with time and the itinerary, your tour is tailored to your interests. You have who speaks the language, knows the city, share little-known secrets, you have a local by your side.
How do I request more information about a tour?
Write me at info@archeoguidaroma.it
Are tour prices per person or per group?
The prices listed are the total cost for the group, up to a maximum of 12 participants. An increase is applied for groups larger than the maximum.
Does the tour price include ticket purchase?
No, tickets, transport, and food/beverage supplement are not included.
Do I need to purchase my tickets in advance?
In order to avoid long lines, both at the Colosseum and at the Vatican, you'll need to get your tickets ahead of time. These admissions are purchasable online, and I will provide you with the links to the websites where you can buy them.
Do I have to pay for the guide’s ticket?
No, I am a qualified tour guide and I enter public museums and archaeological sites free of charge.
How do I book the tour?
Send me an email at info@archeoguidaroma.it I will reply to you within 24 hours via email and answer any questions you may have. Once you want to confirm the tour I will ask you to pay a deposit using your credit card or paypal account. Then your booking is completed and I will send you a confirmation voucher with the details of your tour. If you have not received this confirmation with the details of your tour, your booking has not been confirmed.
I sent you an inquiry email and did not receive a response or a confirmation.
I always respond to all inquiries within 24 hours. In case you don’t receive a reply from me, please check your spam box in case my reply email ended up there. Otherwise please write me again, because sometimes emails don't go through.
How do I pay the balance?
Payment occurs at the end of the tour, in cash. Payment by credit card is not possible.
Can I pre-pay in advance so I don't have to worry about money on the day of the tour?
Final payment of the tour balance can be paid in advance online before you arrive in Rome.
How do I cancel a reservation?
By sending me an email at info@archeoguidaroma.it within 72 hours of the beginning of the tour.
If I cancel a reservation, will I be required to pay regardless?
If it is a tour that requires the advance reservation of a ticket, that amount is not refundable, and therefore will be paid regardless. The price of the tour, however, is not debited as long as it is cancelled at least 72 hours prior to the beginning of the tour.
Will the tour be cancelled should it rain?
No, the tour will run even in the case of rain. In the event of severe weather and cancellation, you will be able to reschedule or receive credit for a future event.
I would like to reserve for a group that is larger than the maximum allowed for the tour, is that possible?
Yes, it is possible. Contact me at info@archeoguidaroma.it for further information.
Do you do tours in cities other than Rome?
No, I am a local guide and I work in Rome and the surrounding.
Is it possible to have a tailor made tour that is different from those listed? I would like to include a delicious lunch and shopping or cooking class. Is that possible?
Yes, it is possible. contact me at info@archeoguidaroma.it for further information.
We are on a cruise. Is it possible to be picked up at the cruise harbour?
I will be glad to organize your incoming and outgoing transfer by car or van. Prices on request.
I would like to take the tour in a private car with a driver, it is possible?
Ask me during the tour reservation phase, and I will be glad to arrange the reservation with the driver.
Why most of your tours are not available by car?
Because the best way to visit Rome is on foot. Rome is a city where there are many pedestrian areas and many archaeological areas can only be visited by foot.
Is a tip required?
Tipping is not compulsory in Italy, but it is appreciated. Feel free to tip as you like.
Travel agents & group travel
I work with tour operators from all over the world. For groups requesting a complete program of tours please contact me at info@archeoguidaroma.it
Can I leave any Customer Comments?
Any positive feedback which can be seen on TripAdvisor or our Facebook page is enormously appreciated so that more people can enjoy my tours in the future! Please send your comments to info@archeoguidaroma.it and feel free to post your review on Trip Advisor. If in the unlikely event that you have a complaint, please email me and I will respond promptly.
VATICAN:
May I shoot photographs during the Vatican tour?
Photos and video are permitted with the exception of the Sistine Chapel. It is forbidden to use flashlight photography inside the Museums. The use of telescopic "selfie sticks" is forbidden.
Do I need a passport to visit the Vatican Museums?
You do NOT need a passport to visit the Vatican Museums.
Is there a dress when visiting the Vatican?
Knees and shoulders must be covered.
Are the Vatican Museums the only way to get to the Sistine Chapel?
Yes. You can’t see the Sistine Chapel without seeing the Vatican Museums .You have to walk through the Vatican Museums before getting into the Sistine Chapel.
How I can attend the Papal Audience?
You don’t need a guide for the Papal Audience but tickets are required for everyone attending a mass at St. Peter’s or a General Audience. Tickets for the audiences are free of charge and available via the Prefecture of the Papal Household’s website http://www.vatican.va/various/prefettura/index_en.html
Audio-system for groups
In the papal basilicas (St. Peter’s, St. Paul outside the Walls, St. John Lateran, S. Maria Maggiore) and in many museums an audio-system is required for groups of 6 persons and more. For large groups an audio-system is highly advisable for city tours as well. The audio-system costs 2.50 € per person.
Visit to the dome:
Visit to the dome of St. Peter’s is not part of my Vatican Tour, but it is possible at the end of the tour. The dome is open every day from 8.00 to 18.00, April to September and from 8.00 to 17.00, October to March. The entrance is at the portico of the Basilica.
COLOSSEUM:
Does your Colosseum tour include the Undergrounds and the 3rd tier?
No, my Colosseum tour does not include the Undergrounds and 3d tier. To see the lower and upper sections of the Colosseum, you'll need to make a reservation for a group tour (no private tour) conducted by Colosseum staff. The price is 9€ per person and you must also buy entrance tickets to the Colosseum/Forum. http://www.coopculture.it/en/events.cfm?id=6
You can reserve your private Ancient Rome Tour with me before or after underground and third ring tour.