Rome 2013 Guidebook
Best and worst sights, experiences and destinations:
Best: Personal tour guide. Cristina Giannicchi.
Why: Contacted Cristina via email. She was unable to be our guide on the day we requested. She arranged for a colleague, Marzia Coppari, to be our guide. She was outstanding in every way. Cristina's new website = www.crisromanguide.com
Alan Lipowitz in Peterson, MN USA 05/13/2013
Best: Jewish Ghetto
Why: Jewish Roma Tour was the best! Guide was an Italian Jew so not only did we get extensive historical information, but got an invaluable personal view and family history to current times. Would HIGHLY recommend Micaela and her company. We had her tour guide Sara.
Karen and Neil W. in Milwaukee, Wi USA 05/06/2013
Best: Vatican Museum
Why: Helped me understand and remember Italian history; personally have only seen similar artistic level of comparison in the Grand Palace in Bangkok
Worst: Spanish Steps
Why: Missed your recommendation the main sight is the people sitting on the steps than the piazza itself.
Trina Buettner in Defiance, OH USA 04/29/2013
Best: Tips on The Roma Pass, and Reservations for the Vatican.
Why: Saved us HOURS and HOURS of standing in lines.
Bonnie Edens in San Jose, Ca USA 04/23/2013
Best: The Forum
Why: So historical and beautiful - our guidebook made it easy to self tour and dto imagine what it was like 2000 years ago
Dianne Leipold in Newark, DE USA 03/16/2013
Best: Roman Aquaducts, city views
Why: Maybe I shouldn't say the BEST, but definitely overlooked. And compared with the crowds in Rome, a very very nice experience! Definitely picnic worthy spots! We also enjoyed all the places to get city views: from atop the Vittorio Emanuel monument, from atop St Peters.
Worst: Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel
Why: Although we visited in October, the crowds are just awful. You end up shuffling through the museum as part of a mass wave of people. The guards at the Sistine Chapel yell SILENCIO all the time making the experience just what they are trying to prevent! i.e., loud and unpleasant!
Joan Carroll in Fort Worth, Tx USA 11/12/2012
Best: Vatican Museum
Why: The tip to order tickets ahead of time saved us hours of waiting in a long line.
Mary Ann Wacker in Houston, TX USA 11/11/2012
Best: Roma Pass
Why: The pass was great for seeing all the biggies and made teaming up the metro with taxis hassle free. Also went to see quite a few sights at night for pictures - again no hassle and since there was no extra cost involved we took a lot more short trips back and forth in the evening.
Worst: bus system
Why: Chews up to much vacation time.
Marie in San Diego, CA USA 10/23/2012
Best: Coliseum
Why: So much history, architecture, sacrifice, and emotion in one place....
John and Diane Hearing in Maple Valley, WA USA 10/09/2012
Best: Catacombs of Pruscilla
Why: We had an english tour with us and another couple instead of a cast of hundreds - also the park next door was a welcome respite from the heat
Judith Hitchings in OAKLAND, Ca USA 10/02/2012
Best: Castelli Romani
Why: Hillside towns were beautiful and away from the hoards of crowds of Rome.
Barbara Chew in San Francisco, CA USA 10/01/2012
Best: Vatican Tour
Why: We used Cristina Giannicchi for our tour. Cristina has had a baby and was unable to lead but provided an associate for our tour. Simona was outstanding and the organization, depth and historical perspective offered was fantastic. I recommend them highly.
Worst: Rome Street Signs
Why: We got lost quite often, but we were in Rome! It wasn't all bad.
Patrick Murphy in Bloomington, IN USA 09/27/2012
Best: Cooking Class in Florence
Why: We were a party of five people and I wanted an activity that would satisfy everyone (ages 14-69). Florencetown Tours offered a 5-hour cooking class that was fun and tastey!
Lynn Novak in Allendale, NJ USA 08/13/2012
Best: Jewish Ghetto and vatican tours
Why: They were lead by Micaela and Daniela, two fantastic, vibrant, knowledgable, enjoyable, enthusiastic guides
Howard Goldberg in Fair Lawn, NJ USA 08/12/2012
Best: Vatican Museum
Why: Your guide book helped us make the most of our time there and the shortcut through the Sistine Chapel into St.peters was genius! We saved an hour by taking that!
Worst: National Museum of Rome
Why: Maybe they have changed things around in the museum, but we could not follow the recommended tour through the museum and felt we missed out of other things we could have done with that time.
Tia Johnson in Amberg, Germany 07/16/2012
Best: Sistine Chapel
Why: Had an early reservation, and Rick's podcast. Enjoyed it before the crowds came in.
Worst: Trying to walk back from San Sebastiano
Why: The pedestrian path was closed (Wednesday) and we had a hot walk along the busy Appian Way
Marianne Thompson in La Canada, Ca USA 07/11/2012
Best: The path from the Vatican to St Peter's
Why: Your tip saved us lots of walking and standing in the heat. Thank you!
Rachel in Denver, CO USA 07/03/2012
Best: Colosseum/Forum/Vatican
Why: Such magnificence and history! But the experience was truly enhanced by our guides (Francesca for Colosseum/Forum and Marta Marsili for the Vatican)
Donna Nakamura in Aiea, HI USA 07/03/2012
Best: Driver in Rome - Excursions
Why: They were simply the best. Very accomadating, very professional and truly one of our trip highlights.
Robert Micheletti in Oakdale, CA USA 06/25/2012
Best: Tazzo d'Oro Casa del Caffe on the night walk
Why: The best coffee drink I have ever had. "granite di caffe con panna"(coffee slush with cream". thanks to the most wonderful guide book on the market. Rick Streves "Pocket" Rome. I read & studied this book 3 times before our trip to Rome and Florence. Please write a "Pocket " book for Florence.
Rosemary Parsons in Murrieta, CA USA 06/21/2012
Best: Galleria Doria Pamphilj
Why: Wow, what an unexpected surprise!! Second time in Rome, but didn't make it to this museum the first time around. In my opinion, the artwork here far surpasses the Vatican's, without the crowds and lines.
Worst: Don't go to Rome at Easter!
Why: We didn't intend to be in Rome at Easter, but because of cheap airline flights, ended up there in the three weeks leading up to Easter Sunday. Left three days before. The crowds literally got worse by the day, and we would never repeat that timing.
Synda Sallee in Scottsdale, AZ USA 05/28/2012
Best: Borghese gallery
Why: The sculpture is incredible, and I love the limitations on visitors. Unlike most great museums it is never crowded.
Carey Varnado in Hattiesburg, , MS USA 05/28/2012
Best: Tie, recommendation to buy Colosseum tickets at Palatine Hill and to see St. Peter's in late afternoon.
Why: Both of these tips saved us enormous amount of time. We were second in line Palatine ticket window; couldn't help laughing at those standing in a long, long line for tickets at Colosseum
John Garrett in Griffin, GA USA 05/23/2012
Best: Context Tours Rome
Why: We had a great time on a small group tour with Context, very good guide, great information.
Anne in Santa Cruz, CA USA 05/14/2012
Best: The Borghese Gallery and wandering around the streets of Rome
Why: Bernini’s sculptures were magnificent, and it was a pleasure to see them in a beautiful villa that wasn’t overly crowded. Reading about the artwork in Rick Steves’ guide before visiting the gallery enhanced our appreciation of it. The 6 euros that we each paid for the English tour was well worth it. Our excellent guide covered the most important works and helped us use our short two hours efficiently.
Wandering around the beautiful streets of Rome was a pleasure. There was something interesting to see at every turn.
Joanne in Maspeth, NY USA 05/01/2012
Best: Santa Cecilia
Why: undiscovered church in an area that is not frequented by tourists. i'm glad i saw the vatican but seeing places not mobbed by tourists was wonderful.
Worst: mamertine prison
Why: overpriced. was not worth the 10e ticket for a cheesy light show.
Joey in la mesa, ca usa 03/23/2012
Best: All of the walking tours/podcasts. They were the best travel value I have ever experienced.
Why: They allow you to move at your own pace, to listen a second time if you missed something. Several times we got mixed in with tour companies, the guides were following the exact route and covering the exact same things.
Dick Grigsby in Arlington, Tx USA 03/18/2012
Best: Borghese gallery
Why: We sat and had an espresso while waiting to go in and reviewed the wonderful descriptions in this pocket guide then supplemented the audio guide as we walked through.
Joan in Eatontown, NJ USA 01/06/2012
Best: Vatican city and art museum.
Why: By purchasing our art museum tickets online and arriving at your suggested time, 1 pm, no lines for museum and after visitiing Sistine Chapel was able to circumvent the long 2 1/2 hour line waiting to get into St. Peter's Church, which was awesome.
Larry Barstow in Buena Park, Ca USA 11/30/2011
Best: Group tour exit from Sistine
Why: It was closed, but no one was watching and we just slipped out. Quite a time-saver.
Terri in Quilcene, WA USA 11/26/2011
Best: Gulliver's Lodge
Why: Mary! We had a lovely room. It was an easy walk from the main train station and central to almost everything we wanted to do. Mary even stored some bags for us while we explored the rest of Italy and took us to her favorite shoe store when we wanted to locate shoes like hers.
Worst: Getting into the Forum
Why: Somehow we got into the wrong entrance and thus your audio tour of the Forum was backwards and we were totally confused. Not your fault really
Edna Smith in Kansas City, MO USA 11/17/2011
Best: Borghese Gallery
Why: We didn't have tickets and thanks to the book we got unattended tickets!
Rachel in Washington, DC USA 11/08/2011
Best: crisgiannicchi@gmail.com
Why: She was able to bring Rome to life and make our trip memorable in everyway!!! I cannot say enough good things about this yound lady and her passion for Rome and her ability to communicate.
wally terry in decatur, Al USA 10/26/2011
Best: Night Walk across Rome
Why: Great experience to see these enchanting sites at night!
Peter Fabriele in Scotch Plains, NJ USA 10/20/2011
Best: Driverinrome
Why: Of the eight in our party, two had challenges with walking very far. Driverinrome made it possible for us to see all seven of the sites in Rome we most wanted to see - and in one day, in comfort, safety and style!
Sharon Zoller in Ridgefield, WA USA 10/16/2011
Best: Santa Church Maria in Trastevere
Why: It was large but not at all overcrowded. The church inside was absolutely beautiful, and is one used by the residents of Trastevere. No crowds/no lines!
Cindy Luis in Cambria, CA USA 10/07/2011
Best: safety
Why: It was just exactly he said it, specifically traveling in the local train.
Worst: train
Why: pickpocket
Yolanda in New York, NY USA 10/03/2011
Best: Tour with Cristina Giannicchi
Why: See above.
Christina Williams in McLean, VA USA 09/20/2011
Best: Rome Night Walk
Why: The small map connecting the Spanish Steps, Treve Fountain, and the Panthenon was great, add we loved the recommended coffee shop.
Dennis Helander in White Bear Lake, MN USA 09/12/2011
Best: The forum, Colosseum, Palatine Hill, National Gallery and Borghese Gallery / Villa
Why: My two teenage boys loved it all. They were very intersted in the history and believe it or not the historical accuracy of some of their video games had them looking for familiar sites (Assassins Creed etc).
Worst: Mixed feelings about the Vatican, ST Peters and the Trevi Fountain
Why: Well, we are tourists and we DID add ourselves to the massive crowds but these sites are crowded to the point where it starts to be the predominant consideration. DO buy your Vatican pass online as recommended by Rick Steves otherwise you'll be part of the 2 km/ 4-6 hr lineup that we by-passed.
John in Kingston, On Can 09/04/2011
Best: Jewishroma tours
Why: We recently returned from a trip to Rome and a Holy Land cruise and participated in many tours during our 16 days abroad. The absolutely best tours we took were the ones offered through Jewishroma - the Synagogue/Jewish Ghetto/ Jewish Museum tour and the tour of the Vatican. From initial inquiry to the end of both of our tours, everything was handled in a most professional and courteous way. The tours themselves were incredibly interesting, and the fact that we were part of a small group allowed us to question the guides at length and gear the pace of the tour to our needs. The tour guides - Yael and Daniela were extremely personable, knowledgeable, and made the tours really come alive for us. It is true that these tours are more expensive than those offered by other companies, but you get what you pay for and these tours were worth every cent. We highly recommend them to anyone planning to visit Rome.
Gail in Pomona, NY USA 08/24/2011
Best: Through Eternity Private Tour
Why: If you're heading to Rome or any part of the world where you want to understand and appreciate its history (and don't have enough time to read most of the important facts before your visit), I approve Rick Steve's recommended tour guide company, Through Eternity. We had a private/customized archaelogical tour and Vatican tour and the kids appreciated the interactive, informative, imaginative, sometimes even theatrical and funny walk through Ancient Roman history.
Luca De Angelis and Mario Baas were excellent!
Californian Traveler in San Rafael, CA USA 08/19/2011
Best: St. Peter's Basilica and Borghese Gardens
Why: The view alone (and challenging hike up all those steps to the cupola of St. Peter's) was worth my entire trip to Rome. After the heat and crowds of the Vatican Museum, the Borghese Gallery was a nice change of pace. Not crowded, breath-taking statues, but you do need to reserve your tickets about a week ahead of time.
Worst: San Gimignano
Why: Extremely touristy and hot, really nasty public toilet just outside the walls. Overpriced little shops. I tried to look past the crowds and just focus on the architecture, but it was tough. Much preferred the small, quaint town of Radda with its well-located gelato shop (TONS of flavors).
Cynthia in Wellesley, MA USA 08/18/2011
Worst: Hosteria dei Bastioni - Rome
Why: This restaurant was a huge disappointment! The sign on the outside wall said recommended by Rick Steves, but it was the worst eating experience we had during a 2-week stay in Rome. The food was a very poor value: The bread basket was a 3 euro charge for a couple of slices of poor quality bread. The food was overpriced for the portion size and very average or below average quality. The only redeeming element about the place was that it was close to the Vatican Museum. Although, that was no excuse for a poor restuarant. Around the corner across the street from the Vatican Wall was the best and most generous gelato place in Rome. I was let down with the Rick Steves' endorsement which I normally trust completely. Please remove from your book if you have not done so already. Though I suppose you cannot make them take down the sign with your name on it.
Jackie in St. Paul , MN USA 08/07/2011
Worst: Vatican Museums
Why: Suggest that those to fork over the outrageous fee for the Vatican arrive about 8:45 or you will tsand there while groups get in.
John Fischer in Louisville, KY USA 08/03/2011
Best: Hotel Montreal, Rome
Why: After about 20 years of traveling and relying on the RS guides, I really haven't ever been let down. When plans with friends fell through I found myself suddenly without a place to stay i Rome at the end of July. Pasquale at Hotel Montreal immediately found me a room that met all my RS expectations: friendly, HELPFUL, clean, comfortable, safe location...and breakfast too!
Worst: cell phone
Why: Should have been easy, I thought... but: SIM cards from Vodafone were 35 Euro and up. TIM would not work in my 4band, unlocked Blackberry due to something proprietary (hardware or software, didn't understand the Italian) so I was left with Wind, 15 Euro/2 cards. The problem was (and I heard this from many other travelers) it didn't always function. Sometimes the message would be "incorrect number" and other times "inexistent number" and other times the call would go through. Not reliable and very frustrating.
Judy in Boulder, CO USA 08/01/2011
Best: Driverinrome tour company
Why: Our tour guide was outstanding. He was informative, polite, and helpful. Our tour that day was to Pompei and Capri, and we couldnt have navigated these places on our own. He showed us the best of both. He always bought our tickets ahead of time, so we never waited in line. We highly recommend this company.
Susan Roth in Las Vegas, NV USA 07/24/2011
Best: Marzia
Why: We booked Marzia through Cristina Giannicchi and she was phenomenal. Marzia was patient, knowledgeable and entertaining. We were able to see a lot in a limited time and had a lot of fun. It was also cheaper than taking a cruise tour. Thank you Cristina and Marzia !
Daniel Uchman in Toronto, On Canada 07/16/2011
Best: Cristina Giannicchi
Why: We hired Cristina to take us on her Ancient Rome tour based on a suggestion in your Rome 2011 guide. She was fantastic!! She has an amazing knowledge of the content she is presenting and she is extremely friendly and personable. She really made Ancient Rome come to life for us with her knowledge, stories and transparencies. There is so much about Rome we would have missed or not appreciated if we had not taken her tour. It was like touring Rome with a great friend. Thank you for the wonderful reccommendation.
Holly in Tampa, FL USA 07/11/2011
Worst: Gelateria Caffe Pasticceria Giolitti
Why: This is a terrible place to bring kids. Our kids couldn't see the flavors since it was so crowded. Once it was our turn to order the big Italian guy waiting on us yelled over and over for us to make our order since he had other customers waiting. We weren't taking long, he was just simply treating us rude. He proceeded to give the kids the wrong kinds. They were so upset from the whole experience they cried the whole way home. I would never go back there and don't think it's anywhere near the best place to get gelato in Rome. We have tried many places and this one hands down was the worst. It was the worst we were treated in Rome by far. Everyone else has been at least descent or very nice.
Kathy in Mpls, MN USA 06/29/2011
Best: Guide Cristina giannicchi
Why: Cristina was a pure delight. She was our guide for Vatican and St Peters also The Colosseum and Palatine. Cristina was so knowledgeable and has a passion for history of Rome. We felt like we made a wonderful new friend!
Debbie morgan in Benton, Ky USA 06/28/2011
Best: Tour with Cristina Giannicchi
Why: My wife and I took a tour of the Forum, Colleseum, Patheon and other sites with Christina Giannicchi. Her knowledge of all the sites was excellent. She was well prepared and she enriched out trip to Rome. I highly recommend her.
David Urich in Centertown, MO USA 06/28/2011
Best: All of Rick's Rome podcasts: St. Peter's, the Forum, Trastevere Walk, etc.
Why: It's so much easier to listen to Rick's podcasts as you walk, instead of trying to read a guidebook. We used them all over Italy (and in Paris last year.) They added immensely to our travel experience.
Worst: N/A
Why: We enjoyed all the recommended sights.
Lynette in Brooksville, FL USA 06/25/2011
Best: Basilica Santa Prassede
Why: Even though it only gets a brief mention in the Rome book, this place is jaw-droppingly beautiful for its mosaics. A must for anyone who appreciates that art form.
Michael in Seattle, WA USA 06/22/2011
Best: Pantheon
Why: Evokes the Roman past better than any other
Paul Roberts in Stockholm, - Sweden 06/20/2011
Best: Cristina Giannicchi as a tour guide
Why: Our family went on the Ancient Rome walking tour with her and it was amazing. She brought a notebook of how building and things actually looked in ancient times and made everything so interesting. I would highly recommend her to anyone wanting a private tour guide in Rome. She was fantastic!
DeAnn McGraw in Midland, TX USA 06/13/2011
Best: Borghese Gallery Tour
Why: It was full of amazing sculptures that you could get up close and personal with. It wasn't as crowded as the, also amazing, Vatican Museum. I learned a lot about Bernini's sculptures and life. The setting in the beautiful Borghese gardens makes for a lovely afternoon.
Worst: Trevi Fountain
Why: Our hotel was right by Trevi Fountain (B&B Trevi which I highly recommend). We walked past it several times and there wasn't a time it wasn't swarming with people. We could never get close enough to throw coins in because it was too crazy.
Katie Yingling in Lubbock, TX USA 06/11/2011
Best: Borghese Gallery
Why: We booked tickets in advance for the Borghese, which was fantastic because when we got there at our appointed time, all entrance time slots were completely sold out for the next week! We would have missed the Borghese completely, and that would have been a real loss. It was my favourite museum in Rome.
Kathleen Davidson in Calgary, AB Canada 06/07/2011
Best: Colosseum and Vatican Museum
Why: Because we had great local guides.
Mary in San Francisco, CA USA 06/06/2011
Best: Colosseum and Vatican Museum
Why: Because we had great local guides!
Worst: National Museum of Rome
Why: We were underwhelmed. While it was interesting . . . it wasn't in the same league as your other 3 triangle attractions for Rome.
Mary in San Francisco, CA USA 06/06/2011
Best: Residenza Arco dei Tolomei
Why: Welcoming Guest House which is within walking distance of all main events in Rome. Large rooms decorated with antiques and a very good breakfast taken seated around a large table where Marco - the host -and other guests talked through their plans for the day and where experiences could be exchanged. Very friendly and help staff and overall an excellent experience. Thoroughly recommended.
kate Burbridge in Newmarket, UK 06/01/2011
Best: San Clemente
Why: Not as crowded as the more popular sights so we felt like we were discovering something everyone else doesn't see.
Worst: Vatican Museum
Why: This place is so mobbed with tour groups it was hard to enjoy the artwork.
Frank in Washington, DC USA 05/26/2011
Best: Scavi Tour under St. Peter's Basilica
Why: The tickets have to be reserved weeks if not months ahead, but it was amazing to be wandering through a necropolis that contained both Christians and pagans buried at the same time. The English language guide provided as part of the tour was awesome. Her name was Giorgia.
Michael in Seattle, WA USA 05/25/2011
Best: Scavi Tour under St. Peter's Basilica
Why: The tickets have to be reserved weeks if not months ahead, but it was amazing to be wandering through a necropolis that contained both Christians and pagans buried at the same time. The English language guide provided as part of the tour was awesome. Her name was Giorgia.
Michael in Seattle, WA USA 05/25/2011
Best: Pompeii
Why: Worth the beautiful train ride down the countryside; easy to access and very moving (Best tip - reservations for Vatican museum)
Worst: Colosseum & Palatine Hill
Why: No bad destinations in Rome; this was just the least intriguing to us.
Sheila Redling in Huntington , WV USA 05/22/2011
Best: Touring with Cristina Giannicchi
Why: Cristina was fantastic! We're so glad we found her in the guidebook. She was personable and professional and made our tour of the Forum, Coloseum, and Palatine Hill the highlight of our trip to Rome.
Dana Easley in Clarendon Hills, IL USA 05/16/2011
Best: Michelangelo's "David" and all Bernini scuptures
Why: Absolutely breathtaking! Also, the Borghese Gallery.
Victoria in Orinda, CA USA 04/10/2011
Best: "Guest House Arco dei Tolomei"
Why: This is a magical place with a team of magical hosts. - not your ordinary B & B.
Mark Lincoln in Boston, MA USA 03/30/2011
Best: Rome.
Why: Impressive beauty, history.
Worst: May be Napoli
Why: It was not a tourist friendly to other people on our cruise ship; a lady was run over by a scooter to be robbed, and a couple was deprived from their money, credit cards and documents, just about walking to the ship. It is worthy to hire tour/transport services when the tourist is new to the place.
Alben in Clermont, fl USA 03/22/2011
Best: List: St Peter's Basilica, the Colosseum and Roman Forum, Borghesey Gallery, The Trevi Fountain and the Night Walk Across Rome,
Why: The Colosseum...need I say more! It was insane! The cross at the 50 yard line was pretty cool too. We just couldn't get over that place. We cannot wait to go back! The Roman Forum was very interesting...a walking trip back in time. St. Peter's Basilica was my favorite bar none. Simple yet grand, ornate yet not gaudy. Lovely. And the trip below to the excavations! That was a humbling and amazing experience. The Borghesey Gallery was our favorite museum. It was really well laid out, fascinating and not too long. The Trevi had to be one of the coolest things ever. No one can describe it and be able to give you a mental image that even comes close! And the energy there is unbelievable. We went every night to mingle and always had something new to see or experience. The night walk is just nice, romantic, and historic. We enjoyed it.
Worst: National Museum of Rome
Why: BORING. Lots of headless statues, tons of heads without bodies and the world's largest coin collection. Needless to say we didn't stay long.
Shannon Fonferko in Schaumburg, IL USA 03/20/2011
Best: Ostia Antica
Why: We had visited a number of sites in Rome previously. The information on Ostia Antica encouraged us to venture a little out of Rome and we loved this historical site. The mosaic floors, the ruins, the pines lining the walkways. It was so evocative of the past.
Dorothy Beagley in Adelaide, SA Australia 03/19/2011
Best: Morning jogging through city center
Why: Fabulous, combining sports with sightseeing
Dorit in BS, CH 03/15/2011
Best: limoinitaly.com
Why: Stress free
Lesley in san francisco, CA USA 03/06/2011
Best: Catacombs of San Callisto
Why: Excellent, excellent tour. Worth the 6 euro.
Worst: Ostiva Antica
Why: Guided tours should be offered. It is just too much to try to digest on your own with a guide book.
Mary Coyle in Kansas City, MO USA 03/03/2011
Best: Jewish Roma tour of Jewish Ghetto
Why: Jewish Roma is a "must-do" for anyone interested in learning about Rome from a Jewish perspective. Micaela is absolutely incredible - she's knowledgeable, articulate, witty, and full of energy, passion and charisma. She made our tour of the Jewish Ghetto fun, interesting, and memorable. I was traveling with four other family members, all from NY, and we all thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the tour. We learned a ton in a short period of time and had a lot of fun. I highly recommend this tour - really worthwhile!!
Kim Harounian in new york, NY USA 03/02/2011
Best: The Forum
Why: I would put it at the top of the list because I am interested in politics and history, and those are combined with literature, art, and architecture. But maybe that's just me!
Worst: Diocletian Baths
Why: The Michelangelo calendar was fascinating, but the rest is just a pretty church and the museum is beyond cheesy. Looks like the same types of stuff small towns in rural U.S. might offer.
Synda Sallee in Scottsdale, AZ USA 02/28/2011
Best: Arco Dei Tolomei, B&B,Trastevere, Rome
Why: This is a very cozy B&B tucked into the convenient, quaint, and historical Trastervere area of Rome. So many Roman sites,wonderful restaurants and shops are walkable from this B&B. Marco and his wonderful staff made our stay very comfortable and also helped us plan and make arrangements for our daily travels.The rooms are lovely and the big breakfasts very delicious. We will always be lonesome for Marco and his staff. Our stay here was so relaxing and wonderful!
Tom and Peggy in maplewood, mn USA 02/25/2011
Best: topbikerental&tours
Why: It now can be said that riding a bike in Rome is the only unique way to experience this City. The guides at Top Bike Rental & Tours are incredibly friendly Italians who are filled with local and historical knowledge. Top Bike Rental tours take you to main historical sites AND beautiful low key areas you would have otherwise never known existed. If you are in Rome for only a few days it is a great way to cover a large part of the city and see many sights. For adventurous and skilled bike riders take the Appian Way Tour. This was the highlight of my trip! Jane Wood
Jane in Wood, NY USA 01/30/2011
Worst: Filetti di Bacala
Why: Awful food, double the price for the English menu, and add a layer of grime and it was the worst restaurant in Rome. Rick, what are you thinking?
John Scott in Maitland, Fl USA 01/27/2011
Best: St. Peters Tomb
Why: It was an experience not everyone knows about. The thought of being in a burial area that old was an inspiration in itself.
Jim Bonatakis in Freehold, NJ USA 01/21/2011
Best: topbike rental & tours
Why: I am an independent traveller who spent a long romantic week-end in Rome in June this year. I am not an affiliate nor do have have any interests in this venture. I decided to book this tour after doing something similar in Bangkok which was loads of fun and this one didn't disappoint. According to our guide (a part-time Canadian English teacher living in Rome) Topbike rental is made of Roman bicycle enthusiasts. They operate from a small office come workshop a short walk away from the Carvour tube stop or a 15 minute walk from the Coliseum. The price includes bike, Helmet, guide (their bikes were great, with various style to choose from.) The tour in question was the "panoramic" Rome tour, which is different from it's competitors (as the others seem to be focussing on the centre which you can do on foot). This was an energetic tour which took our small group of 5 (3 clients + 1 guide and 1 trainee guide) up and down various hills and points of interests which I would have never heard of, let alone tried to go to and therefore, I would have kept my visit to the "Centro sturico" and near attractions. After three and half hours of non stops hooo! and haaa! admiring various vistas, stopping to take pictures and drinks water from antic fountains (it sound a lots harder that was it was) our guide proposed a well deserved stop in a small cafe to loads ourselves on freshly made pizza in the shade of the Pantheon. That done it was time to cycle the final twenty min. through the Jewish quarter and in front of the coliseum back to base. I highly recommend this tour, it was fun, romantic, informative: perfect! Robert Eggers
robert in eggers, co USA 01/21/2011
Best: Colliseum
Why: Phenomenal
Worst: Mamertime Prison
Why: As above
Melanie Wood in Miami, FL USA 01/07/2011
Best: Arco dei Tolomei, Rome
Why: great rooms, staff, location and value.
Matthew Glynn in London, UK 01/06/2011