FAQ

Yes, we aim to accommodate the needs of each of our guests by adjusting our private tours accordingly. Please do not hesitate to contact us with your requests so that we can start planning a very memorable trip to Rome!

In Italy (as well as in most of Europe) tipping is not a “mandatory” thing like it has become in the States, so even a 5-10% tip is greatly appreciated. For example, a 5% tip if you are satisfied with the service received and a 10% tip if you were really happy. However, it is up to your discretion as to what you are comfortable tipping.

Withdrawing cash from an ATM will ensure you the best exchange rate.

Hailing a taxi on the street can be difficult. Look for taxi stands, marked with an orange ‘T’.

You can also text +39 366 673 0000 with your current address. Within a few minutes you will receive a confirmation giving you the estimated time of arrival and number of a taxi.

It is important that you only use the official Rome cabs to avoid getting scammed. They are always white cars marked with SPQR/Comune di Roma emblem.

Atac.it provides bus and metro maps and schedules. You can also use Google maps to provide you the best route via public transportation. Simply put your starting and ending locations into the directions finder and Google will provide you with the bus and/or metro lines to take.

Tickets or biglietti can be purchased using the automated machines in each Metro station or at a Tabacchi. Tabacchi’s are located on almost every block of Rome, just look for a sign marked with a ‘T’.

The Rome Pass is a great option if you wish to see several museums and know you will be relying on public transportation while visiting Rome. It does not, however, include admission to the Vatican museums and varies from pre-purchased skip-the-line tickets. For more information please visit:

http://www.romapass.it/p.aspx?l=en&tid=2

We hope you do not need this information, but in case you do…

Emergency telephone numbers:

113 Police (Polizia)

112 Carabinieri

118 Ambulance

115 Fire Department

English speaking hospitals:

Ospedale Fatebenefratelli (on the Tiber Island)
Address: Via di Ponte Quattro Capi 39, 00186 Rome 
Tel: 06 68371

Ospedale Santo Spirito (near the Vatican)
Address: Lungotevere in Sassia 3, 00193 Rome
Tel: 06-68351

United States citizens are not required to obtain a visa when traveling for tourism in Italy. Furthermore, citizens of countries in the Schengen area are not required to obtain a visa for travel less than 90 days in Italy. For more information, please visit http://www.schengenvisainfo.com/schengen-visa-countries-list/ or check with your local Italian Consulate.

You can book train tickets here on http://www.trenitalia.com/

Simply, switch to English (clicking the British flag in the top right hand corner of the screen)

Please populate the FROM and TO and approximate times to do a search on what is available.

Main Train Stations:

Rome:  Roma Termini

Milan:  Milano Centrale

Venice:  Venezia S. Lucia

Florence:  Firenze S. M. Novella

Naples:  Napoli Centrale

Como:  Como Nord Lago or Como S. Giovanni or Como Nord Camerlata or Como Nord Borghi

You’ll then be able to see the various trip options. Remember to tick the “unregistered user box” so you won’t have to create an account. The sooner you book, the better since cheaper tickets will sell out first.

If your credit card is declined, please contact your bank because it most likely is blocking the charge due to suspected international fraud.

The entrance fee’s for most major sights range from 10-20 euro a person. Colosseum/Forum/Palatine hill tickets can be pre-purchased through Rome Guide Services. However, it is recommended that you have enough cash to cover the entrance fees for at least one additional sight, per person.

To guarantee your reservation, please provide your credit card details (Visa or MasterCard) to include the name on the card, the card number, expiration date and security code on the back of the card.  We will also need a cell number you can be contacted on during your travels/visit in case we need to reach you.  

The best form of payment are Euros or travelers’ checks… however we can also accept U.S. dollars. We will also be happy to accept a personal U.S. check or credit card, (Visa or Master card)

Cancellation from 14-8 days before your scheduled services incurs a charge of 50% of the estimated total, and cancellation 7-0 days before forfeits 100% of the estimated total.