When we go somewhere for the first time, I often think about booking a private guide – that way we usually get to learn something really different, and we also get to see as much “behind the scenes” stuff as possible – especially useful when you visit a city as diverse, as vast and with as many layers of history as Rome has…
You might have gathered that I am not that organised, so this was pretty last minute, but Rome is Easy popped up after a quick on-line search, and I sent them an email on the off chance they could help… Luckily for us they came back within hours, and by that evening we had managed to tailor an afternoon’s tour of Rome that would be great for all of us, but would really appeal to the (Horrible History infatuated) Small People – as (amongst other things) it included an expedition deep under Rome itself, down into the catacombs.
You might think a private guide a slight over-indulgence, but when you only have a few days to explore somewhere properly, I really don’t think it is – especially if you think of it in terms of your precious time!? If you organise it at the beginning of your visit, by focussing on all the “must see” tips (and what to avoid!) you have picked up during your tour, you will save yourself hours of traipsing about, so it’s a little like having a guide with you for your entire trip!
We have done tours in quite a few places now (most recently in Kyoto), and I have yet to come away feeling like it wasn’t worth it. If you do your research properly (perhaps with a little more time to hand!), you can find companies where the guides are born and bred locals who really do know their cities inside out. This was most definitely the case with our guide Nicole (who we met the afternoon I mentioned in my previous post!) from Rome is Easy – the entire group of which is made up of devoted individuals by the way – all native Romans, all of them with backgrounds in the arts and archaeology – and all completely dedicated to showing you the secrets of their beloved city…
Nicole met us at our hotel, and soon we were speeding across town in a cab, learning about the sights that we passed along the way. The Small People were soon besotted with her and loved her depiction of Rome as a “Lasagne”, with its many layers, and it kind of is – parts of ancient Rome were built on clay, so eventually sank – then new buildings were built on top of them, and when in turn they sank too, the process began again… Layer upon layer. Other parts of the city have always been underground, like the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian, the original resting place for many an ancient Roman, and this was our first stop.
An added bonus throughout was how brilliant Nicole was with the Small people. I think she was slightly entertained by their fascination with history – especially the more gruesome side of things – and I loved how she spoke to them directly, getting down on their level, and completely igniting their imaginations with tales of life gone by. Plenty of “guest” illustrations were added to their notebooks too, with little drawings made by way of explanations, and even Latin translations when requested. Forget being a vet, the Nine Year Old wants to follow in Nicole’s footsteps now and be an archaeologist in Rome – and where better?
Saint Sebastian Ceiling and Sculpture by Giorgetti Antonio
With the catacombs of Saint Sebastian well and truly explored (and the church above admired, it’s got quite a ceiling!), and with many a imaginary skeleton spoken to, we headed up into daylight and onto our next visit. This time the glorious San Clemente Church. Above ground Nicole pointed out the patchwork of ages sewn together. Ancient Romans were great recyclers and it’s not uncommon for an item from a completely different era to pop up in something built several centuries later – but you might never actually notice these things if they weren’t pointed out! Here too we went underground, paying our respects to the layers of history which included pagan temples and even parts of an old Roman house. Then onwards and upwards to the top layer again where we visited a few more secrets including a chapel ceiling with the best optical illusion…
Deep underground in San Clemente and Gladiatorial training grounds
And before our time was up, as a finale, Nicole treated us to a drink in a tiny place with perhaps the best view ever. I would love to tell you where it is exactly, but I promised to keep it a secret (and anyway, you can’t usually just pop in!)… You might recognise what it looks out upon though… Speechless for the first few minutes, eventually I managed a “I guess you must take Rome for granted after a while when you live here”, thinking of the time when I worked seconds from Saint Paul’s and many other London attractions, but Nicole replied with a very swift “No, never…” And that, I think, is all you really need to know…
Later at a well earned dinner (at what turned out to be our most favourite restaurant), Small boy drew countless tap-dancing skeletons, which made me wonder what on earth he had seen and I hadn’t… And throughout, both small people spoke constantly about their day and the many layers of the city that we had explored! I will most definitely use Rome is Easy* again on our next visit , the food tour is high on my list! Highly, highly recommended!
Great post! Rome is definitely a place where having a guide is so rewarding – there is just so much to see and learn. We loved San Clemente as well…it is such a hidden gem. Glad you had a good time and thanks for sharing!
Thanks Travis! :)
I like the idea of having a tour when I’m in a new place. It gets your oriented in the city and helps you get a general overview of what there is to do and see which can help guide the rest of your visit. A drink while overlooking the Trevi fountain? Awesome! Thanks for linking up on the #SundayTraveler.
Thanks Adelina! :)
I think having a local guide sounds like a great idea! It doesn’t make sense to pay for a vacation and then miss the best opportunities to see a place.
And I love those tap-dancing skeletons.
Thanks so much Jess, they happen to be my favourite too! :D
I’ve yet to go to Rome, but it looks amazing – and, like you, I don’t think a tour guide would be an indulgence at all, especially if you’re short on time! This company sounds really good, definitely one to check out. Lovely photos!
They most definitely are! Thanks Molly! :)
I’m with you! I used to be a bit of a cynic and think that I didn’t need guides, but looking back, the cities I remember the most about all stem from having guides show me around. They don’t have to be expensive, either, but they can really make a city come alive :)
I think most people have the idea of having to follow someone in a huge group with a flag or something, they never think of someone just coming along with you on their own! Thanks Caitlyn! :)
To have a private guided tour is definitely a great way to explore any city. This way you always get a chance to learn about the place much more than you could ever do on your own. Locals always know hidden corners. Bad you cannot share the name of a place you’ve been taken to for a drink. Photos are lovely!
Definitely! Thanks so much for commenting, and I could tell you where the little bar is, but then I would be in trouble (and I don’t think you can just walk in off the street!!)… You will just have to get in touch with Nicole, organise a visit and let her show you herself! :)
I never really considered doing a tour in Rome until now! I was always thinking we could just do it alone. But now I’m thinking that a tour might be a good idea! We’re thinking of going to Italy in a year or so, so I will definitely keep this in mind!
I think you definitely scratch below the surface with a private tour, and see much more than you would usually! Thanks so much Lauren! :)
What a fantastic experience for you and the children. Have never taken a private guide but this has made me think again.
I do think it’s worth it sometimes Trish, thanks so much! :) xx
I love your title and the way you presented Rome. It really is a layered city. I am Italian and I have visited Rome more than 10 times, yet each time I discover something new. Thanks for sharing! Will definitely keep Rome is Easy in mind for our next visit!
Thanks so much Margherita, I really appreciate your comment! I would highly recommend Rome is Easy, even for the natives – I am sure you would pick up some great tips along the way too! :)
Lovely post- I am fascinated with Italy (I have yet to go) and so want to.
I am sure you won’t be disappointed Sammi! Thank you! :)
What a great time. I agree booking a guide is a good way to see things you might otherwise miss. Thanks a bunch for linking up with us once again to #SundayTraveler
Thanks so much SJ! :)
I love Rome, we have been many times and we often hire private guides becasue I like to know all the cool things that I missed learning about when I researched. I think this is sometime the best way to learn cool things about great places! Thank you for sharing ~ we are going again for a few days in April, I might have to contact your tour guide! Thank you for sharing!
Stacey, do get in touch with them, I promise you won’t be disappointed! :) Thanks for commenting!
Such a stunning city! I love the architecture of Italy, especially Rome. Thanks for sharing on the Sunday Traveler
Thanks Bex! :)
I know I say this about all the places you visit, but I’d love to go to Rome! Never thought about doing a private guided tour, but would definitely consider it now, and remember reading about your fascinating trip round Kyoto.
Love the lasagne description, and what a spot for a drink! The tour’s got to be worth it for that alone! I’m going to store all this away, to be used at a later date…hopefully! :) x
I really hope you get there soon, you would absolutely love it! Thank you T! :) xx
Fascinating!
I have been fortunate enough to have private guides in the form of family or friends in many places I visited, but Rome is Easy sounds like a great alternative. xx
That’s great… I have that in Florida, France and Holland, but not in Rome unfortunately! :D Thank you FW xx
Oh, those photos! I was in Rome about a thousand years ago (early 80s) but didn’t visit too many of the sights at the time – now you’ve piqued my interest again! So glad you included your link to your tour in Kyoto – we made a snap decision to fly to Kyoto for a quick weekend and have been looking for private tours. I’ve already e-mailed Mr. MacIntosh and have fingers crossed that he’ll be available…kicking myself for not remembering that you went and checking your blog immediately….
I am so chuffed you are getting in touch with Peter, his tour was just brilliant, and I think he knows just about everyone in Kyoto, say hi to him from me – I am sure he will be in touch! :) When do you go? Thank you Caroline xx
We head out on the 28th, just a quick weekend trip. Will let you know how it goes, and thanks again for the tip!
Take your big camera, if you do meet with Peter, you will see Geishas! :) x
Oh my goodness, take me to that bar!!! I love having a private tour guide. It makes a massive difference and also eases my worry that I could be somewhere amazing and miss something amazing :-)
I think that’s why I love doing them, I too am worried I will miss out on something!! :D xx
Sounds like an awesome tour! Man, I love the Fontana di Trevi, it’s been too long since I was in Rome! What a magnificent city!
Thanks Elisa, it’s fab isn’t it? :)
LOVE ROME! The people are so brusque but I kind of liked that. The food was awesome. Too much to see and do though :) I was exhausted after. My hubby made a good guide which was great but a personal guide for a city like Rome is a great idea.
It is truly amazing isn’t it? Funnily enough, living where I have for the past five years, I thought the people were lovely! :D How handy that your hubs can be tour guide too – perfect! :D Thanks Sabrina! :)
oh wow what an adventure i want to travel with you and see all these wonderful things, it really does make a difference getting a good rep you totally reminded me of a snoozefest from one of our hols. lovely pictures
Thanks Helen, you can come with us next time! :) x
Rome is next of my list of places to go, I shall look up your guide!! Sounds amazing and I love the skeleton picture :)
The skeleton picture also happens to be a bit of a favourite of mine! :D xx
Wow, that sounds like such a great experience! What grand art, too.
Thanks so much Betty! :)
It sounds like the most amazing tour, I would definitely agree that getting a private tour guide is the best way to see the hidden secrets of a city in a short time. Your guide sounds amazing and I love the fact that she made such an effort with R&S. Beautiful photos as always and I will definitely look into booking a private tour for my city break in July.
Xx
Thanks Luce… It was completely worth doing, and Nicole was a fabulous guide! :) xx
Wonderful post…. a great idea about having a personal tour guide; must make the tour so much more interesting – well worth the expense, and lovely how Nicole really spoke your children and really engaged their imaginations; you have two burgeoning adventurers there! X
Thanks so much S. I definitely think it’s worth the cost in terms of what you get back! :) xx
What a treat to have a local take you around their city. Especially a city like Rome. I’m loving your Roman posts, Emma. Familiar, yet a different, new view. And nothing like a little pair of history buffs to bring Rome alive xx
Thanks Pia. I was completely inspired by your trip. We tried to go to that pizza place too, but it was closed on the day we were there! :D xx
What an adventure you all had. Rome sounds an amazing place and it must be if you are even considering returning one day. x
Definitely! Thanks Mum xx
Sounds like you had an amazing tour! I love the history behind Rome, I don’t think I’d take it for granted if I lived there either.
Thanks Tiffany, can you imagine living there? It would be amazing! :)
What a fantastic idea! Although I have been to Rome a few times, we haven’t taken the boys yet, as they are not 2 and 6 until late Summer. I would definitely consider this for a future trip with them.
Thanks so much Louisa, I am sure they would love it, as would you! :)