Rome Private Half-Day Tour with Private Minivan and English Speaking Driver
Description
Enjoy a great half-day of sightseeing in Rome. An English-speaking driver will offer commentary on landmarks and help customize the tour to your request. This tour starts and ends in Rome
Tour Options
Itinerary
Rome Navona square – The Piazza has its lengthened shape because it resamples the route of aRoman stadium here built by emperor Domitian.Piazza Navona (Navona square) is one of the most ancient and full of history places in Rome. Called originally theCircus Agonalis built by Domitianand was flooded for mock battles into the 19th c.-is thronged with vendors, portrait artists, and picture snapping tourists who tend to crowd the view of the main attraction,Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers .
Trevi Fountain is the most beautiful fountain in Rome is also the largest fountain in the city.The origins of the fountain go back to the year 19 B.C., in which period the fountain formed the end of the Aqua Virgo aqueduct. The first fountain was built during the Renaissance, under the direction of Pope Nicholas the 5th.The Trevi Fountain dates from 1762, when after many years of works at the hand of Nicola Salvi, it was finalized by Giuseppe Pannini. Interestingly enough, the name of Trevi derives from Tre Vie (three ways), since the fountain was the meeting point of three streets.
Roman mythology talks of the cave that was inhabited by Luperca, the she-wolf that took care of Romulus and Remus, which is located in the Palatine Hill. According to the legend, when the brothers grew up they decided to form a city on the banks of the river, but when they could not come to an agreement in some points of the decision, Romulus killed Remus and founded the city of Rome.
What is extraordinary about the Pantheon is not only its architecture or external beauty, but also the fact that it represents a true cultural revolution. It was the first temple built for the common people. Today, this could seem an obvious concept, but in ancient times temples were forbidden places, only for vestals and priests.
The ‘Spanish’ part of the name refers to the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See, which would have been located on Piazza di Spagna (literally ‘Spanish Square’) at the base of the monument. After they were completed in 1725, the steps quickly gained a reputation for being a prime people-watching spot because they attracted a crowd. And not just any gathering, but a particularly good-looking crowd. Why did such a beautiful bunch congregate here? It's simple really. A high concentration of artists and later photographers, who were themselves drawn to the attractive monument, served as bait for wannabe models. Of course, decades of heavy footfall took their toll on the monument. A huge restoration project in 2015 and 2016 saw the Spanish Steps scrubbed clean and returned to their former splendor. These days, they are looking as spick and span as they ever have.
Altare della Patria, or Altar of the Fatherland, the colossal mountain of white marble that towers over Piazza Venezia. It was built at the turn of the 20th century to honour Italy's first king, Vittorio Emanuele II – who's immortalised in its vast equestrian statue. The building provides the dramatic setting for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Also inside is the Complesso del Vittoriano, a gallery that regularly hosts major art exhibitions. But as impressive as any of the art on show are the glorious 360-degree views from the top of the monument. See for yourself by taking the panoramic Roma dal Cielo lift up to the Terrazza delle Quadrighe.
The pulsing heart of Rome. Crowd gathered there every day. The Roman Forum is situated in the area between Piazza Venezia and the Colosseum is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. The area soon began to develop and already at the end of the 7th century BC, it was home to many markets and a hive of social activity. The most incredible panoramic view of the entire Forum complex can be seen from the magnificent terraces of Campidoglio. Here you can observe the imposing ruins of Basilica Emilia, the only remaining Republican basilica, or the Curia, which was once the seat of the Senate. Starting from the Arch of Septimius Severus, the pathway winds through the most unique place in the world and passes beside the imposing Basilica di Massenzio, one of the most magnificent buildings of Imperial Rome, and ends near the Arch of Titus, where you will get a glimpse of the unmistakable Colosseum.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
Reviews(6)
This was my best layover in Europe. Alan was extremely well versed in ancient and modern history. I had an opportunity to visit the most prominent historical sites in the city of Rome and have it all fill in four hours between my flights. I will definitely share it with my friends and family and use Alan’s services when we return back to get a more in depth experience.
Alan was terrific. He entertained us with historical facts laced with photo opportunity stops and humor as we toured Rome city.
Everything was great except for the fact that we did not get to tour the Coliseum. The tour guide was wonderful & very friendly
Alan and Andrea were absolutely awesome. We did a half day tour and felt at the end we wanted more time with them. They did an amazing job and were funny and knowledgeable about the area way beyond our expectations. My mom was with me and they were very understanding and patient with her needs getting around too. It was so amazing we booked an additional impromptu tour with them days later. Can’t wait!!
During our recent trip to Italy we used Alan several days for private tours. First we were in Gatea (apprx 2 hours south of Rome) visiting some family that lives there. Alan drove down one morning to pick up myself, my wife, my father, and my cousin and his wife in a comfortable Mercedes van. From there he drove us to Pompeii, found us an English speaking tour guide and worked out all the pricing. After our tour of Pompeii he drove us down the Amalfi coast, stopping for lunch and a few scenic views in Sorrento. Alan new a nice lunch spot, and a few shops to sample lemoncello and some lemon candies, etc. From there we drove on to Positano, where we spent a few hours walking around. Alan then drove us back to Gaeta late that night. It was a very long day, but with Alan driving and providing history and stories, the whole day was very interesting. Several days later we moved up to spend some time in Rome. Alan drove my wife, father and I around Rome for half a day, showing us the highlights and providing us with a lot of history. He is very knowledgeable. After stopping at a great, local lunch spot that we never would have found, he dropped my wife and I at the Coliseum for a tour, and he took my father back to the hotel since he has already seen the Coliseum several times. Before he left us Alan walked us to the entrance and got us set up with a group, English speaking tour guide (all the while still providing us some history on the Coliseum and surrounding sights as we walked over). We also wanted to see Florence, so Alan had booked us a ride up there on the bullet train (he handled all the reservations). The next date Alan picked the three of us up at our hotel and took us to the train station. We then rode to Florence, it took about an hour and a half and was a very comfortable, easy trip. Once in Florence Alan walked us around showing us the main attractions. He booked our slot to see the David and got us to where we needed to be. For lunch he found another great local's spot that served the best steak you can get in Italy. At the end of the day we got back to Rome and Alan got us back to the hotel. Alan is a terrific tour guide, very knowledgeable, very personable and funny. He will keep talking as long as you want him too, and he has a great sense of humor. He also knows when to point you to an attraction and let you just roam around by yourselves (like the Boboli gardens in Florence), which gives both you and him a break. Driving in Italy can be stressful and chaotic, especially in Rome and on the Amalfi coast, so having someone like Alan who can navigate you around seamlessly is key. I would recommend Alan and his company to anyone.
Well, let me start with saying, we booked this tour last year (March 2017). We were unable to make the trip to Rome in 2017. We did get there this year in March 2018. Alan honored our original voucher with no problem. Plus, we called him at the last minute, and he said "no problem, I will be there in an hour at your hotel". He showed up at the time he said, and started driving me, my wife and 2 kids all over Roma. He took us to places and showed us things we had no idea were there. He is an excellent tour guide, and we recommend him highly. We can't wait to go back and have him drive us to even more places that he knows. Leo Cicerelli
