RME-01 BEST OF ROME AND VATICAN

This tour has been designed for those guests who wish to enjoy a complete overview of Rome. You will have the opportunity to drive where large buses are not permitted, allowing you to see more, walk less and capture the "Best of Rome".

This exclusive tour starts at your hotel and will take you to the Vatican where you will have the chance to explore the richest storehouse of art in the entire world: the Vatican Museums. Walk through the Tapestries and Geographical Maps Galleries, the Candelabra Gallery and the magnificent Raphael Rooms that lead to the 15th century Sistine Chapel which holds an invaluable collection of masterpieces such as Michelangelo's ceiling painting of the "Creation of the World".

Enter the vast expanse of St. Peter's Square through Bernini's colonnades into Christendom's largest church resting on 800 pillars and housing 44 altars. See the gilded Papal Canopy suspended over the altar where the Pope celebrates mass, the splendid gilt-bronze throne in the apse and one of the best known pieces of sculpture in the world - the Pieta, Michelangelo's masterpiece in marble.

Please note that if mass is taking place in the Basilica, the entrance may be restricted. Another thing that you should consider when planning a visit is that the Museums are closed on Saturday afternoon and Sunday (except for the last Sunday of the month) . In these cases the itinerary may be altered to accommodate local conditions.

The tour then goes to Piazza Venezia known for the Victor Emanuel Monument also called the "wedding cake" and for the building that was Mussolini's headquarters. Climb the steps of the Capitoline hill and enjoy a beautiful panorama of the Roman Forum with the Rostrum where Mark Anthony made his impassioned speech over the body of Julius Cesar.

Your driver can suggest several places where you can enjoy a local lunch with plenty of home-made wine during free time. Stop at the most beautiful fountain in the world: Trevi. Drive by the famous Spanish Steps where the finest shopping street is. Walk through Piazza Navona and do not forget to try the chocolate tartufo gelato. Visit then the imposing structure dated 27 B.C. called Pantheon where the great painter Raphael is buried.

Last stop will be in the most fascinating monument in Rome, a place where 50.000 people could assist to cruel battles between gladiators and wild beasts: the Colosseum. Drive by the impressive Arch of Costantine before your return to the hotel.

Please note that the order of the sights visited may vary according to local conditions and opening hours.

We would recommend adding the extra service of a private guide in the Vatican and getting fast track tickets for the Vatican Museums/Sistine Chapel and the Colosseum. Please contact our office for more information. Lunch and admission fees are not included in the shown rate. Please contact us for pricing.

Highlights:

- Vatican Museums/Sistine Chapel, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and Pantheon
- Pick up and drop off at your hotel
- The tour may be customized upon request

Notice:

Complete information including our phone numbers, meeting time and place are included in your confirmation voucher.
Please give your voucher to the driver at the end of the tour. We hand select our drivers and tour guides in order to give you the ultimate experience. We would love to hear from you after your tour is completed.
Your feedback is very important to us so please Send email

Important information

- This tour includes a professional informative English-speaking driver. Due to strict Italian laws & regulations that protect officially licensed guides, our drivers cannot walk with you into any site but can answer any question you have from the vehicle. A Professional licensed guide, where needed, can be hired on request at an extra cost.
- Please dress respectfully when visiting religious monuments; local custom requires covering knees and shoulder.
- Comfortable walking shoes recommended.
- The tour sequence may be altered to avoid congestions but always covering mentioned sights.
- Keep an eye on your wallet and purses at all time. Do not wear jewelry or carry large amount of cash.

Inclusions

- Professional informative and friendly English-speaking driver
- Private vehicle for the day
- Pick up and drop off at your hotel
- Flexible itinerary

Exclusions

- Lunch
- Admission fees if not mentioned
- Tips to driver and guide ( please read below for more information)

Gratuities

Tips are never included in our quotes.
I think that a tip shouldn't be included in the rate otherwise it would be a tax.
Tip only if you really liked the service.
Tips are a personal gesture and are given whenever the client feels it is necessary.
Tips are generally: 10% not bad - 15 % great - 20 % best tour in my life. Please report any abuse.

Is this tour private?

The tour is private, just for your party.

Is the driver also a guide?

Our English speaking drivers are NOT licensed guides. In order to provide you with the best-in-class service, our English speaking driving guides have been trained to offer our clients a nice overview with information regarding the major highlights avoiding the expensive charges of hiring a private guide. Due to strict Italian laws & regulations that protect officially licensed guides, our driving guides can comment and explain the sights only from inside the vehicle, but are not allowed to do so once they are outside the vehicle. They are regularly licensed instead to chauffeur the public. We highly recommend that you never book with any touring company that does not make this clear.

Does the driver go with us inside the monuments?

No, only a licensed guide is authorized to accompany you during the visit of sights. Our driver will  drop you off close to the sights but will stay with the vehicle for the duration of your visit.

Does this tour include lunch and admission fees to sites?

No tickets or lunch are not included in the rate. Please contact our office for pricing and reservations.

Does it include a guide?

No guide is included either. We would recommend hiring a private guide in the Vatican. Please contact our office for pricing and reservations.

What is the duration of the tour?

The duration of the tour is 8 hours including pickup and drop off at your hotel.

Is the itinerary flexible?

Our itineraries are completely flexible, and we will be happy to operate any changes to the original itinerary (within reason). Please contact our office with all the requests you may have so that we can better organize your day.

Is gratuity included in the price?

Tips are never included in our quotes .We think that a tip shouldn’t be included in the rate otherwise it would be a tax!!! Once in Italy do not feel as though you have to tip everyone because someone told you to. Tip only if you really liked the service. Tips are generally: 10% not bad 15 % great 20 % best tour in my life. Please report any abuse.