Is Context Tours and Context Rome the same thing? I'm looking to take a tour of the Appian Way. Found one at Context Tours but the description was sketchy. I emailed them a question and have received no response.

Context Rome has been highly praised on Fodors and I was looking forward to using them. But having my doubts now.

yes, it is the same company. They have tours in many cities.

https://www.contexttravel.com/cities/rome

We have had nothing but great experiences using Context in Rome, Amsterdam and Paris

Maybe if you post a link to what you think is sketchy we can offer insight. This is context appian tour: https://www.contexttravel.com/cities...queen-of-roads it is a company that i have in highest regard. It started out in rome and is now international.

Yes, vinoroma, that's the tour I'm interested in. To explain further, the tour description specifies going from the Bath of Caracalla to the Appian Way by private car. I assumed the private car was included. However, when I went to book, there's an additional line item of $183 for a Sedan for 2 from the Appian Way Car Service. I have no idea if that's optional or required. Seems a bit expensive.

So I emailed them several days ago with the question. No response yet.

Just an update. I received no response to my email to Context tours, so we have decided to go another way.

That's highly unusual, but maybe not for August. Perhaps the office is closed for vacation? It's possible the office activity is just slower in August, and whatever docents are left in the city are busy working. I find that August in Italy is not the best month for communication. It requires more patience, especially with smaller businesses like restaurants.

I have a feeling they may be easier to contact by phone than email. That's just been my experience.

It could be that the whole group will be in one car but you can reserve a car for just you and your partner.

The only thing negative I would say is that the scholars who do the tours often have a very specific background. And that has made it hit and miss for me. It's awesome if the focus is something I'm into, but a bit mind numbing if it's not. I always learn something, though.

But surely for a tour company August is prime time. Not the time to close down and all go on vacation -- no matter what the rest of Italy is doing.