I love to take local organized tours to get an overview of a city before heading out on my own. Does anyone know of local sightseeing companies that were good in these cities. THANKS

Enjoy Rome (www.enjoyrome.com) offers a wide array of tours. I did their night tour.

Dear Mary,<BR><BR>Ive just returned from a magnificent trip to Rome. While there I came across an excellent tour company called Odyssey tours. They take walking tours throughout the city. I first took their Vatican City tour which was awsome and then took their Forum and Colosseum tour. Their guides were so knowledgable and their enthusiasm for the city was infectious. I really couldnt have experienced Rome so fully without Odyssey. Definately check out their website:<BR><BR>www.odyssey-tours.com.<BR><BR>You can book online for any of their tours.<BR><BR>Have a great trip and enjoy Italy - say hi to the Odyssey gang if you take their tours!<BR><BR>Best regards<BR>Joanne

Mary Jane<BR>I was recently in Rome and I used<BR>Scala Reale. They take only small groups (5-10) and their guides are either art or architecture professionals, but they don't overwhelm you with a scholarly approach. I took their Roma Antica tour of the Roman Forum and Colosseum,and it was four hours of fantastic information--the places came alive.<BR>When you sign up for any one tour with them, you automatically also get a 2+hour "Orientation Hike" or "Orientation Walk" (your choice). I took the "Hike" and on my first day in Rome we covered a tremendous amount of ground,and I also got to visit a couple of my "must sees" so that was a bonus.<BR><BR>I only wish I had used them for my Vatican tour.<BR><BR>I have a long file on Rome; if you'd like to see it, email me

My husband and I were in Rome for the first time just a few weeks ago and thought it was so amazing we're already planning our next trip back. We picked up an Odyssey tours brochure in our hotel and decided to check them out. we took their Rome by Night tour our first night there and it was great. there were only 6 people on our tour and it really gave us our bearings around the city. I think we probably would've gotten lost for hours trying to find all the squares and fountains on our own. There's just so much to see! We did the colosseum on our own and the borghese gallery and then took another tour with Odyssey of the Vatican and St Peter's. After that we realized we should have seen the colosseum with them too. The guide was an American girl named Mason with a degree in art history and quite a sense of humor. We learned a lot and never once felt bored. She even sent us to her favorite restaurant (and you should check it out when you're in Rome...it's called Antonio and it's near the Pantheon). So, check them out when you get there. You'll love them like we did. <BR><BR>PS: Our next trip to Europe is going to be a white one. Does anyone know the best way to transport skis around Europe? Thanks.

Elaine's advice about ScalaReale is correct ... you cannot go wrong if you use this firm. Contact their president, Tom Rankin as I recall, and make all arrangements via internet. They will have everything sorted out by the time you get to Rome, and then you'll see the value they offer. They can also be easily telephoned day or night while you are in Rome. Also, take a look at their restaurant suggestions - reliable. We also used them for airport pick-up ... very reasonable, and right on time. Ciao

Hi, <BR>I'm Crina from Odyssey Tours and I would just like to say thank you for the lovely comments about our tours. I will be sure to pass your accolades along to our guides. If anyone else is interested you can reach our offices at [email protected] and we will certainly ensure that all your requirements are taken care of. <BR>Thank you again for your feedback and we are glad you have enjoyed your tour.<BR>Crina <BR><BR>