I am looking for recommendations for a tour guide for a half day or a day in both Rome and Florence. I would love to find someone who can be engaging and fun so that my 8 year old daughter will enjoy the tour. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Two weeks ago we were in Rome and used Daniella Hunt as a tour guide. She was excellent. We saw the Roman Forum and the Colosseum in one hot afternoon. Daniella did a great job keeping us all imformed and interested -- including our 10-year-old son. You can contact her by email at her web site:
http://www.rome-tours.com/index.shtml

jspowell, what were her fees?

If all else fails, remind your daughter that Madonna (and probably Britney Spears..or substitute the latest male heartthrob like Barney) are both actually Italian and are from Rome (when you're in that city) and Florence (when you're there). One of these memorables is bound to be hanging around the site you are dragging the kid to and tell her to keep an eye out...it MIGHT just work (for about two seconds!!!)
Seriously, I don't envy your task and I hope the guide works out. Sometimes Rick Steves will list guides in his books..we used his recommendation for Milan and she was wonderful.

Try Enjoy Rome Tours, they are fun walking tours with laid-back native English speaking guides. We had fun twice with these tours and there was a family on one of them, the kid seemed to enjoy it so she Enjoyed Rome.

DLN: Daniella Hunt charges $50 per hour (US$, not euro, since there is a sginificant difference now!), and will take about any form of payment -- I actually gave her a combination of US$ and euros, and I think she would have taken a personal check or travellers checks. Let me add that she is an American living in Rome, so langauge and communication is no problem.

Thanks for helping.

I know this thread is a year old, but it's exactly what I'm looking for, so, I'm reposting the question to see if any new insights have come about over the past year! Let me add that I'm seeking tours/guides that are historical, of course, but also, storytellers that will engage the children. www.througheternity.com has an interesting-sounding, interactive tour they call "In the Belly of the She-Wolf"-Discovering the hidden treasure of the Eternal City. It's a team scavenger hunt! Anyone ever done that tour or comment on other good, engaging, child-friendly tours? I appreciate the help!

topping