Another strong recommendation for Daniela Hunt in Rome and for Context Tours in Rome and Florence.

We had very good tours of ancient Rome with Sonia Tavoletta last October (50 euros/hr), and of the Vatican with Daniella Hunt (65 euro's per hour). Very different personalities, but both very good. Sonia is Italian, very articulate, and very passionate about Roman history. Daniella is more low key and casual; with both, the time flew by and it was well worth the money.

A wonderful idea for a thread . Thank you !

I had a fantastic experience at the Vatican last summer during a tour with Walks Inside Rome. They offer a semi-private tours with just a few people in the group so you still get the feeling of having your own private tour for a very affordable price with only 2 or 3 other persons. The tour for the Vatican Museum started very early, but I didn't mind it because we got to skip the long line and experienced the Sistine Chapel while it was still quite with hardly anyone in there. It was AMAZING! I believe that had I seen it with the rest of the crowd, the magnificence of Michelangelo's masterpiece would have been less fascinating. By the time we finished at the museums and went to St. Peter's Square, the air was just perfect and not yet too hot. The whole experience was unforgettable and our guide form Walks Inside Rome was very good and attentive. I strongly recommend them: www.walksinsiderome.com

Hi,
Has any of you heard about walkabout Florence? Their website is www.walkaboutpass.com My husband and I will be travelling to Italy next month and were wondering if we should take their "best of Tuscany tour" and their "Cinque Terre trek". Their prices sound very reasonable but we are trying to find out if the quality of their tours and guides are good too. Would be grateful for any info reg them.

bookmarking

bookmarking

Second the recommendation above (post by Ozlinz on 1/23/11) for Nadia Garlatti in Matera. Very personable native of Matera who speaks English well. Reasonable prices.

Alternate e-mail for her:

[email protected]

Does anyone know if Tours Around Tuscany is still operating? I have sent them an email with no answer so far.
They have a perfect tour for my brother's group.
Thanks.

I did receive an email from Tours Around Tuscany today. Since price was mentioned in another post I thought I would post the price of the tour of my inquiry: The Red Tour.
The price for our group of five adults and three children for a one day tour from 9-5 or six o'clock witn all admissions, transportation a wine tasting is E975.
I am afraid this is a little steep for us. But it sounds wonderful.

Rome: Sonia Tavoletta - [email protected]

We recently used Sonia for two half day tours of (1) the Vatican and (2) the Colosseum/Forum/Palatine, including the Colosseum underground/third level (must be booked in advance by telephone with Pierreci.)

Sonia speaks perfect English, is very knowledgeable, and has a wonderful attitude and personality. She enjoys her job and is good at it.

Bookmarking for friends who don't drive.

We would love a recommendation for a tour guide in the Bologna area - probably with a food focus. Ideas?

Glad this one came back! Bookmarking.

Bgmanne-
May I ask the price of the colosseum tour?
Does the guide have a website?
Thanks

@dperry:

Sonia has no website, just the email address. Her rate of 50E an hour is in line with the other top recommended guides on this and other similar forums. The Colosseum's (Pierreci's) fee for entry to the underground and third level with a private guide is 40E. You also have to buy the regular combo admission ticket - 12E per person. So, our 3.5 hour tour of the Colosseum (including underground and third level), Forum, and Palatine Hill ran a total of 239E for tow people. Of course, it becomes much more economical as your group size increases, as the price only goes up by 12E per person.

so much great info for our trip next month!

We had Luca Garrapa with Hills and Roads pick us up in Citavecchia on June 26, 2011 after a 7 day Royal Caribbean cruise. Can strongly recommend Hills & Roads. All arrangements made by email without problems. What a great way to transition into Tuscany after a cruise. Quoted and actual cost were identical at 42 Euro per hour. We had 8 large pieces of luggage plus 4 passengers plus Luca with room to spare in a large Van with big windows to enjoy the countryside. We enjoyed Sunday drive to Siena with many stops, great lunch and great company by Luca. Arrived in Siena around 7PM after getting picked up in Civitavecchia abour 8:30AM. Tuesday driver was man named Andreas and another wonderful day touring, same hourly rate 42 euro/hour all inclusive. Wednesday driver was attractive Dutch girl named Danielle from Siena to Florence for shopping and museums. We can without exception recommend Hills and Roads.

After using Luca Garrapa with Hills & Roads for 3 days, We had them drive us to Rome where we met up with Daniella Hunt with Mirabilia Urbis Tours in Rome. That tours name sounds like a big company but its just Daniella, who really gets into telling the stories of ancient Rome. She's animated and keeps telling us there will be a test at the end, but Daniella is really passionate about her history. Given a choice of a stoic, softspoken tour guide compared to Daniella, We'll take Daniella. She knew the great lunch spots to take us. We chose Daniella from this Fodor's blog and really happy we did. Cost for Daniella Hunt was very high at 75 Euro per hour for tour guide only compared to Luca Garrapa at 42 Euro per hour including vehicle/gas/etc. You also must add costs for tickets to St Peters & Coliseum plus 15 euro handling fee by Daniella for museum tickets.

Hi wadeh911. So glad you enjoyed your time with Luca and Hills and Roads. We have him scheduled for a tour in the Val d'Orcia next month.
The price is very reasonable and booking by internet a breeze.