We're on a Celebrity cruise and only have a day in Rome. We'd prefer to find a tour /tour guide on our own...not the shore excursion from the ship. Any ideas for really exceptional tour companies, or guides? Also suggestions for managing the short time we have?

Cheryl W

Cheryl,

If you havent done yet, i strongly suggest you visit the Celebrity boards in Cruise Critic and find the Roll call for your cruise. Lots of info there.

Through Eternity Tours are excellent for group tours. For a private tour guide we had Robert Huber who was fantastic. He's an American who has lived in Rome for the last 13 years and teaches at a university in Rome. You can reach him at [email protected].

Context Rome has fabulous tours with only a handful of people..We did The Forum etc and the Sistine Chapel...Not sure you could do both in only one day....I would email them and see what they can offer.

Your limited hours may be a problem - meaning that you might need a (very expensive) private tour. If you look at the hours you will be in Rome I think you may find you can;t join any of the smaller/better tours. You might want to try to find another couple from the cruise and split costs for a private tour that way.

Check out Daniella Hunt at www.rome-tours.com.