Rome group tours---is it customary to tip 10-25%?
Apr 20th, 2009, 07:23 PM
#1
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Rome group tours---is it customary to tip 10-25%?
I just booked a rather pricey tour with Context tours. The confirmation indicated that it was usual to tip between 10-25%. Given the high price of the tour, it never occurred to me that an additional and significant tip was expected.
Is this typical for all tours in Rome?
Thanks.
Is this typical for all tours in Rome?
Thanks.
Apr 20th, 2009, 07:56 PM
#2
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Given the nature of the tour, it seems atypical. But it's a specialized tour group and specialized knowledge comes with a price.
And given the costs listed in their website, "rather pricey" seems an understatement.
And given the costs listed in their website, "rather pricey" seems an understatement.
Apr 20th, 2009, 08:16 PM
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We took a Context tour a few years ago and everyone in our small group tipped the guide. We took a much cheaper Icon tour last summer and tipping was more sporadic on that one. The guides are always very appreciative, don't think they make much.
Apr 20th, 2009, 08:54 PM
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I've noticed that the number of people tipping for guided tours has lessened over the last 10 years. I used to tip every guide but now I seldom do although I always give a good tip to student guides.
When I took the Context Vatican tour we gave a hefty tip since the tour was so great although it was a few years ago before Context became pricey. I took 2 other Context tours during the same trip and tipped about 10%.
When I took the Context Vatican tour we gave a hefty tip since the tour was so great although it was a few years ago before Context became pricey. I took 2 other Context tours during the same trip and tipped about 10%.
Apr 20th, 2009, 09:27 PM
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A few euro is always nice. What a hard job they have. Compare it to wait staff. If you are spending a lot of money on a meal, you do not mind tipping. Why would you mind tipping a guide who is sharing their vast amounts of knowledge with you? I think it is funky of a company to suggest tipping though, along with the suggested amount. I think that would put me off right away. I have been on some bad tours, and I sure would not give a tip. I have seen other tours where everyone clapped, but no one tipped. Go figure.
Apr 21st, 2009, 03:55 AM
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This is an English tour run by a company that is based in the USA. I do not think that many Europeans take it; the guides all have degrees in art history. I was mostly upset because this tipping guideline followed the actual booking.
It seemed a bit tacky.
It seemed a bit tacky.
Apr 21st, 2009, 04:05 AM
#9
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I re-checked the Context website and my confirmation.
In the question and answer part of the website it does say tipping is not necessary but that the customers "generally" tip 10-25% which is the language in my email.
So my bad.
In the question and answer part of the website it does say tipping is not necessary but that the customers "generally" tip 10-25% which is the language in my email.
So my bad.
Apr 21st, 2009, 04:22 AM
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Context wasn't always based in the US. Originally the company was called Scala Reale and Rome was the only place they had tours. They have since expanded over the last few years to include other places in Italy, London, Paris, and the US.
Apr 22nd, 2009, 09:42 AM
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Kittie, I think tipping really is a personal choice, depending a great deal on how much you enjoy the tour.
I've taken several Context tours in the last few years, and each was so well done that I had no qualms about tipping (I think about 10 per cent each time.)
I've taken several Context tours in the last few years, and each was so well done that I had no qualms about tipping (I think about 10 per cent each time.)
