Without hesitation, I would use contextrome.com - my husband and I were in Rome in November and could not have been more pleased with our tours. They only take a max of 8 people and the tours are run by people with Masters Degrees or Ph.D.s. You truly will get a great experience out of these tours (definitely do the Forum, Colliseum, and Vatican with them). I cannot say enough great things. As I saw tours that had 20 people or more (and the tour operator had the big obnoxious umbrella), I was so grateful for our tour. You are free to and encouraged to ask questions on these tours - they are scholars and love to answer all questions.

I am going to say no because I didn't get that impression but I can't say for sure if they limit it to 10.

Also, just check context rome's site. They charge 60 euro per person.

Icon is 25 euro per person. The tour definately gave GREAT historical info. Our guide was a sociology major and had more "people-oriented" stories to share as well. We found that really interesting and more of a fun way to tour.

Thanks to both of you for the helpful info.

Hi motor_city_girl --

Digging up this thread as I'm about to book a tour for my upcoming trip to Rome. Just wondering, did you prebook the "Ancient Rome" tour though Icon? Their site says you can pay via Paypal or call in advance for availability.

Thanks for your help! -- h.

I tried to prebook but it was just a few days before we left. We were there in early April and I went into panick mode prior to leaving because of the Pope's failing health (we arrived the Saturday he passed). I wasn't planning on prebooking anything but got concerned that things would really book up.

I called the day we arrived and got into a tour that afternoon. Don't know if I just got lucky but we truly enjoyed this tour.

The only complaint I have heard is that they are not quick to reply to e-mail ( I think they are more focused on the people they have infront of them because they are so into it). Don't give up because it is worth it.

Thanks! We might go that route, as well. We'll have several days to play with should they get booked up. Did you end up paying when you got there then? Thanks again! =)

Yes, we paid at the end of the tour...they want to make sure you are happy!

Hi Motor City Girl, and thanks for your recommendation of Icon!! I wrote several times to Icon and they were great about responding, once the itnitial contact was established. (The first time I wrote was via an ad from SlowTrav's site.) All emails--about 5-- have since been promptly, enthusiastically, and courteously answered
I probably will pre-book and pay for tour (Ancient Rome) as it has to be on a specific date--we don't have much flexibility. Again, thanks for the rec!!!

We are looking at a tour company called Rome In Limo Company. Anyone have comments about this?

We had a great tour of St. Peters and the Vatican Museum with Angel Tours. They are quite reasonably priced (25 euros for a 4 hr. tour). Our Irish guide was very knowledgable but his humour and personal touch made it interesting for our 11 and 14 year olds. Our group was about 15 people.

We did Ancient Rome and the Vatican Museum with Icon Tours. Both guides were awesome (Keffie and Douglas). My ONLY complaint is that they don't seem to have a policy in place for a maximum number of people on a tour, even though they say they offer small groups. For Ancient Rome we had 6 people, including us (2 other people were no-shows). The Vatican tour, which we booked well in advance, surged to 30+ people, many of whom seemed to have just wandered up. When I asked before booking, they said their tours were ususally 10-15 people.

That said, our experience of both sites was infinitely richer because of the tour guide's insight, knowledge and ability to share their passion for their subject.

Respone for Powellrk. I too am considering using Rome in Limo Comapny. Will share any feedback I get. Hope you will as well. I am taking 1/2 day tour after Westerdam docks October 2, 2005. Would love to get a small group together to save costs. [email protected]

Context Rome-most walks-maximum 6 people.Orientation walks- maximum 12.

The best!

Just wondering about Context tours - whats the pace? Vigorous, brisk, leisurely? On a 4 hour tour would there be times to rest?
We're both 30 somethings but my husband is diabetic and needs to occasionally check blood sugar, especially during vigorous activity.

Most tours are pretty vigorous but give you time for photo ops and taking in the view. You should be okay. Take bottled water!

We did two Context Rome tours in June. I thought the pace was fairly vigorous. The Roma Antica tour had fewer rest opportunities than the Vatican Museum. We were going along at a good pace at the museum and so had a brief rest stop (enough time to use the bathroom and grab a drink and sit for 10 minutes). The Roma Antica tour, because it is all outside, really didn't have any good places to sit down or use a bathroom. (Bring your own toilet paper if you do this tour - there are a couple of bathrooms but no TP. Same at Ostia Antica.) The main thing that makes the Roma Antica tour a little tough is the heat! There isn't a whole lot of shade at the forum! They are really great tours though.

Talk to the docent before the tour begins and let him/her know of your needs and concerns.He'll/she'll be sure to see that you're o.k.

Just returned from Rome and enjoyed both the Context tours we took. "Roma Antica" tour was great with Carlos and "Arte Vatican" was also wonderful with Caspar. Small groups and took lots of time for whatever areas we were most interested in.

My husband and I highly recommend Context tours. Our guides were fantastic and never more than 4 people to share in the info. The tours are intense information from 30 somethings who are finishing up their PHD's in Ancient Rome or Renaissance Art or the like. All were passionate about where they were and what they were doing. It was great fun to be around such energy.We just returned from 10 days in Rome and booked five different tours with Context. The Baroque stoll at 9 PM through Piazza Narvona, the Trevi and Spanish Steps...with a gelato stop. Made good friends with the other two on the walk and shared a bottle of chianti afterwards in the piazza. Each tour was amazing and different.We put all our eggs in the 'context tour' basket (due to this and other websites)and had booked all of it before we got there. We hoped for the best and were not disappointed. We had Jessica,Carlos and Petulia. I am sure all the guides are great.FYI..we did;
Roma Antica, Ostia Antica, B Stroll, Vatican and booked the opera through them. La Boheme under the stars. Also booked our car service to and from airport.Everything without a hitch. I would say this is too much for small children unless they are obsessed with antiquity and history..I also suggest journaling your days. I am not an avid journaler, but found it invaluable with all the infomation flying at me. We have even managed to retain some of it due in part to the journaling. Cannot wait to use them again when we go to Tuscany.