I've been to Rome 4 times but have never done exactly what I wanted to do. I've seen all the "big" sights but would like to explore out the way places.
Any advise on a tour that would meet my needs?

"...a tour that would meet my needs"

Why a tour? The way to get exactly what you want is to plan it yourself and travel independently.

There is a company, http://www.untours.com, that provides support for those who prefer arrangements made but not with a group. But, to me, it always seems expensive for what they provide and not at all difficult to make your own plans and reservations.

Hi carman,

I agree. No need for a tour. I have only been able to visit Rome twice, but the second time was as a solo, female traveler. I researched, decided what I wanted to do and went and did it. No problem.

I did very much enjoy 2 walking tours with Context Rome, Rome Antiche. And their tour of the Vatican museums.

You have been to Rome 4 times but have never done exactly what you wanted to do? If you cannot articulate why this was the case, it would be hard to avoid going to Rome for the 5th time and again would not be doing what you wanted to do.

Which the the big sights you have seen? And which are the "out of way" places? This is ambiguous as what you consider out of the way places might actually be well known popular places if not the top popular attractions.

A prepackaged tour would hit the "big" sights. That is where the mass tour market is. Less visited places get to be that way because they are of interest to those with special interests. If you cannot articulate your interests, others can suggest specialty tours totally disconnected from "exactly what you wanted to do." Many of these places can just as easily be visited on your own at your own pace without bothering with a tour.

Hi Car,

Have you seen "Summertime" or "The Roman Spring of Mrs Stone"?

Best ways of going places the tourist rarely sees.

There are hundreds of tours out there. Google search what you are interested in e.g bike tours, food tours, ancient history, art, cinema. Then go book it. Viator is a booking agent so maybe check through what they have. Here is an example.

http://www.viator.com/Rome-tours/Food-Tours/d511-g6-c80

If you really want a tour...and can afford to hire a private guide, do that and customize. Please do what you want to do this time.

Daniella Hunt is a wonderful guide you could consider. www.rome-tours.com

yes, agree with above. you probably want a private guide. you will get an intimate look and an honest viewpoint. also... will say that we really, really enjoyed a morning cooking lunch with a group (cookingclassesinrome dotcom which is flawlessly reviewed and in an interesting section of rome. there were lots of singles there on our visit.

Have you looked at any of the in-depth guide books? The Michelin green guide is a great one and I'm sure has many sights that would interest you that you have not seen yet.

Since you haven;t told us where you have been I hesitate to suggest anything, but we loved visiting the following and many tourists don't get to them

Villa Giulia etruscan museum

San Clemente church - with several levels of the church down to the Roman Temple of Mithras at the lowest level

CONTEXT ROME offers many great walking tours, & also some evening tours which are great.

Rome is an easy city to navigate alone.
TrendGirl2

Hi carmar,

Last year I booked a vespa tour with ScooterRoma - just me and a driver/guide - since I had/have been to Rome multiple times, we didn't go to the big sites, but instead my guide took me to neighborhoods it hadn't occurred to me to check out (ie I had never been to the Testaccia neighborhood). It was fun and informative.

Lots of good suggestions above as well..

<but have never done exactly what I wanted to do>

Then why not self-plan your own itinerary this time? Do exactly what you want to do?

in Rome there are a lot of things to see. if you want to see the most important places, having more fun...I think segway tours could be a nice and different idea for you: www.italysegwaytours.com/rometours.asp .

There aren't many who know Rome like the handsome, super-smart Tom Rankin. You can book him through Context. He drives, and if you share your interests, he'll design a custom plan. His talent is supreme, and he's great company at a bar or for dinner. His insider scoops are priceless.

These are marvelous suggestions. "bookmarking