The Insider's Rome

city while understanding the English speaking visitors’ context for their view of Rome and of Italians. Here are some other key aspects of my approach:

Group size: The Insider’s Rome groups are always very small. The maximum number of guests in any one party is 9. This allows us to move easily about the city and to eat in restaurants like any group of friends. My clients: I have a varied clientele. Among groups I have hosted were three couples traveling together, single couples, three generations of one family, people with teenagers as well as people in their 60’s and 70’s. Some were making their first visit to Rome, while others had been here several times before and wanted to get beneath the surface of the city in a way they were not able to do on their own or with a larger group. A personalized approach: The length of a tour can range from 1 to 5 days and I always customize the itinerary to address the special interests and needs of any particular set of guests. I prepare a draft itinerary for them to review before we complete our arrangements prior to their trip and then adapt it during the tour as we get to know each other. The sights: I’m allergic to mass tourism and tourist sites. We view the Roman Forum from the overlook behind the Campidoglio followed by a “walk around” of the Colosseum and the Arch of Constantine. When required, tours inside the Forum and/or Colosseum are arranged via the hotel concierge. Visits to the Vatican Museum are limited to the Picture Gallery, the Raphael and Borgia rooms, and the Sistine Chapel. I want to be clear that I am not an art historian. My approach is to discuss the art and artists in terms of their personalities, their intense rivalries, the often difficult and sometimes comical relationships with their patrons, their important legacies and - not least - their impact on Rome and the rest of the world. The food: I consider la cucina romana to be an essential, if not the essential, ingredient of the Roman lifestyle. One of the most valuable contributions I can offer my guests is to make sure they eat in interesting places where my relationships with the owners guarantees a good meal. We also make a point of trying out the traditional Roman dishes and wines that are often new to non-Italians. Transportation: I typically meet guests at their ship train or plane and don’t consider their visit over until I have sent them securely on their way to their next destination. Depending upon the size of the group we move inside the city with either a luxury sedan or mini-van professional driver. However, I want to emphasize that the car is only intended to get us quickly and comfortably from point to point. If there is something worth seeing, we stop.