RomeInLimo questions

[Lindypc]

If you are referring the question to me, I would ask Jany's opinion since she would know who has children. Duman is young and energetic and I'm sure would keep the children "entertained" while being a great driver/guide. Vincenzo is the other gentlemen we had and he is also great,so run it by Jany and she what she suggests! Shelly:)

I agree-Jany will know who to pair you with. We've used Jon twice in Livorno--once to Florence/Pisa and once to Tuscany. I also have to agree that Vincenzo is wonderful--words can't describe what an outstanding job he did!

 

As far as getting up a van load, we had no trouble finding people to go with us. We have used RIL for three separate cruises although I didn't book the first one. Just post (when people join the roll call--have you tried the week prior to your sailing? I know several people who are booking a back to back.) where the tour is going and the price. I also included RIL's website.

 

And, the tipping......since I got up the tours, I always felt compelled to tip more--maybe 10 euros each for DH and myself. I think it was because I noticed some people only giving a couple euros and I was over-compensating. However, on my last trip I was so busy dividing and counting that I failed to tip Vincenzo. I was mortified and emailed Jany that evening from the ship so she could tell him I would mail the euros when I arrived home. Guess what? Vincenzo called me at home to thank me--exciting to get a call from Rome:D

[Fauna]

Ok, I've read everything here done my research and decided to go with Romeinlimo. There will be four of us. This trip is in part a gift to our son who is in cooking school so lunch stops are going to be on the schedule.

 

Here is my question, can a book a tour for four and then add people if roll call folks want to join? Since we don't cruise until July, it is way to early to expect anyone else to join.

[Lindypc]

Ok, I've read everything here done my research and decided to go with Romeinlimo. There will be four of us. This trip is in part a gift to our son who is in cooking school so lunch stops are going to be on the schedule.

 

Here is my question, can a book a tour for four and then add people if roll call folks want to join? Since we don't cruise until July, it is way to early to expect anyone else to join.

Every time I've gone with RIL, I've booked first (sort of)--talked to Jany dozens of times to make sure I see what I want and then advertised. Once I get maybe 4 or 6, I'll book. She knows I'll keep advertising until there is a van load which does not take long at all. Those Italian tours fill up very fast!

[Grandpaul]

Ok, I've read everything here done my research and decided to go with Romeinlimo. There will be four of us. This trip is in part a gift to our son who is in cooking school so lunch stops are going to be on the schedule.

 

Here is my question, can a book a tour for four and then add people if roll call folks want to join? Since we don't cruise until July, it is way to early to expect anyone else to join.

We had four and added extras after the fact. Not a problem. Lowers your individual costs. as mentioned you want to reserve early so you have a vehicle.

[samavarcruiser]

Ok, I've read everything here done my research and decided to go with Romeinlimo. There will be four of us. This trip is in part a gift to our son who is in cooking school so lunch stops are going to be on the schedule.

 

Here is my question, can a book a tour for four and then add people if roll call folks want to join? Since we don't cruise until July, it is way to early to expect anyone else to join.

 

FAMOUS CruiseCritic Roll Call forums :)

[munkegodes]

1. We used Romeinlimo for 3 Ports of Call in Italy on our cruise last year. We had a group of 8 and it was a great/inexpensive way to see the sights. In Rome our driver, Mauro, was absolutely AWESOME! He was extremely knowledgeable and we did not have a guide. The only place we had a guide was at Pompeii.

 

2. Can't comment on Vatican guides as we didn't make it out there (they were closed).

 

3. We tipped on top of the fees. Mauro truly deserved it and I highly reco anyone to request him in Rome!

 

4. Don't know? We went to Pompeii out of a different port.

[Upgradefairy4u]

Look no further! Rome in Limo is the only way to see Rome! My only regret is that we didn't use them for all the ports. We relied on the ship shore excursions, when RIL is so much more. We had a family of four which when you divide out the price per person, it is less expensive than the ship excursion and worth its weight in gold. I enjoyed the personalized attention of having just the four of us in one van. It allowed us to customize the trip to what we wanted to see. My husband is a Chef and a HUGE Roma fan, so we were sure to include a restaurant that of his choosing and a stop at the Roma Store. My daughter's boyfriend has family in Rome that owns a Gelato Cafe so our afternoon stop included a stop for some creamy gelato. All we did was let Francesco know the name, and he took us right there! I can't say enough about RIL...can't wait to return!

[bgsnmky]

So I still need to READ this whole thread, but just curious so RIL is a driving tour, but then do they walk around certain places in Rome with you.

 

When I emailed them this is what I got.

 

"This a driving tour, with a driver/guide that would take them to all the main sites, give them sufficient information but cannot enter the sites with them. We only provide private tours."

That confused me a little.

Like do they go into the Vatican with you or drop you off to see it etc.

or is that what other companies do when they say they will do a walking tour

 

 

 

[CruiserBruce]

The driver is not allowed to walk around with you. You will get a lot of info from the driver while in the car.

 

If you hire a separate guide (for the Vatican, for example) that person will walk the Vatican with you.

 

IIRC, this is based on Italian law, and their definition of licensed tour guide.

[bgsnmky]

Interesting as I am talking wtih another company that is JUST walking tours!

 

they said we would just walk to the ancient are of rome and the guide would be with us.

 

Then to go to the Vatican, they would meet us in the hotel lobby and we would take a cab together...

 

Boy so much to learn.

 

The driver is not allowed to walk around with you. You will get a lot of info from the driver while in the car.

 

If you hire a separate guide (for the Vatican, for example) that person will walk the Vatican with you.

 

IIRC, this is based on Italian law, and their definition of licensed tour guide.

[chipmaster]

So I still need to READ this whole thread, but just curious so RIL is a driving tour, but then do they walk around certain places in Rome with you.

 

When I emailed them this is what I got.

 

"This a driving tour, with a driver/guide that would take them to all the main sites, give them sufficient information but cannot enter the sites with them. We only provide private tours."

 

That confused me a little.

 

Like do they go into the Vatican with you or drop you off to see it etc.

 

or is that what other companies do when they say they will do a walking tour

 

 

 

 

 

The driver for RIL are strictly drivers and NOT licensed tour guides.

 

For most stops you'll get dropped of literally at the base of the attraction and picked up at the same place. At some place they got out and talked to us about the sites; Circus Maximus, Colliseum, Forum. In two places they walked us to the attraction / entrance if they were too far; Trevi / colliseum. But they are not walking tour guide, you get your history and trivia on the drive in and from attraction to attraction. Frankly I don't think you'll miss much except the Vatican and possibly the colliseum if you go in.

 

 

I would say if you doing a drive tour from port a guide is only necessary for Vatican

[KansCocoa]

So I still need to READ this whole thread, but just curious so RIL is a driving tour, but then do they walk around certain places in Rome with you.

 

When I emailed them this is what I got.

 

"This a driving tour, with a driver/guide that would take them to all the main sites, give them sufficient information but cannot enter the sites with them. We only provide private tours."

That confused me a little.

Like do they go into the Vatican with you or drop you off to see it etc.

or is that what other companies do when they say they will do a walking tour

 

 

 

 

I used Rome in Limo last June for a 12-day cruise of the Mediterranean - and I wrote a blog that, while rather long, captures some of the information, tips and advice of our own experiences - what we did right, what we could have done better.

 

If you check out my blog at http://sodell2.blogspot.com, and specifically target some of the Italian ports, such as Rome, you can read exactly what Rome in Limo provided for us that day.

 

We had an excellent time with them at all 3 ports we used them - I would definitely recommend them!

 

Sherri

[bgsnmky]

THank you soo much! Will do

 

I used Rome in Limo last June for a 12-day cruise of the Mediterranean - and I wrote a blog that, while rather long, captures some of the information, tips and advice of our own experiences - what we did right, what we could have done better.

 

If you check out my blog at http://sodell2.blogspot.com, and specifically target some of the Italian ports, such as Rome, you can read exactly what Rome in Limo provided for us that day.

 

We had an excellent time with them at all 3 ports we used them - I would definitely recommend them!

 

Sherri

[2tsquared]

Interesting as I am talking wtih another company that is JUST walking tours!

 

they said we would just walk to the ancient are of rome and the guide would be with us.

 

Then to go to the Vatican, they would meet us in the hotel lobby and we would take a cab together...

 

Boy so much to learn.

 

What is the name of the company that provides walking tours? As many have stated, RIL is a great way to get around for a day, but then Rome can/should be "walked" to see other sites as well.

 

Thanks,

tt

[europebound06]

I visited the Med in May/ June of 2009 with my 13 year old daughter and used Rome in Limo in Naple and again in Rome. I did a tour with them in Naples and it was wonderful! We had 7 in our group. We drove to Positano, Sorrento saw the Pompeii ruins. It was a very lovely day. Our driver / guide was always available and on time and very informative.

When I arrived in Rome i did not take a tour but I did use Rome in Limo for transfers to my hotel and them to the airport. Again, they were very prompt, even for a very early flight. I would highly recommend this company for all your needs.

[rotel4]

We used Rome in Limo several times last summer, June 2009. Duman took us around Rome the morning our cruise was departing, and also drove us from Rome to the port. He was very knowledgeable and personable. We saw the Coliseuum, the catacombs, a bit of the forum, and many piazzas and churches. It was a great first day on a wonderful vacation.

 

I would recommend the guide at the Vatican, if for nothing else to avoid the line to get in. I agree with others, you should probably tip.

 

As for your Rome to Pompeii question, we also did this with Rome In Limo. This was the last day of our vacation and it was a fantastic end to our trip. The tour guide whom Rome in Limo reserved for us in Pompeii made this last day in Italy quite memorable. We can't wait to go back.

[Lindypc]

For those of you who said RIL are strictly drivers, I guess you didn't get our guides. Jon, in Tuscany AND Florence/Pisa (2 trips in 7 months) had a running commentary during the entire day. While he didn't get out at all the stops (parking is horrible in those two places) he would stop the car, tell us about a place (like Pisa--he parked right in front of the Leaning Tower) and then tell us he'd see us in 45 minutes or so. He was always there on time and then answered our questions. He did walk with us several places but dropped us off at the museums (went in with us to help with tickets) and then gave a specific time to return.

 

Vincenzo, for Rome also got out of the car (for example at the Colosseum where he had photos, a book, and before and answer pictures; he gave us an outstanding history of the C and the monuments surrounding it. We had opted not to go inside because there were so many other places we wanted to see). In fact, he got out of the car at most of the places with us. He also had reserved a delicious lunch and even took us into the restaurant. Now he didn't go into the Vatican but did introduce us to our guide. He started his commentary as we left the ship. I'm actually getting homesick as I write this!

 

Now in Naples, we hired a driver who just took us to Pompeii, Herculaneum and the museum. He told us a few things but did arrange guides to meet us at the ruins.

[euro cruiser]

For those of you who said RIL are strictly drivers, I guess you didn't get our guides.

What you have described are, basically, still drivers. I doubt if anyone meant that they simply drive mute and do not talk, which is what one would expect of a taxi driver.

 

Legally, however, they cannot accompany you into any of the sites, licensed guides must do that. There is no prohibition, however, on them talking as much as they like as they bring you there, or standing outside.

 

Of course, unless you are yourself an expert in the history, architecture and art of the region, you'll probably never know if what they are telling you is correct, partially correct, or a complete pipe dream. But you had a great time, so what does it matter?

[Freedomtocruise]

I would recommend using a specialist driver or guide in each of your ports of call rather than one company who farms their work out to local drivers or guides. Taking Florence as an example you really do need a licensed guide to see you through the galleries and museums rather than just a driver. In Rome you would need a licensed guide for the Vatican and in Naples you would need a licensed guide for Pompeii.

[euro cruiser]

Taking Florence as an example you really do need a licensed guide to see you through the galleries and museums rather than just a driver. In Rome you would need a licensed guide for the Vatican and in Naples you would need a licensed guide for Pompeii.

Hmm, well, while there are people who prefer to travel with a guide, for a variety of reasons, not everyone does. "Need" is a pretty strong word.

 

There are only a few situations that I know of where a guide is needed/required; one is the Vatican after-hours tours, you can't get in on your own without an approved guide. "Need" applies in this case.

 

During regular admission hours, however, you are perfectly able to enter and visit the museums on your own. The same goes for Pompeii. A guide may enhance your experience, but is not required.

[Freedomtocruise]

euro cruiser, you are of course correct, a guide is not compulsory but us old folks needed someone to explain things in detail and save our legs. With limited time ashore I would personally recommend using a licensed guide in the Vatican and in the Museums and Galleries of Florence and at Pompeii. In Italy only licensed guides are permitted to guide in historical sites and Museums and Galleries,

[Terpnut]

Hmm, well, while there are people who prefer to travel with a guide, for a variety of reasons, not everyone does. "Need" is a pretty strong word.

 

There are only a few situations that I know of where a guide is needed/required; one is the Vatican after-hours tours, you can't get in on your own without an approved guide. "Need" applies in this case.

 

During regular admission hours, however, you are perfectly able to enter and visit the museums on your own. The same goes for Pompeii. A guide may enhance your experience, but is not required.

 

euro cruiser, you are of course correct, a guide is not compulsory but us old folks needed someone to explain things in detail and save our legs. With limited time ashore I would personally recommend using a licensed guide in the Vatican and in the Museums and Galleries of Florence and at Pompeii. In Italy only licensed guides are permitted to guide in historical sites and Museums and Galleries,

There is no question that a guide can be beneficial for many but IMO, it comes down to the following questions about your budget, touring style and personal interests:

 

1. Is the cost of a guide a significant cost or no big deal when it comes to your budget?

2. How much homework will you do on your own to educate yourself or the group on the site prior to your arrival?

3. How willing are you to use your own guidebook(s) to learn as you go?

4. When it comes to walking around on your own, are you pretty adventurous or generally prefer to be escorted when travelling to strange foreign lands?

 

I'm personally like eurocruiser but when I travel with my parents and my little kids, I know they benefit from a guide because dad reading from a guidebook or speaking from my personal expertise in world history just isn't the same. :)

Edited February 3, 2010 by Terpnut

[oneknee]

From our experience (and can't agree more with a previous post about how fantastic Vincenzo was) we were given tons of info as we approached a site and then were off to expolre on our own. This was perfect for us because we had been to Rome before but enjoyed the different perspective that only a local could provide! In the Vatican Museum, you can rent headphones for the audio tour if you do not want to pay for a private guide.

 

Pat

[Freedomtocruise]

Most of our licensed guides worked out at around €50 per hour on top of the tour price so when that split amongst our group of 8 it was next to nothing and not a major decision to make. For example Pompeii is massive site and our guide Giuseppe ensured that we visited the most interesting exhibits and also got us entrance to some of the closed Villas which were not available to the general public.

Edited February 4, 2010 by Freedomtocruise

[sandinmyshoes]

I'm another huge fan of RIL! My family used them for our ports in 2007 and again in 2009 they were so great. I am a former Travel Agent and have taken many tours with different tour companies and found RIL to be the best ... and I never told them I was a Travel Agent so I got the same treatment everyone does. Their customer service, expertise, and willingness to make your family's vacation the best experience possible far exceeds the other tour companies I've used in the past. They are always my first and only choice in Italy.

 

For Fauna who asked if it was too early to ask people on her roll call to join her group, I say absolutely not. We have done this for all but our Rome tours and gotten participants many months in advance. In fact, I got so many for my Sicily tour last Nov. I ended up arranging for a second busload to accomodate my "new" Cruise Critic friends who wanted to join our tour. We use them for Rome, Sicily, Naples (Amalfi/Pompeii), and Florence/Pisa and have never had a problem getting back to the ship on time or experienced a driver we didn't enjoy the company of. They take care of your entire group with skill and grace, and because of this they book up early so make arrangements as soon as you can. They allow the freedom to change or cancel reservations if the need arrises, so no worries there.

 

Freedomtocruise mentioned he recommends using specialist drivers and not companies that farm work out to local drivers and guides. I completely agree. Fortunately, RIL isn't like that. All of the drivers they use (even outside of Rome) are people they work with constantly because they know them and trust them from years of working together successfully. The drivers in each port of call are all locals to the region you are touring and give you a local's perspective while providing you an authentic tour without the touristy junk that most people don't want to see anyway (like rug factories, etc).

I prearranged our private guides through RIL before arrival so we would have trusted licensed guides to escort us around and fully explain what we were seeing inside Pompeii, The Vatican, Colosseum, etc. The extra cost was minimal, but the experience was fantastic! You are taking a big chance by getting a guide at the gate. You never know if they speak clear Engligh, are interesting story tellers, share a love of the place, include your children effectively, etc if you just pick a guide on the spot. When we planned ahead with RIL, we always got guides that met our group's needs perfectly.

 

One last thing...although RIL provides "driving tours" with optional licensed guides, the drivers are wonderful about sharing their extensive knowledge about the places you are seeing. Each of our drivers (when we didn't have guides accompaning us) would park in a location overlooking the sites and get out and explain what we were seeing and what we would see in further depth when we entered the site on our own. They showed us their beautiful cities like we were old family friends. Both of our visits to Italy were enriched by our RIL tours. Enjoy!