RomeInLimo questions

[Quendryth]

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.

 

They are more than drivers IMHO! They do what the law says they are able to do but so much more in a very professional manner. I have used this company for several years and will continue to do so when I am in Italy. I am sailing to Alaska this year so I will not have Francesco or Vincent to escort me so I will be on my own. You will not be sorry if you use this company. Jany is wonderful & will arrange whatever is needed to make your tour worth every penny!

 

Enjoy!

 

Faith

[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.

 

I should add that we used DriveAmalfi.com for our tour of Naples and they arranged for Giuseppe to meet us at Pompeii.

[travl2day]

We used RIL on our trip to Italy and had a FANTASTIC time with everyone we encounterd from RIL. Jany was AWESOME. I don't think she ever sleeps and is always very professional and friendly. The Rome In Limo drivers & guides all earn their money, they are fantastic and do not mind talking you just where you want to go. They will give you alot of information before arriving to a site and then will pick you up at a selected time and go on to the next site.

 

Do not try to see Italy on your own when you can get a few others together and enjoy it so much more!

 

Enjoy

[SASSYIN2]

I have RIL booked for our May 23rd Voyager Cruise on RCL, for both Florence and Rome, based on everyone's reviews. But have had minimal talk on our M&M board, so no takers yet, They are expensive for jsut 2 of us so looking fo 2-3 more couples. Anyone have ideas on how to attract people?

[jwave]

Why don't you wait until your roll call builds up sometime after final payment. For our upcoming cruise, I organized and got tour shares around 20-30 days before we sail.

 

Even if you found someone to share your tour now, you can't guarantee that those folks won't change their plans or cancel their cruise between now and then. So I wouldn't even think about these things until you are well inside the final payment window. JMHO

 

I totally agree PLUS it is so easy to do this. Go to roll call and post the info, with the cost break down. I did this (and I am loathe to) and I had a full group with NO stress or strain. Easy Breezy.

 

also thanks for the packing link...fun site.

[jwave]

I used romeinlimo for two ports on my 10/08 med cruise; rome and naples. We had a wonderful experience with both ports, but you asked about Rome.

 

I will give you a link to my review: http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=49762

 

The short review is this, our driver Salvatore was excellent, sharing great tips and information, as well as taking us to a great lunch spot. Irena, our Vatican tour guide (through romeinlimo) was fabulous!!!!!!!!!!! I would not try to do it without a guide and the simplicity of having her booked and waiting in advance was priceless. I was very nervous about finding a great guide outside Vatican City blindly and quickly, then having to have to wait in line for tickets. We BREEZED through with NO waiting at all. All our time was devouted to touring. Plus, romeinlimo's reputation depends on your enjoying her/his services so they only choose well versed guides, the ones you find on the street could be anyone, and you won't have anyone to discuss it with if you are not satisfied.

 

Enjoy the Vatican...and Rome, you would not want to return, having spent so much money on the trip, regretting not using a guide, or saving a few dollars (euros) and hassling with trying to find the "right" guide at the last minute.

 

just saying.

[jwave]

I have RIL booked for our May 23rd Voyager Cruise on RCL, for both Florence and Rome, based on everyone's reviews. But have had minimal talk on our M&M board, so no takers yet, They are expensive for jsut 2 of us so looking fo 2-3 more couples. Anyone have ideas on how to attract people?

 

wait. once it is past final payment, conversations will heat up and people will start looking for excursions. Just post occasionally that you are looking for more people to join you on a preplanned, cheaper than the cruise line excursion and you should fill up. I had people asking if they could be backups, once I was full.

[jwave]

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.

 

We did NOT use a guide in Pompeii and what a mistake that was! Yes, I got the headset, but we only had two hours at Pompeii the headsets minimum tour was 4, I think. We could not keep up and did not use the headsets for most of the trip. We enjoyed "discovering Pompeii, on our own, but we both wished we had more time and a GUIDE. Pompeii is HUGE far bigger than I thought.

 

We are planning to do this trip again (this time with the kids, eek) and we will spend far more time in Pompeii (like 4-6 hours) on Naples day and definitely get a guide.

[bgsnmky]

This is great information...so you can book drivers and GUIDES through Rome in Limo right?

 

I used romeinlimo for two ports on my 10/08 med cruise; rome and naples. We had a wonderful experience with both ports, but you asked about Rome.

 

I will give you a link to my review: http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=49762

 

The short review is this, our driver Salvatore was excellent, sharing great tips and information, as well as taking us to a great lunch spot. Irena, our Vatican tour guide (through romeinlimo) was fabulous!!!!!!!!!!! I would not try to do it without a guide and the simplicity of having her booked and waiting in advance was priceless. I was very nervous about finding a great guide outside Vatican City blindly and quickly, then having to have to wait in line for tickets. We BREEZED through with NO waiting at all. All our time was devouted to touring. Plus, romeinlimo's reputation depends on your enjoying her/his services so they only choose well versed guides, the ones you find on the street could be anyone, and you won't have anyone to discuss it with if you are not satisfied.

 

Enjoy the Vatican...and Rome, you would not want to return, having spent so much money on the trip, regretting not using a guide, or saving a few dollars (euros) and hassling with trying to find the "right" guide at the last minute.

 

just saying.

[CruiserBruce]

Yes.

[cbowler]

A quick question about the guides - how long were they with you? We have guides booked with RIL for the Vatican and for Pompeii. I'm guessing about 2 hours? Is this really long enough? I'm contemplating extending the Vatican guide but am not sure if that is necessary or worth the price? Any thoughts???

[hylasgirl]

A quick question about the guides - how long were they with you? We have guides booked with RIL for the Vatican and for Pompeii. I'm guessing about 2 hours? Is this really long enough? I'm contemplating extending the Vatican guide but am not sure if that is necessary or worth the price? Any thoughts???

 

 

We used Romeinlimo in May and booked a private guide for Pompeii. We had our guide for 2 hours. If you want to see more things with your limited time in Naples, 2 hours will probably be about right. I could spend days at the site in Pompeii... BUT, for a cruise stop, 2 hours is a nice insight and then it's time to move on to the next great site.

 

If you have more than a day in Rome, I would extend time with the Vatican guide... but only if you have some more time there. I find everything around the Vatican fascinating and I am not even religious.

 

I do a LOT of research before a trip, and I try to have most of my historical facts down also... even with all that I find a private driver/guide worth every penny.

 

I have been to Italy four different times by cruise ship, and I still hire private drivers. For one... I want every second to count with my precious time in these amazing ports... I feel that hiring a local to drive me around is exactly the way to do it. I also know that as many people who have recommended Romeinlimo as a touring company, that the risk is nothing and the benefits are huge. It's also telling that the company doesn't even take any money from their customers up front.... you don't pay until the end of the day.

 

It really is an amazing service.

[cbowler]

We used Romeinlimo in May and booked a private guide for Pompeii. We had our guide for 2 hours. If you want to see more things with your limited time in Naples, 2 hours will probably be about right. I could spend days at the site in Pompeii... BUT, for a cruise stop, 2 hours is a nice insight and then it's time to move on to the next great site.

 

If you have more than a day in Rome, I would extend time with the Vatican guide... but only if you have some more time there. I find everything around the Vatican fascinating and I am not even religious.

 

I do a LOT of research before a trip, and I try to have most of my historical facts down also... even with all that I find a private driver/guide worth every penny.

 

I have been to Italy four different times by cruise ship, and I still hire private drivers. For one... I want every second to count with my precious time in these amazing ports... I feel that hiring a local to drive me around is exactly the way to do it. I also know that as many people who have recommended Romeinlimo as a touring company, that the risk is nothing and the benefits are huge. It's also telling that the company doesn't even take any money from their customers up front.... you don't pay until the end of the day.

 

It really is an amazing service.

 

Thanks for your input. We only have the one day for the Pompeii day so I'll just keep that guide at 2 hours. But we'll be in Rome for a couple of days ahead of time and that's where I'm thinking of extending the Vatican guide's time. I think I'll ponder it some more...

[hylasgirl]

Thanks for your input. We only have the one day for the Pompeii day so I'll just keep that guide at 2 hours. But we'll be in Rome for a couple of days ahead of time and that's where I'm thinking of extending the Vatican guide's time. I think I'll ponder it some more...

 

 

NO problem. You will LOVE Pompeii! Such an amazing place!

 

I am not religious at all, but the Vatican Museum is unbelievable! There is just so much history. I could spend all day in there! I have to break it up or the husband freaks out a bit... but it's a fascinating place. We have done it on our own a few times, and this last May I hired a private guide for our group, and it was such a better experience. It was so great to hear some of the history behind many of the pieces. It's just amazing! If you have the funds, Romeinlimo offers an "after hours" tour of the vatican museum. I couldn't afford to do this with my group, but I sure would like to one day.

 

If you plan ahead of time, try to get tickets for the Scavi Tour of the excavations under St. Peter's Basilica. I tried for 8 months and finally was awarded a visit for our family. It was truly one of the most unique things we have done in Rome. Let me know if you are interested and I would gladly give you some more information for it.

 

Have a great time!

[bgsnmky]

I would love some information on this:

 

Scavi Tour of the excavations under St. Peter's Basilica

 

Thanks.

[samavarcruiser]

EXCAVATIONS OFFICE

Visit of the Excavations below St. Peter's Basilica.

Given the unique location of the Vatican necropolis, a visit to these excavations is a privilege accorded to visitors by the Excavations Office and depends entirely on the space available and the preservation needs of the necropolis.

Due to the need to give careful attention to the conservation of this irreplaceable historical-archaeological site, wherein is preserved the original Grave of St. Peter, only about 200 visitors per day are permitted in the necropolis.

Groups are arranged by language and are composed of about 12 participants. Only those who are 15 years or age or older are permitted to make the visit. No exceptions whatsoever can be made.

 

On account of the significant and repeated difficulties that the Excavations Office has had with third-party requests for tickets (i.e. through travel agents, etc.), the Office will only make reservations directly for those individuals who will actually be visiting the necropolis.

No third-party applications will be processed.

 

Confirmations for visits will only be sent to those who will actually be visiting the excavations.

While purses and small handbags are permitted in the excavations, visitors are reminded that large bags and backpacks are not permitted in the excavations at all. St. Peter’s Basilica offers a free bag check service located in the lower right façade of Basilica. Large bags and backpacks must be deposited there prior to coming to the Excavations Office.

 

Photography, with or without flash, is not permitted in the excavations.

Visitors should dress in a way befitting a holy place.

Those who do not observe these norms will not be permitted to visit the necropolis.

 

Reservations

 

Reservations are only accepted in writing (by e-mail: scavi@fsp.va, by fax: (39-06) 6987-3017, or directly in the Excavations Office.)

With your request to visit the excavations, please provide the following information:

• The exact number of visitors

  
  

• Their names (in case of groups, the composition and provenance of the group is also needed [e.g. university, parish, etc.])

  
  

• Language desired for the visit

  
  

• The dates available during which the Office can arrange the visit (The precise time of the visit will be determined by the Excavations Office).

  
  

• Contact information (an e-mail address, fax number, or full postal address) so that the Excavations Office may advise you about your visit.

  
  

When a visit is possible, the Office will send a proposed date and time. If the proposed date and time are acceptable, the visitors must so inform the Excavations Office, which will then definitively confirm the visit.

When a visit is not possible:

Given the limited number of group possible, not all requests can be answered positively.

• On occasion, due to the vast number of requests received and the time needed to process them, it may not be possible for the Office to even respond to an application prior to one’s arrival in Rome. In such cases, the Excavation Office regrets that a visit will not be possible.

  
  

Office hours

The Excavations Office is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, except Sundays and holidays.

• Orario Ufficio: dalle ore 9.00 alle 17.00: tutti i giorni escluso DOMENICA e FESTIVI vaticani

  
  

• Excavations Office Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Closed Sunday and Holidays

  
  

• Bureau des fouilles: 9.00 - 17.00 (Ouverte tous les jours sauf le dimanche et les jours ferés)

  
  

• Geöffnet: Werktags von 9.00 Uhr bis 17.00 Uhr: Geschlossen: Sonntags und an Feiertagen

  
  

• Abierta desdelas9:00 a las17:00: Cerradolosdomingos y festivos

  
  

On the following dates the Excavations will be closed during 2006:

June 15th June 29thAugust 13-16thNovember 1-2ndDecember 8thDecember 24-27thDecember 31st

Usually the last tour each day begins at 3:30 pm

Tickets and Reaching the Excavations Office

 

The visitor must always confirm his reservation in the way and during the time period given by the Excavations Office in positive responses to requests.

Visitors ought to be at the Excavations Office [without large bags and backpacks] at least five minutes prior to the beginning of their tour.

The Excavations Office may be reached through the Holy Office Gate to the Vatican (through the colonnade to the left, on Via Paolo VI). The Swiss Guard will direct the visitors to the Office.

 

The visit to the necropolis ends back at the Excavations Office.

On occasion, the basilica and the excavations may be closed for unforeseen reasons. In such cases, the Scavi Office will attempt to reschedule those groups affected by the closing. When this is not possible, any reservation deposit will be refunded.

 

Excavations Office

Fabbrica di San Pietro

00120 Vatican City

Tel. +39 06 6988.5318

Fax +39 06 6987.3017 - 6988.5518

[foxeysandy]

Samavacruiser, thanks for the information! Have you or has anyone else done this tour? If so, can someone tell me how much stair climbing is required and how long the tour usually lasts?

[Turtles06]

Having recently returned from a 12-night Med cruise, I just want to add another big thumbs up for Romeinlimo. Six of us set up a private all day tour in Rome with them, with the pickup and return to our ship in Civitavecchia. Making the arrangements by email with RIL was very easy. Jany was alwas prompt in answering questions and in confirming our arrangements. (I agree with the poster above who says that Jany must never sleep.)

 

When we docked, our driver, Vincenzo, was there to meet us and was just delightful to spend the day with. Very knowledgeable, gave us tons of info on what we were seeing. And he took us to a little pizzeria for lunch right near the Vatican where we had what everyone agreed was the best pizza we'd ever eaten.

 

We spent two hours in the afternoon at the Vatican with a private guide that we'd booked in advance with RIL. She was amazingly knowledgeable and passionate, and I think we got a great deal more out of the visit than we would have on our own. My only caution if you use a guide at the Vatican would be to discuss in advance what your priorities are in terms of what you want to see, to be sure you have enough time at the end in St. Peter's or anyplace else in the Vatican that is of interest to you on this tour.

 

It poured the entire day we were in Rome, but we saw a lot and had a fabulous time nonetheless.

[euro cruiser]

Have you or has anyone else done this tour? If so, can someone tell me how much stair climbing is required and how long the tour usually lasts?

You can find many discussions by searching "scavi" on this board. There is one steep flight of stairs at the beginning of the tour, and a second, less steep flight back up at the end that leaves you in the basilica.

 

The tour takes a little more than an hour and is probably not for the claustrophobic (there are a couple of pretty tight passagesways).

[tetaf]

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!

 

There is a large group going from Northeast OH on the Voyager May 2. I have put together an 8-passenger 3-city tour in Italy with Romeinlimo. With your experience as a travel agent, I have a question for you. Many are very interested in using RiL, but our dilemmas seems to be payment and are hoping for suggestions. Because it's on my charge, and you cannot cancel after 7 days prior to the cruise, how can we be assured that all 8 will show at all 3 ports without possibly sticking us by deciding not to get off the ship that day due to a hangover form losing a lot of money at the casino (just as an example). We were willing to wire the money, but Romeinlimo will only accept the wiring up to 2 mos prior and people are becoming hesitant again. I suggested for everyone to pay me ahead (about one month for assurance) prior to and if they show up at the port, they get their share back for that port and pay their share to the drive in euros. If they decide to change their mind, they can have the opportunity to find a replacement either with our group or on the ship. What's your thoughts? We don't know each well, but we are all paid and going in the same group from the same area. The Travel Agent who put this trip together is also very much interested in hiring RiL, but is fearful of being put in the same situation. RiL replied that they don't normally do this, and two months prior is their deadline for wiring.

[mandrews2u]

How much do these tours run? It would just be my husband and myself, one day a rome tour and another day either florence or pompe/ No one has joined our roll call at all, we are going on Costa , guess it isn;t too popular, but it;s affordable,

[Terpnut]

There is a large group going from Northeast OH on the Voyager May 2. I have put together an 8-passenger 3-city tour in Italy with Romeinlimo. With your experience as a travel agent, I have a question for you. Many are very interested in using RiL, but our dilemmas seems to be payment and are hoping for suggestions. Because it's on my charge, and you cannot cancel after 7 days prior to the cruise, how can we be assured that all 8 will show at all 3 ports without possibly sticking us by deciding not to get off the ship that day due to a hangover form losing a lot of money at the casino (just as an example). We were willing to wire the money, but Romeinlimo will only accept the wiring up to 2 mos prior and people are becoming hesitant again. I suggested for everyone to pay me ahead (about one month for assurance) prior to and if they show up at the port, they get their share back for that port and pay their share to the drive in euros. If they decide to change their mind, they can have the opportunity to find a replacement either with our group or on the ship. What's your thoughts? We don't know each well, but we are all paid and going in the same group from the same area. The Travel Agent who put this trip together is also very much interested in hiring RiL, but is fearful of being put in the same situation. RiL replied that they don't normally do this, and two months prior is their deadline for wiring.

Once you've developed a good repoire with your group members, you should eventually be able to precollect all the money from them and before going on the cruise. Also, consider joining your Cruisecritic roll call and, if you have a large roll call (as we did), I think you will actually find yourself building a "wait list" as you near the cruise and even with new folks you meet onboard the ship! So, we had the problem of too many people wanting "in" on the various tours and not enough seats for everyone. In summary, as long as you behave with integrity, you won't have trouble finding people willing to pay to join your tour. Also, RIL can be flexible and generally will try to work with (and not against) you as to their tours. Good luck! :) Edited February 15, 2010 by Terpnut

[islandmandan]

Here's how we handled the risk of being on the hook for all three tours. You book one tour with your credit card, then have two others from the group of 8 do the same. That way you spread the risk 3 ways and you are on the hook for only one tour. Does that sound reasonable ? I hope that helps you

[tetaf]

How much do these tours run? It would just be my husband and myself, one day a rome tour and another day either florence or pompe/ No one has joined our roll call at all, we are going on Costa , guess it isn;t too popular, but it;s affordable,

 

For 3 ports in Italy, and that's only if you book all 3 with them, they will give you a break. 8-passenger minibus for each city is normally 600 euros. They give you a break of 550 for each city if booking all 3. Divided by eight, being very personal and seeing more than a cruise excursion sounds worth it to me.

[mafiadon]

I would recommend using Romeinlimo for your tours. We did a 12 night Grand Med this past October. We had a very large group most of whom I did not know but had been talking to on our Rollcall for many months. I organized 4 group tours and a transfer from ship to Rome after the cruise ended, they were wonderful and I wouldn't use anyone else, our tours were so personal and they took such good care of us making sure we got to see all that we wanted. As for how to pay I posted on our board what I was planning to book with all the details as to how much and the full discription of the tour. After I got all the info and who was going I also told every one that we needed room # and if they had any intention of backing out they needed to do it before I booked as it was not fair to the others in the tour to have to pay for their share and part of the couple that did not show up. We didn't have to put any money down to book and you paid in cash at the end of your tour. I had some very large tours and everything worked out great, maybe I was lucky with our group but I had no problem. I do know that we got a discount with RIM because we books many tours with them, they were always available to call if I had any questions and emails were answered very quickly. I am going back to Italy in Oct of 2011 and I will be booking them again with out any hesitation we got our money's worth and more. If you have any questions I will check back or you could email me at ldavison@twcny.rr.com