RomeInLimo questions

[wantocruisemore]

Wanttocruise: Could you share the price estimates that they gave you?

 

I don't have access to them right now and I don't know if they were giving me some special prices because I was asking for several things (& requested any discount possible), but they responded to me within 24 hours. It's easy to just check their website and email with specifics.

[lippyclan]

We just came back from our cruise on November 6th, and we used Romeinlimo twice. Originally, we were scheduled just for my husband and myself, with my mobility scooter folding into the trunk of the sedan. However, we met another couple who wanted to join us in Florence and in Rome, so I emailed Duman and Jany with a request for a minivan for each port. At first they didn't think they could do it, but then emailed me on the ship and said it will all work out. And boy, did it! When we arrived in Florence, Raffaele was there to greet us with this beautiful minivan, and the scooter fit in the back like a glove. He took us to all the beautiful sights of Tuscany and the center of Florence. We also went to the Accademia museum to see the statue of David. He was quite knowledgeable about the history, and gave us plenty of fun facts.

The next day we arrived in Rome and we were greeted by Vincenzo and his minivan. Although this was a two door, instead of a 4 door my scooter fit in the back just as well. He took us to all the famous sights in Rome, the Collisseum, The Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, the Synagogue, and of course, the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel. We had a private guide take us through the Vatican and she was wonderful! Her name was Katerina, and we didn't have to wait on any lines.

Our vacation was wonderful and I owe it to Romeinlimo. They were most accomodating, and I would highly recommend them to anyone who wants to see Italy.:p

[CruisingGoddess]

We used RomeinLimo in Rome (Civitavecchia4) and Florence/Pisa (Livorno). We were very satisifed and would use them again when we return. You can read the full review, including all the places we went, on my blog:

 

http://moonprincess.com/travel/category/cruises/europe-2009/

[Hlitner]

Some of these posts make me curious as to why folks who recommend specific private tour companies fail to mention the cost. In the interest of full disclosure and in order to help folks do a quick comparison of their options it is helpful to know some price history. For example, we might recommend to somebody who asks about renting a car in Civitavecchia that they can get a small passenger car for $100 for the day and drive themselves to Oriveto and perhaps a couple of other places. Their cost per person would be about $35 (adding in the cost of gas and some parking). Then another person will post some great info about using XYZ Limo company for the same itinerary but fail to mention that their excursion cost $700. My only point is that its really helpful to give all the info in the original post.

 

Hank

Edited November 21, 2010 by Hlitner

[CruisingGoddess]

Some of these posts make me curious as to why folks who recommend specific private tour companies fail to mention the cost. In the interest of full disclosure and in order to help folks do a quick comparison of their options it is helpful to know some price history. For example, we might recommend to somebody who asks about renting a car in Civitavecchia that they can get a small passenger car for $100 for the day and drive themselves to Oriveto and perhaps a couple of other places. Their cost per person would be about $35 (adding in the cost of gas and some parking). Then another person will post some great info about using XYZ Limo company for the same itinerary but fail to mention that their excursion cost $700. My only point is that its really helpful to give all the info in the original post.

 

Hank

 

Well one reason I didn't mention the cost is that my trip was a year ago and prices may have changed. If someone is interested in a company, they should always contact the company directly to find out the cost.

 

I don't think anyone is hiding the cost of RomeInLimo. A simple Google search will bring you to their web site where their prices are shown:

 

http://www.romeinlimo.com/

 

By the way, it normally costs $75 per person if you fill a van of 8 people, like we did. Also, we booked 2 tours with them so they gave us a discount on top of that so it was cheaper and better than going through the cruise line. Not everyone wants to be their own guide in a foreign city.

Edited November 22, 2010 by CruisingGoddess

[baggal]

Some of these posts make me curious as to why folks who recommend specific private tour companies fail to mention the cost. In the interest of full disclosure and in order to help folks do a quick comparison of their options it is helpful to know some price history. For example, we might recommend to somebody who asks about renting a car in Civitavecchia that they can get a small passenger car for $100 for the day and drive themselves to Oriveto and perhaps a couple of other places. Their cost per person would be about $35 (adding in the cost of gas and some parking). Then another person will post some great info about using XYZ Limo company for the same itinerary but fail to mention that their excursion cost $700. My only point is that its really helpful to give all the info in the original post.

 

Hank

 

For RomeinLimo, the cost varies depending on the size of the car and/or van; how many people are in the van; and how many excursions you book with the company.

 

Although you can find their rates right on the RIL website, for disclosure purposes: we were a group of 8 in a van that booked 3 tours with RIL this past summer. The cost was 550E per excursion or approximately 69E per person. I bought my euros at home when the exchange rate hit an all time low of $1.20 =1E, being charge $1.25 by the bank. We tipped about 10%. So the per person cost came to approximately $125 per person per excursion.

 

The cost was not as inexpensive as doing it yourself by public transportation - but compared to the average ship's shore excursion (I remember the ship's excursion to Rome was $269) the cost is less than half.

 

I found the down-side to booking a private shore excursion is the trust factor. The Mediterranean tour companies don't put groups together. You basically do the work for them by listing on your ship's roll call. Then you have to hope that people who are total strangers to you, do in fact, show up on the pier at the appointed time, if not, you are responsible for paying the entire fee. I have read some posts where this did happen. Otherwise, as long as your tour mates are reasonably civil, its a great alternative to the ship's excursions.

[scottbee]

For RomeinLimo, the cost varies depending on the size of the car and/or van; how many people are in the van; and how many excursions you book with the company.

 

Although you can find their rates right on the RIL website, for disclosure purposes: we were a group of 8 in a van that booked 3 tours with RIL this past summer. The cost was 550E per excursion or approximately 69E per person. I bought my euros at home when the exchange rate hit an all time low of $1.20 =1E, being charge $1.25 by the bank. We tipped about 10%. So the per person cost came to approximately $125 per person per excursion.

 

The cost was not as inexpensive as doing it yourself by public transportation - but compared to the average ship's shore excursion (I remember the ship's excursion to Rome was $269) the cost is less than half.

 

I found the down-side to booking a private shore excursion is the trust factor. The Mediterranean tour companies don't put groups together. You basically do the work for them by listing on your ship's roll call. Then you have to hope that people who are total strangers to you, do in fact, show up on the pier at the appointed time, if not, you are responsible for paying the entire fee. I have read some posts where this did happen. Otherwise, as long as your tour mates are reasonably civil, its a great alternative to the ship's excursions.

 

Roll calls are the cats meow for this sort of thing. We started to put together a group bus for Rome->Civitavecchia, and got enough people [49] from a roll call for a full size motor coach!! Ended up being 10€/ea; or put another way, it cost us for 49 people what the cruise company would have charged for 5.

 

However, most of Europe has excellent public transportation, and Rome is a great example. From the Civitavecchia train station (4 blocks from the port entrance), you can get a BIRG ticket for €9 which includes return rail to downtown Rome, and unlimited transit on local buses and subway.

[seahousern]

My group of 13 booked 2 vans (an 8 pass & a 6 pass) while on NCL cruise for Rome & Florence. (it was cheaper renting the 2 smaller vans rather than a large one). Romeinlimo was an exceptional experience! the vans were new & clean, all the drivers were knowledgeable, spoke english very well and were very personable and accomodating. We got to see so much more than if we had taken the ship tours! RIL is a great deal and i highly recommend it!!

[Emma1]

We are booked for 3 ports with RIL and I am concerned with the Pisa/Florence one out of La Spezia. We are 5 and my family has never been to Italy though I have. I believe my kids(15,14,12) would really enjoy climbing the Tower in Pisa and we plan to do this at 9:30am. The do we go to Florence? Or do Lucca and maybe Viareggio?

 

I am concerned that going To Florence will end up being too much car time. What experiences has anyone had with these versions of this port excursion? What to see or not see? Plus this day will actually be my son's bday.

 

My kids don't know about this trip yet so I haven't asked their opinion. WE will be on a Disney cruise on 7/9.

[CruiserBruce]

We are booked for 3 ports with RIL and I am concerned with the Pisa/Florence one out of La Spezia. We are 5 and my family has never been to Italy though I have. I believe my kids(15,14,12) would really enjoy climbing the Tower in Pisa and we plan to do this at 9:30am. The do we go to Florence? Or do Lucca and maybe Viareggio?

 

I am concerned that going To Florence will end up being too much car time. What experiences has anyone had with these versions of this port excursion? What to see or not see? Plus this day will actually be my son's bday.

 

My kids don't know about this trip yet so I haven't asked their opinion. WE will be on a Disney cruise on 7/9.

 

Discuss this with Jany at Rome in Limo. She will tell you if the time line will work. They will discuss the various options with you. They are there to make your trip work out. Rome in Limo is very professional and couldn't be more helpful. Just ask them.

 

Lucca is worth seeing. I don't know anything about Viareggio. Florence is a little ways away, so that is a factor.

Edited November 26, 2010 by CruiserBruce

[April7901]

Stefano is GREAT, we used him in September for our Rome Tour...just the Mrs. and I...He did such a good job we gave him 150 euros, he hesitated and said "that's alot of money"...we smiled and told him he earned it...Will request him in the future. BTW, he is native Frenchman and married a girl from Rome.

 

 

Hmm. Perhaps a different Stefano? Our Stefano said he was not married, but had just gotten engaged.

 

Either way ... glad you enjoyed too :-)

[PCWalton1]

Some of these posts make me curious as to why folks who recommend specific private tour companies fail to mention the cost. In the interest of full disclosure and in order to help folks do a quick comparison of their options it is helpful to know some price history. For example, we might recommend to somebody who asks about renting a car in Civitavecchia that they can get a small passenger car for $100 for the day and drive themselves to Oriveto and perhaps a couple of other places. Their cost per person would be about $35 (adding in the cost of gas and some parking). Then another person will post some great info about using XYZ Limo company for the same itinerary but fail to mention that their excursion cost $700. My only point is that its really helpful to give all the info in the original post.

 

Hank

Just never thought listing the price was necessary. We paid 550 euros per port split 8 ways. But of course you know how much these cost, you were just trying to bring up a point that driving yourself is cheaper. That may have worked if we had driven in Europe before, knew the language and had a clue where we were going. But since we did not, we were more than willing to spend $90 a piece to be driven around by someone that was able to tell us what we were seeing and knew the history of it. I just figured we spent three grand on a cruise, another 2 grand on airfare, I can spend a few more bucks getting a proper tour. Anyone that wants to drive themselves around probably would not waste their time reading a message string that is specifically about a tour company anyway.:rolleyes:

[dprice70]

I am jumping on the RIL fan list too. We use RIL for a full day tour of Rome in October for the two of us. Our driver picked us up early so we could go over what we wanted to see on our first trip to Rome. He was able to show us most of my list, saving some for the next evenings Rome by Night tour that he was doing as well. We walked into the sights, by-passing the long lines. He brought Rome alive for us, explaining the history of the area and showing us pictures of what things looked like when it was built.

 

The only disappointment was that he could not go into the sights with us. The large bus tours guides could go in to most places but the drivers could not. He was able to explain what we were going to see and make suggestions on what to look for when he could not go in with us.

 

There were demonstrations going on while we were in Rome but our driver was able to adjust where we going to avoid most of the traffic problems.

 

RIL really is as good as everyone says.

[luvtocook]

We just got home from a 21 day trip to Europe. We used RIL in Naples for an 8 hour tour with Rafaelle. There were 8 of us and we had a BLAST. Rafaelle was on time, professional, VERY informative and a LOT of fun. We really enjoyed our day. HIGHLY recommend Rafaelle for Naples.

We used RIL again for 2 days in Rome & Tuscany. We had Mauro both days and what an incredible amount of information we learned from him!!! He also is very professional, always on time, getting us to everywhere we needed to be exactly on time and his information is amazing!!!

Working with Jany in the office is also amazing, she replies immediately to all emails, can make any & all reservations for whatever you may ask. She must never sleep!!! LOL

WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND ROMEINLIMO!!!!

[LOP]

We hired Rome in Limo for 3 different private tours for 2 persons in 3 different Italian ports (Salerno (Amalfi Coast), Civitavecchia (Rome), and Livorno (Florence)).

We arrived in the port of Salerno, Italy on September 21, 2010 where we were greeted dockside by Carmelo from Sorrento. Of all the guides we saw waiting, Carmelo exuded the most professionalism.

Our tour started with a trip to Pompeii via Naples where Carmelo delivered us to the front gate of the Pompeii ruins just prior to opening. This was key to avoid the impending crowds enroute. We had as much time as we wanted to tour the ruins, but we elected to end our tour in 2 hours to allow us more time on the Amalfi Coast.

Due to a strike that closed the quickest route between Naples and Sorrento, Carmelo had to quickly reroute our journey over the mountain to avoid the strike and prevent missing out on the Amalfi Coast. He was very professional and courteous in informing us of this complication. This proved to actually be of benefit as we were able to enjoy more of the mountain countryside and small towns than we had planned.

Our visit to Positano was brief but pleasant. We then made our way down the coast to Sorrento where along the way we enjoyed surprising frequent stops to sample complimentary fresh tomatoes and limoncello all arranged in advance by Carmelo. Upon arriving in Sorrento around lunchtime we were pleasantly surprised once again by Carmelo as he had made reservations at a quaint friendly restaurant (Tasso)…the food and atmosphere were authentic to the region and the staff was courteous, friendly, and English-speaking…thankfully. They also left a full chilled bottle of limoncello tableside for us to sample at our leisure. Carmelo declined our lunch invitation so as not to intrude, but checked in on us to ensure everything was to our liking. Following lunch we had plenty of time to explore/shop in Sorrento and upon our departure Carmelo took us on a lovely tour of the town.

We were delivered back to the ship safe and sound in plenty of time for departure…(we actually beat the ship-sponsored tour groups back due to Carmelo’s foresight of the strike problems). Carmelo was not only knowledgeable of the region’s history but also a very skillful driver. The day was more enjoyable due to Carmelo’s professionalism, courtesy, and pleasant nature.

We recommend Carmelo for the Amalfi Coast tour. (quick tip: request a van for this tour so you can easily see over the wall along the coast and both side doors open automatically to allow for quick pictures).

 

Upon our arrival for our Rome Tour September 28, 2010, Stefano greeted us dockside and escorted to the waiting Mercedes sedan. We departed Civitavecchia and Stefano began giving us a brief history of the surrounding area and culture. He also gave us an interesting historic synopsis on how Rome was “not built in a day”, but he would try to show us all of it in a day.

Once we arrived in Rome Stefano drove us to the Vatican to check on the ticket line (since we failed to buy or request our Vatican tickets ahead of time), finding it too crowded for the wait he then drove us to an alternate ticket area for the Coliseum thus eliminating us having to wait in a line. This allowed us more time at the Coliseum and the Forum. Following this stop we visited the “wedding cake” and the Roman Capitol.

Our next stop was the “crowded pick-pocket haven” Trevi Fountain. We made our way to the water’s edge and tossed in our coins. The Spanish Steps were next which surprisingly Stefano dropped us off at the top of the steps and waited below thus allowing us to enjoy walking “down” the steps and sitting for awhile and relaxing. At this time we had our lunch and shopping time from his suggestions as to the area.

The Pantheon greeted us and although crowded, was quite enjoyable. Stefano then drove us back to the Vatican to check the line one more time…we strolled throughout the Vatican Plaza instead.

We concluded Rome in a beautiful park overlooking the city and reviewing where we had spent the last 7 hours. We then departed for the ship.

Stefano gave us a historic lecture throughout our tour and never made us feel rushed, it was quite pleasant and relaxing considering all we had to see in such a short time with minimal walking thanks to the curbside service we received. We highly recommend requesting Stefano for your Rome tour.

 

Dockside September 29, 2010 and Clara is waiting for us to depart her hometown of Livorno for Pisa and Florence for our 9 hour tour.

A pleasant short drive and Clara gave us a brief history of the area of Livorno and Pisa. She also asked what our day plans were and when finding out we would like to end the day at a winery in the Tuscan countryside, Clara quickly made a phone call and made the arrangements.

Pisa was brief and, since Clara got us there so early, empty. We had the place to ourselves which made for great pictures and a brief breakfast.

Off to Florence amongst the rush hour traffic and Clara got us there safely and began the tour from way up high overlooking the beautiful city where she gave us a brief historical narrative on what we were viewing.

Once we arrived in the city we were driven to one of the beautiful Piazzas to take in the sights and some shopping. Then it was off to the Academia Museum to view Michelangelo’s statue of David. Clara bypassed the “long” line with us in tow and whisked us inside where she escorted us to the ticket window and explained where she would meet us once we were finished at the museum.

We enjoyed so many sights of the city and ate where the locals do while making our way to the Ponte Vecchio area.

Hours later we were zipping through the breathtaking Tuscan countryside en route to the Fattoria San Michele a Torri where we enjoyed a brief tour of the winery and delicious tastings of wine, olive oil, honey, and bread all made on premises.

Clara and her knowledge of the regional history made this trip educational and fun. She and Rome in Limo are recommended by us for your tour in the Tuscany region.

 

In closing, we found Rome in Limo to be courteous, knowledgeable, and professional. We were never concerned in making it back for our ship’s departure. We would whole-heartedly use their services in the future.

[cw2go]

Can anyone give me personal experience with RIL Sorrento, Positano & Pizza School? Out of Naples.

We have read rave reviews but I cannot seem to find a direct post regarding this tour.

We are booked with RIL for Livorno tour: Pisa/Florrence and Rome tour: Rome Highlights as well. :p

Super bunches of thanks,

Patty

Edited December 8, 2010 by cw2go

[luvtocook]

We just did RIL from Naples to Positano & Sorrento and we went to a GREAT pizza restaurant, but I have never heard anything about a pizza "school". We had Rafaelle and he was FANTASTIC!!!! Very fun day.

[cw2go]

We just did RIL from Naples to Positano & Sorrento and we went to a GREAT pizza restaurant, but I have never heard anything about a pizza "school". We had Rafaelle and he was FANTASTIC!!!! Very fun day.

 

 

This is my quandry, it is a Pizza School in Sorrento. On RIL web site under kid friendly excursions??? My son will be almost 15 so we are deciding between Positano, Sorrento and Pizza School or the same with Pompeii???

Thank You Patty

[wantocruisemore]

This is my quandry, it is a Pizza School in Sorrento. On RIL web site under kid friendly excursions??? My son will be almost 15 so we are deciding between Positano, Sorrento and Pizza School or the same with Pompeii???

 

Thank You Patty

 

Since he is 15 he might be more excited about seeing Pompeii. Just ask him, he's certainly old enough to have input.

[PCWalton1]

This is my quandry, it is a Pizza School in Sorrento. On RIL web site under kid friendly excursions??? My son will be almost 15 so we are deciding between Positano, Sorrento and Pizza School or the same with Pompeii???

 

Thank You Patty

Why don't you email Jany at RIL and aske her for details?

[cw2go]

Why don't you email Jany at RIL and aske her for details?

 

Sorry, I should have come back to update.

I did contact Jany, we are now going to Sorrento, Positano and Pompeii. I have read in so many threads that I lost track of where to repost.

Smiles,

Patty

Edited December 9, 2010 by cw2go

[luvtocook]

We REALLY enjoyed our day doing exactly the same thing! I hope you enjoy yours too! Sorrento is a lovely town and Positano was really cute and of course, Pompeii is amazing!!!

[hylasgirl]

We are booked for 3 ports with RIL and I am concerned with the Pisa/Florence one out of La Spezia. We are 5 and my family has never been to Italy though I have. I believe my kids(15,14,12) would really enjoy climbing the Tower in Pisa and we plan to do this at 9:30am. The do we go to Florence? Or do Lucca and maybe Viareggio?

 

I am concerned that going To Florence will end up being too much car time. What experiences has anyone had with these versions of this port excursion? What to see or not see? Plus this day will actually be my son's bday.

 

My kids don't know about this trip yet so I haven't asked their opinion. WE will be on a Disney cruise on 7/9.

 

 

Well, you are definitely doing the right thing in terms of car time with going with RomeinLimo. You really will get the most out of the day with a private tour. On our very first Med cruise (when I didn't know better) we did a ship tour in Livorno. It was terrible. Don't get me wrong, seeing Florence for the first time was amazing! But sitting in a bus with 48 strangers is something that I'll never do again. Talk about wasted precious time! Definitely DO go to Florence if you've never been. It's a great city. It's very small and manageable in a day stop. It's nothing like Rome. It's compact and easy to see "the things to see" in a day. I don't mean to say there isn't more to do in Florence... there is. I've been there several times now. But it is a very easy city to do from a cruise port. And we totally fit in a stop to Pisa on our way back to the cruise port. The beauty of the private tour is they can have everything prearranged for you so there is no waiting in line. We had Romeinlimo reserve our times for the Accademia and we went right in to see The David (a must in my opinion).

 

Enjoy! Plenty of time to see Florence and Pisa.

[kazu]

Just a quick post - we have returned from our cruise and used Rome in Limo as well for Florence & Rome. If I could have used them for other ports, I would have. We were very pleased. Jany was excellent giving us advice and answering questions. Would definitely use them again:):)

[cruisertwo2]

We used RomeinLimo in December, 2010 in three ports - Sorrento, Rome and Livorno. In the first port we went to Pompeii, Positano, Almafi Coast and Sorrento, the second port we saw the city of Rome and the third port we went to Siena, San Gimignano and the Chianti Valley and visited a winery. You can pretty much make up your itinerary as where you want to go and they will customize it for you. The drivers were great and knowledgable. It was a wonderful experience and we would definitely use this company again!