RomeInLimo questions

[Quinn the Eskimo]

We just returned from our cruise and we used RomeinLimo for our tours on the Amalfi Coast and in Rome. Our drivers (Gianni in Sorrento and Vincenzo in Rome) were absolutely the best and the service was unbeatable. The guide at the Vatican (Catherina) was well worth the expense. At first I was skeptical about everything I read on these boards about RomeinLimo. They can't be that good, I thought. But they are. Go RomeinLimo. Trust me, you will not be disappointed

[SOOKIENY]

I second Quin the Eskimo. Can't go wrong with RIL.

[maweiss]

olechka, who was your driver/guide in naples that was "just ok"? would like to be sure i dont have that person, as there are sooo many others recommended that seem wonderful all around!

[ddavis539]

We used RomeinLimo for Rome with a total group of 8 people two weeks ago. My in-laws were on the tour and were very impressed, as they way more of Rome in that one day tour than they had seen in a previous 3 day tour to Rome. The catacombs were great.

 

We didn't opt for the provided Vatican guide, and by the time we got there there was only about an hour left before we had to start heading back to the ship, as the driver didn't want to encounter any traffic delays. While we were waiting in a long line to get in the basilica, a private guide approached us and offered to get us into the sistine chapel and museums much quicker for 48Euro each.

 

Six of us opted to take that option and spent the next hour sprinting behind a guide as she navigated through the backrooms and into the sistine chapel. If we had arranged a guide through rome in limo, it would have cost us 1/2 of what the impromptu guide cost. We have no regrets, since we never would have seen the sistine chapel on our own.

[samavarcruiser]

We used RomeinLimo for Rome with a total group of 8 people two weeks ago. My in-laws were on the tour and were very impressed, as they way more of Rome in that one day tour than they had seen in a previous 3 day tour to Rome. The catacombs were great.

 

We didn't opt for the provided Vatican guide, and by the time we got there there was only about an hour left before we had to start heading back to the ship, as the driver didn't want to encounter any traffic delays. While we were waiting in a long line to get in the basilica, a private guide approached us and offered to get us into the sistine chapel and museums much quicker for 48Euro each.

 

Six of us opted to take that option and spent the next hour sprinting behind a guide as she navigated through the backrooms and into the sistine chapel. If we had arranged a guide through rome in limo, it would have cost us 1/2 of what the impromptu guide cost. We have no regrets, since we never would have seen the sistine chapel on our own.

 

Thanks for your review - several options to tour the Vatican City ;)

 

http://mv.vatican.va/3_EN/pages/z-Info/MV_Info_Servizi.html

Edited June 17, 2009 by samavarcruiser

[fun_seeker]

4- Not a romeinlimo question, but has anyone ever done a day trip from Rome to Pompeii? Is that possible?

 

Thanks in advance for answers to my questions!

We haven't done the trip from Rome, but we have toured Pompeii. See if RIL can arrange a private licensed guide for you. The guide that we had was a trained archeologist and he was able to show us areas and tell us things about Pompeii that are not part of the usual tour of the place. He made Pompeii come alive for us and was well worth the money.

[BigGuy25]

... and, just for the record, their customer service before your trip is top notch. We have them booked for three cities in Italy next month and every time I email with a question or request I get a prompt response from an accommodating staff.

[CrazyCruisingCat]

We hired Rome In Limo for our Rome day portion of our week long Italian vacation. This was just a couple of weeks ago. They were fantastic. We opted to hire a driver and a guide for a full day tour of Rome. When divided amongst our group it was not overly expensive and was worth it for us whereas we had never been to Italy. They were wonderful. Julia was our guide and Vincenzo was our driver-guide. We saw all the main attractions in a power packed day and it was amazing. We did not have to wait in the long lines at all and were escorted right to the front. I kept hearing the saying, when referring to whether or not to use a guide, "You don't know what you don't know!" Rome is boggling and would be very lovely just to wander around gawking at things, but you don't know what you don't know and I much prefer hearing the history while gawking rather that just gawking. We chose to do Florence and Pisa without a guide and I rather wish we'd done it with guides. Rome In Limo was wonderful. They were accomadating, enthusiastic, fun, and extremely knowledegable. We threw all kinds of questions at our guide Julia (my husband and I are both art majors and have had our share of art history) and I was very impressed. She harbored a wealth of info on her beautiful city. I loved this tour, our guides and would surely use them again.

[chipmaster]

We hired Rome In Limo for our Rome day portion of our week long Italian vacation. This was just a couple of weeks ago. They were fantastic. We opted to hire a driver and a guide for a full day tour of Rome. When divided amongst our group it was not overly expensive and was worth it for us whereas we had never been to Italy. They were wonderful. Julia was our guide and Vincenzo was our driver-guide. We saw all the main attractions in a power packed day and it was amazing. We did not have to wait in the long lines at all and were escorted right to the front. I kept hearing the saying, when referring to whether or not to use a guide, "You don't know what you don't know!" Rome is boggling and would be very lovely just to wander around gawking at things, but you don't know what you don't know and I much prefer hearing the history while gawking rather that just gawking. We chose to do Florence and Pisa without a guide and I rather wish we'd done it with guides. Rome In Limo was wonderful. They were accomadating, enthusiastic, fun, and extremely knowledegable. We threw all kinds of questions at our guide Julia (my husband and I are both art majors and have had our share of art history) and I was very impressed. She harbored a wealth of info on her beautiful city. I loved this tour, our guides and would surely use them again.

 

You had Julia for the whole day or just the Vatican?

We had Julia for the Vatican, we really enjoyed here, highly recommended!

[travelite]

You had Julia for the whole day or just the Vatican?

We had Julia for the Vatican, we really enjoyed here, highly recommended!

 

We used Rome in Limo and were very pleased. Vincenzo was our driver/guide. He was full of information about the sites. He carries a book with him that shows ancient times and present day with overlays. There wasn't a question we posed that Vincenzo couldn't answer. We were so impressed with the book (ROME: Past and Present, with reconstructions -- by R.A. Staccioli) he used, each of us bought one (15 euros; it comes with an included DVD) outside the Colossium. We asked if and where it was available. Vincenzo never suggested or referred to a purchase.

We had a guide only for the Vatican provided by Rome in Limo. I can't recall her name, but she was an art major and knew her subject well. She was full of energy, enthusiasm, and very informative. She made the experience and visit rich, full, and memorable.

For the Vatican, I would be sure to have a guide booked through Rome in Limo. If you did some homework prior to the trip, and with Vincenzo's sharing of information, you don't need an additional guide for the rest of the day unless you require very indepth information constantly throughout the day. I can only absorb so much "fact" in a day. There's a lot to experience through your senses....give your senses time also.

[chipmaster]

We used Rome in Limo and were very pleased. Vincenzo was our driver/guide. He was full of information about the sites. He carries a book with him that shows ancient times and present day with overlays. There wasn't a question we posed that Vincenzo couldn't answer. We were so impressed with the book (ROME: Past and Present, with reconstructions -- by R.A. Staccioli) he used, each of us bought one (15 euros; it comes with an included DVD) outside the Colossium. We asked if and where it was available. Vincenzo never suggested or referred to a purchase.

We had a guide only for the Vatican provided by Rome in Limo. I can't recall her name, but she was an art major and knew her subject well. She was full of energy, enthusiasm, and very informative. She made the experience and visit rich, full, and memorable.

For the Vatican, I would be sure to have a guide booked through Rome in Limo. If you did some homework prior to the trip, and with Vincenzo's sharing of information, you don't need an additional guide for the rest of the day unless you require very indepth information constantly throughout the day. I can only absorb so much "fact" in a day. There's a lot to experience through your senses....give your senses time also.

 

I agree I found all my RIL drivers very good, couldn't imagine the need for an additional guide that could have provided any more entertainment and info during our drivetime. Was a trip of a lifetime and they really made our 3 Italy ports the best!

[corvettelover]

We used romeinlimo in November for Florence and last month in Rome and Tuscany. I had no problem filling the van for any of our tours and I highly recommend them. In Rome, I hope you are lucky enough to have Vincenzo who speaks perfect English (lived in Toronto for a few years). I have been to Rome 5 times and last month with Vencenzo we saw more sites than on the previous trips COMBINED. We went to the Catacombs, Circus Maximus, the Forum, Colosseum, an ancient house, the Spanish steps, Trevi fountain, the Pantheon, the 'Wedding cake', lunch, and a tour of the Vatican--museum, St. Peter's, & the Sistene Chapel. One of the high points was a 4 course lunch (restaurant adjacent to the Vatican) with wine for 20 euros each. He called ahead and the restaurant was waiting for us so we had the entire meal in an hour. I can't tell you how delicious it was. Jany had prearranged a guide at the Vatican who was waiting for us as per Vincenzo's phone call. It was worth every penny.

Just keep advertising on your roll call--be certain you list what you are going to see.

 

Just wanted to chime in here- we were in Rome last may and used romeinlimo, and had the same experience you see written here. We also had no trouble filling our tour on the boat.

[travelite]

Just wanted to chime in here- we were in Rome last may and used romeinlimo, and had the same experience you see written here. We also had no trouble filling our tour on the boat.

 

How did you go about filling your tour once on board the ship? How did you get the word around that you were looking for others to join your private tour? The Meet and Greet is the only means I have used on board.

[corvettelover]

How did you go about filling your tour once on board the ship? How did you get the word around that you were looking for others to join your private tour? The Meet and Greet is the only means I have used on board.

 

We spoke to others at dinner, in the bars and other public gatherings. We like meeting new people while we cruise, so this was not a problem for us.

The meet and greet wasn't much help, as everyone that attended was also online, so they already knew what we were planning.

 

What was interesting was that there were a number of 1st-timers to Rome who opted to do it on their own- train, and other public transit. Those I spoke with afterward were a bit frustrated with what they actually got to see. Doing it on your own is perhaps a better option for someone who knows the schedules and terrain, but if this is your first time in Rome, keep in mind you are only there for 12 hours. Would you rather spend your time trying to find out how to get from place to place, or actually see the sights?

 

Everyone will have a different answer, but for me, I'll use romeinlimo again when we return to Italy next year. Well worth the cost, and actually quite a good value when split among 6-8 travelers.

[SQNightOwl]

I totally agree with you about Rome in Limo. For the limited time visiting Rome from a cruise ship, they do a fantastic job making the most of your time in port. As independent as I am when it comes to travel, there are times when booking the pros to do it is the best choice. We had only 8 1/2 hours in port (for Rome), and they had the timing down to the minute to get us back to the ship on time for sailing.

I have found others on board to join a private tour, but I'd much rather get the group together on CC before hand.

We just got back from Italy last week (Naples/Rome/Florence) and totally LOVED our drivers and guides from Rome in Limo. After reading all the positive things written about them on Cruisecritic I was still a little nervous before the trip - but they turned out to be totally professional and dependable.

If you're booking the drivers from the Port of Naples, be sure to ask for the driver "Vito"... and also, ask for the driver "David" from Livorno...you won't be disappointed!

Have a great trip!

[Kathy130]

All wonderful words for Rome in Limo......using them next week and can't wait!!! So glad I booked them.

[BigGuy25]

Me too!! Like Kathy130, we're on the Ruby next week and have them booked in 3 ports!

[gmabcd]

So excited!! I am using them as well in all three ports in Italy. I am leaving on the Voyager of the seas July 26th and am so excited to using Romeinlimo after hearing such wonderful reviews!!! I was nervous also to commit to using a tour besides the ships tour.

[lizard6216]

I'm booking romeinlimo for some of my pre-cruise time in Rome, thanks to the many accolades here on CC. My questions:

1-They are suggesting an 8 hour tour with a driver, and a guide for the Vatican. Do we need a guide for other sites? Or is the driver usually knowledgeable enough to provide info?

2-Have you ever just gotten a guide at the Vatican rather than scheduled one in advance? If so, how did that work out? Did you still have to stand in line for tickets? Can you just visit the "church" on your own without tickets? (I obviously have lots more research to do! I visited Rome years ago, but I was on a tour and they took care of everything.)

3-Do you tip on top of the fee for the driver, or is it included?

 

4- Not a romeinlimo question, but has anyone ever done a day trip from Rome to Pompeii? Is that possible?

 

This has probably been said already...this is just my two cents worth. Our Romeinlimo driver Manuel was very knowledgable about everything he took us to see and many other things we didn't even think of that you normally aren't there to see. I suggest the private guide in the Vatican we got so much more info then if we had done it on our own. The guides are professionaly trained and very knowledgeable. They also suggest you pre-purchase tickets at the Vatican website. We did this and got a printed voucher. Our guide Massimo met us at the van took the voucher bypassed any line and came back with our tickets. Then he whisked us in the group entrance straight up the stairs and into the Vatican. No waiting for us. He was worth every penny!

[Lorlo5]

We just returned from a Mediterranean Cruise aboard the Ruby Princess. Three of our ports, along with Rome airport pick-up and port transfer to Civitavecchia were handled through RomeinLimo. I cannot say enough good things about this company. From the excellent communications with set-up, to the flawless connections at each port, and the professional and knowledgable drivers and tour guides, our experience was stellar. Vincenzo picked us up at the airport, delivered us to our hotel, returned the following two mornings for tours of sites in Rome that we selected with Jany's help. I recommend the Vatican guide as this will alleviate up to a 2 hour wait to enter. You will also learn and see the best of the best. Sarah was impeccable. In Livorno (Pisa/Florence) we also used RomeinLimo for a most enchanting day. John personalized our trip with a stop along the way between Pisa and Florence at a local market. In Naples we took the Amalfi and Pompei tour. We had not prearranged a tour guide for Pompei, but our driver Raphaelo recommended it. A wise decision. Alphonzo provided everyone with a tour filled with passion and intrigue. It was a highlight, but so was the mountainside lunch that our driver took us to overlooking the bay. Tipping was something that we wanted to offer given our great satisfaction. In all instances we were picked up and returned in time for ship departure, had wonderful lunch location recommendations and were able to modify the itinerary if we needed more time at one stop or another. Such a wonderful memory! You will not regret choosing RomeinLimo.

[bellagirl]

I'm booking romeinlimo for some of my pre-cruise time in Rome, thanks to the many accolades here on CC. My questions:

1-They are suggesting an 8 hour tour with a driver, and a guide for the Vatican. Do we need a guide for other sites? Or is the driver usually knowledgeable enough to provide info?

2-Have you ever just gotten a guide at the Vatican rather than scheduled one in advance? If so, how did that work out? Did you still have to stand in line for tickets? Can you just visit the "church" on your own without tickets? (I obviously have lots more research to do! I visited Rome years ago, but I was on a tour and they took care of everything.)

3-Do you tip on top of the fee for the driver, or is it included?

 

4- Not a romeinlimo question, but has anyone ever done a day trip from Rome to Pompeii? Is that possible?

 

I can only tell you what we did on our tour with RIL 2 yrs. ago. We did an 8 hr. tour with Duman and had him arrange a tour guide for St. Peter's. We didn't stand in line and had Sarah, who was wonderful in explaining everything. At the end of the day, we tipped both Duman and Sarah simply because we felt that they had gone above and beyond in their service to us. It was a very special day that we will never forget.

We are heading to Rome again in Nov. and will have Duman again as our guide! Shelly:)

This has probably been said already...this is just my two cents worth. Our Romeinlimo driver Manuel was very knowledgable about everything he took us to see and many other things we didn't even think of that you normally aren't there to see. I suggest the private guide in the Vatican we got so much more info then if we had done it on our own. The guides are professionaly trained and very knowledgeable. They also suggest you pre-purchase tickets at the Vatican website. We did this and got a printed voucher. Our guide Massimo met us at the van took the voucher bypassed any line and came back with our tickets. Then he whisked us in the group entrance straight up the stairs and into the Vatican. No waiting for us. He was worth every penny!

[mpb43]

 

4- Not a romeinlimo question, but has anyone ever done a day trip from Rome to Pompeii? Is that possible?

 

 

We did this on a trip to Rome a couple of years ago. It is a long day, but it was important to us and we thought it was definitely worth it. You can book one of the Eurostar Alta Velocità trains (ES-AV) which only takes about 1 hour 20 minutes from Rome to Naples. The slower leg is the Circumvesuviana train from Naples to Pompeii. Still, you can do the trip in a little over 2 hours each way if you take the high speed train. The high speed train is also quite comfortable and enjoyable.

[mj1010]

We used romeinlimo in November for Florence and last month in Rome and Tuscany. I had no problem filling the van for any of our tours and I highly recommend them. In Rome, I hope you are lucky enough to have Vincenzo who speaks perfect English (lived in Toronto for a few years). I have been to Rome 5 times and last month with Vencenzo we saw more sites than on the previous trips COMBINED. We went to the Catacombs, Circus Maximus, the Forum, Colosseum, an ancient house, the Spanish steps, Trevi fountain, the Pantheon, the 'Wedding cake', lunch, and a tour of the Vatican--museum, St. Peter's, & the Sistene Chapel. One of the high points was a 4 course lunch (restaurant adjacent to the Vatican) with wine for 20 euros each. He called ahead and the restaurant was waiting for us so we had the entire meal in an hour. I can't tell you how delicious it was. Jany had prearranged a guide at the Vatican who was waiting for us as per Vincenzo's phone call. It was worth every penny.

Just keep advertising on your roll call--be certain you list what you are going to see.

 

Wow, this seems like a lot to see in just one day. Did you feel rushed at all? I'd love to be able to see all that but I don't want to just spend a few minutes in each site just to say I saw it and not really have time to enjoy everything.

[olechka]

Agree with everything already said but highly recommend asking for a specific driver recommended on the boards, because some are definitely better than others. For Rome, request Mauro and Julia for Vatican, both are amazing. Mauro has 30 years experience or something like that in the tourism industry, he told us so much about Rome and history, the trip was flawless.

[Lindypc]

Wow, this seems like a lot to see in just one day. Did you feel rushed at all? I'd love to be able to see all that but I don't want to just spend a few minutes in each site just to say I saw it and not really have time to enjoy everything.

 

This was the oddest thing--we never felt rushed. Granted, we drove by the steps and the visit to the Forum was at an overlook,but we could see everything from that vantage point. We did not go into the colosseum but had over 45 minutes at this stop for photos and a little lesson with before and after pictures from Vincenzo. Every other place we had all the time we wanted. Vincenzo would take us one place, show us where to walk and then pick us up somewhere else which saved a lot of time.

Also, by him calling the restaurant ahead of time and our guide at the Vatican--we never had to wait. By having a great group of fellow cruise critic folk sharing the tour, we also were able to meet our driver at exactly 8:00 which meant that by the time we got to the catacombs, an English speaking tour was getting ready to depart. The entire tour was like a finely oiled machine. I do not know how we got to see all we did--a combination of luck, a great driver and never having to wait. It was also nice to not ever have to worry about the time--I knew Vincenzo would do that!:)