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Start Dreaming ...

Image by Mauricio Artieda

Skip the hours of arduous research. Start here ... 

Step 1
Below you'll find 14 itinerary elements. Hover over each to learn more. Then choose your favorites. You'll find pricing details below. 

Step 2
Email us at realrome@gmail.com and send:
1. the names or numbers of your favorite itineraries
2. all your available dates to be with us
3. number of people in your party
4. Whether you'd like to experience the Exclusive or Regular Package
5. Who recommended you to us


Step 3
Now relax and start dreaming. We'll do the rest. 

TRIP PLANNING

One of our most popular experiences.

Treasures of history, architecture, art, faith, and Italian culture come alive before you, as we guide you on the charming cobble-stone streets of the "Centro Storico" of Rome. With fascinating stories and colorful insights, we'll bring hidden gems, artistic genius of masters like Caravaggio and Bernini. and great marvels of Roman engineering, to life for you

Approx 6 hours. 

01

CHARMING
HISTORIC CENTER
CHARMING HISTORIC ROME

1

We'll unlock the complex language of the treasures of the Vatican by interpreting their profound symbolic meaning.

 

Explore St. Peter's Basilica and Square, marvel at Michelangelo's Pieta, and uncover the profound meaning of the art, architecture and religious symbology found in this magnificent and unforgettable holy place. 

Approx 3 hours. 

02

UNLOCK
ST. PETER'S
UNLOCK
ST. PETER'S
UNLOCK
ST. PETER'S     

2

Behold ancient ruins which will propel you back to the birth of the Roman civilization.  

We'll take you on a fascinating journey through time and bring history alive. You'll almost hear the whispers of ages past as you explore places like the Roman Forum, the Colosseum and the Palatine and Capitoline Hills.

 

Approx 5 hours.  

03

ANCIENT
CITY
ANCIENT CITY 

3

Revel in art treasures of Rome, and uncover hidden gems too! 

 

We'll show you the best of Bernini, Raphael, Borromini, Michelangelo, Caravaggio and more. Learn about the genius behind the work and how to actually "read" a piece of art.

Approx 6 hours. 

04

ART MASTERPIECES
ART MASTERPIECES 

4

Image by Viktor Forgacs

We'll help you discover your Christian roots as we take you all the back to the 1st century, when Rome was the epicenter of Christianity, which exploded to the ends of the earth.

 

We'll take you on an exploration  combining Scripture, Church history, Roman history, and will unpack the meaning of art masterpieces done by great Christian artists.

Approx 6 hours. 

05

CHRISTIAN
ROME                

5

CHRISTIAN
ROME             

Explore the profundity of the Catholic faith and its continuity and beauty, from the 1st century to the present.

 

We visit stunning basilicas, explore art masterpieces, and sacred sites and peel back their layers of meaning and theological symbolism. Through Scripture, you'll learn about the history and continuity of the Catholic Church in Rome.

Approx 4 - 6 hours, depending on itinerary 

06

CATHOLIC
ROME             

6

CATHOLIC
ROME             

St. Paul was martyred in Rome and imprisoned here twice.

 

We'll take you to the significant places of the great apostle, from his tomb to his martyrdom, and learn about his life, his mission, and his teachings.   

Approx 4 - 5 hours. 

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ST PAUL

07

FOOTSTEPS
OF ST PAUL      

7

castelli.webp

An hour outside of Rome are the Castelli Romani (Roman CastleTowns) known as Rome's "Little Tuscany." We'll share the best of these charming little towns - including one village named one of the most beautiful in Italy - with stunning bucolic scenery, blue volcanic lakes, and delicious and unique local cuisine.

Approx 8 - 10 hours 

08

CASTELLI ROMANI DAY TRIP
Rome's Little Tuscany 
CASTELLI 
ROMANI

8

Anchor 1
CASTELLI
ROMANI             

We’ll slip away from the crowds of Rome to one of the best-kept secrets nearby: the Castelli Romani (Roman Castles) and the Papal Summer Palace in Castel Gandolfo.

The countryside forms a cluster of a dozen villages, volcanic, ridges, and spring-fed lakes. It also represents Lazio’s prestigious wine region and the world-renown Frascati White.

This area is where wine lovers, foodies, poets, Roman Emperors, artists, and even the Pope himself escape the City to renew their spirits. Each village has its own gastronomic traditions and unique personality. (With private car & driver. Inquire about pricing)    

09

9

ENCHANTED
GARDENS       

You couldn't dream up these places! Depending on our itinerary, we can isit a UNESCO World Heritage site near Rome, a magnificent villa in the town of Tivoli surrounded by hundreds of whimsical fountains. Then, we're off to explore the remains of an ancient villa that goes back to the 2nd century AD, built to be the summer playhouse of Emperor Hadrian. (Inquire about transport and pricing.) 

Approx 5 - 8 hours, depending on itiernary. 

10

10

10

ALLA
ROMANA      

We'll visit a food market and shop as the Italians do. Learn about the art and science of Italian cuisine and what goes into the creation of authentic Roman dishes - pasta, olive oil, cheese, sweets, fruits, veggies, breads, and, meats 

Inquire about including a tasting experience. Buon appetito! 

Approx 2 hours. 

11

11

TRIP
PLANNING

 We know that trip planning is extra complicated when you're doing it in another country and language! So we'll take the mystery out of choosing what area of town to stay in, what's realistic to cover in a day, what places not to miss, and how to best get around town. 

 

We offer dedicated trip planning time by phone to help you design your family's dream trip.

 

Cost: 30 minutes - 30 Euro.

12

12

Nature is so beautiful_edited_edited.jpg
DAILY ITINERARIES
IN POPULAR ITALIAN CITIES,
CREATED FOR YOU

No need to start from scratch! Save yourself hours of research. If you have a short time to spend in a city, we'll help you get the most out of it. Ask us about creating a special itinerary for 1, 2, or 3 days in: Florence, Venice, Assisi, Milan, Rome, the Amalfi Coast, or, make a special city request.  30 Euro per itinerary

13

italian shoes.jpeg

Whether you're looking for luxurious leather, fabulous fabrics or gorgeous gifts, don't go where the tourists go. Depending on your fancy, Ashley will lead you to classic styles, unique boutiques or the funkiest fashion spots in the city. 

14

PERSONAL SHOPPING
PERSONAL SHOPPING 

13

We'll make your wedding dreams come true to be married in the romantic Eternal City, known as the city of "amore." (Inquire about pricing) 

15

WEDDING PLANNING
WEDDING PLANNING    

14

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

Beatrice Fletcher
USA

Our two days with John and Ashley were the best two days of our 12-day vacation. You helped me see Rome like never before! 

Even with my background in Art History, I learned more from you in a few hours than I did in a semester. 

 

Being with Ashley and John was the favorite part of my family's time in Rome.

 

They gave us very personalized experiences and their enthusiasm and extensive knowledge made our stay absolutely unforgettable! 

 

I spent nine hours on a very aggressive walking itinerary of Rome.

 

John Noronha is perhaps the most knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide I have ever encountered in any city anywhere.

John Mauldin
Mauldin Economics

John & Maria Elliott
England

Pricing
Image by Jakub Dziubak

Pricing 

Our experiences are private and fully customized.

We offer a Regular Tour Package or the Exclusive Package. The Exclusive Package is the ultimate touring encounter, sculpted for the modern-day seeker. It offers the deepest dive into history, culture, art, and faith, creating a unique opportunity to truly Know Rome and get the most out of your time in the Eternal City. 

Regular Package - For families/friends up to 4 people: 75 Euro per hour 

Regular Package - For families/friends of 5 or more: 20 Euro per person per hour

Exclusive Package - For families/friends up to 4 people: 100 Euro per hour 

Exclusive Package - For families/friends of 5 or more: 25 Euro per person per hour 

*Inquire about pricing for private car and driver 

** Details about cancellation policy below

To get started, email us at realrome@gmail.com and send:

1. the names or numbers of your favorite itineraries

2. all your available dates to be with us

3. the number of people in your party

4. Whether you'd like to experience the Exclusive or Regular Package

5. Who recommended you to us

Cancellation Policy: 

Although most others' services are pre-paid, we don't require an advance deposit from our guests. Instead, we go by an honor system and have an official cancellation policy. 

We understand that last-minute things happen and we'll do our best to work with you. Cancellations and changes impact us greatly since we've blocked that time only for you. That also means that, unfortunately, others who requested our time were denied that time. Thanks for understanding. ​
 

Cancellation 7 - 10 days in advance = 25% of total
Cancellation 3 - 6 days in advance = 70% of total
Cancellation 1 - 2 days in advance = 90% of total
Cancellation the day of tour= 100% of total

Sharon Green
USA

Ashley is totally charming, knowledgeable and a wonderful storyteller.

At the end of our visit, Ashley asked me what was my favorite part of the trip. I had to think for a few moments as everything was great.  And then I realized and said, "you were Ashley."  

I recommend doing as many experiences as possible with Ashley and John. 

Virginia Carmody

USA

In addition to John & Ashley's passion, charm and knowledge, the icing on the cake was their ability to interact with my husband and me at our level, while drawing in our children and talking to them in an engaging kid-friendly manner.  

David & Pat Howard, USA

We knew it would be special, but had no idea how amazing it would be! 

From the moment we met John and for the next 8 hours, we were mesmerized by his knowledge and by how quickly our rapport developed. In simply talking to us he learned our interests and from there we were whisked through centuries of art, politics, and religion all tied together in a way that we felt we had actually learned and seen more than we ever imagined. If you visit Rome, fit your schedule around this amazing man! You too will come away more knowledgeable and, if you are as fortunate as I was, with a renewed enthusiasm for your faith.

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