Know
Rome
Start Dreaming ...
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
CHARMING
HISTORIC CENTER
01
CHARMING HISTORIC ROME
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.
1
02
UNLOCK
ST. PETER'S
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.
2
UNLOCK
ST. PETER'S
03
ANCIENT CITY
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.
3
ANCIENTCITY
04
ART MASTERPIECES
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.
4
ART MASTERPIECES
05
CHRISTIAN ROME
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.
5
CHRISTIANROME
06
CATHOLIC
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
6
CATHOLIC
ROME
07
FOOTSTEPS OF ST PAUL
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.
7
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ST PAUL
08
CASTELLI
ROMANI
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
8
CASTELLI ROMANI DAY TRIPRome's Little Tuscany
09
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)
9
CASTELLI ROMANI
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.
10
ALLA
ROMANA
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.
11
TRIP
PLANNING
12
DAILY ITINERARIESIN 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
12
DAILY ITINERARIESIN POPULAR ITALIAN CITIES, CREATED FOR YOU
13
PERSONAL SHOPPING
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.
13
PERSONAL
SHOPPING
14
WEDDING PLANNING
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)
14
WEDDING PLANNING
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
Our experiences are private and bespoke.
We offer a Regular Tour Package or the Exclusive Package. The difference is content (although the length is the same). 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
Also Inquire about pricing for private car and driver
You'll find Details about cancellation policy below
*Rate change as of December 1, 2024
Regular rates will be 100 Euro per hour for up to 4 people
Regular rates will be 25 Euro per person per hour for 5 or more people
Exclusive rates will be 150 Euro per hour for up to 4 people
Exclusive rates will be 30 Euro per person per hour for 5 or more people
If you have financial difficulties, please let us know.
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.