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. Choose your favorites
Step 2
Email us at realrome@gmail.com and send:
- the names or numbers of your favorite itineraries
- all your available dates
- number of people in your party
Step 3
Now relax and start dreaming. We'll do the rest.
TRIP PLANNING
One of our most popular experiences. We explore treasures of history, architecture, art, and Roman culture in the "Centro Storico" of Rome. Walk the charming cobble-stone streets and discover hidden gems, along with great marvels of Roman engineering, like the Pantheon.
Experience the artistic genius of masters like Caravaggio and Bernini, all while soaking in charming local Roman culture.
01
CHARMING
HISTORIC CENTER
CHARMING HISTORIC ROME
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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.
02
UNLOCK
ST. PETER'S
UNLOCK
ST. PETER'S
UNLOCK
ST. PETER'S
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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 the Roman Forum, the Colosseum and the Palatine and Capitoline Hills.
03
ANCIENT
CITY
ANCIENT CITY
3
Revel in art treasures of this city, 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.
04
ART MASTERPIECES
ART MASTERPIECES
4
Right in the heart of Rome, you'll 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.
All through a combination of Scripture, Church history, Roman history, and the unfolding of the meaning of art masterpieces by great Christian artists.
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, art masterpieces, and sacred sites and peel back their layers of meaning and symbolism. Through Scripture, you'll learn about the history and continuity of the Catholic Church in Rome.
06
CATHOLIC
ROME
6
CATHOLIC
ROME
St. Paul was martyred in Rome and imprisoned here twice.
We’ll visit the significant places of the great apostle, from his tomb to his martyrdom, and learn about his life, his mission and his teachings.
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ST PAUL
07
FOOTSTEPS
OF ST PAUL
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Our Exclusive Executive Experiences are for the traveler who prefers a deeper insight into culture, art and, history with exclusive access to special experiences. These are in-depth and aggressive one-of-a-kind experiences, which delve deeply into the history and character of the Caput Mundi. 100 Euro/hour for a group of up to 5. Discretion always.
08
EXCLUSIVE
EXCLUSIVE
8
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
GARDEN
You couldn't dream up these places! We'll visit two UNESCO World Heritage sites near Rome. First, 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.)
10
10
ALLA
ROMANA
Learn about what goes into the creation of bona fide Roman cuisine - pasta, olive oil, cheese, street food, fruits & veggies, bread, cannoli, coffee and of course, gelato. In the morning we can visit an open-air food market and shop as the Italians do. Inquire about including tasting experience. Buon appetito!
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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
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
PERSONAL SHOPPING
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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
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
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Pricing
Our experiences are private and fully customized.
For families/friends up to 4 people: 75 Euro per hour
For families/friends of 5 or more: 20 Euro per person per hour
Executive experiences for families/friends up to 4 people: 100 Euro per hour
Executive experiences 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:
- the names or numbers of your favorite itineraries
- all your available dates
- the number of people in your party
Cancellation Policy:
Although most other's 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.