We just returned from two weeks in Italy and one of our favorite experiences was our tour of Jewish Rome with Micaela Pavoncella. As an active member of the Jewish community, she has a wonderful insight into the past, the present, and future. Everyone knows Micaela and she brought us together with several members of the community. We learned so much about the experience of the Jewish people in Rome. By the time we were finished we felt like part of the family. Her knowledge of the history of the ghetto was wonderful. She is so personable and vivacious. We recommend this highly.

We spent a wonderful half day touring the ghetto with Micaela - her community connections gave us great access to the entire area and even allowed us to witness a wedding ceremony in the synagogue when others were asked to leave.

She was extremely knowledgeable, personable and receptive to the needs of all members of the group from young children to teenagers and adults.

A few weeks ago my husband,and two of our three kids ( ages 25 & 15) spent some time in Rome and enjoyed a 3 hour Jewish Roma Tour with Yael. The tour was fun, informative and well thought out. Yael was punctual, charming and enthusiastic about the history and knowledge she shared with us. We learned about Jewish history in Rome as well as the Great Synagogue and the Jewish Ghetto. This tour was one of the most interesting things we did in Rome and I highly recommend to anyone who wants to know more about Rome whether you are Jewish or not. Stay and have lunch in the ghetto, the fried artichokes are sensational.

I must admit I was skeptical of paying a tour guide for a personal tour of Rome's Jewish Ghetto. With so much to see and experience in Rome, I wasn't sure the benefit would match the investment. I am pleased to report that this tour, lead by the dynamic and insightful Micaela Pavoncello, surpassed all expectations and easily became a trip highlight. Because of Micaela's passion and personal knowledge, the tour was more than a history lesson, but a living, breathing, relevant story of perseverance and promise.

I also enjoyed Micaela's style. I would say she has a "teacher's heart," as it seemed important to her that each of us grasped and connected to the content as she moved through each section. She even threw in a few pop-quizes, to which I found myself working hard for a "Bravo!" or "buono!" when I answered correctly (see photo). Micaela was a delight. I highly recommend this experience.