Understanding Rome Tours
Understanding Rome Tours
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Private tours of Rome taking the Eternal City at your pace, and focusing on what interests you. Proud to be licensed as a guide by the Metropolitan City of Rome, I have over twenty years experience guiding in the city and organize tailor-made private tours of Rome and environs. Exploring the city's multiple layers is relentlessly rewarding, and the only way to understand Rome. Understanding Rome is recommended by the New York Times, the Daily Telegraph, the Times, the Rough Guide to Rome, the Sydney Sun Herald, and Lonely Planet amongst others.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
179 reviews
Excellent
176
Very good
2
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
1
56mctr
Portland, OR12 contributions
Sep 2024 • Family
A little over a year ago, my daughter and I went to Rome on a 3-day scouting trip for the destination wedding she and her fiancé were planning. Neither of them had ever been to Rome, so I hired Agnes to give us a tour of Ancient Rome as an introduction to the city. What a fortunate choice! Agnes was so good that we began day-dreaming about including a tour for our wedding guests during the festivities. Not sure what might be possible, I reached out to her assistant, who was marvelously accommodating. With her wise help, we eventually planned two separate tours during the wedding weekend in September.
We were not an easy audience: we included infants, toddlers, children, teens, tired parents, and aging grandparents; we were all jet-lagged, many of us were just getting acquainted, and a few of us were preoccupied with last-minute wedding details. It was hot, and crowded, as Rome can be. But nothing fazed Agnes, or the colleague (Serena) she kindly brought in so that we could have two simultaneous smaller groups at certain points. Agnes is expert at navigating around crowds. And the tours were just right! Well-paced, and full of fascinating details that brought illuminating context to the complexity of Rome. I think everyone enjoyed themselves, even the children, and those minding them. One guest told me afterwards she would eagerly take a tour with Agnes or Serena of anywhere, anytime, and I wholeheartedly agree.
Now we are day-dreaming about returning to see more of Rome with Agnes!
We were not an easy audience: we included infants, toddlers, children, teens, tired parents, and aging grandparents; we were all jet-lagged, many of us were just getting acquainted, and a few of us were preoccupied with last-minute wedding details. It was hot, and crowded, as Rome can be. But nothing fazed Agnes, or the colleague (Serena) she kindly brought in so that we could have two simultaneous smaller groups at certain points. Agnes is expert at navigating around crowds. And the tours were just right! Well-paced, and full of fascinating details that brought illuminating context to the complexity of Rome. I think everyone enjoyed themselves, even the children, and those minding them. One guest told me afterwards she would eagerly take a tour with Agnes or Serena of anywhere, anytime, and I wholeheartedly agree.
Now we are day-dreaming about returning to see more of Rome with Agnes!
Written December 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much, it was super meeting you all. I'm delighted all went well, and thanks for sending the wedding photos! Best, Agnes
Written December 6, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Liz L
Ibiza, Spain14 contributions
Apr 2022
Our tours with Agnes were the highlight of our recent visit to Rome. Her encyclopaedic knowledge of all thing Roman, the history, the art, different influences over the centuries. Agnes' ability to communicate her knowledge and her love of Rome make this experience quite exceptional. We did 2 tours, the first: Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel and the second: Field of Mars, both tours were so interesting, we learned so much and enjoyed the whole experience. Worth every penny of the price and I can only hope there will be a next time.
Written May 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much Liz! All best, Agnes
Written April 28, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
GMS
Louisville, KY165 contributions
Dec 2021
A friend + I toured Ancient Rome with Agnes in early December 2021. It was my friend's first time in Rome + my third time on a tour of the same area. She was engaging, entertaining, and I was able to walk away learning things about Ancient Rome I had not learned on previous (also excellent) tours. Highly recommend!
Written March 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you! Very best, Agnes
Written April 28, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lady Fuchsia A
Seaford, UK4 contributions
Dec 2022 • Friends
For the last three years now I have had online talks for my birthday. Although I do this just for me, I do invite my friends to share and it’s just such a perfect way to share my favorite subjects with them.
Agnes is such the perfect host and guide. Every talk has been beyond exceptional and so informative. Even though all my friends have very different likes and dislikes they always love these talks.
I have even had the pleasure of having an in person tour and frankly it is like wondering around with a good friend.
Would always recommend Anges work including her blogs and podcasts.
Always a pleasure.
Agnes is such the perfect host and guide. Every talk has been beyond exceptional and so informative. Even though all my friends have very different likes and dislikes they always love these talks.
I have even had the pleasure of having an in person tour and frankly it is like wondering around with a good friend.
Would always recommend Anges work including her blogs and podcasts.
Always a pleasure.
Written December 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So nice meeting you in real life Fuschia. All very best, Agnes
Written April 28, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
KentSJC
San Jose, CA6 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Agnes is superb—and every other superlative one can imagine. Believe all these five-star reviews. She guided us through Ostia Antica, bringing the city and its history to life in a truly engaging way. We so appreciated her deep knowledge and the light touch with which she shared it. Also greatly enjoyed her wit and ability to show how classical Rome continues to inform our world today. We’re looking forward to touring with her on our next visit.
Written October 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Excuse the delay, but thank you so much for the review it's greatly appreciated! I'm so glad you enjoyed Ostia, it's a fabulous place! Best, Agnes
Written May 4, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Frank R
1 contribution
Oct 2024 • Couples
We booked a private Vatican tour back in February and received a confirmation. When we arrived at the appointed time, Agnes was a no show. When we finally were able to make contact, we were told that the tour was not on her calendar and that her assistant had forgotten to place it there. This even after we had paid our deposit back in February and had communicated via email with both Agnes and her assistant. Our deposit was returned very quickly along with an apology for an "all too human error", but no further consideration was offered for ruining what was a very important capstone for our party of four at the end of a 2 week trip to Italy. No compensation for the very inferior large group tour we found. No assistance to find an alternative, No discount on future tours, No interest on our deposit. Nothing. As per other reviews, Agnes does a great job, which is why we booked her. Word to the wise, triple check your confirmed reservations.
Written October 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Frank, as per our private correspondence both my assistant and I were mortified by the error. When we realised, unfortunately too late to resolve the problem that afternoon, an alternative of the following day was offered, a full refund and profuse apologies. Unfortunately there were no last minute tickets available (they are snapped up by the sort of group tour you ended up with) so I had no alternative to propose. I completely understand that your schedule didn't allow for moving to the following day, and I also understand that the fact nothing of this sort has happened before is also of little help to you. The only email I sent you was a single line confirming payment, I didn't check the date of the tour as that's dealt with by my (extremely conscientious) assistant. Unfortunately she simply made a mistake. I apologise once again, and very much hope next time you're in Rome I will be able to remediate the situation. Sincere regards, Agnes
Written December 6, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JG
Chicago, IL10 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
My husband and I took Agnes’s Vatican museums tour and had an absolutely wonderful afternoon. All communication before the actual tour date was A+ and Agnes was delightful: super knowledgable about the Vatican’s history and collections as well as Rome in general, personable, and really fun to hang out with. She kept our particular interest in Raphael in mind as we toured around - very much appreciated. We learned a great deal and had a really enjoyable experience. The tour was unquestionably worth the price and we’d love to do another tour with Agnes on our next visit.
Written April 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much! All best, Agnes
Written April 28, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JOHN&ELLIE
10 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
A tour with Agnes is a tour you will never forget! Agnes is Tour Guide Royalty she has a depth and breadth of knowledge unparalleled, she knows how to share her knowledge in the most interesting and involving way and is never never boring or a drone as so many are. Agnes always has a fresh and interesting approach to her subjects, not like she’s said it a thousand times before. A tour with Agnes is fun and stimulating and enchanting and you never want her to stop talking.
Written June 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Ellie and John, what nice review! And what a delight it was to see you in real life after all those Zooms! All best, Agnes
Written July 1, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Glenn C
3 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
My family and I did an underground Rome tour with Agnes. It was exactly what I hoped it would be. We went to some places I would not have found myself and Agnes’ commentary let us appreciate what we were seeing. She was a very accommodating guide and showed great enthusiasm for all periods of history we encountered.
I cannot recommend the experience enough.
I cannot recommend the experience enough.
Written December 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Glenn, it was super meeting you all. Best regards, Agnes
Written April 28, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TW
Pittsburgh, PA27 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
I booked two separate days of private tours with Understanding Rome, and Agnes was excellent! She complemented a fact-filled tour with more of the 'story' of Rome through the ages. Her knowledge of history and architecture is vast. The pace was just right. Would recommend highly.
Written May 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much, I really appreciate the kind words! All best, Agnes
Written July 1, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Can you give me an idea of the cost of the Water and Roads tour? Her website does not seem to list prices.
Written September 11, 2019
No sorry I didn’t do that one. We did the coliseum and the Vatican museum tours they were around $300 each as I recall. Worth every penny.
Written September 12, 2019
Hello just a quick question how much are these tours?
Many thanks
M
Written November 25, 2015
300 euro for family of 4 including tickets for some or little more
Written April 6, 2018
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