Rome - is it worth spending on a tour guide?

shinypennies86

Hi I would appreciate feedback from anyone who has been to Rome.

It's my 21st next month so I'm being treated for a weekend. Have had a look around at some tours and they seem a bit pricey. But its my birthday and I want to get the most out of the weekend. Is it worth the extra spend?

Ta in advance!

fudgem

My daughter and I had 4 days there last August, and managed to take ourselves round very well. Look up all the info on the net before you go and decide what you want to see, and just take yourself there. It is all very easy.

Having had a guided tour of St Peter's previously, I did in fact think the tour guide spoiled the experience, talking incessantly about high faluting aspects of this glorious building. This time we walked round ourselves and inspected just what we wanted to

enjoy yourself, I think I can guarantee you will want to go back

Lemmy_Caution

I agree with fudgem, Rome is (insert your own string of superlatives) and in a way it would be against the spirit of the place to be guided around. Do a little research beforehand, bring your guide books, but also; just wonder around. I am sure you will end up falling in love with Rome.

cornishtightwad

i have been to rome many times, you do not need a tour guide. dont forget the ancient romans didnt have cars so everything you need to see is pretty close !

SallyD

You can certainly walk from site to site with guide book under arm. I would recommend "EyeWitness" Guide Book.

balsingh

The only tour guide you will need is a map and a Guide book.

christineg_2

every street corner has something beatiful to look at you find things accidently the metro(tube) is very handy and ask locals maybe the owner of where you are staying they are happy to point you in thr right direction. you will love it

IClaudius

god absolutely not !!!

That said the "paperback" tour guides such as Lonely Planet are invaluable.

Also, check out Rick Steves site here. Half way down are loads of things to do in Italy - all planned out for you.

nelly_2

Actually a tour guide of the forum is essential, other wise its just a pile of ruins.

We got a 2 for one job last year outside the coluseum cant remember the price but I thought it was cheap ( 6 quid each or similar) we got a guide of the coluseum and the roman forum next door.

They just come up to you like ticket touts but they are kosher.

IClaudius

nelly wrote:

Actually a tour guide of the forum is essential, other wise its just a pile of ruins.

i agree...to a point.
We got rented the audio guide (you need your passport to do this) whilst at the Colloseum and it guides you around the place.