If you'd like to review us on TripAdvisor, click their logo just below.
Here are some reviews from our previous guests:
Jane R, Sydney, 2013
I really had a great time, and I know Kaley did as well. After flying for 27 hours, it was really good to spend some time walking around with someone who knew the area well, and to not have to get a map out and wonder what I was looking at. I would happily recommend your private tours to anyone I know who is heading to Rome.
Thanks again.
John J, Missouri, 2012
Bronson and Kelli said that the trip with you was the highlight of their vacation and they had a stupendous time!
Maggie M, Maryland, 2012
We had such a fabulous experience with Rome Illuminated and were wondering if you all have any counterparts or guides you could recommend in Paris? We're looking for a very organic tour experience (like our tour with Evan in Rome
Bob R, New Jersey, 2012
I wanted you to know how great the tour was. We will recommend you to others. Tell Evan that I miss him.
Lisa P, Miami, 2012
Thanks again for making our trip extra special. I have already recommended you to several friends who are heading to Rome this summer. Best to you all. Evan and Francesca were amazing!!!
Karen D, Long Island, New York, 2011
Now that we are back in New York, I wanted to make sure to thank you again for making our trip to Rome so memorable and educational. We learned so much thanks to your incredible knowledge of the city and its history! Your travel tips, restaurant and gelateria recommendations, and other advice was much appreciated. (We managed to visit the Domus that you told us about and we loved it!) We are quite certain that we would not have has as wonderful a vacation in Rome, without your help. So, again, thank you!
Markus S, Switzerland, 2010
We remember the afternoon with Aleksandra very well. She was a superb guide and the only thing wrong was that we did not have enough time. We will certainly contact you again, should we be in Rome for another tour. Many thanks, kindest regards and best Wishes for the New Year to you all and particularly Aleksandra.
Steve H, Ontario Canada, 2010
Your knowledge, demeanor and enthusiasm made for a fantastic experience. We wish we could have booked you as our guide for everything we did in Rome. I can only assume you have provided as many other travelers as happy and full of rewarding memories as you did with us.
Don C, Massachusetts, 2010
We have been remiss in not contacting you earlier to thank you for a wonderful time in Rome. I am not a "city boy" but I have fallen in love with Rome. You certainly helped to make that happen (the city played a big part also). The time in Rome will go down as one of our most memorable trips ever. We have told many people about the trip and about how "our guide" made the time great. am ready to come again, perhaps for a long weekend. So be ready. Again thank you.
Jane D, Colorado, 2010
I wanted to send a note of thanks for our wonderful -- THE BEST! -- tours we reserved/received in September 2010. Our guides -- Aleksandra and Michela -- we're top notch and delightful at the same time! Their passion for sharing the wonders of Rome made our trip complete. If you're looking for the best way to experience Rome, choose Rome Illuminated. We had private tours -- the little extra was worth every penny. No time lost waiting in lines and access to a person with such immense knowledge and they were fun! The hours together flew by.
Art M, Coral Gables Florida, 2010
Our guide from Rome Illuminated, Evan Firestone, designed wonderful walking tours of Rome at night, the Vatican (and Vatican museum) and the Coliseum/Forum. Evan's knowledge of the various attractions brought them to life for us and he had scheduled the tours at times when the crowds were the smallest (a difficult task during the bust summer months). A friend recommended Evan as the perfect tour guide for Rome and he surpassed all of our expectations. We would not visit Rome again without booking Evan and Rome Illuminated.
Evan D, Massachusetts, 2010
When booking a tour in Rome, look no further than Rome Illuminated! Our Rome experience was outstanding and we owe it to our two fabulous tour guides, Aleksandra (the Vatican) and Evan (Ancient Rome)! Originally worried about the tour length (3 hours each) with our 4 adults and 5 children (8-13 yrs) we were amazed at how captivated the children were with the stories that both our guides told. Both Evan and Aleksandra have a passion for the history of Rome and it shows. The time slipped away and we were sorry for each tour to end. Not only did we learn a tremendous amount about Roman history, we were also treated to such tips as "how to cross the street in Rome" - and good places to eat. Both of our guides were personable, friendly and interested in making our time well spent. You cannot go wrong with Rome Illuminated. We'll be back, indeed.
Kirsten M, Ohio, 2010
We did a 4-day private custom tour with Rome Illuminated and it was terrific! We have two kids (ages 7 & 9) and they really catered to them and their needs. We chose to do half-day tours each day because of the heat and the kids and it is the best way to see Rome without rushing through everything. Aleksandra gave us the tour of the Vatican the first day and she was great in her details and information and engaging the kids. For the rest of the 3 days, we had Evan who was so wonderful with us and our needs - the kids loved him! He patiently answered all of our questions - gave us recommendations about where to eat and what to see in Ostia when we went on our own. I highly recommend Rome Illuminated and definitely do the private tours - it is worth the extra money to have a tour guide all to yourself.
TripAdvisor review, 2010
Aleksandra was a wonderful tour guide for our three our trip through the Vatican. My group of seven individuals ranged in age from four to sixty three. She was wonderful in keeping the children entertained, and they enjoyed the tour as much as the adults. Aleksandra was well prepared, informative, and a wonderful English speaker. My family thought the Rome Illuminated group kicked off a wonderful vacation for us. Thanks again for the great tour and wonderful memories.
Ray and Mary T, Connecticut, 2010
We have just finished our first trip to Italy and can't say enough about this tour company. We took 2 separate private tours one of ancient Rome with Justin and one of the Vatican with Evan. Both tours were excellent and informative. The four hours seems like two as you are guded and entertained throughout these magnificent places. There is so much to see maps and guide books can't do it justice but Rome Illuminated tours can and did. I highly recommend this tour company and Justin and Evan as guides, don't miss out, book it, well worth the money.
Rosemarie S, New York, 2010
I found Rome Illuminated on the New York Times website. Your Vatican tour was terrific and your website in general is full of very good information for anyone visiting Rome. I would recommend your services to other visitors to Rome. Our tour guide, Aleksandra was fantastic.
TripAdvisor review, 2009
Our family was lucky enough to have Evan as our tour guide at the Vatican. We were traveling with two teenage boys, and Evan was able to draw them in and make the magnificent art come alive with the stories behind the pieces. Having knowledge of the art that you are viewing is so much more interesting.
Evan's obvious passion for the history and art of Rome was apparent in everything that he showed us and his enthusiasm is very contagious!
Blake E, San Francisco, 2009
Wow, Evan sure does know his stuff. Every nook and cranny seems to have a story behind it, and he knows how to put poetry in history. Also, we just plain had a blast! I'd highly recommend Rome Illuminated to anyone.
Ron G, Beverly Hills California, 2009
Our guide was OUTSTANDING. He made our stay in Rome the highlight of our trip to italy. His knowledge and professionalism was to be admired. I could not imagine visiting Rome without Evan as our personal guide.
Tom, Dublin, Ireland, 2009
We met Alexandra at the Vatican...and cannot imagine how lost we might have been without her! She passed along lots of interesting information and guided us through the Vatican and St Peters. It was a great experience!
Nicolette G, England, 2009
I wanted to let you know just how much I enjoyed your tour of the Vatican. We even went to the restaurant you said cooked wonderful pasta and it did! I learnt so much that day. Thank you again.
Jennifer, California, 2008
On the Ancient Rome tour Ella had great visual aids that showed the way the buildings were originally. Her knowledge of history and stories about life in early Rome were very informative. The following day in the Vatican Museums and St. Peters she also demonstrated her excellent knowledge of art history and helped us appreciate the wonderful pieces of art.
Keyn Family, Colorado, 2008
Aleksandra led our group of 8 through the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. After that, she took us for a great slice of pizza and then to the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, Roman Forum and then made the trek to the Pantheon. It was a hefty itinerary for 8 hours, but we enjoyed it and would do it again. We were very impressed with her knowledge of art and history. She was easy to understand and answered our questions thoroughly.
Josh T, Las Vegas, 2008
Mr. Towbin and his wife were very impressed with your guide and had a wonderful time on their tour.
Dr. Zak, Ireland, 2008
Aleksandra was a treasure trove of information and helped us get a feeling for the place and a renewed appreciation for the treasures within its walls. Even though the tour lasted all of three hours, I couldn't help but feel it was too short!
Jan H, New Jersey, 2008
We all consider you our bridge to history and are thankful for such a wonderful tour, we speak of it often and hope to book you for more adventures when we come to Rome again.
Angelo G, New York, 2008
We had a fantastic visit to Rome thanks to you.
Pam, Rhode Island, 2007
I wanted to let you know that we enjoyed our short time in Rome and the guide was excellent. We began with a night tour and spent the following day touring the Vatican city with Evan. He was excellent, very knowledgeable of the paintings, sculptures and also "tidbit" information that I probably would not have had on a group tour. We truly enjoyed our time in Rome and a private tour was the best solution for us I appreciate your offering and if I am lucky enough to return to Rome I will contact you again!
Victoria L, Beverly Hills, California, 2007
Paul and I so much enjoyed our time with you
Vince & Debbie R, Florida, 2006
We were lucky to have Josh as our guide. The arrangements were very very good. Josh was excellent. His knowledge and ability to depart that knowledge in a form that each could understand and appreciate, his ability to get us around Rome so we did not miss all of the sights that were most important to us and then more that we didn't think we would have time for was just remarkable. This tour and our time in Rome is the standout of our trip. Please share my words with anyone. You have truly put together a great organization.
Barbara, California, 2006
I wanted to give you a shout and say Thanks Again for giving us a true Roman Experience. I left Rome with some amazing memories.
Jodie, California, 2006
I just wanted to take a moment to send you a warm thank you for the tour you arranged for us. Evan was our guide and it was an incredible experience. We really got the most out of our day and a half in Rome, thanks in large part to your role in securing Evan. He did a wonderful job in leading our group, figuring out the most strategic plan in order to maximize our sight seeing time in Rome. He also went out of his way to help us secure dinner reservations, a pub crawl for the older kids. Thanks to Evan, everything went smoothly for us. We had a great time and already are talking about a trip back.
Jim G, Kentucky, 2006
We had such an amazing time in Rome and you were fantastic.
Lois G, Adelaide, Australia, 2005
We are still raving about your forum tour. The girls and I had an incredible experience. Thanks again, Evan, it was superb.
Patricia C, Virginia, 2005
We have just returned from our trip to Rome and I want to thank you for making our trip so wonderfully special. We were very impressed with your incredible knowledge of this wonderful city, its history and art. My 22 and 17 year old children loved the tours, sucked up all the information and elected Rome their favorite place in Italy, no doubt because of your help. We will recommend your services any time! Thank you again!
