Rome4u இ Roma x te = Rome for you guided tours Contact us on: rome4utour@gmail.com;

Exclusive VIP tours of Rome (Italy) from 130 euro - Private Customized VIP Tours in Rome, Italy from 130 euro

2017-12-31T17:16:00.000-08:00

If you want to live an unforgettable experience in the company of a local guide who will help you to visit Rome in a relaxed and efficient way, communicating and interacting with you, then you are on the right page.

A private guide is not a luxury but the most effective and correct way to explore any city. To join in a 15 to 25 people group tour will normally cost you between 30 and 40 euros per person, therefore choosing to go on a private tour will result in a more convenient option for you and your family, or small group of friends.

Price of a VIP Half Day Tour
130€ for solo travellers, 150€ (2 to 10 people max), 15€ each extra person

Our rates do not include Entrance Ticket to museums and archaeological sites.

Price of a VIP Full Day Tour
260€ for solo travellers, 300€ (2 to 10 persons), 30€ each extra person

Our rates do not include Entrance Ticket to museums and archaeological sites, and trasport.

Transportation: we will mainly walk, use local transportation, and/or taxis for moving around Rome (the cost of it not included in our fee)

Rome4u suggests to Avoid Crowds and Long Queues
with an early afternoon visit of Rome museums and other attractions.
With the exception of a few special days a year, entrance queues to museums and other attractions can be avoided between 12pm and 14pm, avoiding therefore the added cost of advance bookings.
However, the time spent queuing can be an occasion for the guide to present the historical context of the venue.

Summer

is traditionally associated with hot dry weather, however July and August are usually hot and humid and could lead to bad tempered children (and parents).

Avoid
going into town between 11.00am and 4.00pm.

Early morning, evening and night tours are recommended.

You could spend the hotter hours of the day on the beach, by a lake or in a SPA (e.g. Ostia; Fregene, Sperlonga, Sabaudia, Circeo, Nettuno, Tivoli Terme; Lago di Bracciano, Lago di Bolsena).

In any case, the “Estate Romana’s celebrations” will make up for hot and humid weather.

For info on what to do in Rome during Summer check the useful tips contained in our post titled: Getting Around Rome and Rome Annual Events orRome General tips

Planning a trip to Rome?
Send us your travel inquiries, itinerary and comments on romaelazioxte@gmail.com;
Or contact us on: Tel: +39 3383435907 (ask for Valerie)

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All our tours have to be booked in advance

ROME IN A DAY TOUR
the perfect solution for a private Cruise Ship ShoreExcursion or Airport Transit Tour.
Tour Highlights: Coliseum; Roman forum; Venezia square; Vittoriano; Capitol hill with its amazing panoramic view of the Roman forum and the Palatine hill; Trevi fountain; Spanish steps; Pantheon; Piazza Navona; St Peter’s basilica.

Duration: Allow 5 to 6 hours to complete this intensive one day tour of Rome (including time for lunch).

Starting time: will depend on your preference and need.

Availability: everyday

Rate: 300€ (2 to 10 persons) 30€ each extra person

Deal: 260€ for solo traveller

Group size: the tour has been designed for solo travellers, couples and small groups of friends.

Our rates do not include: Transport, Lunch, Gratuites, or Entrance Fees to museums, archaeological sites or other attractions.

If you wish to avoid lines, we recommend you book your entrance tickets ahead of time

We can book your entrance ticket to museums and archaelogical sites for a small additional fee

We are not able to cancel, transfer or refund entrance tickets to museums and archaelogical sites once booked.

Transportation: we will use local transportation, and/or taxis for moving around Rome (the cost of it not included in our fee)

Bookings: write to romaelazioxte@gmail.com or send an SMS to 3383435907 (ask for Valeria).

OUR HALF DAY TOURS

Treasures of Ancient Rome tour Tour Highlights: Coliseum; Roman Forum; Palatine Hill

Duration: Allow 2 to 2,5 hours to complete this tour

Starting time: will depend on your preference and need.

Availability: everyday

Rates for the guided tour: €150 (2 to 10 people max); €15 each extra person

Deal: €130 for solo travellers

+ Entrance fee

If you wish to avoid lines, we recommend you book your entrance tickets ahead of time

We can book your entrance ticket to museums and archaelogical sites for a small additional fee

We are not able to cancel, transfer or refund entrance tickets to museums and archaelogical sites once booked.

Group size: 10 people max.

Bookings: write to romaelazioxte@gmail.com or send an SMS to 3383435907 (ask for Valeria).

Vatican

Tour Highlights: Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, St Peter Basilica and Square

Details: The Vatican is the world's smallest sovereign state, the high seat of Catholicism for more than sixteen centuries and the residence of the Pope. Here is preserved some of the most sublime creations of man, inspired by his eternal yearning to give expression to the divine spirit.

Recommended Dress Code: Comfortable shoes. Covered shoulders and knees are usually preferable when entering churches; Hats are not allowed inside churches.

This tour could be combined with the: Renaissance and Baroque Rome tour; Timeless Rome night tour; Postcard from Rome night tour.

Dress Code: comfortable shoes
Duration: Allow 2 to 2,5 hours to complete this tour

Starting time: will depend on your preference and need.

Availability: everyday

Rates for the guided tour: €150 (2 to 10 people max); €15 each extra person

Deal: €130 for solo travellers

+ Entrance fee

If you wish to avoid lines, we recommend you book your entrance tickets ahead of time

We can book your entrance ticket to museums and archaelogical sites for a small additional fee

We are not able to cancel, transfer or refund entrance tickets to museums and archaelogical sites once booked.

Group size: 10 max.

Bookings: write to romaelazioxte@gmail.com or send an SMS to 3383435907 (ask for Valeria).

Rome's Squares and Fontains tour

Tour Highlights: Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Marcus Aurelius Column, Adrian Temple, Pantheon, Navona Square

Details: Rome can be thought of as a kind of open art museum, be it a church, a palace, a street or a fountain. Lets find out how Rome history and everyday life have always stood uniquely as a whole, and a free gelato to conclude!
Meeting point: Piazza di Spagna, by the Babington tea room at the foot of the Spanish steps

Dress Code: comfortable shoes
Duration: Allow 2 to 2,5 hours to complete this tour

Starting time: will depend on your preference and need.

Availability: everyday

Rates for the guided tour: €150 (2 to 10 people max); €15 each extra person

Deal: €130 for solo travellers

+ Entrance fee

Group size: 10 max.

Underground Rome
Tour Highlights: Basilica of San Clemente; underground remains of 1st century Roman public buildings, private houses and a temple dedicated to Mithras

Details: Rome has been the Capitol City of the largest western Empire from the 1st Century BC to the 3rd Century AD. Almost abandoned during the Dark Ages its buildings were left with no maintenance and ruined down: earthquakes, water floods, time itself covered the ancient buildings under 20 or even 30 feet of sediments, bricks, marbles. Medieval and Renaissance Roma has been rebuilt over the ruins of the roman buildings, sometimes recycling the old structures but most of the times just building on top ignoring what was underground. Today hundreds of crypts, houses, and temples are still perfectly preserved underground. It is a unique treasure not open to everyone, but a visit to Rome that does not include at least one of these sites would be uncompleted. This tour provides a thematic exploration of the hidden and fascinating, subterranean levels of Rome. We will descend into the underground below the 12th century Basilica of San Clemente to discover the rests of an early medieval church built on the remains of a 1st century Roman public buildings and private houses (domus). We will also explore a temple of Mithras, a Persian God who probably migrated back to Italy with soldiers and slaves.

his tour could be combined with the: Ancient Rome tour; Aventino at Sunset tour; River Tiber night tour; Timeless Rome night tour; Postcard from Rome night tour.

Dress Code: comfortable shoes
Duration: Allow 2 to 2,5 hours to complete this tour

Starting time: will depend on your preference and need.

Availability: everyday

Rates for the guided tour: €150 (2 to 10 people max); €15 each extra person

Deal: €130 for solo travellers

+ Entrance fee

If you wish to avoid lines, we recommend you book your entrance tickets ahead of time

We can book your entrance ticket to museums and archaelogical sites for a small additional fee

We are not able to cancel, transfer or refund entrance tickets to museums and archaelogical sites once booked.

Group size: 10 max.

Bookings: write to romaelazioxte@gmail.com or send an SMS to 3383435907 (ask for Valeria).

Campo de' Fiori and Trastevere food tasting tour

Tour Highlights: Campo de' Fiori, Farnese Square, Sisto Bridge, Trilussa Square, Trastevere's Alleys, Santa Maria in Trastevere

Details: Campo dei Fiori and Trastevere still retain their Medieval feel and many legends to tell. Let's join the Romans for a nigh of madness and a thousand dreams! We will conclude the tour with a free pint of beer from a local pub.

Meeting point: Campo de' Fiori Square, under the statue of Giordano Bruno, placed in the centre of the Square.
We will taste pizza, supplì, pork meat and cheeses, maritozzo con la panna, ice cream, wine, chocolate, and other food to die for.

Dress Code: comfortable shoes
Duration: Allow 2 to 2,5 hours to complete this tour

Starting time: will depend on your preference and need.

Availability: everyday

Rates for the guided tour: €150 (2 to 10 people max); €15 each extra person

Deal: €130 for solo travellers

+ food and wine tasting on the go (you could spend between €20 and €40 (euro) per person, depending on what you will order to eat and drink)

Group size: 10 max.

Bookings: write to romaelazioxte@gmail.com or send an SMS to 3383435907 (ask for Valeria).

Meet the Romans in Ostia Antica, the ancient port of Rome
- half day guided tour from Rome by train

Duration: Allow 3,5 to 4 hours to complete this tour

Starting time: will depend on your preference and need.

Availability: everyday

Rates for the guided tour: €150 (2 to 10 people max); €15 each extra person

Deal: €130 for solo travellers

+ Entrance fee

If you wish to avoid lines, we recommend you book your entrance tickets ahead of time

We can book your entrance ticket to museums and archaelogical sites for a small additional fee

We are not able to cancel, transfer or refund entrance tickets to museums and archaelogical sites once booked.

Group size: 10 max.

Bookings: write to romaelazioxte@gmail.com or send an SMS to 3383435907 (ask for Valeria).

Jewish Ghetto and Tiberin Island

Tour Highlights: Argentina Square, Turtles Fontain, Mattei Palace, Ottavia Porticus, Synagogue, Tiberin Island

Details: Rome Jewish Ghetto has establish itself as a fascinating tourist attraction and cultural hotspot, while the small island set in the middle of the river Tiber, has its own characteristic atmosphere and unique charm! We will end the tour with a taste of typical kosher cake.

Meeting point: Largo Argentina, by the entrance of Teatro Argentina

Dress Code: comfortable shoes

Duration: Allow 2 to 2,5 hours to complete this tour

Starting time: will depend on your preference and need.

Availability: everyday

Rates for the guided tour: €150 (2 to 10 people max); €15 each extra person

Deal: €130 for solo travellers

Group size: 10 max.

Bookings: write to romaelazioxte@gmail.com or send an SMS to 3383435907 (ask for Valeria).

The Birth of Ancient Rome

Tour Highlights: Pantheon; Campo Marzio; Jewish Ghetto; Tiber Island; Boarium Forum and the Mouth of Truth.

Details: In Rome's regal period (753-509 BC), the area across the river Tiber belonged to the hostile Etruscans. Rome conquered it to gain control to the river from both banks. Having full control of the river and the access to the Tyrrhenian Sea provided the Romans with a chance to conquer the Mediterranean and to expand their borders.

The Boarium Forum (Rome oldest market place), the Port Tibernius and the Tiber Island experienced intense commercial activity thanks to their prime location. Bridges were built to connect the banks of the Boarium to the one of Trastevere transforming the all area into a busy multicultural district that housed Syrian, Egyptian and Jewish communities since 168BC.

Kids can test their truth-telling by sticking their hand into the Mouth of Truth “Bocca della Verità”. According to legend, the Bocca della Verita closes shut over the hand of anyone who tells a lie. So far, no hands have been lost at the Bocca della Verita, and it's fun to do. “Are you ready to put your hand in his mouth? If you haven’t told any lies, everything will be fine…otherwise, the Mouth will know it and chop off your hand! But don’t worry this is only the threat of ancient Romans. He probably won’t like the taste for your hand anyway”.

This tour could be combined with the: Imperial Rome; Aventino at Sunset tour; Suburra and Rione Monti.

Dress Code: comfortable shoes
Duration: Allow 2 to 2,5 hours to complete this tour

Starting time: will depend on your preference and need.

Availability: everyday

Rates for the guided tour: €150 (2 to 10 people max); €15 each extra person

Deal: €130 for solo travellers

+ Entrance fee

If you wish to avoid lines, we recommend you book your entrance tickets ahead of time

We can book your entrance ticket to museums and archaelogical sites for a small additional fee

We are not able to cancel, transfer or refund entrance tickets to museums and archaelogical sites once booked.

Group size: 10 max.

Bookings: write to romaelazioxte@gmail.com or send an SMS to 3383435907 (ask for Valeria).

Suburra and Rione Monti

Tour Highlights: View of the Coliseum and the Roman forum from Nero’s Domus Aurea; St Pietro in Vincoli church (Michelangelo’s Moses sculpture); S. Pudenziana church; St Mary Major “Maggiore” Basilica; Madonna dei Monti square.

Details: The tour starts with a breathtaking view of the Coliseum and the Roman Forum. This view is the very view that Nero enjoyed from the roof garden of his golden palace at the Colle Oppio (the Domus Aurea). We will then stroll among the streets and piazzas of Rione Monti, an ancient suburbia previously named “Suburra” to discover how the inhabitants of this busy district shifted from the dissolute amusements of the Roman Empire to the practices and rituals of the Catholic faith.

This tour could be combined with the: Ancient Rome tour; Aventino at Sunset tour; River Tiber night tour; Timeless Rome night tour; Postcard from Rome night tour.

Dress Code: comfortable shoes
Duration: Allow 2 to 2,5 hours to complete this tour

Starting time: will depend on your preference and need.

Availability: everyday

Rates for the guided tour: €150 (2 to 10 people max); €15 each extra person

Deal: €130 for solo travellers

+ Entrance fee

If you wish to avoid lines, we recommend you book your entrance tickets ahead of time

We can book your entrance ticket to museums and archaelogical sites for a small additional fee

We are not able to cancel, transfer or refund entrance tickets to museums and archaelogical sites once booked.

Group size: 10 max.

Bookings: write to romaelazioxte@gmail.com or send an SMS to 3383435907 (ask for Valeria).

Renaissance and Baroque Rome

Tour Highlights: Campo dei Fiori; Farnese square; Via Giulia; Navona square; S. Agostino Church and Caravaggio’s Madonna dei Pellegrini; S. Angelo Castle and bridge, (view of S. Peter Basilica).

Details: This tour will lead you into the very heart of Rome. We will visit some of the city most famous, lively and colourful streets, piazzas, churches and market places (morning only). This area is also celebrated for eating, drinking and shopping, with food and fun around the clock.

This tour could be combined with the: Vatican tour; Timeless Rome night tour; Postcard from Rome night tour.

Dress Code: comfortable shoes
Duration: Allow 2 to 2,5 hours to complete this tour

Starting time: will depend on your preference and need.

Availability: everyday

Rates for the guided tour: €150 (2 to 10 people max); €15 each extra person

Deal: €130 for solo travellers

Group size: 10 max.

Bookings: write to romaelazioxte@gmail.com or send an SMS to 3383435907 (ask for Valeria).

Ostia Antica

If you don't have time to make it to Pompei, Ostia Antica offers a taste of an Ancient Roman town that's just as good if not better.

Tour Highlights: Ostia Antica archeological site

Details: Excavations of Ancient Ostia, started at the beginning of the nineteenth century, made apparent the preservation of the city, in some ways better preserved than Rome itself. A visit to Ostia provides a window into the everyday life that went on in a town of the Roman Empire.

Dress Code: comfortable shoes
Duration: Allow 3 to 4 hours to complete this tour

Starting time: will depend on your preference and need.

Availability: everyday

Rates for the guided tour: €150 (2 to 10 people max); €15 each extra person

Deal: €130 for solo travellers

+ Entrance fee

If you wish to avoid lines, we recommend you book your entrance tickets ahead of time

We can book your entrance ticket to museums and archaelogical sites for a small additional fee

We are not able to cancel, transfer or refund entrance tickets to museums and archaelogical sites once booked.

Group size: 10 max.

Bookings: write to romaelazioxte@gmail.com or send an SMS to 3383435907 (ask for Valeria).

Imperial Rome night tour

Tour Highlights: Colosseum, Arch of Constantine, Roman Forum, Imperial Forum, Capitol Hill

Details: Let’s walk through the monumental ruins of the Roman Empire' golden age. We will conclude the tour by having a free pint of beer from a local pub.

Meeting point: at the exit of tube station “Metro Colosseo”, by the newspaper seller kiosk on the right hand side.

Dress Code: comfortable shoes
Duration: Allow 2 to 2,5 hours to complete this tour

Starting time: will depend on your preference and need.

Availability: everyday

Rates for the guided tour: €150 (2 to 10 people max); €15 each extra person

Deal: €130 for solo travellers

Group size: 10 max.

Bookings: write to romaelazioxte@gmail.com or send an SMS to 3383435907 (ask for Valeria).

Rome at dusk

Tour Highlights: St Paul Basilica outside the walls of Rome; Sunset view from the Aventino terrace.

Details: St Paul Outside the walls of Rome. “San Paolo Fuori le Mura”, is one of four great ancient papal basilicas of Rome founded by the Roman Emperor Constantine I, between 329AD and 360AD to honor St Paul. Enjoy Rome’s elegance and detached calm at sunset. Snatch a glance of the dome of St. Peters Basilica through the keyhole of the Villa del Priorato di Malta on the Aventine hill. Arrive at the "Parco degli aranci" (orange garden), a romantic terrace overlooking the river and great for a photograph of the setting sun over the City. Observe the intense red and orange hues of the sky at sunset, while the sun disappears below the horizon. Rome does not get more romantic than this.

This tour could be combined with the: Ostia Antica

Dress Code: comfortable shoes
Duration: Allow 2 to 2,5 hours to complete this tour

Starting time: will depend on your preference and need.

Availability: everyday

Rates for the guided tour: €150 (2 to 10 people max); €15 each extra person

Deal: €130 for solo travellers

Group size: 10 max.

Bookings: write to romaelazioxte@gmail.com or send an SMS to 3383435907 (ask for Valeria).

Dolce Vita

Tour Highlights: Repubblica Square; Naiadi nymphs’ fountain; Michelangelo’s S. Maria degli Angeli church; Bernini’s Ecstasy of Saint Theresa; Moses fountain; Quirinale square; Trevi fountain; Barberini square; Triton fountain; Bee fountain; Via Veneto and the Dolce Vita.

Details: The direct experience of extraordinary works of art and architecture will be enriched by vivacious presentations on the controversial lives of those who commissioned and created them. The New York Times film critic Bosley Crowther praised Fellini’s La Dolce Vita as a brilliantly graphic estimation of a whole swath of society in sad decay and, eventually, a withering commentary on the tragedy of the over-civilized. Fellini is nothing if not fertile, fierce and urbane in calculating the social scene around him and packing it onto the screen.

This tour could be combined with the: Pincio at Sunset tour; Postcard from Rome night tour.

Dress Code: comfortable shoes
Duration: Allow 2 to 2,5 hours to complete this tour

Starting time: will depend on your preference and need.

Availability: everyday

Rates for the guided tour: €150 (2 to 10 people max); €15 each extra person

Deal: €130 for solo travellers

Group size: 10 max.

Bookings: write to romaelazioxte@gmail.com or send an SMS to 3383435907 (ask for Valeria).

Caravaggio: A Life Sacred and Profane
Walking through the streets of Rome, we will see the places where Caravaggio lived, suffered and rejoiced, creating extraordinary masterpieces that differentiated him from all other artistis of his time.

Duration: Allow 2 to 2,5 hours to complete this tour

Starting time: will depend on your preference and need.

Availability: everyday

Rates for the guided tour: €150 (2 to 10 people max); €15 each extra person

Deal: €130 for solo travellers

+ Entrance fee

Group size: 10 max.

Bookings: write to romaelazioxte@gmail.com or send an SMS to 3383435907 (ask for Valeria).

Coppedè, the district of dragons and fairies.

Step into a World of Fantasy inhabited by fairies, knights, medieval damsels, frogs and spiders. All of this makes the district Coppedè a hidden gem of the Italian art deco.

Duration: Allow 2 to 2,5 hours to complete this tour

Starting time: will depend on your preference and need.

Availability: everyday

Rates for the guided tour: €150 (2 to 10 people max); €15 each extra person

Deal: €130 for solo travellers

+ Entrance fee

Group size: 25 max.

Bookings: write to romaelazioxte@gmail.com or send an SMS to 3383435907 (ask for Valeria).

Barberini Palace and the National Art Gallery of Rome

Duration: Allow 2 to 2,5 hours to complete this tour

Starting time: will depend on your preference and need.

Availability: everyday

Rates for the guided tour: €150 (2 to 10 people max); €15 each extra person

Deal: €130 for solo travellers

+ Entrance fee

Group size: 25 max.

Bookings: write to romaelazioxte@gmail.com or send an SMS to 3383435907 (ask for Valeria).

Art and Emotion: guided tour of the Capitoline Picture Gallery Lets acquire the right skills to read and understand a work of art, through its observation and the interpretation of its hidden symbols, sacred and profane.

Duration: Allow 2 to 2,5 hours to complete this tour

Starting time: will depend on your preference and need.

Availability: everyday

Rates for the guided tour: €150 (2 to 10 people max); €15 each extra person

Deal: €130 for solo travellers

+ Entrance fee

Group size: 10 max.

Bookings: write to romaelazioxte@gmail.com or send an SMS to 3383435907 (ask for Valeria).

Rome4u suggests to Avoid Crowds and Long Queues with an early afternoon visit of Rome museums and other attractions. With the exception of a few special days a year, entrance queues to museums and other attractions can be avoided between 12pm and 14pm, avoiding therefore the added cost of advance bookings. However, the time spent queuing can be an occasion for the guide to present the historical context of the venue.

§§§§§§

All tours have to be booked in advance

Price of a VIP Half Day Tour

130€ for solo travellers, 150€ (2 to 10 people max), 15€ each extra person

Our rates do not include Entrance Ticket to museums and archaeological sites.

Price of a VIP Full Day Tour

260€ for solo travellers, 300€ (2 to 10 persons), 30€ each extra person (Surcharge of € 100 for each additional person)

Please Note:

Our rates do not include include Transport, Lunch, Gratuites, or Entrance Fees to museums, archaeological sites or other attractions.

If you wish to avoid lines, we recommend you book your entrance tickets ahead of time

We can book your entrance ticket to museums and archaelogical sites for no additional fee

We are not able to cancel, transfer or refund entrance tickets to museums and archaelogical sites once booked.

Transportation: we will use local transportation, and/or taxis for moving around Rome (the cost of it not included in our fee)

Rome4u suggests to Avoid Crowds and Long Queues with an early afternoon visit of Rome museums and other attractions. With the exception of a few special days a year, entrance queues to museums and other attractions can be avoided between 12pm and 14pm, avoiding therefore the added cost of advance bookings. However, the time spent queuing can be an occasion for the guide to present the historical context of the venue.

Rome4u strongly advice you avoid doing the Imperial Rome tour and the Vatican tour on the same day, as these two tours are very demanding both physically and mentally.

Send us your travel inquiries, itinerary and comments on romaelazioxte@gmail.com
Or contact us on: +39 3383435907 (ask for Valerie Dolce)

We welcome your reviews, comments and feedback on our tours

WINTER IN ROME 2018

2017-02-28T23:02:00.000-08:00

Winter in Rome is a good time for those interested in cultural events, and the Italian way of life. Rome in the winter has a relaxed, laid-back quality all of its own not seen at other times of the year. The chaos of tourist rush is over and the city quietens down, while it prepares for the Christmas holidays. On the shopping days before Christmas, and around the Italian bank holiday of 8th December, the streets become busy, but usually the tourist sights are not too busy in the winter. If you go in the weeks leading up to Christmas, you get to see the Christmas fair on Piazza Navona and nativity scenes set up in public spaces such as the Spanish Steps, Piazza San Pietro and in churches across the city.

Special Christmas Carols, Gospel Concerts, and Lyric performances take place in Rome during the festivities.
While January celebrates shopping sales, and February does the Roman Carnival.

Have a look at Rome4u Special Winter Rates

Winter Temperature
You would need a coat, gloves, scarf and umbrella, but don't forget your sunglasses too!
The sun shines through most of the winter in Rome and the city continues to be vibrant and alive even during the colder months of the year (December to February). Temperature in Rome rarely goes under zero degrees, early in the morning it may be necessary to wear a hat and a scarf, but during the day, the temperature may raise to 15C/60F. Snow is rear and even on the coldest days in winter, the sun usually makes a generous appearance. Sometimes a cold wind can send a chill through the streets, but at other times it is mild enough to eat outside. It can be a pleasant winter treat to sit outdoors with a steaming cup of cappuccino or mulled wine, plus many restaurants and bars have heaters above outdoors tables, and continue to serve customers even when it gets a bit nippy.

Planning a trip to Rome?

Rome4u can provide you with ready-made Itineraries, or help you to design a "tailored" one according to your interest and need. Simply check our RATES.
Send us your travel inquiries, itinerary and comments on rome4utour@gmail.com; Or contact us on: Tel: +39 3383435907 (ask for Valerie Dolce)
Have a look at Rome4u Special Winter Rates

Christmas holiday season
(8 December to January 6)
Rome is full of stylish shops and good places where to buy presents wrapped free of charge in shiny packaging. Although, it would be fair to say that Rome does not offer a show of Christmas lights and decorations comparable to that of many other big cities, it certainly offers a unique atmosphere that hardly equal anywhere else in the world.

Have a look at Rome4u Special Winter Rates

Visitors to Rome over Christmas will doubtless head for the Vatican Highlights of the season are the Papal Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, and the Pope reading his Christmas message in the piazza in front of St. Peter's at noon on Christmas Day. However, other Rome winter religious ceremonies are also worth attending. All are interesting because of their historical and artistic background that have their very ancient origin in the Roman pagan festivities associated to the celebration of the new (solar) year.

Rome Ancient Winter festivities started early December with the Chinea, dedicated to Cerere (the goodness of sowing and cereals). Saturnalia took place between December 17 and 23 and were dedicated to Saturnus (the god of sowing and wheat). Dies Natalis Solis Invicti “the birthday of the unconquered sun” took place on December 25, the date after the winter solstice, with the first detectable lengthening of daylight hours. The Roman New Year, was know as the Calends, the festival of gift-giving when "all is noise and tumult" in "a rejoicing over the new year" was celebrated with a kiss and the gift of a coin. Feralia - Ash Wednesday, took place in February in commemoration of the dead, in the Western Christian calendar, is the first day of Lent and occurs forty-six days before Easter.

Saturnalia became one of the most popular Roman festivals. It was marked by tomfoolery and reversal of social roles, in which slaves and masters ostensibly switched places, much like the Lord of Misrule in later Christian celebrations. While mostly known as a British holiday custom, the appointment of a Lord of Misrule comes from antiquity. In ancient Rome, from the 17th to the 23rd of December, a Lord of Misrule was appointed for the feast of Saturnalia, in the guise of the good god Saturn. During this time the ordinary rules of life were turned topsy-turvy as masters served their slaves, and the offices of state were held by slaves. The Lord of Misrule presided over all of this, and had the power to command anyone to do anything during the holiday period. This holiday seems to be the precursor to the more modern holiday, and it carried over into the Christian era.

Have a look at Rome4u Special Winter Rates

December 8- Festa dell'Immacolata
(Feast of the Immaculate Conception)
The Christmas season in Rome begins on the 8th of December, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. During the morning the Pope pays a visit to Piazza di Spagna (the Spanish Steps), to place a crown of flowers over the statue of Mary. He then moves on to give mass at the church of Santa Maria Maggiore. Each year crowds of people gather to celebrate Mary, greet the pope, and start to look at the shop windows of the nearby shopping district streets. The festivity of the Immaculate Conception has a link to Festa della Chinea, a previous Roman holiday, associated with the annual gift to Cerere (the goodness of sowing and cereals).

Have a look at Rome4u Special Winter Rates

Albero di Natale (Christmas tree)
Every year 3 very tall Christmas trees are donated to Rome by different countries to be erected in Piazza S. Pietro, Piazza Venezia and opposite to the Colosseo (Coliseum). Unfortunately, these trees vainly fights to bring a feeling of cold winters and snowy landscapes, as the Roman palms, pines and a bright sunshine all conjure up a warmer Mediterranean atmosphere. One then understands why these trees do not belong to the Italian traditional way of celebrating Christmas.

Have a look at Rome4u Special Winter Rates

Il Presepe (Cribs)

Nativity scenes and Cribs are more suited to the Italian tradition related to the Christmas festivities. Large Presepi are erected in St Peter Square, Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps and on the Capitoline Hill. Most Rome churches have very elaborated cribs which are displayed in the weeks before Christmas. The crib changes during the festivity period: the Bambin Gesù (Infant Jesus) is added on Christmas' night and the three Magi make their appearance at the Epiphany (January 6).
Cribs’ artisans have developed advanced and elaborated techniques to create very realistic Nativity scenes, using wood, cloth, terracotta and porcelain and introducing mechanisms to move figures around. In Rome a perfect example of these cribs can be seen all year round in the cloister of SS. Cosma e Damiano, and if you are really keen, there is a large exhibition of presepi in the Sala del Bramante by Piazza del Popolo (admission charge).
At the Christmas Market in Piazza Navona you can buy the components for your own nativity scene, as well as all sorts of Christmas-related ornaments and goodies. Shoppers can marvel at the elaborate additions to nativity scenes, from working waterfalls to moving bakery scenes (in which the bakers look suspiciously like pizza chefs).

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First Sunday after December 8 (Blessing of the Bambinelli)
On the first Sunday after December 8, the Pope blesses in Piazza S. Pietro the “bambinelli”, the crib figures portraying the Infant Jesus.

Jesus Manger
Below the altar of S. Maria Maggiore is a reliquary said to contain pieces of the original Jesus manger. It's kept in a niche the same dimensions as the cave where Jesus was born.
The “Presepe” in Santa Maria Maggiore is said to be the oldest Christmas Crib in the world. It was carved in marble by Arnolfo di Cambio for the first Rome Jubilee held in 1300. Although originally displayed in the church, it's currently on display in the museum of Santa Maria Maggiore. The bells are rung at midnight on December 24, to signify the start of Christmas.

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December 31- Capodanno - New Year's Eve
Rome's traditional New Year's Eve street celebrations are centered in Piazza del Popolo, where huge crowds celebrate with fireworks, dancing on rock and pop music. While, a classical music concerto takes place outdoors on the square in front of the Quirinale Palace, also followed by fireworks at midnight.

Tango lovers usually meet at the Galleria Alberto Sordi or in the nearby Piazza Augusto Imperatore opposite to Piazza Colonna, dancing while waiting for the traditional and unique Roman midnight fireworks display.
New Year's Eve celebrations last well into the night, as disco, pubs, bars and clubs keep their doors opened till morning dawn.

On New Year's day (while the adults are sleeping), children will be entertained in the square by performers and acrobats.

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Babbo Natale e la Befana (Father Christmas and the Old Fairy)

During the Christmas holiday season Rome's famous Piazza Navona is transformed into a lovely Christmas market, where to find stands selling all kinds of Christmas sweets, toys, nativity figures, decorations, and gifts. A merry-go-round Babbo Natale (Father Christmas) makes an appearance to delight the kids, while la Befana, helps him in the grotto to distribute candies to children. The Befana is a friendly old fairy having the aspect of a witch, who brings gifts to children and sweeps floors. You will see the Befana represented in many forms at the Christmas Market in Piazza Navona, and also during the Epiphany parade of colourful characters and floats leading up to the Vatican.
Find more about la Befana

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Santo Bambino in the Church of Santa Maria Aracoeli

In the 16th century, a statue of baby Jesus was carved from a piece of olive wood from the Garden of Gethsemane. According to the legend, after the statue was carved it miraculously painted itself. Returning to Rome, the ship sank but the statue washed up on shore. It was blessed by the Pope and kept in the Church of Santa Maria Aracoeli on the Capitoline Hill. In the early 1990's, the original statue was stolen so a new piece of olive wood was requested to carve a reproduction, again blessed by the Pope.
The Romans lovingly call the Holy child “Er PUPO Santo”, Roman children write their Christmas letters to Santo Bambino. On December 23 a Christmas concert is performed in the church, at the end of the concert Pasta and broccoli is served in the parish. On Christmas Eve the statue is put in the church's presepe and on January 6, he's paraded down the church stairs. Thousands of people come for the procession.

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January 6 - Epifania (Epiphany)
On January 6, the Epiphany, large crowds attended the ceremonies celebrating Er Pupo (Infant Jesus) dell'Aracoeli. The procession which takes place at sunset ends with the Santo Bambino being carried to the top of the steps leading to the church: from there a benediction to the City of Rome is said. It is the final event of the religious ceremonies which began on Christmas' Eve.
In the past, Italian children were given sweets and toys for the Epiphany (January 6), in a re-enactment of the gifts brought to Jesus by the Magi. According to a popular tradition the Befana, fills the socks that children left near the fireplace with toys and sweets. Today in most families gifts including those to children are exchanged at Christmas, but still a sock of candies is usually given at the Epiphany. Naughty boys may find pieces of black coal instead, but they soon discover they are made of sugar.

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January 17 Sant'Antonio Abate
and the blessing of pets

It is not clear how St Anthony became regarded as a tamer and eventually the patron of the animals. It could be a reference to the wild beasts he met in the desert or to the pigs raised by the members of his order to heal with the animals' fat the effects of St Anthony's Fire, a dreadful illness that was common in the Middle Ages. Maybe in the popular imagination he was seen as a Christian version of the myth of Orpheus, the taming of the animals by Orpheus being very often portrayed in mosaics and statues by the Ancient Romans.
J. W. Goethe who attended the 1787 Feast of St. Anthony made this remark in his Italian Journey: " It is a matter of historical observation that all religions, as their ritual or their theological speculation expands, must sooner or later reach the point of allowing the animals to share to some extent in their spiritual patronage. The church stands on a square which is so large that, normally, it looks empty, but today it is full of life. Horses and mules, their manes and tails gorgeously braided with ribbons, are led up to a small chapel, detached from the church proper, and a priest, armed with an enormous brush, sprinkles them with holy water from tubs and buckets in front of him. He does this generously, vigorously and even facetiously so as to excite them... Donkeys and horned cattle also get their modest share of blessing."
The church of S. Antonio Abate is no longer the site of the celebration which was moved to the nearby church of S. Eusebio because with the urban development of Rome in the late 19th century the large space before the former church was occupied by buildings, while the latter church retained a small square where animals which cannot enter the church can wait for the end of the mass. On January 17, St Anthony's day, the ceremony is reserved to pets, while on the nearest Sunday horses are blessed.

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Carnevale - Carnival
In Edward Muir's chapter on "Carnival and the lower body", he described the theme of Carnival as "the world turned upside down". He went on to describe "these Carnival inversions of normal life" coming in a wide array of forms including "peasants imitating kings, artisans masquerading as bishops, servants giving orders to their masters, poor men offering alms to the rich, boys beating their fathers, and women parading about in armor".
J.W. Goethe's described the specific Roman Carnival as a time when "everyone has leave to be as mad and foolish as he likes, and almost everything, except fisticuffs and stabbing, is permissible". There are also some traditions within Roman Carnival, that are particular to it and do not necessarily reflect any aspect of Carnival culture on the whole. For example, horse racing occurs at the end of every night at the Roman Carnival, but by and large, the festival matches the same madness and inversion of society that Muir has described. Where the "carnivalesque" is considered a culture, the Roman Carnival is a specific event within that culture with a beginning (New Year's Day) and an end (Ash Wednesday).

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February -
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent: during each of the forty days of the Lenten Season the faithful pray in a different church of Rome. The first station is S. Sabina on the Aventine hill and the pope himself leads a short procession which moves from the large modern Benedictine monastery of S. Anselmo to the very old basilica which is part of a Dominican monastery. For the occasion the pope may deliver a homily of particular relevance, not restricted to the traditional religious aspects of Ash Wednesday. On March 5, 2003 Pope John Paul II strongly advocated the need for peace (read his homily in an external link).

Find a list of the Lenten Stations

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Quarant'ore

Quarant'ore means forty hours and it refers to a special practice of Eucharistic devotion which consisted in forty hours of continuous prayer. It was first introduced in Milan in 1537; St. Ignatius Loyola suggested this practice as a means to prevent people from sinning during the carnival (or for expiating the sins committed during that period).
The Quarant'ore became very popular after Pope Clement VIII recommended it as a mean to obtain the peace of Christendom. "Macchine delle Quarant'Ore", elaborate and spectacular chandeliers, were lighted for this devotion with the objective of attracting more people. Today the only Macchina delle Quarant'ore which is still in use in Rome belongs to the brotherhood of S. Maria dell'Orto. It holds more than 200 candles which are lighted by the members of the brotherhood, who wear for the occasion their blue uniform. This does not occur any longer during the carnival, but on Holy Thursdays.

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For more information on Rome Events visit:
Rome’s Tourist Office official site
Vatican’s official site
Rome Guide Italy
Rome Time Out

Find more info on Winter in Rome on those articles pubblisced by the Telegraph and the New York Times

ROME ANNUAL EVENTS

2017-01-06T12:17:00.000-08:00

Rome is, together with Milan, the city where most cultural events such as exhibitions, concerts and shows take place in Italy. Regular events that place in the city each year.

Important religious holidays tend to shut down the entire city. Different districts of Rome hold smaller-scale celebrations of their own patron saints in their own way, from calorific blowouts to costume parades, to extravagant fireworks displays. Rome's savvy mayor Francesco Rutelli, Walter Veltroni and Gianni Alemanno have lavished an embarrassment of cultural riches on the city in recent years, striking a good balance between small-scale, independent festivals and bigger-budget citywide events, which make ample use of Rome's endless supply of photogenic venues.

Many international musical events are organized in the new Rome Auditorium, a kind of City of Music that is located near the Olympic Village in the Flaminio area of the city. The Auditorium, that was designed by the famous architect Renzo Piano, comprises three large halls that hold a total of 5000 people, set amidst a park where a wonderful amphitheater has been built, together with some recording rooms.

Keep in mind the fact that if you want to plan a trip to Rome in a period when one of these events is taking place, you should book a hotel in Rome well in advance.

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Winter

Immacolata Concezione (8 Dec)
The statue of the Madonna in Piazza di Spagna is the focus of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. With the pope looking on, the fire brigade runs a ladder up Mary's column and a lucky fireman gets to place a wreath over her outstretched arm. At the base of the column locals deposit elaborate floral tributes.

Natale and Santo Stefano - Christmas and Boxing Day (25-26 Dec)
Tickets for the papal midnight mass at St Peter's can be obtained from the Prefettura; put your request in months ahead. Cribs can be found in most churches, but the most impressive are halfway up the Spanish Steps and in piazza San Pietro. The Roman Christmas Day is a gluttonous affair: locals feast upon fritti (calorific fried offerings), followed by panettone (currant sponge) and torrone (slabs of nutty chocolate or nougat). The pope says a special mass and gives his 'Urbi et orbis' blessing in St Peter's.

San Silvestro and Capodanno
New Year's Eve and New Year's Day (31 Dec - 1 Jan)
Hordes of Romans flock to Piazza del Popolo to see in the new year with a free concert and fireworks display. Some people add to the fun with home-grown pyrotechnics and flying spumante corks, turning the centro storico into something resembling a war zone. Beware: some older residents still honour the tradition of chucking unwanted consumer durables off their balconies.
check the city council website for a full list of events http://www.comune.roma.it/

La Befana – Epiphany (mid Dec 6 Jan)
From mid December up to 6 January, Piazza Navona hosts a Christmas fair, with market stalls peddling sweets and cheap tat. The fair is dedicated to La Befana – the old witch. As the pagan legend goes, on the day of Epiphany this 'Mother Christmas' brought presents to good children only; naughty ones found their shoes filled with coal. The climax of the fair comes late on 5 January, when La Befana herself touches down in the piazza.

Festa di Sant'Antonio Abate (17 Jan)
In a rare example of Italian devotion to animal welfare, Romans commemorate the protector of animals, Sant'Antonio Abate, in the church of Sant'Eusebio (piazza Vittorio Emanuele II 12A) on 17 January; those keen to ensure their pets get a place in heaven bring them along to have them blessed.

Carnevale
Mardì Gras and the Carnival celebration
(Feb/early Mar)
In the Middle Ages this riotous last fling before the rigours of Lent was celebrated with wild abandon on Monte Testaccio. Renaissance popes, anxious to keep an eye on their debauched subjects, brought the ceremony to via del Corso. Nowadays young Roman tykes dressed up in their finery are paraded about by their proud parents.

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Spring

Festa di Santa Francesca Romana (9 Mar)
In 1433 Santa Francesca Romana founded the Oblate di Maria, an order of nuns who never took final vows. She was believed to possess the gift of dislocation – being in several different places at once – a quality that so endeared her to Italy's pioneer motorists that they made her their patron saint. Devout Roman drivers get their motors blessed at her church in the Foro Romano on 9 March.

Palazzo Massimo alle Colonne (16 Mar 8am-1pm)
San Filippo Neri performed one of his most celebrated miracles in the palazzo of the noble Massimo family. Called to administer the last rites to young Paolo Massimo, the saint found the boy already dead; undaunted, he revived Paolo, chatted for a while, then when the boy was ready to meet his maker, commended him to God. On the anniversary, after a private mass, a procession of family, servants and altar boys escorts the presiding cardinal or archbishop to a private room for a slap-up buffet. Turn up around 11.30am to witness the spectacle in all its Felliniesque glory.

Sabaudia - Santuario Sorresca

Festa di San Giuseppe (19 Mar)
Though no longer an official public holiday, the feast of St Joseph remains popular, especially in the Trionfale district of northern Rome. In the run-up to the feast, the city's pasticcerie are piled high with deep-fried batter-balls called bignè di San Giuseppe.

Maratona della Città di Roma (3rd or 4th Sun in Mar)
Rome's annual marathon now attracts big-name runners. The serious race begins and ends in via dei Fori Imperiali; sign up online (the sooner you register, the lower the fee). The Stracittadina fun-run is a 5km (3-mile) jog through the centro storico for those not up to the 42km (26-mile) slog over cobblestones; sign up at the Marathon Village (usually in the Palazzo dei Congressi in EUR, but check online) up to a day before the event.
Tel and website: 06 406 5064 http://www.maratonadiroma.it/

Festa di Primavera – Mostra delle Azalee (end Mar, early Apr)
Spring arrives early in Rome, bringing masses of blooms. When the azaleas come out, some 3,000 vases of them are arranged on the Spanish Steps.

Settimana Santa and Pasqua (Holy Week and Easter)
Tourists and pilgrims flood into the city on the Saturday before Palm Sunday, cramming inside St Peter's square for the open-air mass. The non-stop services of Holy Week peak in the pope's Stations of the Cross (Via Crucis) and mass at the Colosseum late on the evening of Good Friday. On Pasquetta (Easter Monday), tradition coaxes Romans fuori porta (outside the city gates) to feast upon lavish picnics of such specialities as torta pasqualina (cheesy bread, with salami and hard-boiled eggs) and fave e pecorino (broad beans and cheese).

Giornate FAI (April)
For one weekend each spring, the Fondo per l'Ambiente Italiano (FAI) persuades institutional and private owners of historic properties to reveal their spectacular interiors, usually off-limits to the public.
Tel and website: information 06 689 6752 / www.fondoambiente.it

Settimana della Cultura - Cultural Heritage Week (April)
During Cultural Heritage Week, the state-owned museums and monuments throw their doors open to the public without charge.
Tel and website: 800 991 199 / www.beniculturali.it

Sana a Roma – Natural Bio Products Fair (April)
This Mediterranean Trade Fair for Natural Products has been organized for a few years now at the Rome Trade Fair District. Exhibitions of bio-products, conferences and tasting.

Natale di Roma – Rome birthday (21 April)
Not all cities celebrate their birthday but Rome, 'born' in 753 BC, is no ordinary city. The bulk of the festivities take place at the Campidoglio. The city hall and the other palazzi on the hill are illuminated, and enormous quantities of fireworks are set off.

Festa della Liberazione (25 Apr)
This public holiday commemorates the liberation of Italy by Allied forces at the end of World War II.

Fotografia – Rome Photography Festival (Apr-May)
Rome's annual photography festival puts on a wide range of exhibitions in venues across the city, from historic museums to avant-garde backstreet galleries.
Tel and website: information 06 7047 500 / www.fotografiafestival.it

Primo Maggio – May Day (1st of May)
On May Day, trade unions organise a huge, free rock concert, which is traditionally held in front of the basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano. Performers, mainly Italian, with a smattering of international has-beens-belt out crowd-pleasers from mid afternoon into the small hours.

May Antiques Fair (14-21 May)
If antiques are your thing, then you could do no better than to head for Rome historic centre during the second half of May. Via dei Coronari is the great Mecca for antique hunters from Italy and beyond.

Campionato Internazionale di Tennis -Italian Open (2wks early May)
At the Foro Italico every May, Rome hosts the Italian Open tennis tournament, one of the most important European clay-court challenges outside the Grand Slam, and a warm-up event for the French Open.
Tel and website: 06 3283 7240 / www.internazionalibnlditalia.it

Concorso Ippico di Piazza di Siena - International Horse Show (27-30 May)
Rome's jet-set flock to this international show-jumping event in leafy Villa Borghese.
Tel and website: 06 638 3818 / www.piazzadisiena.com

Fantafestival film event (25 May-6 Jun 2010)
One of the most important genre film events in the world, Rome's Fantafestival promotes science fiction, horror and thrillers.

Planning a trip to Rome?
Send us your travel inquiries, itinerary and comments on romaelazioxte@gmail.com
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Summer

Castel Porziano - Settimo Cancello

Gay Village (late June-early Sept 7pm-3am daily)
A ten-week open-air bonanza that makes summer the pinkest season of the year: bars, restaurants, live acts, discos, cinema – a great place for boys and girls alike. Venue and contact details change from year to year, but the website reveals all as the date approaches.
Website: www.gayvillage.it

Festa di San Giovanni – Saint John Festival (20-24 Jun)
This Christian celebration coincides with the Summer Solstice (Midsummer) celebration held by ancient Romans. These days were considered as black days, due to their connection to death (shortening of daylight). During these days Romans feared witches and their witchcraft. Midsummer celebrations were held in honor of the Roman Goddess of the hearth, Vesta and to Mater Matuta, virgin goddess of the Dawn. Offerings were taken to the temples for blessings on children. Nowadays, in the San Giovanni district, locals observe this saint's celebration by guzzling porchetta (roast suckling pig) and lumache in umido (stewed snails). The main religious highlight is a candlelit procession, usually led by the pope, to San Giovanni in Laterano.

Girandola di Castel S. Angelo (28 Jun)
This annual firework display, designed by Michelangelo, is an almost apocalyptic vision of the city.
Beginning in 1481, the papacy sponsored a spectacular fireworks display, called the Girandola, at the Castel Sant'Angelo, the papal fortress originally constructed as the mausoleum of the Roman emperor Hadrian. Re-created whenever a new pope was elected or crowned as well as on Easter and June 28, the eve of the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, the Girandola was popular with local audiences and tourists alike. Animated crowds populate the dramatically foreshortened Ponte Sant'Angelo, and the explosion of the rockets illuminating the night sky dominates the upper half of the sheet.
For more info go to Zetema Girandola di Castello

Santi Pietro e Paolo (29 Jun)
The two founders of Catholicism are also the twin patron saints of Rome, and each is honoured in his own basilica. At St Peter's a solemn mass is the highlight; celebrations at San Paolo fuori le Mura are focused outside the church, with an all-night street fair on via Ostiense.

Festival delle Letterature (June)
The floodlit basilica of Maxentius in the Roman Forum provides a theatrical backdrop to readings by some of the most important names in contemporary literature; past guests have included Paul Auster, Hanif Kureishi and Zadie Smith.
Tel and website: 06 3996 7850 / www.festivaldelleletterature.it

Sabaudia e Monte Circeo

Roma Incontra il Mondo (mid June-early Aug)
Musicians from around the world play on a lakeside stage beneath the venerable trees of the Villa Ada park. Lights reflected in the water and cool breezes make this one of the most atmospheric and relaxing of the summer festivals. If the music palls there are bars and stalls purveying ethnic food, music and books.
Tel and website: 06 4173 4712 / 06 4173 4648 / www.villaada.org

International Chamber Ensemble (June-Aug)
Chamber and symphonic music, as well as opera, takes place in a splendid example of Renaissance architecture: the courtyard of Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza, the hallowed 15th-century seat of Rome university.
Tel and website: 06 8680 0125 / http://www.interensemble.org/

Dune di Castel Porziano

Fiesta (Jun-Aug)
This hectic Latin American-themed festival regularly attracts almost a million people over the summer months with performances by Latin American bands, plus appearances by some international rock, pop and hip hop stars. There are four dancefloors, scores of restaurants and stalls... and lots of salsa and merengue. Come early: transport and parking can be a nightmare.
Tel and website: 06 7129 9858 /toll-free credit card bookings 199 109 910 / http://www.fiesta.it/

Jazz and Image Festival (Jun-Aug)
This festival takes place in the leafy Villa Celimontana park and features acclaimed artists (from Incognito to Italian jazz star Stefano Bollani) in an astonishingly beautiful setting. Lots of candles and torches give the place a magical aura. Wine and food stands complete the idyll.
Tel and website: 06 5833 57817 / www.villacelimontanajazz.com

Santa Marinella - Castello Odescalchi "Not a sandcastle"

Estate Romana (Jun-Sept)
During the event-packed Estate Romana (Roman Summer) festival, piazze, palazzi, parks and courtyards come alive with music from local bands, films are shown on outdoor screens late into the night, and cultural events such as readings and gastronomic events take place in venues around town. Estate Romana events attract the participation of thousands of artists from all over the world.

Many events are free; check local press for details. The website may change its address; it can, however, be accessed through the town council website at http://www.comune.roma.it/ or at www.estateromana.it

Cosmophonies – Festival Internazionale di Ostia Antica (Jun-Sept)
Held in the breathtaking scenario of the ancient Roman theatre of Ostia Antica, Cosmophonies is an international festival of theatre, dance and music dishing out acts like Sonic Youth, Morrissey, Caetano Veloso and Jackson Browne. No matter what's happening on stage, these unique surroundings make for a memorable night.
Tel and website: 333 200 4329 / http://www.cosmophonies.com/

Sabaudia Lago di Paola

Donna Sotto le Stelle (July)
The annual Roman appointment with high fashion. Creations by the most famous fashion designers are modeled on a catwalk in a truly magnificent setting: on the Spanish Steps in Piazza di Spagna.

Madonna del Carmelo

Festa de Noantri (mid July)
Two weeks of arts events and street performances follow, and fireworks round off the closing night. Though few traces of Trastevere's working-class roots remain today, the area's residents celebrate its humble origins with gusto during the Festa de Noantri. During Noiantri festivities the inhabitants of Trastevere descend the streets of their district to socialise with their neighbours, dressing street tables with food and wine to share, singing and dancing traditional songs. Festivities kick off with a procession held in honour of the Madonna del Carmine, to whom the whole shebang is theoretically dedicated. http://www.romeartlover.it/Noantri.html

Concerti all'Orto Botanico (July)
In Largo Cristina di Svezia 24, Trastevere
Organised by the Associazione Musicale Romana, these concerts – which include Gershwin and Piazzola as well as mainstream chamber music – take place in the botanical gardens, where a natural amphitheatre makes for a lovely venue for a limited number of spectators. Booking essential.
Tel and website: 06 686 8441 /06 3936 6322 /fax 06 3936 6229 / http://www.assmusrom.it/

Cineporto (July-Aug)
One of the most successful and popular summer film festivals is in the park by the Stadio Olimpico. There are two separate screens, each of them showing two dubbed films a night, often recent releases. Live concerts of mainly Italian bands are presented between shows on many nights.
Tel and website: 06 3600 5556 / http://www.cineporto.com/

Stagione Estiva del Teatro dell'Opera – Terme di Caracalla (Jul-Aug)
The Terme di Caracalla are the spectacular venue for the Opera di Roma's summer season. This is a breathtaking archaeological site. Set designers usually exploit the unique backdrop of majestic Roman ruins with few props and dramatic lighting. Back-row seats are very far away from the stage – so don't forget binoculars.
Tel and website: 06 4816 0255 / http://www.operaroma.it/

Roma Alta Moda – Rome Fashion show (5 days late Jan; 5 days mid July)
Though often in the shade of glitzier, trendier Milan, Rome's fashion community is treated twice a year to a sneak preview of the coming season's collections by Roman designers, and an appearance by a handful of international talent.
Tel and website: information 06 678 1313 / http://www.altaroma.it/

Rome Dance Festival “Invito alla Danza” – Villa Pamphli (mid July)
This annual dance fest is held in the beautiful gardens of the Villa Pamphili. The programme, with both classical and modern offerings, presents a performance every evening for about two weeks, and often includes international companies and stars.
Tel and website: 06 5831 0086 - 06 5831 0086 - 06 3973 8323 www.invitoalladanza.it

New Opera Festival - Piazza San Clemente, Celio (mid July-mid Aug)
This festival offers talented young musicians and singers from Italy and the US the chance to perform in the courtyard of the basilica of San Clemente. There's always at least one fully fledged opera, plus chamber music and a series of recitals.
Tel and website: 347 852 4241 / http://www.newoperafestivaldiroma.com/

Mille e Una Nota chamber music festival (Aug)
Santa Maria della Pace, Arco della Pace 5, Pantheon and Navona
This charming little chamber music festival has been going for over ten years in the magnificent cloister of Santa Maria della Pace. Box office 1hr before concerts. Tel: 06 780 7695 - 06 780 7695

Festa delle Catene - San Pietro in Vincoli (1 Aug)
The chains that allegedly bound St Peter in prison in Jerusalem, and those with which he was shackled in Rome, are displayed in a special mass at the church of San Pietro in Vincoli.

Festa della Madonna della Neve (5 Aug)
August 5, 352AD saw an unseasonal snowfall on the Esquiline Hill, an event which is still remembered at the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. The day is marked with a special mass, culminating in a blizzard of rose petals which flutter down from the roof on to the congregation.

Notte di San Lorenzo - night's shooting stars (10 Aug)
San Lorenzo in Panisperna, via Panisperna 90
On the night of 10 August, Roman eyes turn towards the heavens, hoping to catch a glimpse of one of the night's shooting stars. Some explain the phenomenon as the fall-out of a meteor entering orbit, while the more poetic attribute the falling stars to the tears shed by St Lawrence, martyred in Rome on this day in 258.

Ferragosto - Feast of the Assumption (15 Aug)
Those who haven't scarpered to the coast for the whole of August take a long weekend for the Feast of the Assumption, and most of the city closes down.

Planning a trip to Rome?
Send us your travel inquiries, itinerary and comments on romaelazioxte@gmail.com
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Autumn

Buenos Aires Tango Festival (mid Sept)
Auditorium-Parco della Musica.
A world-class tango festival, Buenos Aires Tango, features fantastic tango dancers and performances as well as open classes and a milonga.
Tel and website: 06 8024 1281 / http://www.auditorium.com/

Enzimi free music, theatre and arts festival (mid Sept)
This free music, theatre and arts festival – a showcase for the best up-and-coming artists – is council-funded and aimed at thirtysomethings and younger. Held in an array of unlikely locations, it hosts cutting-edge local bands and some international stars, skilfully mixing mainstream acts with offbeat sounds – the perfect opportunity to see what's new in the city's artistic circles. Website: http://www.enzimi.com/

Roma Europa Festival (Sept-Nov)
This has been an annual appointment since 1986 for modern art and theatre, music and dance, with artists from all over Europe appearing. Rome's cutting-edge performing arts festival offers music, dance and theatre, with an eclectic mix of international acts and emerging young talent. Buy tickets at the venues themselves or by phone or online http://www.helloticket.it/ book well in advance for big-name acts.

Comics and Cartoon Festival (Oct)
The Comics and Cartoon Festival: exhibitions, cartoon film showings and meeting with the most famous designers and publishing companies.

Roma Jazz Festival (Oct)
This annual festival totally dedicated to jazz music was organized for the first time in 1876. Italian and international artists all appear in concert.

Roma Film Festival – Festa Internazionale del Cinema (Oct)
Started in 2006, Rome finally got itself a film festival to match its iconic cinematic status, giving the city's once glorious film industy a much-needed shot in the arm. Organisational hitches should be ironed out as the festival gains in maturity. Linked to another feisty newcomer – New York's Tribeca Film Festival – this event has both arthouse kudos and the money to attract the stars and the big players. Website: http://www.romacinemafest.org/

Ognissanti - All Saints' Day (1, 2 Nov)
Otherwise known as Tutti santi, All Saints' Day (Ognissanti) is followed by La commemorazioni dei defunti (or Tutti i morti), when the pope celebrates mass at Verano Cemetery. Romans travel en masse to visit family graves.

Planning a trip to Rome?
Send us your travel inquiries, itinerary and comments on romaelazioxte@gmail.com
Or contact us on: Tel: +39 3383435907 (ask for Valerie Dolce)

Public holidays
On public holidays (giorni festivi) virtually all shops, banks and businesses close, although (with the exception of May Day, 15 August and Christmas Day) bars and restaurants tend to stay open. There's only limited public transport on 1 May and Christmas afternoon.

New Year's Day (Capodanno) 1 Jan
Epiphany (La Befana) 6 Jan
Easter Monday (Pasquetta)
Liberation Day 25 Apr
May Day 1 May
Patron Saints' Day (Santi Pietro e Paolo) 29 June
Feast of the Assumption (Ferragosto) 15 Aug
All Saints (Tutti i santi) 1 Nov
Immaculate Conception (Festa dell'Immacolata) 8 Dec
Christmas Day (Natale) 25 Dec
Boxing Day (Santo Stefano) 26 Dec

Planning a trip to Rome?
Send us your travel inquiries, itinerary and comments on romaelazioxte@gmail.com
Or contact us on: Tel: +39 3383435907 (ask for Valerie Dolce)

For more information on Rome Events visit:
Rome’s Tourist Office official site at http://en.turismoroma.it/vivi_roma/contact_center_060608
Vatica’s official site at http://www.vatican.va/phome_en.htm
Rome Guide Italy at http://www.travelplan.it/rome_guide_itineraries_shopping.htm
Rome Time Out at http://www.timeout.com/rome/features/51/20-great-things-to-do-in-rome

ABOUT Rome4u guided tours

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About Rome4u

“A Rome vacation should be the trip of a lifetime”

Ciao, and welcome to Rome4u

Rome4u was born in 2009 thanks to the collaboration of a number of professionally trained and licensed tour guides, tour leaders, and NCC drivers. All of us have in common good communication abilities, sense of humour, warm personalities, and a generous desire to share our love for Rome with you. We are proud to have gained our licences after having undertaken an intense period of studying, courses and exams.

Rome4u specializes in affordable-high-quality private walking & car tours of Rome and its environs. We provide the luxury and exclusivity of a first class vacation at a reasonable price.

Rome4u is committed to the vision of eco-friendly-ethical tourism and supports the local economy in an attempt to redress the balance, reducing the negative aspects of tourism, while increasing the positive. Our eco-friendly routes have been planned to minimise CO2 emissions. We will mainly walk, cycle or travel by public transport, wherever and whenever practical.

Rome4u caters to solo travellers, couples and small groups (6 people max). For no additional costs we can design upon request, customized itineraries, to create the ideal Rome vacation package to suit your individual needs. This includes tours accessible for travellers with reduced mobility or wheelchair users. Our private tours include just you, your family, friends or small group.

Rome4u tours will help you explore and experience Rome in a new way. As we take you into the authentic reality of this timeless city, you will see places you would normally never find on your own, coming across Rome unusual character. You will have a chance to taste the pleasure of living in this unique city, appreciating its local traditions and mythology, making your trip to Rome an unforgettable and mystical experience!

Rome4u collaborates with private landlords that manage fully furnished self catering apartments in central Rome, that can be booked through us at a very competitive price. Roma4u also collaborates with a number of travel agents who operate in other Italian regions: just browse through our “web banners”.

Rome4u honours the Travelocity Guarantee and Customer Bill of Rights, which makes you, the traveller, our top priority. We are fuelled by a passion to constantly improve our services and accessibility; you can rely on us to deliver the best deals on guided tours and superior customer service.

Here at Roma4u, we really like what we do and that shows in our tours. We pride ourselves on providing you with a superior and individual service focused on one-to-one interaction. We strive to bring Rome alive for you without imposing. We move at your pace, and would be more than willing to change itinerary on your request.

“Rome4u is here to help you transform your Rome vacation into memories of a lifetime!”

Rome is without doubt one of the most beautiful and intriguing cities in the world. A visit to Rome is an emotional journey to be lived in its entirety. Rich in character and history, Rome is surrounded by the fertile countryside of the Lazio region with its vineyards, olive groves, lakes, sandy beaches, spa, picturesque villages, and evocative Etruscan and Roman ruins.

Rome4u has designed a series of guided tours for solo travellers, couples, families, friends and small groups at a very competitive price.

Rome4u guided tours can be the perfect solution for a private CRUISE SHIP SHORE EXCURSION or AIRPORT TRANSIT TOUR.

Rome4u can also arrange upon request Customized Itineraries and Private Car Tours to create the ideal Rome vacation package to suit your individual needs.

Please CONTACT US on:
romaelazioxte@gmail.com
Tel: 0039 3383435907 (ask for Valerie Dolce)

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Benefits of going on a private guided tour

Yes, a private tour guide may cost more than joining an organized package tour, however:

• Our private tours aim to provide you, your family and friends with a unique, superior and individual service that will focus on one-to-one interaction. No use of headsets or microphones. Moving at your group’s pace. We are more than willing to change itinerary on your request.

• A private tour will enable you to maximize your time in Rome, avoiding getting lost while trying to interpret maps, guide books or asking for directions. You don’t need to worry about anything except experiencing Roma!

• Our eco-friendly routes have been planned to minimise CO2 emissions. We will mainly walk, cycle or travel by public transport, wherever and whenever practical.

• Much can be seen and appreciated during a private tour, savouring not only the traditional highlights of Rome but a backstage view of traditional daily roman life.

• During your private tour we will also point out historic and contemporary design shops, elegant boutiques, characteristic cafes, mouth-watering Italian “gelaterie” (ice cream shops) and delicious restaurants specialised in traditional Roman food.

• Roma4u is staffed by a team of officially licensed guides. Our guides are chosen for their knowledge of art and history, their communication skills and warmth.

Rome4u collaborates with a number of travel agents who operates in other Italian regions: just browse through our
“web banners"

placed at the end of each page

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ROME WINTER OFFERS

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Book your Rome Winter Break this year with Rome4u

Palatine hill in winter

For info on what to do in Rome during the Winter Season check our post titled: WINTER IN ROME

Rome4u can provide you with ready-made itineraries, or help you to design a "tailored" one according to your interest and need (including wheelchair users).

Rome4u is committed to avoid burning a hole in the pocket of those who travel solo, this is why our tariff have been carefully designed to offer real benefits to those who are keen to make their escapade as solo as possible.

WINTER SPECIAL RATES

Rome4u private tours are honestly priced as we are committed to avoid burning a hole in the pocket of those who travel solo, this is why our tariff have been carefully designed to offer real benefits to those who are keen to make their escapade as solo as possible.

Price of a VIP Half Day Tour
130€ for solo travellers, 150€ (2 to 10 people max), 15€ each extra person
Our rates do not include Entrance Ticket to museums and archaeological sites.

Price of a VIP Full Day Tour
260€ for solo travellers, 300€ (2 to 10 persons), 30€ each extra person (Surcharge of € 100 for each additional person)

Please Note:
Our rates do not include include Transport, Lunch, Gratuites, or Entrance Fees to museums, archaeological sites or other attractions.

If you wish to avoid lines, we recommend you book your entrance tickets ahead of time

We can book your entrance ticket to museums and archaelogical sites for no additional fee

We are not able to cancel, transfer or refund entrance tickets to museums and archaelogical sites once booked.

Transportation: we will use local transportation, and/or taxis for moving around Rome (the cost of it not included in our fee)

All tours have to be booked in advance

We are at your disposal to assist you for more information.

Send us your travel inquiries, itinerary and comments on romaelazioxte@gmail.com
Or contact us on: +39 3383435907 (ask for Valerie Dolce)

AUTUMN IN ROME 2017

2017-01-03T05:55:00.000-08:00

Autumn is the best time to visit Rome (September to early November).
In this period the weather is warm and sunny and temperatures are very mild (15-20 degrees).
It rains at times, but usually you can go around with a light jacket.
The colours of the nature are lovely and the sun sets at around 07.00 pm.

Rome4u can provide you with ready-made Autumn Itineraries, or help you to design a "tailored" one according to your interest and need.

We specialize in Night Tours of Rome.

To see some example of our ready-made itineraries CLICK HERE.

But for those who prefer private tours, Rome4u can support you to design a tailored one according to your interest and need. Our private tours include just you, your family, or small group of friends.

Our guide will be at your disposal for the numbers of hours you decide.

Rome4u private tours are honestly priced as we are committed to avoid burning a hole in the pocket of those who travel solo, this is why our tariff have been carefully designed to offer real benefits to those who are keen to make their escapade as solo as possible. Moreover, we offer special tariff to families with young children. Simply check our RATES.

For info on what to do in Rome during the Autumn check our posts titled: ROME ANNUAL EVENTS and ROME GENERAL TIPS Or the useful tips contained in our post titled GETTING AROUND ROME

Planning a trip to Rome?
Send us your travel inquiries, itinerary and comments on romaelazioxte@gmail.com
Or contact us on: Tel: +39 3383435907 (ask for Valerie Dolce)

ROME IN SPRING 2017

2017-01-02T03:05:00.000-08:00

Lets witness the arrival of a new Spring in this beautiful city.

Real deep-blue sky, the new shoots of grass, the blossoming trees, and colourful buds of scented flowers. The streets seems noisier and full of happy laughter: "this is Rome in the spring season"

For info on what to do in Rome during the Spring Season check the useful tips contained in our post titled: Getting Around Rome and Rome Annual Events or Rome General tips

Rome4u can provide you with ready-made Spring Itineraries, or help you to design a "tailored" one according to your interest and need.

To see some example of our ready-made itineraries CLICK HERE.

We specialize in Night Tours of Rome starting from £15 x person, CLICK HERE to find out more

But for those who prefer private tours, Rome4u can support you to design a tailored one according to your interest and need. Our private tours include just you, your family, or small group of friends. Our guide will be at your disposal for the numbers of hours you decide Simply check our RATES.

4 NIGHT WALKING TOURS IN ROME

to welcome the arrival of Summer
June – September, h. 20:30 - 22:30
starting from £15 x person

Our night tours will guide you through Rome’s most important sites, but will also venture through Rome back alleys, and lively neighbourhoods dotted with elegant and characteristic shops. Come and find out with us the real heart and soul of the Eternal city.

Imperial Rome night tour

Tour Highlights: Colosseum, Arch of Constantine, Roman Forum, Imperial Forum, Capitol Hill

Details: Let’s walk through the monumental ruins of the Roman Empire' golden age. We will conclude the tour by having a free pint of beer from a local pub.

Meeting point: at the exit of tube station “Metro Colosseo”, by the newspaper seller kiosk on the right hand side.

Dress Code: comfortable shoes
Duration: Allow 2 to 2,5 hours to complete this tour

Starting time: will depend on your preference and need.

Availability: everyday

Rates for the guided tour: €150 (2 to 10 people max); €15 each extra person
Deal: €130 for solo travellers
+ Entrance fee
Group size: 25 max.
Bookings: write to romaelazioxte@gmail.com or send an SMS to 3383435907 (ask for Valeria).

Rome's Squares and Fontains night tour

Tour Highlights: Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Marcus Aurelius Column, Adrian Temple, Pantheon, Navona Square

Dress Code: comfortable shoes
Duration: Allow 2 to 2,5 hours to complete this tour

Starting time: will depend on your preference and need.

Availability: everyday

Rates for the guided tour: €150 (2 to 10 people max); €15 each extra person

Deal: €130 for solo travellers

+ Entrance fee

Group size: 25 max.

Bookings: write to romaelazioxte@gmail.com or send an SMS to 3383435907 (ask for Valeria).

Jewish Ghetto and Tiberin Island night tour

Tour Highlights: Argentina Square, Turtles Fontain, Mattei Palace, Ottavia Porticus, Synagogue, Tiberin Island

Meeting point: Largo Argentina, by the entrance of Teatro Argentina

Dress Code: comfortable shoes
Duration: Allow 2 to 2,5 hours to complete this tour

Starting time: will depend on your preference and need.

Availability: everyday

Rates for the guided tour: €150 (2 to 10 people max); €15 each extra person

Deal: €130 for solo travellers

+ Entrance fee

Group size: 25 max.

Bookings: write to romaelazioxte@gmail.com or send an SMS to 3383435907 (ask for Valeria).

Campo de' Fiori and Trastevere night tour

Tour Highlights: Campo de' Fiori, Farnese Square, Sisto Bridge, Trilussa Square, Trastevere's Alleys, Santa Maria in Trastevere

Meeting point: Campo de' Fiori Square, under the statue of Giordano Bruno, placed in the centre of the Square.

Dress Code: comfortable shoes
Duration: Allow 2 to 2,5 hours to complete this tour

Starting time: will depend on your preference and need.

Availability: everyday

Rates for the guided tour: €150 (2 to 10 people max); €15 each extra person

Deal: €130 for solo travellers

+ Entrance fee

Group size: 25 max.

Bookings: write to romaelazioxte@gmail.com or send an SMS to 3383435907 (ask for Valeria).

All tours have to be booked in advance

For bookings contact us on romaelazioxte@gmail.com;

or by calling us:

Valerie +39 3383435907

Planning a trip to Rome?
Send us your travel inquiries, itinerary and comments on romaelazioxte@gmail.com;
Or contact us on: Tel: +39 3383435907 (ask for Valerie Dolce)

ROME IN SUMMER 2017

2017-01-01T07:49:00.000-08:00

Summer is traditionally associated with hot dry weather, however July and August are usually hot and humid and could lead to bad tempered children (and parents).

Avoid going into town between 11.30am and 4.00pm.

Early morning, evening and night tours are recommended.

You could spend the hotter hours of the day on the beach, by a lake or in a SPA (e.g. Ostia; Fregene, Sperlonga, Sabaudia, Circeo, Nettuno, Tivoli Terme; Lago di Bracciano, Lago di Bolsena).

In any case, the “Estate Romana’s celebrations” will make up for hot and humid weather.

For info on what to do in Rome during Summer check the useful tips contained in our post titled: Getting Around Rome and Rome Annual Events orRome General tips

Rome4u can provide you with ready-made Summer Itineraries, or help you to design a "tailored" one according to your interest and need.

To see some example of our ready-made itineraries CLICK HERE.

We specialize in Night Tours of Rome CLICK HERE to find out more

But for those who prefer private tours, Rome4u can support you to design a tailored one according to your interest and need. Our private tours include just you, your family, or small group of friends. Our guide will be at your disposal for the numbers of hours you decide Simply check our RATES.

Planning a trip to Rome?
Send us your travel inquiries, itinerary and comments on rome4utour@gmail.com;
Or contact us on: Tel: +39 3383435907 (ask for Valerie Dolce)

io

2015-09-11T05:16:00.002-07:00

I am a dual qualified, multi lingual, self motivated, reliable and creative individual with a welcoming personality. I believe that the culture and traditions in Rome reflect its historic past and celebrate the modern world.