Had a great time with LimousIn Rome for our private excursion

[kctwinmommy]

Thanks to other CC members who recommended this company for our day in Rome. Like all other ships, we were docked down the road in Civitavecchia. We knew doing a Viking excursion wouldn't cover the things we wanted, plus would waste time being on a bus tour. In fact, we didn't even know our options until we got on the ship because it was a turnover day for the cruise.

 

Anyway, our drive Francesca was there right at 7:30 to pick us up in the Mercedes van. By 8:30 she had us on one of the hills in Rome to see the city! She was able to just park in this little striped zone so we could snap some photos. After that she drove us into the city, pointing out things along the way, to the Colosseum. We didn't have tickets for that, but she dropped us off right by the entrance so we could walk around there for like 20-25 minutes. It's just so impressive to see in person! Then, she drove us over to the Piazza Navona, a really neat place by the Brazilian Embassy with beautiful fountains. Next, she drove us to the Vatican for our 10 a.m. tickets (purchase separately on our own), to the museum. Now, I didn't really enjoy the museum. It was so overwhelming, the variety of pieces, and the crowds were awful. Yes, having the pre-purchased tickets made us get in quickly, but the crowds were already pretty full. Although it only got worse, when we left around 12:30, the line was around the building and down the block. I can't say that I truly enjoyed the museum, although there were some good parts. Loved all the beautiful, detailed map paintings that were close to the Sistine Chapel.

 

By this time, we were hungry, so we asked her to drive us someplace to get some pizza and pasta. She took us to a cute little sidewalk place, had some food, and rested for a bit. She had a little something by herself, but then waited at the car for us. Once lunch was done, it was around 2:30 p.m., so we only had about an hour and a half left before she had to drive us back. We knew we wanted to see a few more places, so off we went. She dropped us off again (with a block or so) to the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain.

 

At every stop, she dropped us off in a place that required no more than a block's walk. This was such a time saver. Plus, she knows where everything is and how to get there quickly. For the major sights, she also had short little podcast type recordings she would play to explain the sight, which was nice. She didn't talk all the time, which was also fine. We'd been on tours every day where it seemed like all we did was hear a guide talk. But, she did point out some interesting things along the way (like the balcony where Mussolini declared war) and of course, answered any questions we had.

 

The price is a little high, but when we considered that a bus tour through the ship would have been about 1/2 this price, and not have seen the same amount, it was worth it. Plus, it was nice to drive around in a minivan, not a giant bus. We had planned to split it with another couple if we could have found someone, but that didn't work out, and we were totally fine doing it on our own.

 

Fountain in the Piazza Navona

 

 

Overlooking Rome. We could see so much from up here!

 

 

At the Trevi Fountain. It's super busy here, but we were surprised that people do move along and it's fairly easy to get a nice picture in front of it.

 

 

Inside the Vatican Museum, the hall with all the maps!

 

 

Our guide, Francesca

 

 

Overlooking the Spanish Steps

Edited May 15 by kctwinmommy

[Cafabi]

Great review and pics.