The year is almost over but we still have a few episodes of our #ExperienceOfTheWeek series left to discover. Today, we want to introduce you to Elisabetta, the co-founder of Rome Guided Visit.
Long story short, if you want to visit the most famous attractions in Rome with a private tour guide, RGV guys should be your choice #1. Why? Let’s read some of the reasons in our latest interview with Elisabetta. She’ll tell you what are the hottest tour choices of the Roman season and even reveal some of her favorite spots to visit in Rome. Tips from true locals are the best, right?
Q1: Hi Elisabetta, how are you doing?
Hi Ivana! Well, thank you, and waiting for the tourism recovery!
Q2: Tell us more about the story of Rome Guided Visit. Where did the idea come from?
I started my first company in 2015 with three other partners, all with a background in the tourism field and willing to create our own business. We sold tours of Roman local travel agencies through our website and did it well. At the beginning of 2019, I said to myself: it is now or never! My dream has always been to work for a tour operator. I started mine instead, and it worked out!
Q3: Rome is one of the most popular destinations in Europe and I bet there are dozens of things to show to fellow travelers. How big is your team? Are you all locals?
Our most significant resource is the team of guides and private drivers, over 20 professionals coordinated by Lidia, our excellent guest assistant. We are two partners in the back office, Claudio and me. Things were going unexpectedly well when we decided to hire the third person; pandemic only slowed down our plans.
Q4: Your selection of experiences is literally endless – you offer everything from guided tours in Rome to day trips to Tuscany, Amalfi Coast, Venice, or Milan. What are the most popular choices among travelers who come to you?
Our top-selling product is the Wow Tour, a complete Vatican visit, plus a complete Colosseum visit and a guided driving tour of the main fountains and squares. The medium number of overnights in Rome is 2/3, and this full-day tour includes all the must-sees in one day, a delicious lunch, and all transfers. Without our fantastic team, it would be an impossible mission.
Q5: Today many people travel and plan their itineraries on their own. Why would you recommend booking one of your experiences to our travelers?
You don’t have to stress organizing the best itinerary with public transport; our professional drivers will handle it for you, optimizing your valuable time. We accommodate guests with mobility challenges. Our experienced and certified guides have no scripted speeches; the tours are conversational, informative, and relaxing.
Q6: Travel industry has been in uncharted waters this year but we all hope it will rebound soon. How was your 2020 season? Do you plan any changes for next year?
The summer season was nearly unexisting apart from a small slice of Italian tourists, and so is the winter one. We did not waste this unfruitful time; we redesigned our website and connected to several top booking platforms like yours…the plan? To double the number of tourists we welcomed in 2019!
Q7: Last but not least, what is your favorite spot around Rome that you’d take your friends to see or experience? Tips from a true local are always worth it 🙂
Sure! Go up to Capitoline Hill and explore it! Then, face the town hall, with the “Cordanata staircase” behind you, and walk right under the arch with the windowed corridor. Now enjoy the best view over the Roman Forum! For a stunning 360 degrees view, get the glass elevator on the Victor Emanuel monument and give us your feedback!
Book some of the most popular experiences by Rome Guided Visit here:
Exclusive Package Tour: Colosseum, Trevi & other Fountains , Lunch &Transfers!
Pompeii & Sorrento Private – Day Trip From Rome
VIP Private Early Access Vatican Tour – Crowd-beating Ticket
Private Vatican Museum, Basilica, and Sistine Chapel Tour
VIP Package WOW Tour of Rome In One Day: Colosseum, Vatican, Fountains, and Squares