Rome is just the beginning—Etruscan tombs, volcanic lakes, and hill towns await beyond the Eternal City.
Your on-the-ground insiders. The ones who know the enduring favourites, the quiet corners and what’s worth your time.
Rome, Sulmona +6
Hi traveller! I'm Elisa, born and raised in Rome, and for years I’ve been sharing Italy with an international audience through my platform Romeinside. I’ve always loved helping people experience Italy beyond the typical tourist checklist — from hidden towns and local aperitivo spots to authentic day trips and cultural gems. Rome is chaotic, so I'll help you not to get lost in the myriad of things to do. Let's chat so I can get to know you and guide you to experience Italy in a more relaxed, tailored and local way. ___________________ More locations I can advise you on ✈️: • Abruzzo region (skiing, hiking, food, old towns) • Sicily region (best beaches and activities, history) • Lazio region (there's more than Rome to explore, trust me!)
Milan, Como +7
Ciao! I’m Linda. I’ve traveled to many places around the world, but let’s be honest: nothing quite compares to Italy. The culture, the food, the vibe, there’s just no place like home! Born and raised in Milan, I know this city (and its surroundings) like the back of my hand I’ve worked in the travel industry for years, and I’m also an Event Manager & Planner. What does that mean for you? Simply that I genuinely love organizing things down to the details, so you don't have to! When I’m not mapping out trips or planning events, you’ll usually find me hunting down the best cinema spots, exploring hidden street gems, or petting local cats! My goal is to help solo travelers, couples, and friends experience the true magic of Italy through well-paced trips filled with authentic food, easy logistics, and zero tourist stress. Whether you're planning a quick weekend escape or a full Italian adventure, I'll help you discover the hidden spots that aren't on page one of Google - let’s make it unforgettable!
Rome, Florence +7
5.0(4)I’m Mike from Rome with Mike, an American who’s called Italy home since 2003. I help travelers plan relaxed, unforgettable Roman holidays—at a local’s pace. Think hidden corners, underground sites, and experiences not everyone gets to see. No rushing, no tourist traps—just smart planning and insider insight. Whether you’re here for art, history, or food and wine, I’ve got you covered. Let’s slow it down and make Rome feel like home. The goal is simple: to help you experience Rome not as a tourist, but as a Roman.
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Rome, Naples
My name is Francesca, and I’m an Art Historian and photographer based in Rome, specializing in Roman archaeology, as well as Renaissance and Baroque art. With Rome as my home and main source of inspiration, I design experiences that reveal the country through its art, history, culture, and everyday life, shaping each itinerary around my clients’ interests, pace, and travel style. My approach is rooted in thoughtful exploration: I craft journeys that immerse travelers in local traditions and hidden places, connecting them with experiences shaped by the people who live there. As a passionate lover of nature-focused travel, I also curate recommendations for natural parks, secluded beaches, and immersive hiking trails, offering a deeper connection to Italy’s landscapes beyond its cities. Italy offers an extraordinary cultural and culinary heritage, and stepping off the beaten path opens the door to rare and meaningful encounters—moments untouched by mass tourism and rich in character. I’m here to help you experience Italy in a more genuine, memorable, and personal way.
Everyone comes to Lazio for Rome, but the region surrounding the capital is a revelation. Ancient Etruscan necropolises at Cerveteri and Tarquinia predate Roman civilisation. The volcanic lakes of Bracciano and Bolsena offer peaceful retreats just an hour from the Colosseum. The hill towns of the Castelli Romani have been the Roman escape since antiquity, with their own wines and porchetta traditions. And then there's Tivoli, where Hadrian built his dream villa and the Renaissance cardinals created paradise gardens.
April to June or September to November. Rome is scorching in July and August. The Castelli Romani are perfect for autumn wine festivals, and spring brings wildflowers to the Etruscan sites.
Lake Bracciano is 45 minutes from Rome with a stunning Orsini-Odescalchi castle. A local will help you combine a lake swim, castle visit, and a lunch of lake fish in a single perfect day trip.
Cerveteri's Banditaccia necropolis has thousands of carved tombs older than Rome itself. A local knows the less-visited painted tombs at Tarquinia that bring the ancient world to vivid life.
The hill towns south of Rome (Frascati, Castel Gandolfo, Nemi) are where Romans go for porchetta, local wine, and strawberries. A local will plan the perfect circuit with the best family-run fraschette.
Eleonora has a short list of things she wishes every Rome visitor knew before they arrived. Galleria Borghese is at the top. The Trevi Fountain is not.
