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, Florence +7
5.0(3)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.
Amalfi, Sorrento +11
5.0(6)Born and raised in Italy's Marche region, I have explored the country from north to south during travels and study periods away from home. I have lived part of my life in amazing cities such as Venice and Bologna, and have visited Rome a lot since I have family and friends there. I am an experienced trip planner for destinations all over Italy, from the breezy Cinqueterre in Liguria down to the sun kissed Amalfi coast. If you want someone to help you with all-encompassing guidance and make the best out of your trip to Italy, I will be most happy to help you!
Bologna, Ravenna +6
5.0(4)👋 Hi, nice to meet you! My name is Francesca, I live in a small town in the province of Ravenna. I speak English and French. 🎨 I'm an art expert because of my two degrees in Cultural Heritage and Visual Arts at the University of Bologna, where I've lived during my studies. I've lived it with a student life's eyes (pubs, restaurants, places to have fun, listen to some music, dance...) but also because I love art I've explored museums, art galleries, history, traditions, culture and more. ✈️ After University I decided to take a break and I've moved to Canada where I've lived for more than one year, then I came back to become a Travel Designer thanks to a course in Milan. 🧳 This year I got my Tour Guide certificate with the goal to guide families, groups of friends or couples during their travels to show them more than they expect!
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.
