Testimonials of people who have experienced some time in Rome with Rome Day Tours

"I was in Rome for a week in June 2004 and had found Rich on the internet. I had done some research and learned a guided tour was the best way to see Rome and the Vatican. Following a large group and a "flag" isn't my style so we hired Rich for two days. The things we saw and learned during our two days were astounding! We went places no regular tour could go and learned more than if we had gone on twenty "guided" tours. Rich's knowledge is so extensive and he was so enthusiastic about sharing it with us.

I asked a million questions and Rich patiently answered all (well almost all!) of them. Rich is great company and well worth the investment, absoulutely, positively excellent!!!!"
Cindy Neubauer
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"Rich's background in teaching make him an exceptional guide.  His understanding of history, architecture and art makes for a learning experience that is wrapped in context and is much more enjoyable than your typical lecture style tour.  Rich also knows how to maximize your time in Rome by customizing his itenerary to match the time you have available. I have recommended him to everyone I know who is planning on visiting Rome."
Lee Smither, Raleigh,NC.
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Elizabeth and I found a * fabulous* tour guide we can recommend. He does private walking tours and will blow your mind. We had 3!! with him. He can take you all around to places of your interest and draws out fascinating themes to make the places come alive. These tours make the difference between just seeing things and understanding them. At the end of our day in Rome, I felt like I had just completed a university credit. Rich is a theology Doctoral student, so knows his Roman history – the genesis of the church – as much as all of the history, culture and politics since then. What's nice is that - in contrast to regular, commercial tours - is that he works various interesting themes into each tour and ties's 'em together, not just "here is this and there is that."
Casey and Liz Worthington
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Rich: I wanted to thank you again for the incredibly wonderful tour you provided to my family and me.  You made the sights come alive right before our eyes. I couldn't believe that you kept the interest of my 10 year old son.  In fact, you peaked his interest so much that all he could do was talk about everything we saw for some time after we left Rome. Of course, my wife and I still talk about it.  The combination of your educational backround and your in depth knowledge of the area made this one incredible trip.  We are so happy that we chose your personal tour instead of being in a huge impersonal group. Once again, thanks. 
Paul, Wendy and Andrew Weinberg 
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Rich, We are so grateful that you found time to fit us in your busy schedule and give us a tour of Rome during our visit there. By the end of our time with you, we felt we had taken a great seminar in Roman history and culture. You were so considerate of what our special interests were, when and where we wanted to stop and spend more time or just catch our breath and behold the wonder of it all, we truly appreciated that. Last year, I had convinced my husband that for this trip to Rome, his first trip and our thirtieth wedding anniversary celebration, we could either spend alot of our time trying to figure out what to see, or make arrangements to get to the heart of things quickly with you as our tour guide. He is so glad that you were recommended to us by our friends. I know that when my brother visited Rome this year and toured with you, he felt likewise.

It's no small matter that you know where all the public drinking fountains and restrooms are either!
Thanks immensely. Christine & Bob Vernon, Best wishes from Oak Park
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I traveled to Italy in May with my sister and 4 other friends. Although I studied for a year in advance in preparation for our trip, I knew that using a guide in Rome was mandatory in order to get the full impact of this magical city, so I spent months researching the various options available. My travel agent suggested that I use one of their recommended tour companies, but after reading Rich's resume, something inside me told me to give him a chance. My natural instincts could not have been more in tune! My sister and I arrived in Rome earlier than our friends, so were able to "tour" the city on our own the day before our scheduled outing with Rich. When we met up with Rich the following day, a few of the places we visited on our arrival were also on Rich's suggested itinerary (e.g., Santa Maria della Vittoria to see St. Teresa of Avila and the Baths of Diocletian). What at first seemed like a duplication of efforts turned out to be utterly profound - Having Rich guide our way through these sites made me feel like I hadn't even been there the day before! Rich uses his knowledge of art and history to transcend your mind to Ancient Rome while touring the various sites. He shows you Rome's works of art through the souls of the creators. After spending 2 days in Rome with Rich, it became obvious to me - visiting Rome without using Rich as a guide was like looking at Rome with blinders on - not actually living the experience. If you want to feel the true passion of this eternal city - to walk away feeling like you have actually been a part of something wonderful and special that mere words cannot describe, but that your heart will always cherish, let Rich take you there! You will not be disappointed!
-Susan de Christofaro, Los Angeles, California, July 2005
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Hi Rich- I hope you and your family are well. I just wanted to let you know that I ran into one of my collegues the other day who thanked me profusely for telling her about your tour service. Her friends (the Kinnards) couldn't say enough nice things about you, in particular, and the nice time they had touring with you. I'm glad it worked out!
Kirk and I can't wait to get back to Italy! We will be sure to check in with you when we plan something. Take care!
Jackie Hilton
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Rich, The restaurant was excellent.  Much like the rest of the day.  We all had a blast. Yes the waiters at the restaurant took us downstairs to see the well.  It was a time warp.  So old. Thanks for everything Rich.  I would be happy to be a reference to anyone considering you as a guide. Kind regards,
John Bradley, District General Agent, Colonial Supplemental Insurance, Twin Peaks, Ca.
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Rich, How good it is to hear from you! It's hard to believe it has almost been a year. It is a rare week that goes by we do not talk about our time in Rome and what you added to it. We always mentioned your name to friends who are considering a trip to Rome. We encourage them first to go and second to invest in an opportunity with you to learn and gain a perspective about Rome they might otherwise overlook. The downside - they gain a lot of lifetime memories! Every time we discuss our trip is a trip down memory lane. When I watched the video clip, I was immediately reminded of our time and your eating and talking while we filmed. I remembered your passion and enthusiasm that added so much. The video brought back so many memories. What fun to be mentioned, but even more special were the memories. The beauty of Rome, and what touring with you helped give us perspective on, is the incredible and magnificent history that is alive and gratefully requires you to stop, reflect and be in awe. Our best to you and your family. We look forward to a return trip and another rome-day-tour with you.
Mike J. McMahon, Leadership Network, Cedar Springs, Dallas, TX
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Rich, just checking our emails late tonight and wanted to tell you how much Dave, Vito, Gini and I enjoyed today. You really have made our stay in Rome so memorable and it has come "alive" for us. We will surly be passing your card onto others. Thanks again,
Barbara Greenfield/Dave Walser
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My wife booked Rich for a tour of the Roman Forum during our visit to Italy last summer. We had been to Rome before but had just walked around on our own. We wanted a bit more knowledge this time. Rich met us at our hotel right on time (pretty casually dressed, but, after all, it was July...), and we just walked to the Forum. He spent four hours taking us around. We really enjoyed his comments. He seemed to know what he was talking about from an historical perspective, and he also gave us a feel for what life might have been like in this part of Rome several thousand years ago. He's a young fellow from America, but he lives in Rome now with his Italian wife and their two small children. There were six in our group, all friends from Colorado, and all of us were very impressed. It sure beat walking around on your own and reading a guidebook. We'd recommend him highly.
Dave and Carole Mills
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Rich, We enjoyed our time with you very much. You are extremely knowledgeable and obviously love what you are doing. You were excellent with the children as well. I would recommend you highly for great tours of Rome! Hope all is well with you. I would be happy to answer any email inquiries about our experience with you.
Bill Campbell, Southern Florida
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Rich, Just a note to say thank you for a great tour.  We wish that we had the time for a full tour. It was very apparant that you have a passion for the information and can't wait to share it.  We loved it and would recommend you to anyone. Feel free to use my name and email address as a reference.  Best Wishes, 
Dave & Pat Wrona, Cleveland Ohio
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Hey Rich, My wife Carol and I were so grateful to you this summer when you took us on a quick tour of the city. We followed you briefly through the museum and then met you on the street. Your tour was quick and informative and it was refreshing to actually meet someone who was not trying to take advantage of us. We left there feeling good about our time spent in Rome and have promised to come back. I have passed your number onto a couple of our friends who are visiting Italy right now. I will be sending you a card soon and I hope it finds you and your family in good health and good spirits. Thanks again.
Joe & Carol Earle, Los Angeles, CA
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Rich... We are back at our respective work places here in California, USA...Carol and I got together with 6 of our travelling partners on Saturday to take a brisk walk around Dana Point Harbor and have breakfast. All twelve in our party have now returned to the USA. We all had plenty to talk about. I was looking around the web at lunch today and thought I'd see if I could 'Google' your website...and there it was. I used the search string 'Rome, Italy, Guided Tours' and you were the 3rd or 4th listed!- - - Enjoyed both our tours...the Roman Ruins and St Peter's. We have so many good memories of our journey to Italy, and we especially enjoyed the time spent with you where we heard so much of the history of Rome. It was one thing to walk amongst the ruins prior to taking the walking tour, quite another to have you set up what inspired the various structures (the Arch of Constantine, etc...etc). Becky's description of the ruins which she called the 'wreckage' is something we will chuckle about for years to come. Thanks so much for enrichening our Rome experience. Thanks also for watching over us in the subways! It was a terrific vacation...one we will revisit. Ciao!
Pat Felt, Town Surveyor, TOWN OF MAMMOTH LAKES
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DEAR RICH - I HOPE YOU CAN PUT THIS RECOMMENDATION ON YOUR WEB SITE.  YOU ARE THE BEST TOUR GUIDE IN ROME.  OUR GROUP WAS SO HAPPY WITH THE DAY WE SPENT WITH YOU, YOU MADE ROME COME ALIVE FOR US, AND WE HAD SO MUCH FUN TOO.  EVERYONE WANTS TO COME BACK, SO YOU CAN SHOW US THE REST OF ROME NEXT TIME.  THANKS SO MUCH FOR OUR AWESOME DAY, TO OUR FRIEND RICH "FINDER OF SHADE"
- the Fellin's from Wisconsin
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"Seeing Rome for the first time is incredible, seeing Rome with Rich is UNBELIEVABLE! ... Walking the streets of Roma with Rich was like stepping back in time. His knowledge of the city is truly astounding, but it was the way in which he presented it all that made our experience one of the greatest memories of all time. Rich immediately felt like an old friend and his warmth and hospitality is that of a true italian! (We only wish he could travel the world with us!) Our time spent in Rome was our most favorite stop on our vacation to Italy. A big thank you to you Rich for being part of what made it so wonderful."
Julie and Jeffrey Castaldo, Nyack, New York
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Rich's knowledge of the sites of Rome and the stories that go with them is incredible. His tour helped bring to life the stones, the marble and the many great buildings of ancient Rome. His enthusiasm for his subject is infectious and his style draws you deeper into exploring what it would really be like to live as a Roman Emperor or subject. Rich also took great care to understand the interests of our group and reflect this in his customized tour. He really knows his stuff, a memorable experience.
Ian Cook, Impact International, England
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I came across this picture showing us in St. Peter's during our tour this summer and thought you'd like to have it.  We had such an enjoyable and educational experience with you in Rome this year.  We've been to Rome twice before, but your tour helped us understand everything so clearly.  I appreciated your willingness to customize the tour based on our requests.  We managed to deviate from the plan a few times, and you handled it with ease.  It was particularly interesting to see the people who would overhear our conversation and then try to hire you on the spot. We will return to Rome and will definitely contact you for a continued educational experience!!!
ellen vonderheide
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Hey Rich, My mother and I have finally had time to sit down together after our extensive tour of Europe.  We both want to thank you so much for showing us the beautiful city of Rome.  Our private two day walking tour was so incredible its hard to put into words.  Out of all of our guides that we had on our tours through Europe, you were the best!  Your passionate knowledge of Rome and its history was so interesting, we couldn't get enough.  How you connected all the information together was truly remarkable.  Two days wasn't nearly enough to experience all of Rome, but your itinerary was so precise we believe we saw the best of Rome.  No time was wasted, to and from sites, you delivered information that would help us understand what we were seeing. You were so patient with my partially disabled mother, who needs a cane because of her bad knees.  You were always one step ahead, pointing out places she could sit, while you gave us more information about where we were.  You pointed out all of the bathrooms to her as we went along our walking tour which she appreciated greatly. We are both so grateful for your thoughtfulness.  We even remember using the "most beautiful bathroom in Rome" on our night tour! This was a trip of lifetime.  You gave us so many wonderful memories of Rome!  It's truly an incredible city.  We can't thank you enough for the unforgettable experience.  Your private tour was exceptional!  We highly recommend anyone who wants to experience Rome with a qualified guide to use Rich.  Not only is he informative and thoughtful, he is a great person who makes learning fun. Again, we cannot thank you enough Rich.  If you need to use us as a reference we would be more than happy to.  Again, grazie grazie grazie! Arrivederci,
John Weber and Pam Weber
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Hi Rich - belated thanks for spending the day with us earlier this month.  We had the best, most interesting day with you.  My particular favorite site was St Clements church, and we still can't believe that we had the Vatican museum practically all to ourselves due to the upcoming election.  We would not have attempted to go there had you not been with us.  If I hear of friends or family who are thinking of visiting Rome, I will definitely suggest they contact you.  With or without my referrals, I hope your business flourishes.  The rest of our trip was wonderful.  We loved the archeological museum in Naples.  We didn't much like the city, but it's true that they have great pizza. Our very best wishes,
Mariane Riley
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"Our experience with Rich is one which we will remember for a lifetime. As a family of six on a tight schedule who wanted to see and learn a lot in a short period of time, Rome Day tours was the only tour service that could meet our needs and exceed our expectations.  In six hours, Rich provided an excellent tour of St. Peters, the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel, as well as the Coliseum and the Roman Forum. The breadth and depth of Rich's knowledge made a fast but full tour, a great learning experience and a fun day."
John F. DelGiorno, Vice President, State Government Affairs
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"Rome is a great city to visit; however, our appreciation for it was made even greater by Rich.  His knowledge about art, architecture, history, and his engaging way of sharing that knowledge made the ancient streets, buildings, and works of art come alive.  In two half-day tours, he put together a customized tour that had a unique thread running through each day that kept us interested and wanting more.  He made our short time in Rome much more meaningful than had we tried to do it on our own.  His personality and good sense of humor and current events made the time most enjoyable.  Going on a tour with Rich is like visiting a relative in his city and having him introduce it to you in a casual but knowledge-filled way.  We will always remember the Rome that Rich showed us."
Jerry and Harriet Hopkins
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Rich, We enjoyed your tours more than words can say! You are truly a gifted guide, and may I say without any hesitation that we will be honored to promote "Rome Day Tours" in any way you request. We will publish it as often as we can, and promote it everywhere we can.
Judie and Paul Brown, Staford VA
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Rich, we have described to others several times about what a unique experience we had with you, and your total capability in answering our questions. It was fun while still intellectually stimulating. Overall, we got a good sense of the history, culture and religious interconnections. We certainly enjoyed our 2 days with you and know that the others in our group did too. We were all amazed at how much information you provided us in that short time and appreciated the ease in which you toured with us. So that's a few comments from folks who have spent a few very enjoyable hours with you and who came away with a vivid impression of Rome and its history. We wish you continued success. If we were heading back to Rome in the near future you would definitely get a request from us for another tour.
Jack and Kay Dunn
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Rich - Thank you for everything you did for us during our visit to Rome.  It was such a wonderful experience. You are a wonderful guide and I will recommend you to others that I know when they mention they are going to Rome!  Our friends could not stop talking at dinner on our last night in Rome about how pleased they were with you, your demeanor, excited personality,  and how much they learned from you.  You enabled them to have a memorable, educational trip that they will never forget.
Dolores Norton, Kill Devil Hills, NC 
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Hey Dude, Just thought I would give you a quick note to say how much we enjoyed meeting you and the excellent tour that you provided for us. It was amazing and worth every euro. It really helped to make our trip very memorable. We are safe and sound back in Toronto and if you need a testimonial for your web site or if anyone requests an introduction to your tour by someone that has already been on it please have them email me. Rich we really enjoyed ourselves and I cannot thank you enough for the time you spent with us. We really have a greater appreciation for what you showed us and how much passion you have for what you do. Stay Safe,  Kindest Regards, 
Bill and Barbara Campbell from Toronto and Keith and Yvette from New Jersey
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We have utilized guide services all over the world and must say that you provide one of the finest. You not only know where to go, what to say, and how to say it, but being a U.S. native allowed us not to have to fight to understand what you were saying or any innuendo. Since we have toured Rome previously it was particularly impressive for us to be able to have you customize the agenda and pace to our needs yet you were as conversant on seemingly any secondary painting, sculpture, arch or building as on the prime ones. Also we feel it is significant that you know when to go places and even what door to enter in order to minimize crowds. That is huge. Good luck,
Barry and Allyn Shulman
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Took a while to send these to you but we had a great time with you. I will send a few shots and if you want to use them with future customers you are more than welcome to and if they would like to contact someone for a reference you are welcome to use us.
Jim and Terri Hattan, Wichita Kansa
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Good Morning Rich, We had a great day with you in Rome and recommend your services to anyone that wishes to know more than the standard fare on Rome history. As for your restaurant recommendations, they couldn't have been better and more timely. The Restaurant was a perfect way to cool our heels and enjoy local Roman food at a very reasonable price. The owner was very warm & personable and helpful with directions. I would highly recommend your services to folks that like to hear the guide and be informed regarding the small differences that make for a memorable tour. I'd rather see the guide's face than a pole with flag about 80 people away. If one has a group of six or less, your tours are very reasonable and one of the most informative in Rome. Did I say my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our day with you and followed up on your tips for another day in Rome by ourselves? You were like a small oasis of home in the middle of a very large city. I hope you have a banner year and will look you up again next time in Rome. Best regards and Ciao,
Neil and Betsy Kent, Duluth, Minnesota USA 
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After our initial fiasco in catching up with Rich we thoroughly enjoyed our tours on Thursday and Friday. Rich did a wonderful job in salvaging Thursday afternoon with great sights around the city and an early morning start on Friday enabled us to see the key sights at the Vatican, St. Peter’s as well as the Forum, Colosseum and other sights in the area. His flexibility in re-designing the itinerary on the spot was most appreciated. He did a great job in describing the sights in a way that both the children and adults enjoyed—we all learned a great deal. His enthusiastic approach to the sights and the history kept everyone engaged and interested. His knowledge base was quite impressive. Our short trip stay in Rome was fabulous. Thank you again.
D. Mulli

Click here to send Rich your request: rich@rome-day-tours.com

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