Rome: Private city tour with local driver & stops

Summary

Real Roman stories, Bernini’s fountains, and a few surprises

Get picked up by a real Roman and explore the city’s heart in comfort. You’ll wander through the Roman Forum with local stories, snap photos at Piazza Navona, try snacks along the way, and maybe even pick up some Italian phrases you’ll remember long after you leave Rome.

What’s the experience like?

We almost missed the start because I thought the meeting point was on the other side of Piazza Navona — classic me. Our driver, Marco, just grinned and waved us over like he’d seen this happen a hundred times (probably has). The van was cool inside, which felt like a small miracle after that sticky Roman morning. Marco told us his family had lived here for “at least 200 years” — I still can’t tell if he was joking or not, but either way, it made me look at the city differently.

The first stop was the Roman Forum. I’d seen pictures before but standing there, hearing Marco talk about how his grandfather used to bring him here as a kid — that hit different. There was this faint smell of dust and old stone in the air, mixed with something sweet from a vendor nearby (maybe roasted nuts?). We took photos, but honestly I just wanted to listen to Marco’s stories about emperors and everyday Romans. He pointed out little details I would’ve missed on my own — like how some stones are worn smooth where people have touched them for centuries.

Piazza Navona came next. The fountains were louder than I expected, and there were kids chasing pigeons around Bernini’s sculptures while their parents tried to get them to sit still for photos (good luck). We grabbed a quick snack — some kind of flaky pastry that left sugar on my fingers — and sat on a bench watching street artists set up their easels. Marco taught me how to say “grazie mille” properly; he laughed when I tried it out loud. It felt less like a tour and more like hanging out with someone who really loves their city.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Roman Forum and Piazza Navona

• Visit Roman Forum with history explanation and photos
• See Bernini's fountains, snack, and photograph at Piazza Navona

Top questions

Is pickup included in this Rome city tour?

Yes, private transportation with pickup is included in your booking.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are welcome.

Can service animals come along?

Service animals are allowed on this tour.

Will there be time for photos at each stop?

Yes, you’ll have chances to take photographs at both main attractions.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Are infant seats available if needed?

Specialized infant seats are available upon request.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with pickup by a local Roman driver who shares personal stories along the way; stops at both the Roman Forum and Piazza Navona with time for photos; plus space to grab a snack or just watch daily life unfold in Rome’s historic center before heading back comfortably.