To become a licensed tourist guide in Italy, candidates must pass an examination published by local public tourist authorities to assess their knowledge of the city’s history, geography, art, and architecture. Tour guides are professionals who guide individuals or groups through museums, monuments, villas, archeological sites, art galleries, and other sites of artistic relevance. Some of the best guided tours in Rome include Rome in 1 Day Private Tour: Colosseum + Vatican Museum (Skip the Line) and First Time Visitors: Private City.
A licensed tour guide with a Bachelor’s degree in art and history and a Sommelier certificate from A.I.S. (Italian Sommelier Association) can book one of the many tours in Rome in English, either as an exclusive private guide or one of the Rome group tours. There are many options, but the best way to experience Rome is on a walking tour with skip-the-line tickets and a private tour guide.
Guided tours are an efficient way to see Rome’s attractions, and tour guides may even have exclusive access to get you into sites earlier in the day, so you’ll encounter fewer encounters. All guides must be licensed, which means passing a hard test about the art and history of the area where they work.
To avoid high salaries in the tourism/hospitality industry in Italy, CAST provides training and seminars for exams to take the license of tour guides, tour leaders, hostesses, interpreters, and head managers of travel agencies. The application period for this position is from 5 September 2022, with the mandatory deadline of 30 November 2022. A step-by-step guide on how to become a tour guide, from training to licenses, and the best way to get hired for your dream job is available.
📹 18 Tips I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Rome, Italy
These 18 tips to know before visiting Rome are what I wish I knew before my trip to Rome, Italy. Hopefully these travel tips will help …
Do you need a license to be a tour guide in Italy?
As a tour guide, you must pass an exam and obtain a specific license for activities reserved for tour guides or tour managers. You must also comply with general business requirements. To start your activity as a tour guide, tour manager, or tour interpreter, you must submit relevant declarations and forms to authorities. The requirements depend on whether you want to operate as a tour guide or manager, or if you are a qualified guide in another EU country. In Rome, the following rules apply. The Tourism desk provides contact details for further information.
How do I become a certified tour guide in Europe?
A company is seeking local tour guides to work in European tourist destinations. The job requires fluency in English and previous experience as a tour guide or similar job. The company offers flexible schedules, long-term cooperation, competitive salaries, and a supportive network of office staff. The ideal candidate should be locally based in the destination, have a tour guide license if needed, and be fluent in English or other languages. Experience working with people is also a plus. The company is looking for experienced and dynamic individuals who enjoy working with people.
Do you tip tour guides in Rome?
Tiping in Italy is generally accepted, with a general guideline being to add 10 to 15 percent of the total cost of the tour on top. While tipping is generally accepted in Italy, it is not a requirement for waiting staff to boost their wages. Instead, a tip is a bonus, a small way of expressing gratitude for the warm and attentive service, such as receiving free limoncello at the end of a perfect candlelit dinner in Riomaggiore. Despite the cultural differences, tipping is a straightforward business with no significant cultural hurdles.
Are tour guides worth it in Rome?
A guided tour in Rome offers a convenient way to explore the city’s most popular attractions while learning about its rich history. These tours organize your day and purchase tickets to access the inside of buildings. They are stress-free, as you don’t need to plan your route or organize ticket purchases. Most tours offer tickets that skip long queues, and all you need to do is meet the tour guide at a location and follow them. Some tours may have a lunch break, but you will meet again after lunch.
A guided tour allows you to learn about the history of the places you visit, allowing you to appreciate the time when these attractions were used. For example, the Roman Forum was used for public meetings and law courts, and the Colosseum hosted massive gladiator battles. This allows you to appreciate the rich history of Rome and its attractions.
Is it rude not to tip in Rome?
Tiping in bars in Italy is not expected, but leaving change for the server is common. Locals round off the bill and leave the remainder for wait staff if satisfied with the service. Tiping depends on frequent patrons and familiarity with the wait staff. Visitors to the country don’t have an obligation to tip per drink or leave a substantial extra after squaring the tab. For more information on drinking like an Italian, check out our article.
How much do Italy tour guides make?
The average monthly salary for a Tour Guide in Rome, Italy is €1, 313, based on Glassdoor’s proprietary Total Pay Estimate model. This figure is the midpoint of the ranges, based on user salaries. The “Most Likely Range” reflects values within the 25th and 75th percentile of all pay data for this role. Glassdoor’s machine learning model uses user and government data to make pay predictions. The total pay range of €1K-€1K is highly accurate.
How much does a tour guide cost in Rome?
Fabio Salemme, an art historian and licensed tour guide, offers guided tours in Rome and its province. Born in Naples, he obtained a three-year degree in Conservation of Cultural Heritage before moving to Rome and completing a Master’s Degree in Historical-Artistic Studies. He then pursued a Postgraduate Specialization School, obtaining a license to practice tourist guideship. Salemme has experience in designing and organizing educational projects for schools, including workshops and educational tours for children.
His approach is to learn art and history through direct experience and the “if I do it I will learn it” method, focusing on similarities and differences between different eras and civilizations. He designs customized guided tours, particularly for children and educational tours for schools, which go beyond simple frontal lessons. Salemme enjoys creating reenactments of historical characters, playing with their personalities and cultural frameworks, and highlighting historic customs often ancestors of ours.
What are the cons of being a tour guide?
Freelance tour guides offer various benefits such as flexibility in work hours, exposure to diverse groups and cultures, and potential for higher income through various gigs. However, they also face drawbacks such as lack of job security, variable income based on seasons or demand, and the responsibility for personal marketing and client acquisition. They must also manage administrative tasks and may face competition in popular tourist areas.
The benefits of freelance tour guides include flexibility, variety, independence, and networking opportunities. However, they also face drawbacks such as instability in income and job security, lack of benefits like health insurance, paid leave, or retirement plans, self-management, and competition.
Despite these challenges, freelance tour guides can enrich their professional repertoire by exploring different destinations and types of tourism. However, they also face challenges such as financial instability, fixed benefits, managing multiple contracts, and the responsibility for self-promotion and personal marketing.
Is there a demand for tour guides?
Since 2012, the job outlook for Tour Guide or Escort careers has been positive, with a nationwide increase of 130. 21 percent in vacancies. However, demand is expected to decrease, with an expected -15, 560 job cuts by 2029, a 2. 27 percent annual decrease. The most available positions are in the states with the least number of filled positions. Joining the career community is recommended to stay updated on these changes.
What is the difference between a travel agent and a tour guide?
A tour operator provides assistance in the planning of vacations, the handling of technical and legal matters, and the coordination of logistical details. In contrast, a travel agent offers guidance in the selection of an appropriate plan and provides advice to travelers on matters pertaining to travel documents, such as visas and passports.
Can you make a living as a tour guide?
Tour guides are compensated up to $242, 500 annually for their services, which include providing assistance, monitoring crowds, and disseminating information. Some possess considerable expertise in particular fields, such as history or ecology.
📹 How to See Rome in A Day Guide
We give you the formula of how to have an epic day in Rome Italy. All the practical advice on how to skip the line in Rome, where …
The first time I saw the Pieta I was six years old. It was at the 1962 world’s fair in New York City. We were on a moving belt and we saw it up close because back then they did not have it enclosed in glass. That came after somebody shot at it. I will never forget the feeling of seeing that amazing sculpture at such a young age. Since then I’ve seen it three more times, and it still takes my breath away.
One thing ill say is, if possible, book the things you want to see and do in advance. Ideally if there are time slots and stuff, book em. You can always cancel but if you don’t book them, then you’ll have to wait in lines. Sometimes its even worth paying up for tours because a lot of tours don’t have to wait in the regular lines. Do everything possible to make the most out of your trip and I do love some unpredictability and random adventures on trips. I tend not to gamble with crowds for things I REALLY wanna see/do.
Did the Roman Guide Rome in day tour today. (Vatican, Parthenon – walk by, Piazza Navona, inside by Forum, Coliseum, etc). Guide was Samantha who was fantastic very knowledgeable and energetic which made the tour come alive. It is a lot of walking with a short bus ride from Vatican to Parthenon. Would recommend this tour highly. Ask for Samantha
Thankk youu so much your articles have been so helpful! My daughter and I are traveling to Italy 😍for the first time, for the next few weeks and we have watched 100’s of articles, but yours have been so informative! We are definitely going to book our excursions with The Tour Guy!! Would you recommend touring the Coliseum in the later afternoon or morning if there are spots left? What about the Vatican Museum? Thank you again! Hope you are having a wonderful day!
I took the Rome in a Day tour in April of this year. I did go on a Wednesday and really wish I had picked a different day. As there was an audience with the Pope on that day my tour group did not visit St Peter’s Basilica, only the Vatican Museums – luckily including the Sisteen Chapel. Definitely no climbing the dome. Also, we did not enter the Pantheon. We just walked by outside. Lastly, we did not access the lower level of the Coliseum. Only the entry level briefly before going to the upper levels. I’m putting these things down to it being a Wednesday in peak season, but I definitely finished the tour feeling like it was hit and miss. Thankfully I had more time in Rome so I was able to return and do most of the ‘missed’ sites in my own time. The guide was a lovely chap, so absolutely no complaints there. For reference, I also did the Florence in a Day tour and felt that lived up to expectations a lot more. From memory Coseta was my tour guide and she was outstandingly good. My tips are: Read the fine print when booking your tour, wear comfy shoes and bring a snack or two. You’ll have a marvellous time.
Hi! This is by far the best article I’ve watched about Rome trip. I am a female Muslim solo traveler and though i initially wanted to explore Rome on my own but the coverage of your full day tour makes me wonder if i can do it on my own.🤔 I am going there on Feb 4 and i might book this tour on January 28. By the way, is the Carbonara always comes with a pork ingredient or can it be modified to seafood or chicken Carbonara? Thanks!
I enjoy perusal your articles…i stumbled upon your content as i’m heading to heading to Italy from the first time since I was a teen! I can’t wait 🎉 I’m looking at all the great tours the tour guys offer ❤ your articles are very entertaining and I am faithfully jotting down your food recommendations too 😊
Just found your website and this has been the most informative I’ve seen! Thank you!! I am having one problem in planning my trip to Rome for June 2024. I don’t know where to stay. So many wonderful hotels but I’d love a few recommendations. Looking for at least a 4 star. Even if you can’t recommend a specific hotel, just a hint at which area is best I am planning on using your company for my tours of the Coliseum, Vatican and trip to Pompeii. Thank you so much for any help
This is a great vlog especially for those visiting Rome on a tight timeline. I need your itinerary though cos I will be in Rome in 2nd July for a day (coming from Florence) – time you started, how much time you spent in each location, and time you ended your tour. I wanna be able to see all and squeeze my time in a day. Will appreciate if you could advise back, Thanks so much!
Hi from Scotland. Love your articles. The worst we saw was on the staircase at via magnanapoli 3/4 guys working together. 2 at either side of the bottom of the stairs one in the middle and one at the top. One guy at the bottom of the stairs asking for the time while the other creeps up behind you. We knew what was coming and continually said no while my husband made angry faces at them lol. They are stealing watches, phones, wallets while your distracted passing them up the stairs while the guy at the top of the stairs is no doubt running into a building or somewhere long before you make it to the top of the steps or even notice your items are gone. We avoided the stairs after that. I felt like we were constantly being stopped by guys with bracelets with the statement nice shoes man. It got to the point when they asserted ti say it and we would just start laughing at them. Beautiful city but the worst I’ve been to for scammers so far
Angel, I have watched a lot of your articles I am in the middle of booking a Rome Barcelona and I was going to go to Florence so I’ve watched a few of your articles for Florence I have decided not to go to Florence I am a single traveler and just traveling to two destinations is intimidating for me. You have made it a lot easier with all the information that you provide but still intimidating here’s my question when I watched your articles for Florence you had eaten a Florentine T-bone steak I soooooo want to eat that steak ….my question is since I’m not going to Florence is there some place I can get it in Rome? Please help if you can
I arrive in the fast train at 11am. Sept 22 and go on cruise next day sept 23 at 5pm. I would like to do the tour the includes the vatican/st peters, colleseum and trevi fountain. Can i work that out with that package tour. Can it be broken down between the two days in that time range? I will also be doing your Barcelona tour havent figured that yet but I have three days there, any suggestions for there too?
We are flying into FCO to go on a cruise for our 30th anniversary. We have been trying to figure out how to see Rome in pieces. A little before and a little after. What do you recommend if we are getting into FCO around noon? We will need to stow our luggage and catch a train to Civitavecchia before the trains stop running.
I’m a subscriber and watch all of your articles and especially enjoy your easy going tours as you eat your way thru the day. The food looks amazing and I’m hoping to try some. I will be in Rome on a Sunday as part of a cruise. I’m hoping to find most attractions open but its been difficult to get any answers. Maybe you can help me out. What exactly is open on a Sunday, the last one in October? Thanks!
Visited Rome for three nights last month and booked two tours with The Tour Guide. The guides were great, but the tours were beyond busy even though we had the “special access”. I feel like the description of the tours are a little misleading. I was really looking forward to Rome, it was on my bucket list of cities to visit. Gotta say I have no need to go back. I visited Barcelona during the same trip and there was no comparison. If you are deciding between those two cities choose Barcelona or anywhere in Spain. Just my opinion.
Its is weird that no payment receipts are provided for the transactions made for your tours. I have to send several emails and then just a voucher containing instructions are sent. dont you think it is normal to send a payment receipt containing card transaction details ? I mean a simple online booking of a museum or any other place send you a payment transaction details. How anyone will know if its a scam or genuine? What legal proof Do I have if some problem happens ?
Hi, After spending a five night stay in Rome, exiting today for Lisbon. Rome is a romantic place despite the many negative things that you see, such as Homeless people around the Vatican in St Peters Square and many people asking for a cigarette or money. There are many people from Bangladesh who are working in the Service Sector. My main point here, is about the pickpockets in Rome Metro Trains. As my wife and I were to enter the Train, a couple with a pram, blocked the entrance. Another lady with a hat covering her left palm tried to open the bag of my wife. Simultaneously, another man with a jacket covering his hand, opened my sling bag. Sensing something is wrong, I noticed that my wife’s sling bag was half open and mine too. Half open. As we got altered, and reminded about the Pickpockets in our country, we moved away. Fellow travellers may read this and please be careful in bus/ Metro in Rome as all four ( the couple with the pram, two pickpockets) were all a gang.