Buongiorno and welcome to the travel blog of Stefano’s RomeCabs, Italy’s premier company for Tours in Italy, Italy Shore Excursions, and Transfers in Italy. We’ve been in business for more than 18 years providing safe and reliable private tours from Rome and Shore Excursions from Italy’s top cruise ports. All our tours are private, and for good reasons.
If you’ve never been on private tours in Italy, don’t know what they entail, or don’t know if private tours in Italy are the best choice for you and your family, then this travel blog will shed some light on this subject and hopefully will help you make informed decisions for your next trip to Italy.
.
What Are Private Tours in Italy
For decades, bus tours through Europe have been a staple for international travel. These tours, offered by operators like Perillo, took care of all the details, providing an organized trip itinerary that travelers could rely on. Before the internet, travel agencies and tour operators were the go-to sources for planning trips to Italy. However, after the internet became a mainstay, the travel landscape has evolved significantly, and today, private tours offer a superior way to explore Italy.
.
The Evolution of Travel: From Bus Tours to Private Tours
Bus tours provided a sense of security and convenience, especially in an era when access to travel information was limited. They allowed travelers to visit multiple destinations without worrying about logistics.
Despite their advantages, bus tours also had their drawbacks. They often followed rigid schedules, lacked personalization, and involved traveling with large groups, which could be less appealing for those seeking more independent and flexible experiences.
.
.
Renting a car in Italy has also been an option for some adventurous travelers. However, this comes with its own set of challenges:
- Traffic Restrictions: Many Italian cities have restricted traffic zones (ZTLs) where only authorized vehicles can enter, making it difficult for tourists to navigate. Tourists not familiar with these zones can enter unknowingly and end up with hundreds of Euros of fines.
- Confusing Road Signs: Italian road signs can be confusing, especially for those unfamiliar with the language and driving customs. While signs like “stop” and “yield” and “animal crossings” are universal, there are many road signs that are primarily in Italy and require advanced familiarization with them before planning to drive in Italy.
- Traffic and Driving Culture: Italy is known for its chaotic traffic and aggressive driving style, which can be intimidating for foreigners. Highway speeds are also higher in Italy at 130 Kph which may be too fast for many foreigners accustomed to slower driving limits in their countries.
- Risk of Getting Lost: Navigating unfamiliar roads without local knowledge increases the risk of getting lost. Even GPS apps like Google Maps can ‘get lost’. Not speaking the local language to ask people for directions poses another challenge.
.
.
Given these factors, renting a car is not a practical option for most travelers in Italy.
.
The Rise of Private Tours: A New Way to Experience Italy
.
The advent of the internet has revolutionized the way we travel, providing access to a wealth of information and enabling more personalized travel experiences. Private tours have emerged as a popular alternative to traditional bus tours and car rentals, offering numerous benefits:
Comfort and Convenience: On a private tour, you travel in a deluxe vehicle, driven by a professional, English-speaking driver who is also an expert limousine driver. This eliminates the stress of navigating public transportation or driving in unfamiliar territory.
Personalized Experience: Private tours are tailored to your interests and preferences. You can choose from a variety of crafted itineraries all over Italy, or choose more customized experiences to visit the places you have in mind.
Expert Knowledge: Your driver is not only a chauffeur but also a knowledgeable local who can provide insights into the regions you are visiting. This adds depth to your travel experience, allowing you to learn more about Italy’s history, culture, and hidden gems.
Flexibility: Unlike bus tours with fixed itineraries, private tours offer the flexibility to change plans on the go. If you find a place particularly enchanting, you can choose to spend more time there.
Safety and Security: Traveling with a local driver who knows the roads and traffic conditions ensures a safer journey. You can sit back and relax, knowing that you are in capable hands.
.
.
Exploring Italy with Private Tours
.
Private tours in Italy can take you to a wide range of destinations, from bustling cities to serene countryside locales:
- Major Cities: Visit iconic cities like Rome with ease. Your driver can navigate the city’s restricted zones and busy streets, ensuring you see all the major attractions without the hassle.
- Countryside and Wine Regions: Explore the picturesque landscapes of Tuscany, Umbria, and the Amalfi Coast. Enjoy wine tastings, visit charming villages, and experience the beauty of the Italian countryside.
- Historical Sites and Cultural Landmarks: Your private tour can include visits to historical sites like the Ostia Antica, Pompeii, Herculaneum, and more. Learn about Italy’s rich history and culture from your knowledgeable driver.
- Coastal and Lake Regions: Discover the stunning coastlines of the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, and the Italian Lakes like Lake Bracciano if you are booking day trips from Rome. Enjoy breathtaking views and relax in some of Italy’s most beautiful natural settings.
.
What inspired RomeCabs to create Private Tours in Italy?
RomeCabs was inspired to create private tours in Italy by listening to the needs and desires of discerning travelers who craved a more personalized, flexible, and enjoyable experience. While bus tours have long been a staple for exploring Italy, they come with several inherent limitations:
- Seasonal Availability: Bus tours are often limited to specific times of the year, forcing travelers to align their vacation plans with the tour operator’s schedule.
- Fixed Itineraries: These tours follow rigid itineraries designed to accommodate large buses, which often means missing out on lesser-known attractions and hidden gems.
- Pre-Selected Hotels and Restaurants: Travelers have no say in their accommodations and dining options, which are chosen for the convenience of the tour operator rather than the preferences of the guests.
.
.
Despite making travel to Italy “easy,” bus tours often lack excitement, flexibility, and customization. Feedback from RomeCabs’ clients highlighted several common frustrations with traditional bus tours and group tours:
Lack of Control: Guests wanted the freedom to choose their own hotels, restaurants, and sightseeing spots rather than following a pre-determined plan.
Dislike of Large Groups: Many travelers expressed a preference for more intimate experiences over the impersonal nature of large group tours.
Excessive Walking: Buses often have to park far from attractions, necessitating long walks, which can be exhausting and impractical for some tourists.
Rigid Schedules: Travelers disliked being rushed through attractions without the opportunity to take photos, linger, or fully immerse themselves in the experience.
.
.
The Genesis of Private Tours: A Response to Traveler Needs
Understanding these pain points, RomeCabs decided to revolutionize the way people experience Italy by offering private tours that prioritize the traveler’s comfort, preferences, and desires. Here’s how RomeCabs addressed these issues:
- Year-Round Availability: Private tours are available throughout the year, allowing travelers to visit Italy whenever it suits them best.
- Customizable Itineraries: Unlike bus tours, private tours offer flexible itineraries that can be tailored to include the specific attractions and activities that interest the traveler.
- Personalized Accommodation and Dining: On packaged bus tours, the hotels and meals are “packaged in” without the flexibility of choice. Independent travelers can choose their own hotels and when they book their own private tours, they can also choose the restaurants they lunch at during our tours to match their personal tastes and standards.
- Intimate Experience: With private tours, you won’t be just another face in the crowd. Enjoy the undivided attention of your personal driver (or tour guide), making your tour more informative and engaging.
- Convenient Transportation: Travel in a deluxe vehicle with a personal driver who can take you directly to your destinations, minimizing the need for excessive walking and maximizing your comfort.
.
.
Italy Private Tours Enhance the Travel Experience
RomeCabs’ private tours go beyond just addressing the limitations of bus tours. They offer a truly enriching travel experience:
- Expert Local Drivers: Your private tour comes with an English-speaking driver who is also an expert in the regions you visit. They can provide insights, fascinating stories, and local tips that you wouldn’t get on a standard bus tour.
- Flexibility to Explore: Whether you want to spend extra time at a specific location, detour to a charming village, or enjoy a spontaneous gelato stop, private tours allow for spontaneity and personalized experiences.
- Comfort and Safety: Travel in comfort with well-maintained, deluxe vehicles. This not only enhances your travel experience but also ensures safety, especially in a foreign country with different traffic rules and driving styles.
.
.
Exciting Adventures Across Italy
Private tours with RomeCabs open up a world of possibilities across Italy:
- City Tours: Explore iconic cities like Rome and Florence at your own pace, with the freedom to delve into lesser-known neighborhoods and attractions.
- Countryside Escapes: Venture into the picturesque landscapes of Tuscany, Umbria, and the Roman Countryside, enjoying authentic places in Italy, and scenic drives.
- Customized Excursions: Whether it’s a day trip from Rome to Tuscany, a drive along the stunning Amalfi Coast, or a visit to the serene Lake Bracciano, private tours from Rome can be customized to fit your interests and schedule.
RomeCabs pioneered private tours in the early 2000s to offer travelers a superior alternative to traditional bus tours, focusing on personalization, comfort, and flexibility. By addressing the limitations of bus tours and listening to traveler feedback, RomeCabs has crafted a travel experience that truly allows you to explore Italy in a way that is as unique and special as you are. Discover the beauty, culture, and charm of Italy with a private tour.
.
Stefano Costantini, the owner of Stefano’s RomeCabs and Stefano Rome Tours, listened to the gripes of many tourists when he first started working as a limo driver, and it inspired him to offer private tours to travelers staying in Rome who wish to see places in Italy that are not offered on bus tours. He pioneered private Italy tours when bus tours were the most common way to tour through Italy.
With just an email address and a primitive website (in the early 2000s), Stefano Costantini crafted customized tour itineraries for Rome Tours by car, as well as day tours from Rome and shore excursions from Civitavecchia. .
And so RomeCabs and Stefano Rome Tours were born, from the simple idea to offer travelers more touring options, and private options than bus tours were able to provide.
Where can you go on private tours of Italy from Rome?
If you are staying in Rome as your base in Italy, you can enjoy day tours from Rome to the Countryside, Rome tours to Tuscany, Umbria, and Amalfi Coast.
Discover the Roman Countryside
A short drive from Rome, Tivoli offers a delightful escape into the past. Explore the UNESCO-listed Villa d’Este, renowned for its stunning Renaissance gardens and mesmerizing fountains. Then, step back in time at Hadrian’s Villa, an expansive Roman archaeological complex filled with ancient ruins and lush gardens.
Embark on a journey through the Roman countryside, visiting the majestic Bracciano Castle, a well-preserved medieval fortress overlooking Lake Bracciano. Explore the charming village of Ceri, known for its medieval architecture and picturesque landscapes. Discover the ancient Etruscan towns of Tuscania, Tarquinia, and Cerveteri, where you can explore fascinating necropolises and archaeological sites that offer a glimpse into Italy’s pre-Roman history.
.
Tuscany Tours from Rome
.
Montepulciano and Pienza Tuscany tour from Rome
Experience the enchanting Tuscan countryside with a visit to Montepulciano, famous for its Vino Nobile wine and Renaissance architecture. Continue to Pienza, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautifully planned Renaissance town and delicious pecorino cheese.
.
.
Visit Cortona and Arezzo from Rome
Explore the picturesque town of Cortona, with its stunning views over the Val di Chiana and its rich Etruscan history. Then, visit Arezzo, a city renowned for its medieval architecture, vibrant piazzas, and the frescoes of Piero della Francesca in the Basilica of San Francesco.
.
.
Explore Enchanting Villages in Tuscany
Tour the scenic villages of the Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, and charming medieval towns. Visit Montalcino, known for its Brunello wine, and the spa town of Bagno Vignoni, famous for its thermal waters.
.
.
Wine Tours from Rome to Montepulciano and Montalcino
Indulge in Tuscany’s renowned wines with a private wine tour. Visit prestigious wineries in Montepulciano and Montalcino, enjoy tastings of Vino Nobile and Brunello di Montalcino, and learn about the winemaking process from local experts.
.
.
Umbria Tours from Rome
.
Assisi and Orvieto Tours from Rome
Delve into Umbria’s spiritual and historical treasures with a visit to Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, featuring the stunning Basilica di San Francesco. Continue to Orvieto, perched on a volcanic plateau, and marvel at its magnificent cathedral and ancient underground caves.
Wine Tasting Tours from Rome to Orvieto and Umbria Wineries
Enjoy a wine-focused tour from Rome to Orvieto, known for its crisp white wines. Visit local wineries in the Umbria region, taste a variety of wines, and experience the serene landscapes and charming villages that make this area so special.
.
.
Shore Excursions from Civitavecchia Port
For cruise passengers arriving at the port of Civitavecchia, RomeCabs offers a variety of shore excursions. Discover the iconic landmarks of Rome or opt for a relaxing tour of the Roman countryside, visiting charming towns like Tuscaniaand Ceri, visit historic sites such as Castello Odescalchi (Bracciano Castle), or explore ancient sites like the Etruscan Necropolis of Cerveteri or Tarquinia.
.
.
.
And here are our 7 great reasons to book private tours in Italy
1. Plan your tours around your vacation time, not the other way around
Gone are the days when your vacation plans had to revolve around the rigid schedules of organized bus tours. With private tours, you have the freedom to travel when it suits you best. This flexibility means you can plan your perfect vacation without the constraints of pre-set tour dates.
Whether you want to explore Italy during the bustling summer months or prefer the tranquility of the off-season, private tours accommodate your schedule. Plus, you can choose your destinations and activities, skipping unwanted stops like cameo or leather factories.
2. Private Tours offer privacy for your family and travel companies
One of the most significant advantages of private tours is the privacy they offer. Instead of sharing your travel experience with 50 or more strangers, you can enjoy the company of your family or friends in the comfort of your own vehicle.
The privacy of private tours enhances the overall experience, allowing for more meaningful interactions and a more personalized tour. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a vacation together, private tours ensure your journey is just about you and your loved ones.
3. Private Tours are customizable and flexible
Private tours offer unparalleled flexibility. Unlike bus tours, which follow a strict itinerary, private tours can be tailored to your interests and preferences. Want to spend more time at a specific site or explore a charming village in Tuscany? With private tours, you can.
Our website offers detailed descriptions of amazing places in Italy, providing inspiration and information to help you craft your perfect itinerary. This customization means you see and do exactly what you want, making your trip truly unique and memorable.
READ: Rome Tours & Shore Excursions – Itineraries, Photos, Videos
,
4. You can see and do more in Italy on private tours than on bus tours.
Although private tours might be more expensive upfront, they can save you money in the long run by maximizing your sightseeing opportunities. On a private tour, you can visit 2-3 times more sites in a single day compared to a bus tour.
This efficiency means you can see all your must-see destinations in a shorter time frame, saving on additional hotel expenses. For example, while bus tours in Rome might cover only three sites due to accessibility issues, private tours can visit at least twice as many. This allows you to make the most of your vacation time, seeing more without the exhaustion of long walks or the frustration of missing out on key attractions.
Buses are restricted from city centers and unable to access many towns and villages. For example, bus tours in Rome can only achieve about 3 sites as the rest (and most worthwhile) are inside the historic center that is inaccessible to bus tours. On average, on a private Rome tour can visit at least twice as many sites – doubling your sightseeing opportunities in just one day!
The few locations that buses can stop at requiring extensive walking (sometimes even 15-20 minutes or so on foot from the bus and back), which not only can be exhausting during hot summer months but also a waste of precious time.
As buses travel slower, and group tours take longer, a valuable part of the day that could be enjoyed sightseeing is also lost.
Private tours in smaller vehicles such as minivans can access all historic centers and can stop near most attractions to maximize sightseeing and minimize walking distances. Without a group to follow or to slow you down, you tour at your own pace and make the most of your day sightseeing.
READ: Top 10 Must-See Places in Rome – Travel Video
.
5. Private Tours are safer (healthwise) than crowded bus group tours
The Covid pandemic has taught us new ways to keep ourselves protected from catching contagious illnesses. By limiting your exposure to large numbers of strangers in close quarters, you help keep yourself and your family safe.
Not everyone can travel in the summer. Many travelers even avoid summer travel due to the strong summer heat, huge crowds, and peak airline and hotel rates. Off-season (winter) is enjoyable in Italy, and shoulder season (spring and fall) is even preferred to summer by many travelers. Unfortunately traveling during shoulder-season and off-season coincides with most cold and flu seasons. Even without pandemic travel, catching a nasty cold or flu can put a hamper your vacation.
READ: Why Book Pre Cruise, Post Cruise Tours to and from Rome Port
.
6. Private Tours are ideal for families with small children
Private tours are particularly beneficial to families with small children who may not take well to extended bus rides, long walks following a guide, and keeping up with the group.
Private tours also allow families to choose itineraries that would be most enjoyable for their children and also customize their tours to include places that their children would enjoy more. By not having to keep up with groups, families with children can tour at their own pace and at their leisure.
READ: 10 Common Mistakes that Ruin your Summer Trip to Italy
7. Private Tours are perfect for senior travelers and travelers with mobility issues
Many senior travelers and those with mobility concerns book private tours that make it much easier for them to enjoy touring Italy. It’s much easier to get in and out of a sedan or a small minivan than to climb in and out of a coach bus.
Private tours in Italy can also be customized to include sites that are more accessible to guests with mobility issues, avoid sites that may require extensive walking and standing (for example, Vatican or Pompeii), and tour at a slower pace more comfortable for them.
Private tours are also more wheelchair accessible for travelers who use a foldable wheelchair and can easily get in and out of the vehicle with assistance from their travel companions. Private tours can also be customized to include areas that are more wheelchair accessible, and avoid attractions that are not.
We these 7 Good reasons to book private tours in Italy (as opposed to bus or group tours) travel blog helped you determine if private tours through Italy are the right choice for you and your family or travel companions on your next trip to Italy.
We invite you to browse through our extensive collection of tours in Italy for ideas and inspiration for your next Italy vacation. If you find private tours in Italy that you wish to book, you may simply book online. If you don’t see what you are looking for, just contact us via email and our tour experts will be happy to assist you with planning your perfect Italy tours!
Find us online also on:
- RomeCabs FACEBOOK
- RomeCabs TWITTER
- RomeCabs INSTAGRAM
- RomeCabs FLICKR Photo Gallery
- Recommended on Cruise Critic
RomeCabs Blog Italy - Italy Private Excursions, Rome Tours, Civitavecchia Transfers 
Leave a Reply