Michela V.

Amazing Tours with Eyes of Rome (second time) We visited Rome a couple of years ago - and l happed to select Eyes of Rome for some tours. I wrote a review back then - we were *super* happy with our experience. 2 years later - we were heading back - 3 of us who had been on the first trip, and one additional person. I reached out to the team at Eyes of Rome - and they immediately thanked me for coming back to them - and were able to pull up all of the details from our first visit with them. Given what we had seen before - and the fact we had one new traveler - they crafted an amazing itinerary so that our new traveler got to see everything, and for the 3 original travelers there was a new approach to some of the visits that made the second time just as much fun. During our first trip we met Marta - who was amazing. You can just tell how much she loves her country and culture - and she is so amazingly smart, and always made sure we had a great understanding an appreciation for everything we got to see. Since we knew it was going to be very warm - we broke our tours up into mornings and later in the day - giving everyone some time to rest and freshen up between the tours. On the first morning - Daniel picked us up and we met Marta near where our tour was to begin. We visited the Hypogeum (Colosseum's Underground), which we hadn't seen on our first visit to the Colosseum. We also visited the Imperial Roman Forum. Marta picked out an amazing traditional place for lunch - and we even managed to convince her to eat with us :) Daniel picked us back up in the late afternoon, and dropped us off with Azzurra for our evening food and wine tour. We walked through the charming areas of Campo de' Fiori, the Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere. Near the famous piazza of Campo de' Fiori we visited an artisan deli where we enjoyed some Roman wine paired with typical Italian delicacies from a family who has specialized in cured meats since 1890. In the Jewish Ghetto - we were able to sample the famous fried artichoke which was paired with a really wonderful bottle of Prosecco. We also stopped at a great Gelato shop before our tour was over - which was the best way to end this amazing tour! The next day - we did a nice walking tour with Marta - that included the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, the Piazza Navona, and the Trevi Fountain. Marta really made the Roman culture and history come alive! During our first trip, the Vatican and Sistine Chapel were very crowded - so the team suggested we do a late afternoon / evening visit. It was a great suggestion, and although it was still busy, it was much less crowded than our first visit. We were with Marta again - who explained so much about everything we saw. We were happy to be back. We worked with Eyes of Rome to get a ride from Rome to the cruise terminal. Luca met us promptly and we had a smooth, trouble free ride and made it to our ship without problem. Our cruise shipped docked in Pisa - but didn't have any tours that we were interested in. Luckily I found out that Eyes of Rome covers Pisa and Florence too! Tomasso met us at the cruise terminal - and was our driver for the day. He was great! Our first tour was Pisa. We met Anne Marie right near the tower. Anne Marie did an amazing job of telling us all about Pisa, the tower, and the history of both. Tomasso then drove us to Florence where we met Giada. She knew Florence like the back of her hand and was *so* excited to show us around. It was a quick visit, but we were able to visit of Accademia Gallery with Michelangelo's David which was truly amazing. We walked around Florence with Giada who explained so much about the history and the culture. She also helped us visit a typical Florentine shop for the best sandwich any of us have ever eaten in our lives! Tomasso then drove us back to our ship and made sure we arrived in plenty of time. We *loved* our second tour with Eyes of Rome - and will definitely check back with them when we return to Italy

This tour will “check the box” for any traveler looking to see the highlights of the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Sistine Chapel. However, to “check the box” is to miss out on the incredible works of art and architecture brought to life by Maria on this tour. Her passion for the works and the stories they hold had us enthralled. From Bernini’s architecture and Balachin to the Laocoon and Michelangelo’s Pieta and Sistine Chapel, to Gallery of Maps, and to the long history of the Vatican obelisk, Maria painted a complete picture of the history and reasoning behind these masterpieces.

Supremely excellent. Highly knowledgeable. I've used them for three different guided tours in Rome. Beyond all of the fascinating details within the tours, our guides definitely tailored the visits to the interests of the group and offered suggestions to expand our enjoyment of Rome. All times I used them it was either semi-private or private tours and I feel they were well worth the money. Michela and Pamela were our guides (not both at the same time).

First, be prepared to walk a lot but also see some of the most amazing, beautiful structures, paintings and sculptures to be seen! We were guided through the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica by our private guide, Michela (operated by Eyes of Rome). We visited on Easter weekend (Saturday), so we were prepared for an extremely crowded day; however, Michela did a phenomenal job getting us through the lines and security, working us through the crowds in amazing fashion. The Vatican museum is full of so many interesting and beautiful galleries, and it was so neat being able to walk through prior Popes' living quarters including works by Michelangelo, Rome's only Leonardo Da Vinci painting, Caravaggio pieces and a room painted fully by Raphael. Since you can't take photos in the Sistine Chapel, Michela had a book with photos explaining beforehand exactly what we would see and what different pieces represented. It truly helped to understand the full meaning behind different aspects of the Sistine Chapel's many works. Next, we toured St. Peter's Basilica which was decorated with flowers for Easter. No words can describe the Basilica, it's size, overall beauty and the amazing works of art it contains. It's baffling that everything inside that looks like a painting is actually mosaic!! All in all, we highly recommend this private tour with both the knowledge of the guide and the ability to skip many of the long lines and big crowds.

First, be prepared to walk a lot but also see some of the most amazing, beautiful structures, paintings and sculptures to be seen! We were guided through the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica by our private guide, Michela (operated by Eyes of Rome). We visited on Easter weekend (Saturday), so we were prepared for an extremely crowded day; however, Michela did a phenomenal job getting us through the lines and security, working us through the crowds in amazing fashion. The Vatican museum is full of so many interesting and beautiful galleries, and it was so neat being able to walk through prior Popes' living quarters including works by Michelangelo, Rome's only Leonardo Da Vinci painting, Caravaggio pieces and a room painted fully by Raphael. Since you can't take photos in the Sistine Chapel, Michela had a book with photos explaining beforehand exactly what we would see and what different pieces represented. It truly helped to understand the full meaning behind different aspects of the Sistine Chapel's many works. Next, we toured St. Peter's Basilica which was decorated with flowers for Easter. No words can describe the Basilica, it's size, overall beauty and the amazing works of art it contains. It's baffling that everything inside that looks like a painting is actually mosaic!! All in all, we highly recommend this private tour with both the knowledge of the guide and the ability to skip many of the long lines and big crowds.

This was one of my favorite tours. Katie Farrah was our guide, and she was so knowledgeable. She took the time to explain Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescos so when we went in, we could easily follow the work. It was spectacular. I felt so close to heaven in that chapel. We went on to St. Peter’s Basilica and saw the Pieta and what a beautiful basilica it was. We thoroughly enjoyed this tour. Do not hesitate.

Excelente en todos los sentidos, muy buena atención y contenido, nuestra guía Michela hizo el paseo muy entretenido e interesante.

Our wonderful tour guide Azurra was smart, considerate, patient and extremely knowledgeable. She took us on an incredible 3-hour tour of the key sites of the Vatican, including the Sistine Chapel and the Basilica. She explained the work of Michelangelo before we went in, which was extremely helpful. She was also patient when we thought we had lost one of our kids! She also waited while we all prayed inside one of the chapels. Afterward, she recommended a delicious restaurant- Emma - which was a short walk away. It was a delicious lunch and one of our favorites in Rome! Try the Aperol Spritz!

Vatican and all that is part of this independent state is amazing. Everyone should see it. Michelangelo is a genius talent with his sculptures, paintings and designs of buildings!!

Rosealba was an amazing guide, taking us through the Vatican Museums and highlighting artifacts and museum pieces that were significant. Her vast knowledge of the museums was impressive and she readily was able to answer all questions we had. As for the Sistine Chapel, words cannot describe its beauty and the awe I felt gazing up at Michelangelo’s work. Thanks again Rosealba for an amazing tour and an unforgettable experience.

We had the great fortune to have Elissa for our tour guide on this trip through history! She was wonderful at pacing this very physical trip. She clearly and passionately described the history of this very significant place. I wanted to make it to the St Peter in Chains church nearby and she facilitated it for us and gave us a thorough review of the Michelangelo Moses and the relics inside that church. The hotel pickup component of this tour and the private tour with entry through the gladiator gate made the trip. I would Highly recommend eyes of Rome, private gladiator gate access and especially Elissa!

A private tour for 5 of us of the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palantine hill - although I had done this before I may as well have never been there. The life and knowledge Michela Gristina brought to this was on a whole new level. We were entertained and enlighten from start to finish with her amazing story telling ability and her obvious love for the history of Rome.

Michela Gristina met us on time at our house and took us on a remarkable journey of life in Ancient Rome skipped queues and was very factual and interesting would certainly recommend this to anyone well done ???? happy guests we are

Undisputedly a prive tour and guide is the way to go hands-down but the guide truly makes the experience memorable. Michela Gristina was a gem herself. Her knowledge, experience, genuine enthusiasm and love of history and archaeology reflected totally in her story telling. Though our trip was short, our 3-4 hours with Michela made it all the worth while. We could have toured all day with her. We highly recommend Michela to anyone. Grazie Michela, hope we have the good fortune of meeting again! Ciao for now! Kory & Paul

My fiance and I had an amazing tour with Michela. She was born and raised in Rome, and also studied Art History, so she was a perfect guide for us through the Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill -- great knowledge of history and stories of the places. Technically we were American tourists, but with the two of us walking with a native Roman and getting the private tour, we didn't feel like tourists :)

We did two tours, the Colosseum (including the Underground and Hypogeum) and the Early Bird Vatican and St. Peter's Tours, both with Stefania. We are a family of four and had our 12yo and nearly 15yo with us. Stefania was an excellent match for a family. We had another outstanding and highly qualified guide in another city following Rome, and the kids thought she paled in comparison to Stefania. Of course they appreciated Stefania's knowledge and willingness to answer questions, but they loved her energy and enthusiasm. One of the kids remarked that she never made us stop moving just to stop, look, and listen to her talk, by which I think he meant he felt fully engaged the entire time. I highly recommend the Underground and Hypogeum at the Colosseum if it is available and you are able to spend extra. The workings of the Colosseum from below were the most interesting to my teen and really added context and color to the history of the building. The more or less private view from the highest tier far away from the bulk of the crowds was also worth it. It was worth getting up early for the Vatican and St. Peter's tours, because we were able to enjoy the Sistine Chapel and Raphael Rooms before it was SRO. We were even able to find multiple seats from which to peruse the Sistine Chapel ceiling. As a Renaissance art lover, I was disappointed that we didn't get to see more of the rest of the Vatican's collection, but if I'm honest, we saw all that the kids realistically had patience and interest in. We visited on New Year's Eve, and much of St. Peter's was closed off in preparation for the next day's papal mass. That was a disappointment, particularly because I'd been waiting 17 years to see Michelangelo's Pieta again. I would recommend inquiring when papal masses will be and try to schedule around them, particularly if you are visiting around the Christmas/New Year's holiday. I highly recommend Stefania as a guide and would hire her again if returning to Rome.

We really enjoyed our time around the area and our guide, Michela gave us a lot of information about the story and history of everything there! She seemed to be very knowledgeable and had no trouble asking any questions we had for her. After the tour she even recommended a restaurant nearby for us. Super thankful to her for making our trip out to the colosseum a memorable experiece!

In November three of us enjoyed 2 fascinating tours in Rome with our charming guide Michela Gristina. On both days, she met us punctually at our hotel and we were happy to find she speaks excellent English. Michela's enthusiasm for her subject and her knowledge as an archeologist vividly brought to life the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Vatican Museum and St Peter's. Having Michela as our guide on both tours, enriched our time in Rome immeasurably. The weather was warm and she kindly made sure we carried water with us. She was happy to lead us at a pace that suited us, with no sense of rush, and she always provided interesting answers for our numerous questions along the way. She told us that the layers of history and civilisation in that great city are often compared to a 'Lasagna'. Michela certainly served us generous and delicious portions of that Lasagna that we will never forget . When we return to Rome for another helping we will specifically ask for her to be our guide again. Grazie Michela!

Excellent guided tour of churches with Marco Mancini from Eyes of Rome. We visited: Pantheon, Santa Maria della Vittoria , San Luigi di Francesi , San Pietro in Vincoli, Santa Maria sopra Minerva. Marco is an archaeologist and he taught me alot about all the places we visited. Not just the works of art, but also stories about the artists (Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Bernini) and I learned a bit about about the history of Italy. Marco was very good company also. We spoke in Italian, because i wanted to practice.. That was great for me.

After having an amazing private tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum, we will never go back to going it alone. Our guide, Michela Gristina, who I highly recommend was incredibly knowledgeable, passionate about her job, spoke excellent English and taught both myself and my ten year old son so many things that we wouldn't have found out about the Colosseum and Roman Forum otherwise. Michela was very easy to spend the afternoon with and being a mum herself, she was great with my son, keeping him captivated for hours (no easy feat) and answering his many questions. Thank you to Michela and Eyes of Rome for making our trip to Rome one we will never forget. We can't wait to go back!

Our tour guide was Michela and she was amazing. Extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and comfortable for our entire family to spend 4 hours with her. We toured the Vatican with Michela and I would highly recommend her. She is engaging, passionate, kind, and did a wonderful job creating a fantastic tour for my wife and i, plus all 3 kids ages 13-19.

We had a family tour lasting three hours. Michela was enthusiastic and informative throughout. Age range from 14 to 76 in our party of 5 and all had a wonderful experience. Arranging a private tour cut out long queues and gave us best vantage points and brought the whole tour to life. Well done Michela.

We thoroughly enjoyed our private tour of the Vatican museum, the Sistine Chapel, and Saint Peter's Basilica. Mr. Francesco Grasso was a knowledgeable guide. He wove an engaging narrative around the museum's exquisite collection, the artists and architects (including the immortal Michelangelo) and, of course, the legions of Pontiffs. By the time we entered the Sistine Chapel, we felt as if we knew Michelangelo personally, thanks to Francesco's deep knowledge and running commentary! Group tours or self-guided options are fine for most of Rome's attractions, but you really should consider splurging on a private tour for the Vatican. There are simply too many beautiful pieces to take in, and, without a learned guide, you might succumb to museum goer's fatigue before you descend the stairs to the Sistine Chapel! Michael & Dora Rome

This tour exceeded our expectations in every way. Daily there are anywhere from 25,000 to 30,000 people who visit the Vatican. The day of our tour was no exception. We were very lucky to have Serena as our guide, undoubtedly one of the most experienced and knowledgeable guides, We skipped the long lines for a fast track entry into the Vatican museum complex. Serena seemed to know all of the on site Vatican staff and expertly navigated us through the crowds ensuring we experienced all of the highlights. We got to experience the Golden Room, closed to the public, and saw some of the most incredible gold jewelry and artifacts from 4 and 5 B.C. Simply amazing! Before we continued onto the Sistine Chapel, Serena took the time to review all of the important details and hidden meaning behind the frescoes by Michelangelo. Serena was extremely personable, passionate about sharing her knowledge with us and truly made this tour a tremendous experience. I highly recommend this tour and Serena.

We thoroughly enjoyed our Vatican tour with Elisa from eyes of Rome. She was very knowledgable and a brilliant story teller, especially fascinating was the background to Michelangelo's paintings in the Sistine chapel. Good find.