How long are the itineraries?

Many travelers hear about our group itineraries advertised as 2.5 hour, but lasting for 3 or 4 hours. We want you to know that your time with us in Rome will be authentic and inspiring. We do not offer "template tours," (we suggest contacting a tour bus company if this is the type of experience you are looking for.)   Anything but "cookie cutter!" The itineraries we provide are as dynamic and diverse as our guests and scholars who share in the experience.

We advertise 2.5- hour itineraries, and this is the minimum time we guarantee for groups, but most of the time our scholars/guides have so much passion for what they are talking about, our guests become very captivated and involved. We also like to take advantage rare galleries and archeological sites that may be suddenly open along the way. We discover many times that our guests are having such a great time that 3 or 4 hours passes much faster then anyone realizes.

There are also many variables that can affect our guests and the length of each itinerary, (for example: weather conditions, the crowds inside a museum, availability of certain galleries, or monuments, and the security check lines, etc.)

Whether it is a group, or private itinerary, we don't like to be strict clock-watchers while telling stories and answering questions. And we don't consider waiting in security lines, or the sign-up as part of the promised time like many other companies do.

Our scholars are always carefully monitoring the energy, and interest levels of each of the guests, (usually asking how certain guests are doing between stops and pausing to talk near benches and in the shade if necessary.) We rarely discover visitors in the group who cannot stay intrigued, even children as young as 8 years old stay eagerly tuned in for the whole excursion. Most of the ICON staff likes to interact with the kids between stops, asking questions and keeping them curious.

We like to say that you should expect to spend at least 3 hours, and a maximum of 4 hours on some of our itineraries.

We suggest keeping your schedule with ICON a little flexible by a few hours at the end, this way you are sure to take advantage of an itinerary if it becomes extended. If it turns out to be 2.5 hours, you will have extra time to explore more of the city's famous sites, which one could spend a lifetime trying see and never succeed. Your ICON scholar will be full of suggestions about interesting sites that few visitors have time to experience in Rome.

How many guests are in the groups?

Please remember, due to recent Papal events, the Vatican became remarkably popular and crowded last summer, and we are expecting this to continue again for the summers ahead of us.

As a result, we have added scholars to our staff to guarantee group sizes contain 15 or fewer guests for those who reserve at least 24 hours in advance.

We are also making every effort to provide back up scholars to take care of the additional guests who simply show up without a reservation.

If you reserve 24 hours in advance, the following will offer you an "average" number of guests you can expect this summer on each of our Group Itineraries, (based on "average" high season statistics.)
 
Passeggiata: 4 guests
Ancient Rome: 6 guests
Divine Inspiration: 8 guests

If you wish to have fewer guests in your group, please look at your ICON Gold service level. These are affordable private itineraries that can be customized specifically for your family, or group.

Traveler Warning: A few tour organizations in Rome do not require pre payments, and in spite of their promises, they cannot "guarantee" the size of their groups, because of their "drop in" policy. ICON guarantees the size of your group will not be over 15, or your money back!

I have prepaid for my reservation, do I still need to call and confirm?

One simple phone call could save your vacation from disaster!
 
You should call the evening before each tour. Ideally, 2PM to 3PM Rome time, at: +39. 334. 333.0927, to confirm that meeting places and times are on schedule.
 
Unforeseen events can and do occur on occasion. These events may change itinerary meeting times and places, or cause cancellations. ICON cannot be held liable for such events and complete refunds will be issued when these incidents cause tour cancellations. (For example: Transportation strikes, public protests, flooding, construction, and visiting dignitaries.)
 
We make every effort to contact guests at their hotels, or on their mobile phones if there is a change. However, very few hotels in Italy use voice messaging systems for their rooms, and messages by hotel staff members can sometimes be transcribed incorrectly, or misplaced. There can also be technical difficulties with foreign mobile phones
delivering voice messages hours, or days late.
 
And remember the old phrase "When in Rome, do as the Roman's do," is still true today.
 
Planning time in your schedule for delays, and changes, will increase your chances of having a more relaxing holiday in the chaos of Rome.

What makes ICON different from others history walks in Rome?

Besides the excellent personal attention our guests receive through email and phone, we are passionate about our beloved city and we are eager to share it with you.
 
ICON is the lowest priced organization in Rome which strictly requires their staff to posses an academic background in subjects like Art, History, Archeology, and Classics. Many companies charge the same price and offer guides with no formal training, providing incorrect information, and usually operating from memorized scripts.

ICON has not returned my emails?

We diligently check our email Mon.- Fri., and usually over the weekends too. Please be aware that AOL users can sometimes encounter email delivery problems, or experience problems viewing our website. Once your email arrives at ICON, an email auto-responder is sent to you as a way of letting you know "your message has arrived." If you don't receive an auto-responder, it is likely your email, or Internet Service Provider has technical issues communicating with our host. If this happens please contact us using a different email account, or call us directly.

How to reach us by phone from within Italy:
Dial: 334.333.0927

How to reach us by phone from other countries within the EU:
1.) Make sure you are calling during our business hours in Italy, (Mom. - Sat. 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM.)
2.) Dial 00, the inter-European access code. 
3.) Dial 39, the Italian country code.
4.) Dial 334. 333. 0927, our phone number. If you receive a recorded voice message, please leave your name, phone number, and country origin, and we will call you back as soon as possible.

How to reach us by phone from the USA:
1.) Make sure you are calling during our business hours in Italy, (Mom. - Sat. 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM.) Italy is six hours later than the US east coast (EST). For example, at midnight in New York City, it is 6:00 AM in Rome. See The World Clock
(http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/) for complete information. 
2.) Dial 011, the international access code. 
3.) Dial 39, the Italian country code. 
4.) Dial 334. 333. 0927, our phone number. If you receive a recorded voice message, please leave your name, phone number, and country origin, and we will call you back as soon as possible.

Can't wait for email, use ICON's U.S. Question Line: (310) 933-5972
It forwards to our information desk here in Rome, and you only pay US
interstate calling rates to California.
Usually open Monday - Friday
08:00 am to 12:00 pm US Eastern Standard Time
06:00 am to 10:00 am US Pacific Standard Time
02:00 pm to 06:00 pm Rome Time

I hear guides make commissions by recommending merchants?

As a matter of fair practice, ICON has a very strict policy of not allowing our scholars to engage in accepting commissions from restaurants and shops. We will never divert our guests into a souvenir shop, or restaurant where they feel obligated to buy something.
 
Many of our staff members are as passionate about food, wine, and fashion as they are about Art and History. We are always on the lookout for new discoveries, bargain prices, and great food. We are happy to recommend truly great places to explore, shop and eat, away from the tourist traps. These are the places we visit in our free time, and enjoy as a part of daily life in Rome.

Tip or not to tip?

At restaurants in Italy, the general rule is that you do not tip, because most restaurants include a 0.10 percent service fee, or a charge for the tablecloth, or bread. If you receive stellar service at a restaurant and want to show your gratitude, you can leave an additional 0.10 percent.
 
Taxi drivers expect a 0.10 percent tip, and they are usually satisfied if you round up to the nearest Euro for short trips inside the historic city walls. Make sure that you hang onto the 1. and 2. EUR coins and 5. EUR bills. Taxi drivers can rarely offer change back if the amount due is more then 10. EUR.
 
You are welcome to tip your ICON scholar at the end of your itinerary if you feel satisfied with your time. Many of them are still in school and appreciate the assistance and encouragement. A tip of 0.20 percent is suggested for guides across Europe, but ICON scholars do not expect this from guests. They are sharing their passion, and frequently do so for free with student groups and on short promotional tours around the city.

Transportation- How do I keep from Getting Ripped-off?

There are unofficial taxi drivers hustling for your business as soon as you step out of the airport or train. We do NOT suggest using these drivers.
 
Registered taxis are available at the designated Taxi Stands around the city and at the airport. Look for the white cars with the "Commune di Roma" sticker on the side.
 
A taxi ride across Historic Rome should not cost anymore then 8. or 10 EUR. Between 8:AM and 10:PM. A taxi from the airport is usually between 40. to 50. EUR
 
When you get into the cab, simply look at the meter, it should read 2.33 EUR, or 3.36 EUR if it is a Sunday or Festival Day. If the driver knows that you are you are reading the meter, honesty usually prevails.
 
A tariff of 1. EUR may be applied to each suitcase the driver must load into the trunk, and a 0.10 percent tip is expected.
 
An honest and affordable, flat rate airport service is available at: www.romashuttle.com.
 
Using city buses and the underground metro will require a fair amount of studying upon arrival. Metro/bus tickets can be purchased at nearly every Tobacco (Tabacchi) shop. Daily, hourly or weekly passes are available. The pass is validated the first time you use it by inserting it into the yellow validation box, which located on the bus or metro turnstile.
 
The pass does not need to be stamped again, and may be used as many times as you like within the day, week, or hour.
 
Getting around Rome by foot can also be a great way to see the city and its charming side streets. Sometimes getting lost brings the most wonderful discoveries. Except for around the train station at night, there are not really any dangerous neighborhoods to avoid in the city center.

Can you skip the lines?

This is a claim often abused by tour companies who state they can "Skip the long lines," with no additional explanation. No one, except NO ONE CAN SKIP THE SECURITY CHECK LINES at the sites around Rome, especially with the escalation of violence around the world today.
 
WE DO SKIP THE TICKET LINES at the sites by using special ticket windows designated for groups, or we use ticket windows that few know about, which are located away from the crowds. This allows us to walk directly into the sites, skipping the lines at the regular ticket windows as soon as we are inside.

Is crime really a problem in Rome?

In contrast to of the multitude of warnings by guidebook publishers, in our opinion Rome is a very safe place... and we live here. Like any city, there is a criminal element, but that is mostly pick pocketing, (especially on the 64 bus.) It is very rare to hear of muggings, and violent crimes right in the historic city center where most visitors stay. The area around the Termini Train Station is where we suggest avoiding after midnight. Just remember to use your common sense, money belt, and to keep your bag in front of you at all times.

Are all those posts on travel forums real?

Unfortunately many of the popular travel and tourism services in Rome abuse travel forums by creating extensive on-line profiles with a diverse history of fake posts to mask their true identity. This allows them to pose as lay travel experts, initiating threads, which praise their services, or subtle smear campaigns against competitors. Some businesses even offer freebies to customers who agree to leave a positive post.

Independent studies, and an article in the International Herald Tribune, (March 2006,) suggests that up to 50 percent of the profiles and comments left on the most popular travel message forums are fake, in what is being termed, "ballot box stuffing."
 
Many travel forums are doing their best to prevent such abuse through filtering technology and live monitors. A few small travel forums actually review each post individually before uploading them, but monitoring these forums is an overwhelming task.
 
Everyone here at ICON respects the integrity of these free forums for travelers to exchange ideas and comments about their experiences. Real customers who've used our services have placed the positive posts appearing about ICON. (This is why you will only find occasional threads about ICON in travel forums.) We are truly grateful for the world travelers, and frequent contributors in travel forums, who actually take the time to spread the word about what we are doing. They will often come to our defense with zeal when an obvious fake post appears by a competitor, trying to smear what we do so passionately.
 
Upon request, we are happy to provide contact information for certified travel agents who use ICON for all of their clients planning vacations to Rome.
 
We also encourage our guest's to call, or email us immediately if they are dissatisfied with any aspect of their experience with ICON. We are dedicated to providing absolute customer satisfaction, and we value your suggestions for creating a better experience for guests in the future.

How affordable is an Italian Opera?

Even if you don't understand Opera, it is a wonderful part of Italian culture, which should not be missed. The concerts of famous Aria's performed through out the city's grand churches are a great treat for those who would like the "Best of Opera" without all of the pomp and circumstance. The dress is casual, (shoulders and knees must be covered in churches,) and your senses will be fed at a very reasonable price, usually between 15. and 30. EUR. Learn more by visiting:
http://www.imusiciveneziani.com/roma/centerdate2.htm

What does A.D. and B.C. mean?

While in Rome you will hear your ICON scholar mention date abbreviations as A.D. or B.C., and many ask, "What does this really mean?"
 
The abbreviation A.D. defines an epoch based on the traditionally accepted year of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, or Anno Domini (Latin: "In the Year of the Lord.") The exact date of Christ's birth is not clearly known to historians. The first mention of the observance of Christ's birthday appears about A.D. 200, and a variety of different dates were used throughout the ages. December 25 was first mentioned in A.D., 336."
 
The use of B.C. is not Latin, but English for defining an epoch"before Christ," this was started in the 17th C. by the French Jesuit astronomer Denis Petau.
 
Presently, A.D. and B.C. is the common international standard, recognized by international institutions like the United Nations and the Universal Postal Union. This is due both to tradition, and to the fact that the solar Gregorian calendar has for a long time been mistaken as astronomically correct.
 
In English, we place the abbreviation before the year number for A.D., but after the year number for B.C.; for example: 64 B.C., but A.D. 2006.
 
Today some historians preferring a more culturally inclusive approach to historical dating, and will use "CE," and "BCE," this means "Common Era" and "Before Common Era." The use of CE refers to the same dates as "AD" or "Anno Domini." (Except that "AD" goes before the year number and "CE" goes after it: e.g. "AD 2006" is the same year as"2006 CE".)

I hear ICON offers a site better then the Catacombs?

A visit to the ancient Christian Catacombs outside the walls of Rome is not a regularly scheduled Standard group itinerary, due to the lack of interest most visitors have with this site. However, we do offer this as a Gold Level private itinerary.
 
Most of the ancient artifacts and frescoes have been looted from the catacombs over the ages, and there is very little to see aside from miles of tunnels in the tufa rock. Unless you want to visit the catacombs for spiritual purposes, we believe there are alternate underground sites in Rome that are far more interesting and still undiscovered by the masses of tourists and pilgrims.
 
Guests should also be aware the Vatican is restricting guides from speaking inside many of the more important catacombs unless they are working for the Vatican.
 
An ICON scholar would be of little use to you while inside the catacombs. When we do take guests who insist on seeing the catacombs, our scholars make use of the 20 minute taxi ride to the catacombs by explaining a great deal of information that visitors may not hear about while underground with the Vatican catacomb guide.
 
Our Scholars will also be able to answer questions when guests come out of the catacombs. Please be prepared; some of the Vatican Catacomb guides (usually priests,) can be difficult to understand due to their limited language skills. They are dedicated and do the very best possible, but nonetheless many visitors leave the catacombs comprehending only a fraction of the information.
 
As a viable alternative for guests, our ICON archeologists strongly recommend visiting San Clemente's Church, (One of Rome's Best Kept Secrets.) Discovered in the last 100 years, San Clemente's is a nice 15-minute walk from the Colosseum. When you arrive, there are two underground archeological levels, the bottom level dates back to the 1st Century, with a pagan temple and apartments built after Nero's fire and still intact. The chilly underground chambers and gushing water from a mysterious ancient aqueduct makes this a great site to visit in the intensely hot summer months.
 
Here you will also find some of the earliest frescoes, (11th Century) known to have ignited the Fresco Renaissance in Italy. Some of earliest know writings of the Italian language is in these frescoes, and its profanity... a must see! The entrance fee is only 3. EUR, and your ICON scholar can unravel all of the mysteries of this amazing site for you.
 
When you reserve one of our private scholars to take you under San Clemente's, they will also be able to schedule time for you to see the Colosseum, or San Giovanni during the minimum 3 hours required with a"private" scholar.

Where is the best place to exchange money once I am in Rome?

Exchange rates and commission fees in Rome can range from reasonable to absurd between banks and exchange shops within a few feet of each other. There is no rhyme, or reason and everyone seems to have their favorite strategy for exchanging money.
 
There are a few places outside of the Termini train station that will exchange cash for Euros without charging a commission. Their exchange rates are not always the best, but if you need Euros as soon as you arrive, when you step out of the Termini Station, just look for the"Exchange" signs in the shops across the street on your left side.
 
In the lobby of the entrance to the Vatican Museum there is also an exchange window. The Vatican will exchange cash and traveler checks without charging a commission fee, again the exchange rate is not the best, but it is a safe and reliable location you can visit quickly if you are on our Divine Inspiration itinerary.
 
A debit card that looks like a credit card is the most versatile, giving you access to your money at both ATM machines and inside banks, without the finance charges associated with the use of a credit card. Some of the ATM or BancoMat machines in Rome have withdrawal limits, usually around 150. to 200. EUR. There is no way of knowing what the limit is at any machine until you try requesting a few different amounts, and eventually you get an amount that works. You should also check with your bank at home that issued the card to make sure you are approved for International transactions, and ask if there is a withdraw limit on your card.

What is the best way to buy train tickets?

Waiting in line at the windows at Termini Station is a lesson in patience, especially with the line cutting locals and summer heat.
 
The station has large yellow, electronic ticket kiosks at the Termini Station. The multi-lingual touch screens make them easy to use, however the signs indicating which kiosks take only credit cards, and which ones take Euros are poorly posted, and you may have to try a few kiosks in different areas before you find the one that uses your preferred payment method. While using these kiosks you will surely be pestered by beggars and pickpocket types hoping to take advantage of you while you are busy reading the on-screen instructions.
 
If you have your travel plans in order before you depart, or a day before you plan to travel. You can pre pay for your train reservations on-line by using TrainItalia's user friendly website in English:
http://www.trenitalia.com/en/index.html
 
More then 60 days prior to your departure; you can view the train schedules, but you cannot purchase tickets through the website until your departure date is less then 60 days.
 
If you are making your reservation from an internet point in Rome, make sure to ask if the printer is working, otherwise you will not be able to print your electronic ticket, and then you'll have to wait in line at the station to get the ordeal straightened out.