Magnificent Day Tour of Rome
Dates: June 16 - June 20, 2008
Manilo - Limousine Service in Rome Guest Contributor: Eugene Lehmann
My family of six sailed on the Royal Caribbean ship "Navigator of the Seas" and docked at the port of Civitavecchia on the Morning of June 19, 2008. The cruise was absolutely marvelous and the ship elegant, but it is our wonderful day tour of Rome that I would like to present here.
While hundreds of other passengers were boarding their crowded busses at the Port of Civitavecchia for their "follow-the-leader" walking tours of Rome, my family and I entered a new, air conditioned van with our driver/guide Manilo Tranquilli for the exciting tour of a lifetime. With only one day to spend in Rome, we wanted to experience as much of this beautiful and historic city as possible. That meant we had to move quickly from sight to sight, park in close proximity to each sight, and avoid waiting in long lines to purchase tickets.
I determined that the best way to accomplish this was to pre-arrange a private tour with an English speaking driver/guide. After reviewing a short video by Manilo and exploring his web-site, I decided to contact him by E-mail and explore booking a tour with his company. To my surprise, Manilo called me at home and we were able to work out a wonderful itinerary over the phone, allowing maneuvering room for additional stops he might suggest along the way.
In just two days after the initial contact, our tour was arranged. Of course we wanted to visit the famous Colosseum, and Manilo prearranged for us to purchase tickets during a short stop after we arrived in Rome, where we also enjoyed a brief coffee break. Then we proceeded directly to the Colosseum, parking just outside which tour buses can not do. We walked past a line of about 200 people waiting to buy tickets, saving us an hour at the very least. The Colosseum is a must for any visitor to Rome, and Manilo can get you in with no hassle. After the Colosseum we went on to visit Circus Maximus, the Forum, the Pantheon, and several other sights Manilo knew we would enjoy seeing.
Then we took a short trip on the Appian Way to a quaint restaurant where we were greeted by a friendly owner and waiters with wine and delicious food. We got our "taste of Rome" in a truly Roman and hospitable environment. That was a dining experience we will never forget.
After lunch, we moved on to other beautiful sights and experiences including Trevi Fountain and the famous Spanish Steps. We concluded our tour with a visit to the Vatican where we could park for pictures of St. Peter's Cathedral, without the usual long walk and queuing. Now with the tour completed, it was time for a comfortable ride back to our ship. The tour was everything we had imagined and more. The cost was most reasonable for all we had experienced. We truly felt we had maximized the use of our time in Rome.
Manilo was very warm and personable the entire time. He accommodated our every desire. I can still see his warm smile with the final "Ciao," and feel like I have a new friend in Rome. We highly recommend Manilo and "Limousine Service in Rome" to make your visit to Rome the best experience ever.
Dates: June 16 - June 20, 2008
Manilo - Limousine Service in Rome Guest Contributor: Eugene Lehmann
My family of six sailed on the Royal Caribbean ship "Navigator of the Seas" and docked at the port of Civitavecchia on the Morning of June 19, 2008. The cruise was absolutely marvelous and the ship elegant, but it is our wonderful day tour of Rome that I would like to present here.
While hundreds of other passengers were boarding their crowded busses at the Port of Civitavecchia for their "follow-the-leader" walking tours of Rome, my family and I entered a new, air conditioned van with our driver/guide Manilo Tranquilli for the exciting tour of a lifetime. With only one day to spend in Rome, we wanted to experience as much of this beautiful and historic city as possible. That meant we had to move quickly from sight to sight, park in close proximity to each sight, and avoid waiting in long lines to purchase tickets.
I determined that the best way to accomplish this was to pre-arrange a private tour with an English speaking driver/guide. After reviewing a short video by Manilo and exploring his web-site, I decided to contact him by E-mail and explore booking a tour with his company. To my surprise, Manilo called me at home and we were able to work out a wonderful itinerary over the phone, allowing maneuvering room for additional stops he might suggest along the way.
In just two days after the initial contact, our tour was arranged. Of course we wanted to visit the famous Colosseum, and Manilo prearranged for us to purchase tickets during a short stop after we arrived in Rome, where we also enjoyed a brief coffee break. Then we proceeded directly to the Colosseum, parking just outside which tour buses can not do. We walked past a line of about 200 people waiting to buy tickets, saving us an hour at the very least. The Colosseum is a must for any visitor to Rome, and Manilo can get you in with no hassle. After the Colosseum we went on to visit Circus Maximus, the Forum, the Pantheon, and several other sights Manilo knew we would enjoy seeing.
Then we took a short trip on the Appian Way to a quaint restaurant where we were greeted by a friendly owner and waiters with wine and delicious food. We got our "taste of Rome" in a truly Roman and hospitable environment. That was a dining experience we will never forget.
After lunch, we moved on to other beautiful sights and experiences including Trevi Fountain and the famous Spanish Steps. We concluded our tour with a visit to the Vatican where we could park for pictures of St. Peter's Cathedral, without the usual long walk and queuing. Now with the tour completed, it was time for a comfortable ride back to our ship. The tour was everything we had imagined and more. The cost was most reasonable for all we had experienced. We truly felt we had maximized the use of our time in Rome.
Manilo was very warm and personable the entire time. He accommodated our every desire. I can still see his warm smile with the final "Ciao," and feel like I have a new friend in Rome. We highly recommend Manilo and "Limousine Service in Rome" to make your visit to Rome the best experience ever.
Source...