CICERONI Travel Traveller Reviews

There were some reservations on my part in booking this holiday - it seemed a little expensive for 4 nights in Rome and I did not have a burning passion to discover more about the antiquities of Rome. Thanks to Ciceroni's discerning choice of hotel, restaurants, but most of all the knowledge and expertise of our guides I returned to England very satisfied and happy with all that I had learnt in the few days. Feeling very fortunate, too, that I had visited sites off the beaten track but hugely important.

The office administration staff were helpful and polite at all times; the tour "The Golden Age of Ancient Rome" well planned with varied but always interesting places to visit. The local representative in Rome, James Hill, friendly and well organised, even included an extra visit to a nearby church before the formal day's itinerary began. This was at 8.15am and everyone of us turned up for it!

Five day holiday to Rome to study the achievements of the Roman emperors Trajan and Hadrian.

Specialist in cultural holidays.

Our visit to Rome will leave us with so many wonderful mental images and memories. We were spoilt with the sites: palazzi, churches, museums we visited. Our minds, bodies and souls were well fed.

As always Cicerone puts the comfort of it's clients to the forefront. The itineraries are always of the highest calibre ensuring clients visit as many sites of outstanding interest as is possible without overloading them. The talks at every place and in front of every artefact leave one well informed.

It was most enjoyable and I learnt such a lot about baroque Rome. Our hotel was excellent and we had some lovely meals included. As well as our scheduled visits, we had several 'lollipops' which were much appreciated.

I have travelled with several tour companies who specialise in art and architecture. Ciceroni is by far the best. Tom Duncan has a seemingly unlimited fund of knowledge which he is able to communicate effortlessly. James Hill organises and runs the tour most efficiently and is always ready to solve any problem and offer help to anyone who needs it. Both men are very charming and kind The office staff are very efficient. I wanted to go a couple of days earlier to Rome and my flights and extra hotel accommodation were arranged with no problem I cannot recommend Ciceroni highly enough!

Ciceroni, led by Tome Duncan provided a unique experience of Baroque Rome with a number of visits which would not have been possible for the general public

The strength of Ciceroni is the vast knowledge of the Art Historian, Tom Duncan its leader, who has the ability to provide interesting, informative and entertaining explanations of all the many varied venues for the tour.

From the moment we arrived in Rome and drove to the remarkable Columbarium of Pomponius, we knew we were in for a treat. And, so it proved! Blessed with glorious autumn weather, Rome was at her best. We were able to stand in awe at the foot of the Patheon, Caitoline Hill/Museum and Tabularium. On to Trajan's Forumthe, triumphal Column, and his Basilica. Ending the afternoon with a visit to his markets and Hadrians Temle of Venus and Rome. The following day - Castel Sant'Angelo came as a pleasant surprise. Till now the fort has always been to the forefront in any production of Tosca that I have seen, and now to have walked inside this awesome building, I wasn't sure I couldn't hear the screams of yester year? From here we continued to the British school at Rome where we were warmly welcomed by Susan Smith. We were guided to the lecture theatre where Christopher gave us an excellent talk on the Emperors. So then what do you do with a lovely sunny Sunday ? Well you take a drive to the country, and an hour or so later we drove up to Hadrian Villa and estate. Totally stunning, and as we strolled round we bumped into the British Ambassador, it seemed rather an appropriate place to exchange greetings! The day ended with hopping aboard our bus and heading up into the hills to visit another of Hadrian's masterpieces at Palestrina. This must in it's day have been quite extraordinary and exciting as a flame burnt brightly on the roof of the villas showing the ships at sea where they were so that they could fix a baring. Our glorious trip finish with two wonderful treats - the gardens of Sallust, way down beneath modern Rome and ending with Portus. this artificial port is one of the most exciting archaelogical digs in the Mediterranean. Full of mystery and wonder. A tremendous way to end this inspired trip.

To have been shown Rome by Prof Christopher Smith doesn't I'm sure come better. Charming, and hugely interesting. We were extremely lucky to have had him take this tour. James Hill - What a fountain of knowledge of all sorts! James is a wonderful host, everything ran smoothly from the moment we arrived. I wish he had a magic carpet and able to take any future trip - I know it would be another success. Thank you to both.

extremely well run

the holiday is always per the brochure and great fun

We have travelled a number of times with Ciceroni. It is a specialist company that seeks to combine first class scholarship with good hotels, good food and very good company - and usually succeeds. This trip to Rome was led by their very experienced local manager, James Hill and the distinguished Director of the British School at Rome, Professor Christopher Smith. For anyone with an interest in the classical world it was a treat, combining visits to the iconic monuments and museums as well as special access to private sites like Portus. All that and 19 degrees in November - perfect.

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A wonderful mix of erudition, wit, festivity and fun - as ever with Ciceroni - a perfect balance.

Efficient, proficient

Travel arrangements well organised. Great accommodation with excellent staff; well situated for all the museums, galleries and religious building we visited and our tour lecturer and her husband made sure everything went smoothly. all inall an excellent tour

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