Does Context Rome have an office in Rome?

Yes. We have our branch office in Monti, which is a medieval neighborhood just off the Forum. Our staff is usually there from 9-5 PM, Monday through Friday, and can answer any questions you might have. Telephone: 06.96 72 73 71

Can I drink the water from the fountains?

Yes. Emphatically yes. The water constantly flowing from Rome’s many fountains comes directly from mountain springs and is quite drinkable. During the summer months, one can carry an empty water bottle and use the fountains to keep hydrated.

What’s the Roman etiquette in regard to tipping?

Tipping in the U.S. is mandatory because waiters and waitresses are paid below minimum wage. The first 8-10% of a U.S. tip simply brings the waiter up to living wage. This is not the case in Rome. Waiters make living wage by law. Thus, tips are intended to signal approval. I generally consider what I would tip in the U.S. and subtract 10%. So, if service was good, I give 5% instead of 15%. If it was exceptional, I give 10% instead of 20%. Don’t believe waiters who tell you that service isn’t included. Technically, they may be right: There is no “tip” specifically in the bill. But you need to think of the wider social picture. The same goes for other services such as bartenders, hairdressers, and taxi drivers.

Where can I find a wheelchair in Rome? Do you have wheelchair accessible tours?

We advise clients to bring their own wheelchairs, as renting one is a challenging endeavor. If you use a wheelchair, please contact us before you book and we will work together to plan a barrier-free itinerary. In the Vatican we can arrange for a wheelchair, but you would need to book a private walk. If you must rent a wheelchair while in Rome, there are several options available.

Can I visit the Vatican with a wheelchair?

It is important to remember that the Vatican Museums are structured quite differently from most museums in the world, as it was designed as a Papal Palace, not a museum. Unfortunately, this makes for a user experience that requires wheelchair users to be diverted completely away from the main flow of traffic, and therefore away from the rest of the group. We have tried numerous times to organize our small-group itineraries to accommodate a wheelchair and each time experienced unsatisfactory results. The person in the wheelchair needs to be diverted to a ramp and then must rejoin the group farther along the itinerary and some of the galleries are not accessible at all. Given the crowds and the serpentine museums, this means that the person misses up to half of the walk. The itinerary is also designed to end at the far end of the museum from where wheelchairs are borrowed and requires the person retrace their steps. Therefore, we simply cannot run a small group walk with a wheelchair, as they would not be able to participate in most of the walk. For these reasons we require handicapped clients to sign up for a private itinerary, in which they have a docent to themselves and can organize the experience around the Vatican's accessibility routes. It is also not possible to bring wheelchairs borrowed from the museums into the Basilica and the Basilica does not provide wheelchairs, so we suggest limiting the itinerary to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Take a look at our Guide to the Vatican and Sistine Chapel for more details.

Is Rome a dangerous city? Are there certain neighborhoods I should avoid?

Italy has a very low violent crime rate. Petty crime, on the other hand, is a problem. As you’ve certainly read elsewhere, pick-pocketers are quite common. Here are some tips that will assist you in picking out the pick-pockets, and keeping your wallet as safe as yourself: 1) Always maintain your personal space. Do not let a stranger come into close or personal body contact with you when possible. 2) Watch out for any beggars with newspapers and/or pieces of cardboard: this is a dead give away that they are pick-pockets. They use the cardboard as a devious device to cover their operations. Generally, they place the cardboard over your purse, and while you are distracted and their hands are covered, they dig for your wallet. 3) Do not pull out large amounts of money while using public transportation. The subway and certain bus routes can literally be the thieves’ den, so take precautions while using these great transportation services. Pickpockets don’t really choose their victims by their ethnic origin. They will generally prey on weaker, slower, or more distracted people. Families with children, confused tourists, or older people are pretty popular, therefore, traveling with your mother might make you a pretty good target. But be confident, look alert! Keep your valuables well hidden. Finally, don’t be afraid to meet the gaze of someone you find suspicious and look as though you know exactly what he or she is thinking. Bluffing goes a long way in this town. As does any sign of determination.

How do I get around the city using public transportation?

The bus system is extremely extensive, the Metro system a bit less so, but is still one of the easiest and quickest ways of getting around town. Check out our informative blog post on using Rome’s public transportation. In your walk confirmations, we also give some recommendations on the best mode of transport to get to your meeting point.

What are possible day trips from Rome?

Orvieto and Viterbo to the north, Castel Gandolfo, and Arricia in the Castelli Romani to the south. In the summer, take a day trip to beaches at Ostia or Santa Marinella.

What time do Romans usually eat and when are restaurants open?

Romans usually eat lunch anywhere between 12-2PM and dinner between 8-10PM. Most restaurants are open at those times, closing between services, and very few are open throughout the day. Sundays and Mondays are the most common days for restaurant closings.

Where can I pick up necessities, like bottled water and toiletries?

Though pharmacies carry toiletries, they tend to be expensive. Try the small supermarkets called “Margherita Conad”, “Despar”, “SMA” or “Di per Di” for shampoo, soap, razors, batteries, water and snacks. Stores called “profumerie” will also stock toiletries, hair dryers, etc. Try chains such as “Limoni” and “Beauty Point.” What are the best areas for shopping

Though interesting boutiques and workshops pop up all over town, certain neighborhoods suite different types of shoppers better: the area immediately surrounding via Condotti and via del Babuino, just off the Spanish Steps, is for luxurious major labels (think Gucci, Prada, and Fendi); via dei Coronari is for antiques and furnishings; via del Corso is for popular, chain labels (Benetton, Zara, etc.); the Monti area, for up and coming designers and fashion-forward ateliers.

How can I learn about events going on in town?

We find InRomeNow.com, which is updated weekly, to be the best outlet for event listings in town. Check out our blog for events and exhibits going on in all of our cities.

How can I call/hail a taxi?

Taxis cannot be hailed on the street – one must either go to the closest taxi stand where a few available taxis are usually lined up or call one of the main taxi companies in town. Look for orange signs with “TAXI” written in black. We recommend Samarcanda, which allows you to pay with credit card, and whom can be reached at the following number: 06.5551. If you are staying in a hotel you can also have your concierge call you a taxi. Be aware when calling a taxi that the meter will begin from the time of the call.

I will have a car with me in Rome, where can I park?

While we don’t recommend using a car in Rome, due to the easy use of public transit and high traffic rates. Most vehicles are not allowed to enter into the historic center during the day, so parking at the large garage by Termini Station or ParkSi garage by the Villa Borghese are good options.

What should I do if I need medical assistance/need to go to the hospital?

If you need emergency medical assistance, you should call 118, which is the main ambulance hotline. If you would like to know where the nearest hospital is, call our emergency phone number and we will help you. The Regina Margherita hospital in Trastevere has a special reception area for tourists (Viale Trastevere 72).

How many hours before my flight should I book my pick up for your departure transfer?

For national flights within Italy, we normally recommend being picked up at least 2.5 hours before your flight (the ride takes roughly 40 minutes). For international departures, you should plan on leaving no less than 3 hours before your flight.

Do you do tours of the Scavi under the Vatican?

No. These are organized by the Vatican itself. You need to email them directly at uff.scavi@fabricsp.va.

Can Context procure tickets to special holiday masses?

Unfortunately not. Your best bet is to contact your local diocese/parish well in advance for more information.

When is the best time to visit the Vatican and Sistine Chapel?

We have recently created a page detailing our advice on the best way to tour the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Take a look at our Guide to the Vatican and Sistine Chapel for more details.

What is the best way to organize my visit to the Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill?

We have recently created a page detailing our advice on the best way to tour the Ancient Center of Rome. Take a look at our Guide to touring the Colosseum and Ancient Romefor more details.

On your Appian Way walk, do you visit the Catacombs?

No. On our Appian Way walk, we focus on the Baths of Caracalla complex, before heading to the Appian Way where we visit the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella, built for the daughter of a wealthy Roman patrician, and the Circus of Maxentius, which once contained the obelisk now in Piazza Navona. Since the catacombs on the Appian Way require you to enter with their own private guides, we opt out since our docent would not be able to lead the discussion. However, we do arrange a "Catacombs Excursion", which visits the catacombs of Sant'Agnese and Santa Priscilla on the via Nomentana.

Can I book train tickets with a Eurorail pass?

If you hold a Eurorail Pass (also Global Pass) you will still need a reservation for Eurostar and Intercity train types. We can place a reservation for you. The cost of this service is 15 euro per person per ticket.