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Paola is Masterful as a Guide
Sitting down to write this review, I accessed my photos … and WOW(!) the entire grand experience came flooding back into my memory. It’s hard to imagine that we toured so much in one day! … and it was Paola’s masterful planning and special access that made the day extraordinary.
I particularly appreciated how we reviewed (from her book) the art, history and buildings prior to entering – equipping us with what to look for and to appreciate up front. This special time allowed us to listen to the stories and to ‘get curious’ and wonder what it was like … a very special skill, masterfully demonstrated, in engaging others into the past. Her history and expertise brought, not only credibility to the experience, but a depth of knowledge that invited a more interest and questions.
And the views! She pointed us to look up, to look down, and to look all around – capturing the detailed and the vast, bringing a reality to each element of the experience.
I loved the map room, the sculptured head room, the ceilings painted with story, the massiveness of the buildings, the beauty … All of it – made accessible through Paola’s masterful skill in guiding us through time.
Incredible first and lasting impressions
A magnificent first impression is what comes to mind when I think about our tour with Paola. Our first meeting was warm and welcoming. We had just arrived into Rome, a little tired from travel, and immediately was energized by Paola’s positive energy, her expertise and exceptional stories. Each landmark that we encountered – from the seemingly insignificant (e.g. the color of stone for roads and walkways) to the profound historical markers (e.g. the coliseum) – was explained in detail with story and conversation threaded through it. It was as it she was inviting us into a journey of exploration that consistently grabbed our attention. Of course, we asked loads of questions, indicative of our engagement, to which she responded ever so graciously. Her background, credentials and expertise brought credibility to the experience, and we ever so appreciated that we had ‘an expert’. Our time with Paola has left a wonderfully positive lasting impression – one that I will treasure for a very long time.
Outstanding Tour of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel and the Roman Forum and Colosseum
We were two couples with a short amount of time in Rome. We felt it was important to have a guide to see both the Vatican and Sistine Chapel and the Colosseum and Roman Forum. We made arrangements to see both with Paola Lauro and it was the best decision we could have made. Paola met us at our hotel before both tours. We took a taxi together to the Vatican and she whisked us right through the entrance and into the Museums. Paola showed us the most important pieces and rooms there and then spent about 15 minutes sitting with us and teaching us about what we would see in the Sistine Chapel. As there is no talking allowed in the Chapel it was important for us to know what we would be seeing and where each panel was. Paola is so knowledgeable about art, art history, and the history of Rome and the Roman Empire and was so interested in making sure we were understanding the importance of all that we were seeing. Also, it is so important to have a guide as we never waited in any lines and this would not have been possible if we’d entered on our own. After the Chapel we walked to St. Peter’s Basilica and, again, entered without a wait and viewed the Pieta and the other important pieces there. We were in awe of all that we saw and know that it was because of Paola that we were able to appreciate all that we saw. It was 6:30 pm on a dark rainy evening when we finished our tour and there were no cabs to be found. Paola was so kind to take us under her wing and guided us back to our hotel using the underground which we would have definitely not figured out on our own. What a blessing to have found Paola and Unique Roman Guide.
The following day Paola again met us at our hotel and we walked together to the Roman Forum and Colosseum. What a fabulous experience again. We were blown away by the history here. Paola again shared all of her historical knowledge with us and made sure that we understood all that we were seeing. As we walked from Palatine Hill towards the Colosseum Paola took us through a chapel that opened out onto a patio that overlooked the Colosseum and we had our first up close view. It was unbelievable. We had booked our tickets far enough in advance that when we entered the Colosseum we were able to enter onto the main floor (bypassing all entry lines once again) and had a most enjoyable and informative discussion about the gladiators and their lives and how they came to be “the show”.
Amazing experience
We had a vatican tour with Paola, with our 11 years old son. She explained everything very well, with a bride knowledge of details and historical facts. It is a pleasure to be guided by her – she is a really warm person.
A Must-do Tour in Rome
For this tour, my group had Paola, who also happens to be an art historian. Our tour was incredibly informative, engaging, and fun. Paola was one of the most knowledgeable and may I add funny guides we had. She knew her stuff and never hesitated to add extra details that really engaged our group. We felt like celebrities walking through the Vatican museum when we got to go into places that others didn’t have access to. We couldn’t have asked for a better tour guide and experience. This is a must-do in Rome and a big thanks to Paola for being part of that experience!
Don’t hesitate to book this tour!
A great afternoon in the Colosseum
We can’t imagine seeing the Colosseum without Paola. She made sure that we understood the history in the Colosseum. She knew exactly where to take us. Thank you Paula for being so professional and friendly ! We hope to be come back soon !!
Great experience
We enjoyed a great morning learning all about The Vatican City. Paola was a fantastic teacher. She made sure that we understood every little detail about the Sistine Chapel and Saint Peter’s Basilica. At the end of the tour we were all very knowledgeable about Vatican City. We had an amazing time learning and listening to Paola. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide.
Vatican Museum and Sixtine Chapel
My daughters, my wife, and I visited with Paola the Vatican Museum and the Sixtine Chapel. We had a wonderful time with Paola. She organized the visit very efficiently and took care of all practical aspects. Her explanations on the style and technique of art pieces were very clear and fascinating. We were amazed by her knowledge, and by her ability of making continuous connections between art, history, and political events. This was a real educational session, but also great fun. Paola is also a lovely and charming person. I am looking forward to another visit in Rome with her.
Vatican and Sistine Chapel
Paola made our visit to the Vatican so much more valuable than it would have been without her explaining the background and history of the art pieces. Her English is proficient, and she’s very patient and easy-going. I would not go to the Vatican museums without her guided tour because there’s so much to miss out on if you don’t know the full history.
Vatican Tour
The tour Paola gave us was lovely. She is super profesional and patient, her english is very good for those who dont speak italian and she explained every single detail very nice in a way that we were able to understand the paintings and the story that was around
A perfect day!
We spent a fantastic day with Paola at the Villa Adriana and Villa d’Este! Paola was extremely knowledgeable, fun to talk with, and led us through an exciting and beautiful tour of these historic villas. She even drove us out of town herself so we didn’t have to worry about public transportation. If you’re visiting Rome, don’t miss this opportunity!
An amazing experience!
We took the Tivoli trip with Paola as our guide and it was a highlight of our trip to Italy! It was very nice to have transport with Paola from Rome to Tivoli and back and not have to worry about figuring out how to get there. Paula is friendly, patient and very knowledgeable about both Villa Adriana and Villa d’Este and added a ton of “color commentary” that we wouldn’t have gotten from just reading the signs or books. It was well worth the investment of a guide and is an experience I will take with me for a very long time! Thank you Paola for a truly wonderful experience!
A wonderful afternoon at Palazzo Doria Pamphilj
We visited Palazzo Doria Pamphilj last December with Paola Lauro. She talked us through the intricate history of the Doria Pamphilj family and of the palazzo itself, and guided us through the marvelous paintings hanging on the gallery walls. We really enjoyed the visit: Paola is not only a very knowledgeable art historian and guide, but she is also very pleasant to be with. I look forward to the next Roman tour with her, and will certainly recommend her to both Italian and foreign visitors.Can’t wait to come back and have you guide us again!
Vatican and Sistine Chapel
Having Paola guide us was a wonderful way of experiencing the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel. She was very professional, warm and her knowledge and passion made many of the painting and sculptures come to live. She was very thorough in her explanation of the Sistine Chapel and catered to my two teenager’s interests. We were fortunate to be able to visit during a quiet time and in such a personal way. Thank you Paola!
Can’t wait to come back and have you guide us again!
Paola is passionate about what she does and it shows in her insightful guide to Rome!
We loved the walking tour through Rome with Paola. She was so attentive to every detail, had really insightful stories to honestly every bit of Rome and always made sure all of our questions were answered.
The staple tourist attractions like the Trevor Fountain or Pantheon became so much more enjoyable thanks to Paola’s knowledge of history and the way she explained everything with passion.
Highly recommend to anyone visiting the city.
Especially those who want to get a closer look at old Rome from an insiders perspective!
Vatican museum and Sistine Chapel
Outstanding visit of the Vatican museum due to the unbelievable knowledge of Paula, my guide; we had the privilege of staying alone at Raphael Stanze and with a very small number of people at the Sistine chapel. The discerning remarks of Paula made all the difference!
Vatican Museum including the Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica.
“My husband and I were so thankful to have Paola as our tour guide for the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. The first benefit was walking right past the VERY long line and going directly in with her. The second was that she was absolutely delightful to spend time with. She speaks English fluently but knows her way around every part of Vatican City. Before taking us to the Sistine Chapel she had us sit down in a lovely outdoor area and preview what we would see so that we could fully appreciate that masterpiece. This was invaluable because once you enter the Chapel, talking and photography are forbidden. The route to the Chapel winds through many exhibits and with her PhD in Art History she could offer insights all along the way. It was informative and engaging without being tedious or overwhelming and she adjusted her comments to match our interests. It also became obvious, both in the Museum and the Basilica that she was able to share with us many “behind the scenes” insights that an audio tour never could have. Truly, our time touring with Paola was the highlight of our entire visit to Rome!”
Great Organization
“We are now back home in Australia. On behalf of myself and Katie, Rod and Janice, I wanted to say thank you Carolina for looking after us so well for that Friday afternoon during our visit to Rome. We certainly covered a lot of territory, and visited many places that we would not have even thought of on our own. Your expert commentary on art and culture enriched the experience. We also enjoyed very much the lunch at La Vecchia Roma – an excellent choice. It was a fun and educational time. Your company, organization and interest were really much appreciated. We will have no hesitation in recommending your services to any of our friends who may be travelling to Rome in the future, and when we are back we will hope to see you again. Kind regards”
Vatican
“My husband and I absolutely loved our tour of the Vatican with Paola! The tour was seamless from start to finish, we did not wait in any queues at all. Paola gave us the perfect amount of information that kept the tour interesting and informative, but really fun as well! She had great insights to the history and art that would be very difficulty to find anywhere else, and her passion was evident. There was no question she couldn’t easily answer, she kept us laughing and interested and was just great to be around. Thank you for an incredible experience, I think it is really the only way to see the Vatican! We loved our time with you!”
Fantastic Guide
“First let me thank you in behalf of all of us for the wonderful and informative time you shared with us touring Rome. It was an absolutely fantastic experience we will never forget, although we may not remember all the beautiful historic details you blessed us with! Your assistance with transportation was perfect, both Rocco’s drivers (Danielle & Francesco) who were always on time, and very pleasant and professional. Of course there was Marco as well. He was a perfect gentleman, and did all that was needed to ensure we arrived safely to our villa destination in Siena. He must be a real charmer with the ladies! Your recommendations for restaurants gave us a true taste of Italian cuisine we would never have found on our own. Each place was unique, warm, and of course served up fantastic food and wine. Again, thank you for your patient, intelligent, and joyful tours; they were the highlight of our trip, and for all else you did for us. We miss you already, but we promise to come back and see you again soon! Next time we we will have dinner with you and Paolo. Best regards Carolina”
Women: Body and Image between Symbol and Revolution
“The exhibition and guided tour were excellent and very informative. I wish we could have had more!”
Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
“This is a great tour! Having a private tour guide was the best thing we could have done for these areas. It is all amazing to look at the ruins and to think about how old it all is but Paola made it real. We felt as if we had gone back in time and were living among the ancient Romans. We had a ton of questions and she patiently answered every single one. I would recommend this tour to everyone.”
Vatican Museum including the Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica.
“My family (me, my husband and our two boys – ages 16 and 12) took this tour with Paola. It was AMAZING! She was so knowledgeable and entertaining – my kids enjoyed every second of the tour. She did a great job of keeping their interest. She showed up with coins minted in Vatican City for the boys. As we looked around at the large tour groups – we knew we had chosen correctly!!! Her overview of the Sistine Chapel was so good. When we saw it – we really understood what we were seeing. She made the Galleries come to
life by pointing out things we would have never noticed. It is worth every penny to go on a private tour with Paola – we would have spent hours waiting in line and wouldn’t have learned nearly as much!”
The Borghese Gallery
“I had come to Rome many times for work and enjoyed its restaurants and its sunny streets. This year all the family came along and we asked Dr Paula Lauro to take us around for a full week. The main history events seem to have happened here and we enjoyed all the stories, especially the connections between the main artists of this world and their sponsors. We fell for the magnificent frescoes. We come back next year.”
