Rome’s most fun local guide for the Colosseum and Rome with kids
Even as an adult, I find Rome rather overwhelming. Everywhere you turn there is something to be appreciated. A lesser-known monument holding a detail history most of us can’t begin to comprehend. And then there are the historical sites of the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, the Vatican - which each deserve the crowds they attract.
So how can we best do the Eternal City justice in the most approachable way? Personally I believe in incorporating the structure of a local guide into a relaxed itinerary which allows time for getting lost (literally), absorbing the atmosphere, escaping the heat and enjoying one too many Spritz. Ideally you’ll want to allow day one to be a relaxed travel day and book a guide for day two in Rome.
In Rome, you are not short on choices of guides. But who can you trust as the perfect local guide with a passion for sharing their in-depth knowledge of Roman history, in a way that doesn’t put you to sleep or leave you feeling even more overwhelmed and undereducated, and, who can make it fun for your kids too?
Let me introduce you to Mariaclaudia. You’ll find her recommended in all the family-focused Facebook travel groups, and for good reason. I recently spent an afternoon photographing a family enjoying one of her tours and like all the reviews you read, I can’t recommend her highly enough. She’s fun, she can adapt to connect with family members of all ages (even your teenagers!) and personalities on her tour, and most of all, she leaves you feeling that little bit more knowledgable but still wanting to know more, without the overwhelm. A feeling that is sure to encourage your children to continue their learning.
Mariaclaudia Tours are best for ages 6 years and up although younger children can be catered for.
Tours typically books out well in advance so be sure to reach out to Mariaclaudia directly as soon as you know your travel dates. Choose between tours at the main sites like Colosseum and Ancient Rome or Vatican museums and Sistine Chapel, or consider something like the Percy Jackson and ancient mythology tour or perhaps a city centre treasure hunt is more your style.
Contact Details
Extra tips for having the best time in Rome with your family:
Rome isn’t very stroller friendly so you may prefer to have a carrier for babies and small toddlers.
Don’t forget to have your shoulders and knees covered when entering the Vatican, St Peters Basilica and all churches in Italy. You can carry a shawl if needed.
Tours with Mariaclaudia (and all providers) will go ahead regardless of the weather so be sure to pack accordingly
Carry coins for public toilets (and make use of the amenities when at cafes, restaurants, galleries and museums)
Be in the photos with your kids in Italy too!
If you have more than a few days in Rome , check out this related article, The Best Family-Friendly Day Trip from Rome.
P.S. I don’t earn any commission for this post, I just really enjoyed my afternoon capturing Mariaclaudia at work and I’d love every family to have a wonderful experience like that in Italy!
Hi, I’m Kirstie
Photographer and Australian expat living her best gelato life
Love of my husband (but mostly of cheese) brought me to Italy in 2020. He was desperate to be back with his Italian family. And honestly, what Aussie girl could pass up the chance to move to the land of pizza and gelato?! (Seeing a food theme here?)
My decade of photography experience was inspired by a trip of a lifetime. My grandparents took me on a trip to Europe when I was a teen, then gifted me an album so I’d never forget it. That album quickly became a staple of family visits and storytime.
When I moved to Italy, I was surprised how rare that type of printed keepsake is for the locals. It’s quite literally a foreign concept - tourists won’t find that type of session here.
It inspired me to recreate an experience for others as deeply meaningful to them as my grandparent’s infamous vacation album has been to me.
Read more about my grandparent’s legendary vacation album! →
So that’s my mission with Classico Portraits: to provide the same timeless centrepieces for families like yours visiting Italy.
Are you coming to Italy with your family? Let’s customise a photoshoot experience to suit you and your personality!