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TOURIST TRAP on Internet : driver-guides

Dear Internet User and possible future client, here below is simply a warning that has to deal with your money and vacation in Italy or Rome.

Apart from for few people living in some European countries (Italy, Greece, France & United Kingdom) where there are strict rules on this matter, a lot ... we said ... a lot of tourists and people assume that they can hire an English speaking driver for the day that can be also a guide thorughout their vacation in Italy, not only in Rome: we are talking of Florence, Tuscany, Naples, etc.

We just let you know that this is illegal in Italy! They are cheating you as they cannot operate as a guide.

Please remember that a driver is a driver ... and be aware of " driver guides " that you may find in several web sites or through some Rome hotels, as they are not official tour guides of Rome as a real tour guide must be licensed by local authorities after the legal and public written and oral exams of tourist guide.

The driver guides cannot operate here and anywhere else, being illegal. A driver is a driver and a private tour guide is a private tour guide. Two separate jobs. Visitors don't know this and we want to warn you that this is a classical Rome tourist trap. In any case, ask your guide to show you his/her Blue Badge of " Guida Turistica " .

Of course if people hire just a driver and minibus/minivan/deluxe car is less expensive that hiring also an Official Tourist Guide. What they risk?

1. They will never experience Rome or any great historical sites in Italy in the right way, but just having a genral info on "this is this and there can be found this". The average of taxi drivers can do the same and you safe 80% of your money.

2. If they are caught by the local Municipal Police they will have their driver license suspended for three months, the fake tour is stopped and driver will have a big ticket. And, consequently,

3. If you are on a shore excursion to Rome you will pay twice - need to call a taxi and its costs is minimum 250,00/300,00 EUR one way - or, if you are travelling in Tuscany, you will have great disadvantages and incoveniences.

Sometimes is better not having any tour or ground service than risking to ruin your Italian experience, something that we consider a lifetime expeience when we plan and cusotmize the Italian vacations to our clients !


Faithfully,


Rome  Travels  S.r.l.  Staff