Rome — Your Preparation Guide

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Security & Personal Safety

! Keep your valuables close at all times. Rome is one of Europe's busiest cities for pickpockets — this applies everywhere today: the Vatican, the Forum, the Colosseum, and all crowded streets. Stay aware at all times. If your bag has internal zipper pockets, use them for valuables and your passport whenever you need to carry them with you.
→ Use your hotel room safety deposit box before you leave each morning. Passports, extra cash, spare cards, and jewellery are all far safer locked in your room than carried in a busy crowd.
! Nothing is free in Rome. If a stranger approaches offering flowers, bracelets, rosemary, or any gift — politely decline and keep walking. These are well-known scams. Accepting anything will result in pressure to pay. If in doubt, stay close to the group.
→ Keep bags small, light, and sensibly packed. No large bags, no glass or metal bottles, no sharp objects, no selfie sticks or tripods. Security screening at St. Peter's and the Colosseum is strict — the simpler your bag, the faster we all get through.
→ Watch your step all day — and please wear comfortable, flat shoes. Rome's cobblestones and ancient surfaces are uneven — there are often broken bits of cement and missing cobblestones. It is very easy to trip and fall. Please pay close attention to where you are walking at all times.

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! Shoulders and knees must be covered when entering all churches — this includes St. Peter's Basilica, the Pantheon, and every church throughout Rome and all of Italy. No exceptions — you will be refused entry without cover.
→ Bring a lightweight scarf or shawl — it doubles perfectly as a dress code cover and also keeps you cool in the afternoon heat.

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1 Colosseum ticket — please ensure your entry ticket is saved and easily accessible on your phone before we leave the hotel. You will need it at the gate.
2 Pantheon ticket — same applies. Have it open and ready on your phone when we arrive.
3 Passport photo required — a clear photo of your passport must be saved on your phone. This is a mandatory requirement for entry to the Pantheon and the Colosseum. Do not leave the hotel without it.

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→ Keep your smartphone charged and with you at all times. Know our meeting points throughout the day and listen carefully when your Tour Director announces them.
! If you get separated or lost — call your Tour Director first. If you can't get through, grab a taxi and make your way back to the hotel, then call your Tour Director from there so they know you are safe.
→ No mobile data? Screenshot important messages your Tour Director sends — especially meeting locations — so they are saved as photos on your phone and accessible without a connection.
→ Charge your phone overnight — you will want it for photos at every step today!

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→ Water fountains (nasoni) are dotted throughout Rome — the water is cold, clean, and completely free. Fill up your bottle!
→ Earphones and headsets are essential for today's guided tours — the Vatican, hidden secrets tour, and optional Colosseum all use audio guides. Please have your VOX headsets with you.
→ Passport photo on your phone — please double-check it is saved and easily accessible before we leave. You will need it for entry at two sites today.

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→ Please always follow your local specialist and listen carefully to their instructions. Rome will be extremely busy — we are not the only ones wanting to see these iconic sites! Staying close to your guide makes everything smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.
★ Our local specialists are truly fantastic. They bring these incredible cities to life with their knowledge, passion, and stories. Give them your full attention — you won't be disappointed.
€ Gratuity is entirely your choice, but is a wonderful and customary way to say thank you. The suggested gratuity is €2–€3 per person, per service. Please make sure you have some small coins or notes with you to show your appreciation at the end of each guided experience.