Private
Private Tour of Jewish Rome
Overview
Highlights include:
- Portico of Ottavia
- Theater of Marcellus
- The Great Synagogue
- The Tiber Island
This tour takes you through the streets of what used to be the gated Jewish Ghetto, to delve into one of the hidden chapters in Rome's history.
The Jewish community of Rome is the oldest in the world. There have been Jews in Rome since ancient times, and until 1555, they lived here peacefully. Then, the Pope decided to confine them to a small area of the city, which was frequently flooded.
During your tour through these few streets and many Roman ruins, you will see where the gates were and learn about what life was like there. Your guide will take you to a church where Jews were once forced to listen to weekly sermons designed to convert them to Christianity, and will tell you about the Cinque Scole, the synagogues built by Jews from different parts of the world.
There was a period of peace from Italian Unification in 1870 when Jews were granted citizenship until WWII. During this time, Rome's Great Synagogue, with its easily recognizable 'square' dome, was built next to the river.
Your tour will include the more modern history of Rome's Jewish population. Many people who live in the former Ghetto are the descendants of families who were deported to Auschwitz in 1943. You'll see where many of them lived, learn how they lost their rights under Fascism, and of how the Nazis promised to spare them from deportation in return for gold.
Although this is a moving tour, the ghetto today is a place of happy activity. Families and friends meet on the central street, where you can find Jewish bakeries and restaurants serving the Roman-Jewish cuisine created by housewives in a time of poverty. Make sure you stop to try some of this unique cuisine after your tour!
Hotel pick-up can be arranged upon request.
Duration
3 hours
Starting From
EUR 170
Per person for two travelers
Tailored to your departure and group.
A private tour through the former Jewish Ghetto and some of the darker sides of Rome's history.
- Tour Style
- Private
Gallery
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's Included
- Private English-speaking guide
- Entrance to the Museum of Jewish History
What's Not Included
- Gratuities of any type
Traveler Reviews
Emily and David DavisonMy husband and I just took a two week trip to Italy that was planned for us by Eleanor Kinchin-Smith. It was a fantastic trip and we could not have been more thrilled. We worked together with Ele to let her know about our interests and our style of travel. She planned the perfect trip with excellent private guides at all of our sites, professional drivers and lovely hotels. We arrived in Italy with all of our train and ferry reservations made by Ele, with tickets in hand. She was in touch with us daily throughout our trip to make sure that things were going smoothly. She was able to make a few changes to our itinerary as needed. We look forward to working with Ele again on our next trip and have put her in touch with another family member to help plan their trip as well.
Ron and Deb CrosbyDear Guiseppe and Jesse,
We just returned from our most wonderful vacation to Italy and wanted to first thank you for putting together such a wonderful trip, and second to provide some feedback for the future.
Hotels
1. Hotel Sovestro in San Gimignano was wonderful. The staff were very friendly and helpful and made the first portion of our journey very stress free. They made us feel like we were part of their family. I would recommend it to anyone and would specifically ask for it if we were to make a return visit.
2. Hotel La Baia in Monterosso was nice and it's location was very good especially for us older folks humping luggage from/to the train station.
3. Hotel Lucchesi in Florence- what can I say expect FANTASTIC. The rooftop view at sunset is well worth it. Again very friendly and helpful staff. Would recommend it to everyone.
Wine Tour
Money well spent. We had a great time overall. The driver Mario was OUTSTANDING. He had lots of local knowledge as well as about winemaking. USE HIM AGAIN!!!
The various wineries we visited on tour:
Altesino- fantastic and they were not cheap on their pouring. Great experience.
Azienda Agricola Patrizia Cencion Sloaria- Again a great tour by one of the owner's daughters. We felt like we were the only thing on their mind although there were other customers there. A great way to complete the day.
Again we had a fantastic time and are very appreciative of everything you booked for us. We wish you continued success and if our travels should bring us back to Italy, we know who to call.
Leon and MicheleThe trip was great we appreciate all the hard work you and your team invested to make our experience a once in a lifetime trip. We appreciate all the attention to the details in particular Giuseppe spending the time and the focus with us on the road and as we were exploring your great country.
Bob & SandyJesse & Giuseppe,
Sandy and I have been looking through my slides of our trip to Southern Italy. We had such a good time with you and Giuseppe that we wanted to let you know again. You were the best guides ever.
Location
Italy Jewish Ghetto
Jewish Ghetto and beyond
3 hours through Italy, with every stop chosen by the people who live here.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a private tour, or will we join a group?
Private. You travel with your own guide and driver, and the only people on the itinerary are the ones you bring with you. Nothing is shared with strangers, and the pace of each day is yours to set.
Can the itinerary be changed to suit us?
Yes. What you see here is a starting point, not a fixed departure. Tell us how long you have, what you love and what you would rather skip, and we will reshape it around you. A slower morning, an extra night somewhere you fell for, a different region entirely.
How do we start planning?
Send us a note using the form on this page, or call us on 1-866-779-2565. A travel specialist replies within one business day, usually with a few questions of their own. There is no cost and no obligation in asking.
When should we book?
The earlier the better, particularly for travel between May and September, when the guides worth having are taken first. That said, we have put together beautiful trips at short notice, so ask and we will tell you honestly what is still possible for your dates.
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