Here at Dark Rome Tours we don’t just care about the quality of our tours in Rome, Florence & Milan. We also care about YOU! We want to make sure you know what you should be looking for when you book, no matter who you book with. Here is a list we put together of five things to look for every time you pre-book tours, in any city of the world.

1. Small groups of no more than 20 – 25 people – If the company you are booking with doesn’t cite a limit to the amount of people that can be placed with one guide – expect that you could be placed with 40-50 people and get herded like cattle through the itinerary. Small groups allow you to interact with your guide and ask questions. It also means there is no need to rush through, as the guide will have an easier time pacing the group comfortably through the sites. Museums usually require groups of no more than 20, while outdoor walking tours can be comfortably done in 25. Keep an eye out for Semi-Private tours which offer an even better value for less than the cost of having the guide to yourself.

2. Explanations in YOUR language, and only in your language. - If the tour description states ‘Multi-lingual Guide’ or doesn’t explicitly state that your tour is ONLY in one language– be careful! You might end up having to listen to your guide give every explanation in 2-4 languages – which can make for a pretty slow and boring tour! It means that your guide won’t have time to give you the full amount of information you paid for.

3. Read the Reviews – We’re not just talking about the reviews that a company places on their own website – which can be edited to include only good reviews. Google the company. Check them out on TripAdvisor. Any reputable company should have a TripAdvisor listing which gives you an un-biased source of information based on other travelers real experiences. Reviews are also the best way to gage how great your tour guide is going to be, as companies often use the same group of tour guides for all of their tours.

4. Securely book online and pay by card. – Make sure the company you are booking with allows you to pay the full amount (including tickets!) up front and online and that they have a verifiable security certificate on their site showing that your information is protected. Every reputable company will have a Privacy Policy in place so you can be sure your personal information is being handled correctly. Companies that require you to just show up and pay cash are less likely to consider your booking ‘guaranteed’ and you might find yourself without a tour.

5. Great Customer Service. – Tour Company websites should have local land line phone numbers and a contact form or e-mail address by which you can contact the company with your questions. You can be sure you’re booking with a great company if the Customer Service Agent that answers the phone or your e-mail is kind, courteous and helpful. If you get great Customer Service pre-tour, you can expect the same kind of service when you arrive on site for your tour.