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Always ask for an official tourist guide
Always ask for an official tourist guide when visiting Rome or other areas of Italy. In Italy, tourism is a profession instead of just another job. All individuals in the tourism industry must hold a license issued by the Italian Government in order to perform these duties this includes hotels, travel agencies, and tour guides. No matter your arrival point you may be bombarded with various individuals wanting to show you around Rome, however, if they do not have a license to show you, then they are not official tourist’s guides and you should go on your way.
The main reason that this stipulation is in effect in Rome is that the Government wishes all visitors to Rome to have a professional guiding them around Rome so they can truly see the sights of Rome as well as feel the passion that is found in the eternal. If a tour guide goes through the process of becoming licensed, they are passionate about providing tours to visitors and enjoy their job, thus the reason for tourism to be a profession.
Remember, in Italy a driver is a driver and a tourist guide is a tourist guide. A driver cannot perform the duties of tourist guide and vice versa.
With an official tourist guide you can rest assured that the guide is very knowledgeable as they hold majors in Foreign Languages, Art History, and Roman History. Along with holding degrees, they have also passed rigorous oral and written tests before receiving their license and the title of an official tourist guide.
An official tourist guide knows their way around Rome, how to avoid tourist traps, and protect their guests from pickpockets and gypsies as well. An official tourist guide is also a resident of Rome and enjoys providing tours for others to have the chance to embrace their home, the eternal city.
An official tourist guide can also provide you with personal and private tours that will allow you to avoid all the long lines that are found at many of the attractions. Instead of standing in the lines with strangers, you will be able to walk right past the ticket office and visit the sights you wish to see with a personal guide giving you all the detailed information about the location including a few hidden secrets.
With an official tourist guide, you will be able to embrace the beauty of Rome and learn all the hidden passageways and alleys to help you avoid tourist traps and even the most crowded areas of Rome where pickpockets like to stroll.